Contents / विषय-सूची (6)
  1. 1. Introduction & Indicators (सूचक)
  2. 2. Chemical Properties of Acids & Bases
  3. 3. Dissociation & pH Scale
  4. 4. More About Salts & Downstream Chemicals
  5. 5. NCERT Solutions (अभ्यास प्रश्नोत्तर)
  6. 6. Solved PYQs (बोर्ड परीक्षा प्रश्नोत्तर)
🌐 Language / भाषा:
Class 10 • Science

Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts

Learn about chemical properties of acids and bases, pH scale, neutralization reactions, and salts used in daily life. Acids and bases के chemical properties, pH scale, neutralisation reactions, और दैनिक organismन में उपयोग होने वाले salts के बारे में सीखें।

1. Introduction & Indicators (सूचक)

Goal: Understand the difference between acids and bases, and learn how to identify them in the laboratory using various indicators. Goal: Acids and bases के बीच अंतर को समझें, और सीखें कि laboratory में अलग-अलग indicators का उपयोग करके उनकी पहचान कैसे की जाती है।
Kitchen Analogy: Sour vs. Bitter Think of lemon juice and baking soda. Lemon juice tastes sour because it contains citric acid. Baking soda solution tastes bitter and feels soapy because it is a base. These taste experiences are daily-life examples of acids and bases [NCERT p. 17]. नींबू के रस (lemon juice) और मीठे सोडे (baking soda) के बारे में सोचें। Lemon juice का स्वाद sour (खट्टा) होता है क्योंकि इसमें citric acid होता है। Baking soda solution का स्वाद bitter (कड़वा) होता है और छूने पर soapy (चिकना) महसूस होता है क्योंकि यह एक base है। स्वाद के ये अनुभव दैनिक organismन में acids and bases के उदाहरण हैं [NCERT p. 17]

Historically, acids were defined as substances that are sour in taste and turn blue litmus paper red. Bases are bitter in taste, soapy to touch, and turn red litmus paper blue [NCERT p. 17]. However, since many laboratory chemicals are dangerous to taste or touch, we use special substances called indicators to test their nature. इतिहास में, acids को उन substanceों के रूप में परिभाषित किया गया था जो स्वाद में sour (खट्टे) होते हैं और blue litmus paper को लाल कर देते हैं। Bases स्वाद में bitter (कड़वे) होते हैं, छूने में soapy होते हैं, और red litmus paper को नीला कर देते हैं [NCERT p. 17]। लेकिन, चूंकि laboratory के कई chemicals को चखना या छूना खतरनाक होता है, हम उनकी प्रकृति का परीक्षण करने के लिए indicators (सूचकों) का उपयोग करते हैं।

Classification of Acid-Base Indicators (सूचकों का वर्गीकरण)
Natural Indicators
Litmus, Turmeric
Synthetic Indicators
Phenolphthalein, Methyl Orange
Olfactory Indicators
Onion, Vanilla, Clove

Types of Indicators Indicators के प्रकार

Interactive Indicator & pH Lab इंटरैक्टिव इंडिकेटर और pH लैब

Select a substance below to test it with red/blue litmus, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, olfactory strips, and universal pH indicators: नीचे दिए गए किसी substance को चुनें और red/blue litmus, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, olfactory strips, और universal pH indicators के साथ उसका परीक्षण करें:

HCl (Acid)HCl (Acid)
Lemon Juiceनींबू का रस
Vinegarसिरका
Tomato Juiceटमाटर रस
Pure Waterशुद्ध पानी
Baking Sodaबेकिंग सोडा
Milk of Magnesiaमैग्नीशिया
NaOH (Base)NaOH (Base)
pH Reading: pH रीडिंग: 1.0
Virtual Indicator Board
HCl BLUE LITMUS RED LITMUS pH STRIP ONION ODOR Phen. Methyl

