Important Questions for Class 10

Science

Chapter 2 - Acids Bases and Salts

Very Short Answer Questions 1 Marks

1. An acid can react with

(a) AgCl

(b) Na2CO3

(c) PbSO4

(d) Na2SO4

Ans: The correct answer is (b) Na2CO3

2. Which of the following gives CO2 on heating?

(a) Slaked

(b) Quick lime

(c) Limestone

(d) Soda ash.

Ans: The correct answer is (c) Limestone

3. Plaster of Paris is made from

(a) Limestone

Class X Science 1
(b) Slaked Lime

(c) Quick lime

(d) Gypsum
Ans: The correct answer is (d) Gypsum

4. Which is a base and not alkali?

(a) NaOH

(b) KOH

(c) Fe(OH) 3

(d) None

Ans: The correct answer is (c) Fe(OH)3

5. Chemical formula of baking soda is

(a) MgSO4

(b) Na2CO3

(c) NaHCO3

(d) MgCO3

Ans: The correct answer is (c) NaHCO3

6. The H+ ion concentration of a solution is 1.0×10-5 m. The solution is

(a) Acidic

(b) Alkaline

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(c) Neutral

(d) Amphoteric
Ans: The correct answer is (a) Acidic

7. An aqueous solution with pH-zero is

(a) Acidic

(b) Alkaline

(c) Neutral
(d) Amphoteric
Ans: The correct answer is (a) Acidic

8. Setting of Plaster of Paris takes place due to

(a) Oxidation

(b) Reduction

(c) Dehydration
(d) Hydration
Ans: The correct answer is (d) Hydration

9. The difference of water molecules is gypsum and Plaster of Paris is

5
(a)
2
(b) 2
1
(c)
2

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 3
(d)
2
3
Ans: The correct answer is (d)
2

10. The odour of acetic acid resembles that of

(a) Rose

(b) Burning Plastic

(c) Vinegar

(d) Kerosene
Ans: The correct answer is (c) Vinegar

11. Washing soda has the formula

(a) Na2CO3 .7H2O

(b) Na2CO3 .10H2O

(c) Na2CO3 .H2O

(d) Na2CO3

Ans: The correct answer is (b) Na2CO3.10H2O

12. Plaster of Paris hardens by

(a) Giving off CO2

(b) Changing into CaCO3

(c) Combining with water

Class X Science 4
(d) Giving out water
Ans: The correct answer is (c) Combining with water

13. Which of the following is evolved when Na2CO3 is heated?

(a) CO2

(b) CO

(c) O2

(d) No
Ans: The correct answer is (d) No

14. A drop of the liquid sample was put on the pH paper, the paper turned
blue. The liquid sample must be of
(a) Lemon Juice

(b) HCl
(c) Sodium bicarbonate

(d) Ethanoic acid

Ans: The correct answer is (c) Sodium bicarbonate

15. If the pH of the solution is 13, it means that it is

(a) Weakly acidic

(b) Weakly basic

(c) Strongly acidic

(d) Strongly Basic

Class X Science 5
Ans: The correct answer is (d) Strongly Basic

16. How is the concentration of hydronium ions ( H O+ )

3 affected when a
solution of acid is diluted?
Ans: If an acid solution is diluted, the hydronium ion concentration decreases.

17. What effect does the concentration of H+ ions have on the nature of the
solution?

Ans: A higher concentration of H+ ions turns the solution acidic in nature.

18. What effect does the concentration of H+ ions have on the nature of the
solution?

Ans: Higher concentration of H+ ions turn the solution acidic in nature.

19. What is the common name of the compound CaOCl2 ?

Ans: The common name of the compound is Bleaching powder.

20. Name the substance which on treatment with chlorine yields bleaching
powder.
Ans: Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) yields bleaching powder in treatment with
chlorine.

21. Name the sodium compound which is used for softening hard water.
Ans: The compound which is used for softening hard water is Sodium carbonate.