Checkpoint 1

A student adds a drop of phenolphthalein indicator to an unknown solution. The solution remains colorless. What can the student conclude? एक छात्र एक अज्ञात solution में phenolphthalein indicator की एक बूंद डालता है। Solution रंगहीन रहता है। छात्र क्या conclusion निकाल सकता है?
Section Summary (सूचकों का सारांश)
  • Indicators are chemical substances that change their colour or odour depending on the acidic or basic nature of the medium [NCERT p. 17]. Indicators (सूचक) वे chemical substances हैं जो medium की acidic या basic प्रकृति के आधार पर अपना रंग या गंध बदल देते हैं [NCERT p. 17]
  • Litmus (natural, from lichen), turmeric, and red cabbage are natural indicators, while phenolphthalein and methyl orange are synthetic indicators [NCERT p. 17]. Litmus (lichen से प्राप्त), हल्दी और लाल पत्तागोभी natural indicators हैं, जबकि phenolphthalein और methyl orange synthetic indicators हैं [NCERT p. 17]
  • Olfactory indicators like onion, vanilla extract, and clove oil change their smell in acidic or basic media, helping identify substances by scent [NCERT p. 18]. Olfactory indicators (गंधीय सूचक) जैसे प्याज, vanilla extract और लौंग का तेल acidic या basic media में अपनी गंध बदलते हैं, जो सूंघकर पहचान करने में मदद करते हैं [NCERT p. 18]

2. Chemical Properties of Acids & Bases

Goal: Learn how acids and bases react with metals, metal carbonates, and each other to form salts. Goal: सीखें कि acids and bases कैसे metals, metal carbonates, और एक-दूसरे के साथ react करके salts बनाते हैं।

1. Reaction with Metals [NCERT §2.1.2]

When an acid reacts with a metal, it forms a salt and releases hydrogen gas: जब कोई acid किसी metal के साथ react करता है, तो वह salt बनाता है और hydrogen gas मुक्त करता है:

Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen Gas
2HCl(aq) + Zn(s) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
H2SO4(aq) + Zn(s) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)

Bases also react with certain active metals (like Zinc and Aluminum) to form hydrogen gas, but the salt contains a complex negative ion containing the metal: Bases भी कुछ सक्रिय metals (जैसे Zinc और Aluminum) के साथ react करके hydrogen gas बनाते हैं, लेकिन बनने वाले salt में धातु युक्त एक complex negative ion होता है:

Base + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen Gas
2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) → Na2ZnO2(aq) (Sodium Zincate) + H2(g) [NCERT p. 20]

2. Reaction with Metal Carbonates & Hydrogen Carbonates [NCERT §2.1.3]

Metal carbonates and metal hydrogencarbonates react with acids to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas: Metal carbonates और metal hydrogencarbonates acids के साथ react करके salt, पानी और carbon dioxide gas बनाते हैं:

Metal Carbonate + Acid → Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide
Na2CO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
Metal Hydrogen Carbonate + Acid → Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide
NaHCO3(s) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

Lime Water Test: Passing CO2 gas through lime water Ca(OH)2 turns it milky due to the formation of insoluble calcium carbonate: Lime Water Test (चूने के पानी का परीक्षण): चूने के पानी Ca(OH)2 में CO2 gas गुजारने पर वह अविलेय calcium carbonate बनने के कारण दूधिया (milky) हो जाता है:

Ca(OH)2(aq) (Lime water) + CO2(g) → CaCO3(s) (White ppt) + H2O(l) [NCERT p. 21]

If excess CO2 is passed, the milkiness disappears because soluble calcium hydrogen carbonate is formed: यदि अत्यधिक (excess) CO2 प्रवाहित की जाए, तो दूधियापन समाप्त हो जाता है क्योंकि पानी में घुलनशील calcium hydrogen carbonate बन जाता है:

CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) → Ca(HCO3)2(aq) (Soluble in water) [NCERT p. 21]

3. Reaction of Acids & Bases with Each Other [NCERT §2.1.4]

When an acid reacts with a base, they cancel out each other's properties. This is called a neutralisation reaction (उदासीनीकरण अभिक्रिया), forming salt and water: जब कोई acid किसी base के साथ react करता है, तो वे एक-दूसरे के प्रभाव को नष्ट कर देते हैं। इसे neutralisation reaction (neutralisation reaction) कहते हैं, जिससे salt और पानी बनते हैं:

Acid + Base → Salt + Water
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
H+(aq) + OH(aq) → H2O(l) (Net Ionic Reaction) [NCERT p. 25]

4. Reaction of Metallic & Non-metallic Oxides [NCERT §2.1.5, §2.1.6] 4. Metallic और Non-metallic Oxides के साथ reactions [NCERT §2.1.5, §2.1.6]