Class X Science 6
22. A solution turns red litmus blue, its pH is likely to be

(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 5
(d) 10
Ans: The correct answer is (d) 10

23. A solution reacts with crushed egg-shells to give a gas that turns lime-
water milky.
The solution contains

(a) NaCl

(b) HCl

(c) LiCl
(d) KCl
Ans: The correct answer is (b) HCl

24. 10mL of a solution of NaOH is found to be completely neutralized by

8mL of a given solution of HCl . If we take 20mL of same solution of
NaOH , the amount of HCl solution required to neutralize it will be

(a) 4mL
(b) 8mL

(c) 12mL
(d) 16mL
Ans: The correct answer is (d) 16mL

Class X Science 7
25. Which one of the following types of medicines is used for treating
indigestion?
(a) Antibiotics

(b) Analgesic

(c) Antacid

(d) Antiseptic
Ans: The correct answer is (c) Antacid

26. Five solutions A, B, C, D and E when tested with universal indicators

showed pH as 4,1,11,7 and 9 respectively. Which solution is:

(a) neutral?
(b) strongly alkaline?
(c) strongly acidic?

(d) weakly acidic?

(e) weakly alkaline?

Ans: The correct answer is

(a) D
(b) C

(c) B

(d) A

(e) E

27. ‘A’ is a soluble acidic oxide and ‘B’ is a soluble base. Compared to pH of
pure water. What will be the pH of (a) solution of A (b) solution of B?

Class X Science 8
Ans: Since ‘A’ is acidic, the pH will be less than 7 . On the other hand, since ‘B’
is basic, pH will be more than 7 .

Short Answer Questions 2 Marks

1. What happens to the crystals of washing soda when exposed to air?

Ans: Upon exposure of washing soda crystals to air, the following reaction takes
place:

2 ⎯ ⎯ →Na 3 .H2 O + 9H2O

a ir
Na 2CO 3.10H O 2 CO

In the reaction, the white crystals of washing soda turn into washing powder
(white powder). Efflorescence occurs in the washing soda.

2. What is the chemical name of washing soda? Name three raw materials
used in making washing soda by Solvay process?

Ans: The chemical name of washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O) is sodium carbonate

decahydrate.
Ammonia, Brine and Limestone are used to make washing soda by the Solvay
process.

3. What is efflorescence? Give an example?

Ans: Upon exposure to air, the loss of the molecules of water of crystallization
from a substance is defined as efflorescence. For example, in the reaction given
below, the crystals of washing soda turn into washing powder when exposed to
air.

Na2CO3.10H2O ⎯a⎯ir→Na2CO3.H2O + 9H2O

Class X Science 9
4. Why is sodium hydrogen carbonate an essential ingredient in antacids?

Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3 ) is an essential ingredient in

antacids because of the basic nature of the salt. It neutralizes the HCl acid
released in the stomach. The following reaction takes place,

NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2 ..

5. Give the name and formula of two

(i) strong monobasic acids

Ans: The required answer is:

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) ., Nitric acid (HNO3 )

(ii) two weak dibasic acids

Ans: The required answer is:

Carbonic acid (H2CO3 ) , oxalic acid (C2H2O4 )

6. Why alkalis like sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide should not
be left exposed to air?
Ans: Alkalis are hygroscopic in nature. Upon exposure to air, they absorb
moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and get dissolved in it.

7. Dry ammonia has no action on litmus paper but a solution of ammonia in

water turns red litmus paper blue. Why is it so?
Ans: Dry ammonia has no action on the litmus paper because it contains no
hydroxyl ions in the absence of water. On dissolving in water, it forms ammonium
hydroxide (NH4OH) , which is basic in nature because it dissociates to give
NH4+ and OH- ions. Thus, red litmus paper turns blue.

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NH3 (g) +H2O → NH4OH(aq)
NH 4OH(aq) → NH 4+ (aq) + OH- (aq)

8. Bleaching powder forms a milky solution in water. Explain.

Ans: Bleaching powder reacts with water to form Ca ( OH ) 2, which has a milky
appearance. The reaction is given by,

CaOCl2 + H2O → Ca ( OH ) 2 + 2HCl

9. Why does not an acid show any acidic behavior in the absence of water?
Ans: Water is an ionizing compound. In its presence, acids form an aqueous
solution and get ionized. This results in the release of H+ ions and hence, acidic
behavior is shown.

10. Fresh milk has a pH of 6 . What will be the pH value if milk changes into
a curd? Justify.
Ans: Lactose is converted to lactic acid when milk changes into a curd. Because
of the greater acidic nature, the pH value decreases.

11. What is the reaction between hydrogen in concentration ion

concentration of an aqueous solution and pH?
Ans: The reaction is given as

pH = -log H+ , where H+ is hydrogen in concentration

12. How will you show that acetic acid is monobasic acid?

Ans: When acetic acid reacts with a basic solution, only one H+ ion is replaced

Class X Science 11
by the base, which shows acetic acid is a monobasic acid. For example,

CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O

13. Why should curd and sour substance not be kept in brass and copper
vessels?
Ans: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc metals. These metals react with acids
present in curd and sour substances to form poisonous soluble salts. Hence,
storing curd and sour substances in brass or copper vessels makes them unfit for
consumption.

14. Which gas is usually liberated when an acid reacts with a metal?
Illustrate with an example. How will you test for the presence of this gas?
Ans: When an acid reacts with a metal, hydrogen gas is liberated. For example,
Zn + Cl2 → ZnCl2 + H2

We bring a burning splinter near the liberated gas. If the gas is hydrogen, it burns
with a pop sound.

15. Why does an aqueous solution of an acid conduct electricity?

Ans: Water is a polarizing compound. Acid gets ionized in aqueous solution and
H+ ions are released. These ions conduct electricity.

16. Why does dry HCl gas not change the colour of the dry litmus paper?

Ans: When litmus paper comes in contact of H+ ions, the colour of the paper
changes. These ions are produced only upon dissolution of HCl gas in water.
Therefore, dry HCl do not change the colour of dry litmus paper.

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17. While diluting an acid, why is it recommended that the acid should be
added to water and not water to the acid?
Ans: Addition of water to acid leads to a highly exothermic reaction. The
intensity of the heat produced can break the glass container or cause severe burns
to the person adding it. On the other hand, adding acid to water with constant
stirring, aids the absorption of the heat produced by water and any harm/damage
is avoided.

18. How is concentration of hydroxide ions ( OH - ) affected when excess base

is dissolved in a solution of sodium hydroxide?
Ans: The dissolution of excess base in a solution of sodium hydroxide will release
more hydroxide (OH- ) ions. Therefore, it will lead to an increase in the
concentration of hydroxide ions.

19. Do basic solutions also have H+ ions? If yes, then why are these basic?

Ans: The H+ ions are present in both acidic and basic solutions. A solution is
acidic if the concentration of H+ ions is more than OH- ions. On the other hand,
a solution is basic if the concentration of OH- ions concentration is more than the
H+ ions.

20. You have two solutions ‘A’ and ‘B’. The pH of solution ‘A’ is 6 and pH
of solution ‘B’ is 8 . Which solution has more hydrogen ions
concentration? Which is acidic and which one is basic?
Ans: On a pH scale, any solution having pH value less than 7 is considered acidic
and that with a pH value of more than 7 is basic. Hence, according to the given
pH values, solution ‘A’ is acidic in nature, while solution ‘B’ is basic. Also, since
‘A’ is acidic, it has a greater concentration of hydrogen ions.

Class X Science 13
22. What will happen if a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate is heated?
Give the equation of reaction involved.
Ans: On heating a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate,
carbon dioxide and water are produced.
2NaHCO3 + heat → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

23. Write an equation to show the reaction between plaster of Paris and
water.
Ans: The reaction is as follows:
1 3
CaSO4. H2O + H2O → CaSO4.2H2O
2 2

24. Why does distilled water not conduct electricity, whereas rain water
does?
Ans: The presence of small amounts of acid in rainwater aids the conduction of
electricity. Distilled water is pure water and lacks ions. Therefore, it cannot
conduct electricity.

25. Why do acids not show acidic behavior in the absence of water?
Ans: Acids produce hydrogen ions or hydronium ions only in presence of water.
Therefore, it shows acidic behavior only in the presence of water.

26. Equal lengths of magnesium ribbons are taken in test tubes A and B.
Hydrochloric acid is added to test tube A, while acetic acid is added to
test B. In which test tube will the fizzing occur more vigorously and why?