Gas Reaction virtual lab bench गैस रिएक्शन वर्चुअल लैब बेंच

Toggle between the two setups to see metal-acid gas evolution and carbonate-acid carbon dioxide tests: Metal-acid gas evolution और carbonate-acid carbon dioxide tests को देखने के लिए दोनों setups के बीच स्विच करें:

Setup A: Zn + AcidSetup A: Zn + Acid
Setup B: Na₂CO₃ + AcidSetup B: Na₂CO₃ + Acid
Activity 2.3 - Metal + Acid: Zinc granules react with dilute H₂SO₄. Bubbles of H₂ gas pass into soap solution. Click "Start Reaction" to see bubbles float, then click the bubbles with the matchstick to pop them!
Setup A: Hydrogen Pop Test

Checkpoint 2

What is the correct molecular equation when carbon dioxide is bubbled in excess through lime water? चूने के पानी में अत्यधिक carbon dioxide प्रवाहित करने पर सही molecular equation क्या होगी?
Section Summary (रासायनिक गुणों का सारांश)
  • Acids react with active metals to produce salt and hydrogen gas (pop test), whereas bases react with active metals to form hydrogen gas and complex salts [NCERT p. 20]. Acids सक्रिय metals के साथ react करके salt और hydrogen gas (pop test) बनाते हैं, जबकि bases सक्रिय metals के साथ react करके hydrogen gas और complex salts बनाते हैं [NCERT p. 20]
  • Metal carbonates and hydrogen carbonates react with acids to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas, which turns lime water milky [NCERT p. 21]. Metal carbonates और hydrogen carbonates acids के साथ react करके salt, पानी और carbon dioxide gas बनाते हैं, जो चूने के पानी को दूधिया (milky) कर देती है [NCERT p. 21]
  • Acids and bases react together in a neutralisation reaction to form salt and water. Metallic oxides are basic, while non-metallic oxides are acidic [NCERT p. 22]. Acids and bases आपस में neutralisation reaction करके salt और पानी बनाते हैं। Metallic oxides basic होते हैं, जबकि non-metallic oxides acidic होते हैं [NCERT p. 22]

3. Dissociation & pH Scale

Goal: Understand the behavior of acids and bases in water solution, H+ ion formation, and how the pH scale measures acid/alkali strength. Goal: सीखें कि water solution में acids and bases का व्यवहार कैसा होता है, H+ ions कैसे बनते हैं, और pH scale कैसे acid/alkali की strength को maapta है।

1. Dissociation in Water Solution [NCERT §2.2.1]

Acids show acidic properties only in the presence of water because they dissociate to form hydrogen ions (H+). These H+ ions cannot exist alone, so they combine with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H3O+): Acids अम्लीय गुण केवल पानी की उपस्थिति में दिखाते हैं क्योंकि वे टूटकर hydrogen ions (H+) बनाते हैं। ये H+ ions अकेले नहीं रह सकते, इसलिए वे पानी के molecules के साथ मिलकर hydronium ions (H3O+) बनाते हैं:

HCl + H2O → H3O+(aq) + Cl(aq) [NCERT p. 24]

Dry HCl gas does not change the color of dry litmus paper because without water, it cannot release H+ ions [NCERT p. 24]. Similarly, bases dissociate in water to release hydroxide ions (OH): सूखी HCl gas सूखे litmus paper का रंग नहीं बदलती क्योंकि पानी के बिना यह H+ ions मुक्त नहीं कर सकती [NCERT p. 24]। इसी प्रकार, bases पानी में टूटकर hydroxide ions (OH) मुक्त करते हैं:

NaOH(s) [NCERT p. 24] → Na+(aq) + OH(aq) (in water)
Diluting Acids (Exothermic Process): Mixing concentrated acid with water is highly exothermic [NCERT p. 24]. Always add acid to water drop-by-drop with constant stirring. Never add water to acid, as the heat generated can cause the mixture to splash out and cause severe burns, or break the glass container [NCERT p. 25]. पानी में concentrated acid मिलाना एक अत्यंत exothermic (ऊष्माक्षेपी) प्रक्रिया है [NCERT p. 24]। हमेशा acid को पानी में बूंद-बूंद करके लगातार हिलाते हुए मिलाएं। कभी भी पानी को acid में न डालें, क्योंकि उत्पन्न होने वाली तीव्र heat के कारण mixture बाहर छलक सकता है जिससे गंभीर जलन हो सकती है, या शीशे का बर्तन टूट सकता है [NCERT p. 25]