Ans: The concentration of H+ ions in test tube A will be more than that in test
tube B, because hydrochloric acid is stronger than acetic acid. Therefore, faster
reaction in test tube A will lead to vigorous fizzing.

Class X Science 14
27. Fresh milk has a pH of 6 . How do you think the pH will change as it
turns into curd? Explain your answer.
Ans: Bacterial action on fresh milk turns it into curd. Hence, the lactose in the
fresh milk is turned into lactic acid. Because of the formation of more acid, the
pH will be lower than 6 .

28. Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture-proof container. Explain

why?
Ans: A hard mass of gypsum is formed when Plaster of Paris comes in contact
with moisture. Therefore, it should be stored in a moisture-proof container.

29. Kazi and Priyam want to prepare dil H2SO4 . Kazi added conc H2SO4 to
water slowly with constant stirring & cooling whereas Priyam added
water to conc H2SO4 .

Name the student who was correct and why?

Ans: Addition of water to concentrated acid leads to a highly exothermic reaction.
The intensity of the heat produced can break the glass container or cause severe
burns to the person adding it. On the other hand, adding acid to water with
constant stirring, aids the absorption of the heat produced by water and any
harm/damage is avoided. Hence, Kazi was correct.

30. A compound ‘X’ on electrolysis in aqueous solution produces a strong

base. ‘Y’ along with two gases ‘A’ and ‘B’. ‘B’ is used in the manufacture
of bleaching powder. Identify X, Y, A and B. Write chemical equations.
Ans: The chemical equations may be written as:

2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O → 2NaOH(aq) + Cl2 (g) + H2 (g)

Here,

X → NaCl
Y → NaOH

Class X Science 15
A → H2
B → Cl2

31. A yellow powder X gives a pungent smell if left open in air. It is prepared
by the Reaction of dry compound Y with chlorine gas. It is used for
disinfecting drinking Water. Identify X and Y. Write the reaction
involved.
Ans: The reaction is written as:

Ca (OH )2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2O

Here,

X → CaOCl2
Y → Ca (OH) 2

32. A few drops of phenolphthalein indicator were added to an unknown

solution A. It acquired pink colour. Now another unknown solution B
was added to it drop by drop and the solution becomes colorless. Predict
the nature of A & B.
Ans: Phenolphthalein turns pink in colour when it is dissolved in a basic solution
and the pink colour becomes colourless on dissolution with an acid. Hence,
according to the given question, we can say that solution ‘A’ is basic in nature,
while solution ‘B’ is acidic.

Short Answer Questions 3 Marks

1.

(a) Name the raw materials used in the manufacture of sodium carbonate by
Solvay process?

Class X Science 16
Ans: The raw materials used are- sodium hydroxide, limestone and ammonia.

(b) How is sodium hydrogen carbonate separated from a mixture of NH4Cl

and NaHCO3 ?

Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3 ) settles down as a precipitate

because it is sparingly soluble in water. However, NH4Cl remains dissolved in
the solution. The precipitate is removed by filtration.

2. Write equations for the following reactions

(i) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules

Ans: The reaction can be written as:

Zn(S) + H2SO4 (dil) → ZnSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)

(ii) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.

Ans: The reaction can be written as:

Mg(S) + 2HCl(dil) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

(iii) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminum powder.

Ans: The reaction can be written as:

2Al(S) + 3H2SO4 (dil) → Al2 (SO4 ) 3 (aq) + 3H2 (g )

3.

(a) An aqueous solution has a pH value of 7.0 . Is this solution acidic, basic
or neutral?
Ans: The nature of the solution is neutral.

Class X Science 17
(b) If H+ concentration of a solution is 1×10-2 mol L-1 what will be its pH
value?
Ans: It is given that,

H+  = 110-2 mol L-1

= 10-2 M
Hence,
 1 
pH = log
H+ 
= -log H+ 
= -log 10-2 
= - (-2)log10

Finally,
pH = 2

(c) Which has higher pH value: 1-M HCl or 1-M NaOH?

Ans: A solution with 1M NaOH is basic in nature and will have a higher pH
value.

A solution with 1M HCl is acidic in nature and will have a lower pH value.

4. What will you observe when:

(i) Red litmus is introduced into a solution of sodium sulphate.

Ans: No colour change will occur because the solution of Na2SO4 and water is
almost neutral.

(ii) Methyl orange is added to dil HCl .

Class X Science 18
Ans: The colour of methyl Orange will change to reddish.

(iii) Blue litmus is introduced into a solution of ferric chloride

Ans: FeCl3 solution will form ferric hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, when it
reacts with water. The presence of a strong acid will make the solution acidic in
nature. Therefore, the blue litmus will change to red.

5. A first aid manual suggests that vinegar should be used to treat wasp sting
and baking soda for bee stings.

(a) What does this information tell you about the chemical name of the wasp
sting?
Ans: Vinegar (acetic acid) is acidic in nature and if it is to be used to heal or
neutralize the effect of wasp stings, it implies that the chemical present in the
stings is basic.

(b) If there were no baking soda in the house, what other household
substances would you use to treat as stings?
Ans: Baking soda is basic in nature. If it is used to treat bee stings, it implies that
the stings must be acidic. In case of unavailability of baking soda in the house, a
solution of ammonium hydroxide NH4OH can be used for the same.

6. Does Tartaric acid help in making cake or bread fluffy. Justify.

Ans: No, tartaric acid does not make cake/bread fluffy because no carbon dioxide
is released during baking. Its role is to react with the Na2CO3 formed by the
decomposition of NaHCO3 .

CH(OH)COOH + Na2CO3 + CH(OH)COONa + H2O + CO2

| |
CH(OH)COOH CH(OH)COONa
Tartaric acid Disod. Tartarate

Class X Science 19
If this reaction does not occur, the Na2CO3 will impart a bitter taste to the cake.

7. Explain why?

(a) Common salt becomes sticky during the rainy season.

Ans: On exposure to moist air, common salt becomes sticky because it contains
impurities of magnesium chloride, which has a tendency to become liquid.

(b) Blue vitriol changes to white upon heating.

Ans: Blue vitriol (CuSO4.5H2O) changes to anhydrous copper sulphate
(CuSO4 ) on heating, which is white in colour.

8. A compound X of sodium is commonly used in the kitchen for making

crispy pakoras. It is also used for curing acidity in the stomach. Identify
‘X’. What is its chemical formula? State the reaction that takes place
when it is heated during cooking?
Ans: Compound X can be identified as baking powder (or baking soda).
Chemically, the compound is sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3 ) . On
heating the compound, the following reaction occurs:
2NaHCO ⎯h⎯eat→Na CO ( s ) + H O ( l ) + CO (g )
3 2 3 2 2

9. Explain why-

(i) Anhydrous calcium chloride is used in desiccators

Ans: The hygroscopic nature of anhydrous calcium chloride makes it readily
absorb moisture and therefore, it is used as a desiccator.

(ii) If bottle full of concentrated H2SO4 is left open in the atmosphere by

accident, the acid starts flowing out the bottle of its own.

Class X Science 20
Ans: Concentrated sulphuric acid is highly hygroscopic. It begins to absorb
moisture from air and gets diluted. Because of the increase in volume, the acid
starts flowing out of the bottle.

10. How is plaster of Paris chemically different from gypsum? How may
these be interconverted? Write one use of plaster of Paris?
Ans: Plaster of Paris is the anhydrous form of gypsum. It is prepared by heating
gypsum.

Plaster of Paris is used in surgical bandages for setting fractured bones. Before
applying on the fractured bone, it is mixed with water, which results in hydration
and it changes into gypsum. The hard mass of gypsum keeps the bones in
position.
Plaster of Paris and Gypsum may be interconverted by the reaction:
1 1
CaSO H O +1 H O → CaSO 2H O
4
2 2 2 2 4 2

Plaster of Paris Gypsum

‘B’ ‘A’

11.

(a) What is the action of red litmus on

(i) Dry ammonia gas

Ans: As no hydroxyl ions are released, red litmus has no action on dry ammonia
gas.

(ii) Solution of ammonia gas in water?

Ans: Ammonium hydroxide is formed when ammonia is passed through water.
It turns red litmus blue because it dissociates to give hydroxyl ions.