2. The pH Scale [NCERT §2.3]

The strength of an acid or base is measured quantitatively on a scale called the pH scale (ranges from 0 to 14): किसी acid या base की strength को मात्रात्मक रूप से एक पैमाने पर मापा जाता है जिसे pH scale (सीमा 0 से 14) कहते हैं:

3. Importance of pH in Everyday Life [NCERT §2.3.1] 3. दैनिक organismन में pH का महत्व [NCERT §2.3.1]

  1. Human Body: Works optimally within a narrow pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Acid rain (pH < 5.6) flowing into rivers lowers water pH, threatening aquatic life [NCERT p. 27]. Human Body (मानव शरीर): 7.0 से 7.8 के संकीर्ण pH range के भीतर सर्वोत्तम रूप से कार्य करता है। जब acid rain (अम्लीय वर्षा, pH < 5.6) नदियों में बहती है, तो पानी का pH कम हो जाता है, जिससे जलीय organismों का organismन खतरे में पड़ जाता है [NCERT p. 27]
  2. Stomach Acidity: The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. Overeating causes excess acid production, leading to pain and irritation. Antacids (अम्लनाशक) like Milk of Magnesia [Mg(OH)2], which is a mild base, are used as a remedy to neutralise stomach acid [NCERT p. 27]. Stomach Acidity (पेट की अम्लता): हमारा पेट भोजन पचाने के लिए hydrochloric acid (HCl) स्रावित करता है। अपच (indigestion) के दौरान पेट बहुत अधिक acid बनाता है, जिससे दर्द और जलन होती है। इसके उपचार के लिए antacids (जैसे Milk of Magnesia [Mg(OH)2], जो एक दुर्बल base है) का उपयोग पेट के excess acid को neutralise करने के लिए किया जाता है [NCERT p. 27]
  3. Tooth Decay: Tooth decay starts when the mouth's pH falls below 5.5. The tooth enamel, made of calcium hydroxyapatite (a crystalline form of calcium phosphate), is corroded by acids produced by bacteria from sugar degradation. Using alkaline toothpaste neutralises the acid [NCERT p. 27]. Tooth Decay (दांतों का क्षय): जब मुंह का pH 5.5 से कम हो जाता है, तो दांतों का सड़ना शुरू हो जाता है। दांतों का enamel, जो calcium hydroxyapatite से बना होता है, मुंह में मौजूद बैक्टीरिया द्वारा भोजन के बचे हुए कणों से बनने वाले acid के कारण संक्षारित (corrode) होने लगता है। Alkaline toothpaste का उपयोग करने से यह acid neutralise हो जाता है [NCERT p. 27]
  4. Chemical Warfare by Animals & Plants: Honeybee sting injects acid, causing pain. Applying mild base like baking soda gives relief [NCERT p. 27]. Nettle plant leaves have stinging hair that inject methanoic acid, cured by rubbing dock plant leaves (basic) [NCERT p. 28]. Chemical Warfare by Animals & Plants (पशुओं और पौधों द्वारा आत्मरक्षा): मधुमक्खी का डंक एक acid छोड़ता है, जिससे दर्द और जलन होती है। डंक वाले स्थान पर baking soda जैसे mild base लगाने से राहत मिलती है [NCERT p. 27]। Nettle plant के पत्तों में डंक मारने वाले बाल होते हैं जो methanoic acid छोड़ते हैं, इसे डक पौधे (dock plant) की पत्तियों (जो basic होती हैं) को रगड़कर ठीक किया जाता है [NCERT p. 28]

Checkpoint 3

Why does dry HCl gas not show acidic behavior on dry blue litmus paper? सूखी HCl gas सूखे blue litmus paper पर अम्लीय व्यवहार क्यों नहीं दर्शाती?
Section Summary (विद्युतीय वियोजन और pH का सारांश)
  • Acids release H⁺(aq) ions and bases release OH⁻(aq) in water, which conducts electricity. Diluting acid is highly exothermic, so always add acid slowly to water [NCERT pp. 24-25]. Acids पानी में H⁺(aq) ions मुक्त करते हैं और bases OH⁻(aq) मुक्त करते हैं, जो electricity conduct करते हैं। Acid का dilution अत्यंत exothermic है, इसलिए हमेशा acid को धीरे-धीरे पानी में मिलाना चाहिए [NCERT pp. 24-25]।
  • The pH scale (0 to 14) measures hydrogen ion concentration. A pH of 7 is neutral, under 7 is acidic, and over 7 is basic [NCERT p. 26]. pH scale (0 से 14) hydrogen ion concentration को मापता है। pH 7 neutral होता है, 7 से कम acidic और 7 से अधिक basic होता है [NCERT p. 26]।
  • pH is vital for living organisms, digestion, preventing tooth decay, and self-defense mechanisms of plants/animals [NCERT pp. 27-28]. organismों के जीने, पाचन (digestion), दांतों को सड़ने से रोकने और पौधों/पशुओं की आत्मरक्षा प्रणालियों के लिए pH अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है [NCERT pp. 27-28]।