Class X Science 21
(b) State the observations you would make on adding ammonium hydroxide
to aqueous solution of
(i) ferrous sulphate
Ans: Double decomposition reaction gives green precipitate of ferrous
hydroxide.

FeSO4 (aq) + 2NH4OH(aq) → Fe(OH) 2+ ( NH 4 ) 2 SO4 (aq)

(Green ppt.)

(ii) Aluminium chloride?

Ans: Double decomposition reaction gives white precipitate of aluminum
hydroxide.

AlCl3 (aq) + 3NH4OH(aq) → Al(OH) 3 + 3NH4Cl(aq)

(White ppt.)

12. State the chemical property in each case on which the following uses of
baking soda are based
(i) As an antacid
Ans: The weakly alkaline nature of baking soda neutralizes the hydrochloric acid
formed in the stomach.
NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2

(ii) As a constituent of baking powder. Give the chemical for baking soda
Ans: Using baking soda while baking makes the cake porous and fluffy. It is
because carbon dioxide gas is evolved in the form of bubbles when baking.
2NaHCO 3⎯h⎯eat→Na2CO 3 + H O + CO
2 2
The chemical formula of baking soda is NaHCO3 .

Class X Science 22
13. Metal compound ‘A’ reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce
effervescence. The gas evolved extinguishes a burning candle. Write a
balanced chemical equation for the reaction, if one of the compounds
formed is calcium chloride.
Ans: We can say that ‘A’ is a salt of calcium because one of the products is
calcium chloride.

Burning candle is extinguished, indicating the formation of carbon dioxide by the

reaction of ‘A’ with hydrochloric acid.

Upon reaction with hydrochloric acid, calcium carbonate produces calcium

chloride and carbon dioxide. Hence, ‘A’ is calcium carbonate.

The chemical equation can be given as:

CaCO3 + HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O

14. Why do HCl, HNO3 etc. show acidic characters in aqueous solution
while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic
character?
Ans: In their aqueous form, compounds like hydrochloric acid and nitric acid,
release hydrogen ions, which signals acidic character.
On the other hand, compounds like alcohol and glucose cannot release hydrogen
ions. Therefore, they show no acidic properties.

15. Under what soil condition do you think a farmer would treat the soil of
his field with quicklime (calcium oxide) or slaked lime (calcium
hydroxide) or chalk (calcium carbonate).
Ans: Quicklime (calcium oxide), slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and chalk
(calcium carbonate) are basic in nature. Hence, a farmer would use them to
neutralize the effect of acidic soil conditions.

16. A milkman adds a very small amount of baking soda to fresh milk.

Class X Science 23
(a) Why does he shift the pH of the milk from 6 to slightly alkaline?
Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) is a base. Hence, on addition to
milk, the solution would become slightly alkaline. This implies that the pH value
would become greater than 6 (slightly alkaline) on addition of a very small
amount of baking soda

(b) Why does this milk take a long time to set a curd?
Ans: A neutralization reaction between the lactic acid of the curd and sodium
hydrogen carbonate will prolong the time taken by milk to set as curd.

17. What is a neutralization reaction? Give two examples.

Ans: Neutralization reaction is the reaction between an acid and a base to produce
salt and water. For example:

NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O

KOH + HNO3 → KNO3 + H2O

18. Give two important uses of washing soda and baking soda.

Ans: The uses of washing soda are as follows:

(i) Cleansing agent.

(ii) Permanently removing hardness of water.

(iii) Used in paper, glass and soap industries.
The uses of baking soda are as follows:

(i) Production of baking powder.

(ii) As an antacid.

19. Compound P forms enamel of teeth. It is the hardest substance of the

Class X Science 24
 body. It does not dissolve in water but it is corroded when pH in the
mouth is below 5.5 . How does toothpaste prevent dental decay?

Ans: The compound P is Ca (PO4 ) 2.

Bacterial action on the remaining food particles in the mouth produces acids from
the degradation of sugar. Toothpastes are usually basic in nature. It helps in
neutralizing the excess acid and prevents tooth decay.

20. The oxide of a metal M was water soluble when a blue litmus strip was
dipped in this solution, it did not go any change in colour. Predict the
nature of oxide.
Ans: The nature of the metal oxide is basic in nature. On dissolution in water, it
forms a metal hydroxide. This hydroxide is basic in nature, as the blue litmus did
not undergo any change in colour.

MO + H2O → M (OH )2

21. A road tanker carrying an acid was involved in an accident and its
contents spilled on the road, iron drain covers began melting and fizzing
as the acid ran over them. A Specialist was called to see if the acid
actually leaked into the nearby river.
(a) Explain how the specialist could carry out a simple test to see if the river
water contains some acid or not.
Ans: The expert can use a simple litmus paper test to determine if the river water
contains acid or not. If the expert dips a strip of blue litmus paper into the sample
of river water and the colour changes to red, it implies that the river water has
been affected by the acid spill.

(b) The word melting is incorrectly used in the report. Suggest a better name
that should have been used.
Ans: The word melting can be replaced with corrosion.

Class X Science 25
(c) Explain why drain covers began fizzing as the acid rain over them.
Ans: Hydrogen gas is evolved when iron reacts with an acid.

22. A compound ‘A’ on heating at 370K gives ‘B’ used as plaster for
supporting fractured bones in the right position. ‘B’ on mixing with
water changes to ‘A’. Identify ‘A’ and ‘B’ and write the chemical
reaction.
Ans: The reaction can be given by:
1 1
CaSO H O +1 H O → CaSO 2H O
4
2 2 2 2 4 2

Plaster of Paris Gypsum

‘B’ ‘A’

23. A student heated a few crystals of copper sulphate in a dry boiling tube.

(a) What will be the color of the copper sulphate after heating?
Ans: Copper Sulphate becomes white in colour after heating.

(b) Will you notice water droplets in the boiling tube?

Ans: Yes, water droplets will be present in the boiling tube.

(c) Where have these come from?

Ans: Even though copper sulphate crystals seem to be dry, they contain water of
crystallization. The water droplets are formed because of this water
crystallization.

Long Answer Questions 5 Marks

Class X Science 26
1.

(a) The pH of rainwater collected from two cities A and B was found to be
6 and 5 respectively. Water of which city is more acidic? Find out the
ratio of hydrogen ion concentration in the two samples of rain water?
Ans: Lower pH value is an indication of greater acidic nature. Hence, the rain
water of city B is more acidic.

We know that,

pH = -log H+ 
 1 
= log
H+ 

For city A,
 1 
log =6
H+ 
 1 
= anti log 6
H+ 

= 106
H+  = 10-6

For city B,
 1 
log =5
H+ 
 1 
= anti log5 = 105
H+ 
H+  = 10-5

Hence, the ratio is,

Class X Science 27
city A 10-6
=
city B 10-5
1
=
10

(b) Arrange the following in order (ascending) of their pH values.

NaOH solution, Blood, lemon Juice.

Ans: The increasing order of pH values for the given solution are:

Lemon juice < Blood < NaOH solution.

2.

(a) Why does an aqueous solution of acid conduct electricity?

Ans: Water is a polarizing compound. In aqueous solution form, acid dissociates
to give ions. Electricity is conducted by the free movement of these ions.

+
(b) How does the concentration of hydrogen ions H3O changes when the
solution of an acid is diluted with water?
Ans: Dilution aids the process of dissociation of acid into ions. Thus, the
concentration of H3O ions increase on dilution.
+

(c) Which has higher pH. A concentrated or dilute solution of HCl ?

Ans: The number of ions per unit volume decreases with an increase in H 3O
+

ions. Therefore, pH will increase on dilution.

(d) What would you observe on adding dil HCl acid to

(i) Sodium bicarbonate placed in a test tube.

Class X Science 28
Ans: A brick effervescence from the evolution of CO2 is observed.

NaHCO3 (s) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + CO2 ( g ) + H2O(aq)

(ii) Zinc metal in a test tube.

Ans: A brick effervescence from the evolution of H2 is observed.

Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl(aq) + H2O(g)

3. A road tanker carrying acid was involved in an accident and its contents
spilled on the road. At the side of the road iron drain cover began melting
and fizzing as the acid ran over them. A specialist was called to see if the
acid actually leaked into the nearby river.
(a) Explain why specialist could carry out sample tests to see if the river
water contains some acid or not.
Ans: The expert can use a simple litmus paper test to determine if the river water
contains acid or not. If the expert dips a strip of blue litmus paper into the sample
of river water and the colour changes to red, it implies that the river water has
been affected by the acid spill.

(b) Suggest a better report name for the word ‘melting’

Ans: The chemical reaction of drain cover (made of iron) with the acid can be
called corrosion.

(c) Explain why the drain covers began fizzing as the acid ran over them.
Ans: Hydrogen gas is evolved when iron reacts with an acid (like, sulphuric acid
or hydrochloric acid). The release of hydrogen is accompanied with an
effervescence and hence, the fizzing on the covers was observed.

4. Write word equations and then balanced equations for the reaction taking
place when:

Class X Science 29
(a) Dilute Sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules.
Ans: Zinc + Sulphuric acid → Zinc sulphate + Hydrogen

Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2

(b) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.

Ans: Magnesium + Sulphuric acid → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen gas
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2

(c) Dilute Sulphuric acid reacts with aluminum powder

Ans: Aluminum + Sulphuric acid → Aluminum sulphate + Hydrogen gas

2Al + 3H2SO4 → Al2 (SO4 )3 + 3H2

(d) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron filings.

Ans: Iron + Hydrochloric acid → Iron chloride + Hydrogen

Fe + 2HCl → FeCl2 + H2

5. Compounds such as alcohols and glucose also contain hydrogen but are
not categorized as acids. Describe an activity
Ans: The following activity can prove that alcohol and glucose both contain
hydrogen but not categorized as acids.

Class X Science 30
Apparatus required: - Beaker, nails, battery, connecting wires, bulb, switch and
alcohols.
Procedure:

1. The experiment is set up as shown

2. Ethyl alcohol is taken in the beaker.

3. The bulb does not glow when the switch is in on position.

4. The alcohol is replaced with a glucose solution. The bulb still does not glow.

6. A compound X is bitter in taste. It is a component of washing powder &

reacts with dil. HCl to produce brisk effervescence due to colourless,
odourless gas Y which turns lime water milky due to formation of Z. When
excess of is passed, milkiness disappears due to formation of P. Identify X,
Y, And Z & P.
Ans: The chemical reactions are as follows:

Na2CO3 ( s ) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H 2 O ( l ) + CO2 (g)

Ca ( OH )2 ( aq ) + CO2 ( g ) → CaCO3 ( s ) + H 2O ( l )
CaCO3 ( s ) + H 2 O ( l ) + CO2 ( g ) → Ca (HCO3 )2 (aq)

Here,

Ca ( OH )2 is lime water

CaCO3 is the white precipitate

And,

X → Na2CO3
Y → CO2
Z → CaCO3
P → Ca (HCO3 )2

Class X Science 31
7. When gas passes through a saturated solution of ammoniacal brine, two
compounds ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are formed. ‘Y’ is used as an antacid and
decomposes to form another solid ‘Z’. Identify ‘X’, ‘Y’, ‘Z’ and write
chemical equations.
Ans: The chemical reactions are as follows:
NaCl2 + H2O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3
(Ammonium chloride)(Sodium hydogencarbonate)

2NaHCO3 Heat Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

(Sodium
hydrogencarbonate) (Sodium carbonate)
Here,

X → NH4Cl
Y → NaHCO3
Z → Na2CO3

8. A substance ‘X’ used in the kitchen for making tasty crispy pakoras and
is also an Ingredient of antacid. Name the substance ‘X’.

(i) How does ‘X’ help to make cakes and bread soft and spongy?
Ans: The chemical reaction is as follows:

2NaHCO3 Heat Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

(Sodium hydrogencarbonate) (Sodium carbonate)

The CO2 gas escapes as bubbles, leaving behind pores. These pores make the
cake/bread soft and spongy

(ii) Is the pH value of solution of ‘X’ is lesser than or greater than 7.0 ?
Ans: Being a salt of a strong base, the pH of the solution will be more than 7.0

Class X Science 32