4. More About Salts & Downstream Chemicals

Goal: Understand the classification and pH of salts, and explore the chlor-alkali process and chemicals derived from common salt (NaCl). Goal: Salts के classification और pH को समझें, और chlor-alkali process और साधारण नमक (NaCl) से बनने वाले chemicals का अध्ययन करें।

1. Family and pH of Salts [NCERT §2.4.1, §2.4.2]

Salts are ionic compounds formed by neutralization. The pH of salt solutions depends on the strength of parent acids and bases: Salts ionic compounds हैं जो neutralization से बनते हैं। Salt solutions का pH उनके मूल acids and bases की strength पर निर्भर करता है:

2. Chemicals from Common Salt [NCERT §2.4.3]

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a crucial raw material for various industrial chemicals: Sodium chloride (NaCl) विभिन्न औद्योगिक chemicals के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण कच्चा माल (raw material) है:

Chemicals Derived from Common Salt (साधारण नमक से प्राप्त रसायन)
Common Salt
(NaCl)
Sodium Hydroxide
NaOH (Caustic Soda)
Bleaching Powder
CaOCl₂
Baking Soda
NaHCO₃
Washing Soda
Na₂CO₃ • 10H₂O
  1. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) & Chlor-Alkali Process: Electrolysis of brine (concentrated NaCl solution) decomposes it to produce chlorine gas at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and sodium hydroxide solution near the cathode [NCERT p. 30]: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) & Chlor-Alkali Process: Brine (नमक का सांद्र घोल) के electrolysis (electric decomposition) से यह decompose होकर anode पर chlorine gas, cathode पर hydrogen gas, और cathode के पास sodium hydroxide solution बनाता है [NCERT p. 30]:
    2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + Cl2(g) + H2(g)
  2. Bleaching Powder (CaOCl2): Produced by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime Ca(OH)2 [NCERT p. 30]:
    Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 (Bleaching powder) + H2O
    Uses: Bleaching cotton, wood pulp, disinfecting drinking water.
    Bleaching Powder (CaOCl2) (विरंजक चूर्ण): यह सूखे बुझे चूने Ca(OH)2 पर chlorine gas की क्रिया से बनता है [NCERT p. 30]:
    Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 (Bleaching powder) + H2O
    Uses: सूती कपड़ों और लकड़ी की लुगदी (wood pulp) को ब्लीच करना, पीने के पानी को कीटाणुशोधित (disinfect) करना।
  3. Baking Soda (NaHCO3): Prepared using the Solvay Process where brine reacts with ammonia and carbon dioxide [NCERT p. 31]:
    NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3 (Baking soda)
    Heating baking soda during cooking decomposes it, releasing CO2 gas which makes dough rise, making cakes and bread fluffy [NCERT p. 31]:
    2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2(g)
    Baking Soda (NaHCO3) (खाने का सोडा): इसे Solvay Process द्वारा तैयार किया जाता है जहाँ brine, ammonia और carbon dioxide के साथ react करता है [NCERT p. 31]:
    NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH_{3} → NH_{4Cl + NaHCO3 (Baking soda)
    खाना पकाते समय baking soda को गर्म करने पर यह टूट जाता है और CO2 gas छोड़ता है जो आटे को फुलाती है, जिससे केक और ब्रेड स्पंजी बनते हैं [NCERT p. 31]:
    2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2(g)
  4. Washing Soda (Na2CO3 • 10H2O): Obtained by recrystallizing sodium carbonate [NCERT p. 32]:
    Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3 • 10H2O (Washing soda)
    Uses: Cleaning agent, soap/glass industry, removing permanent water hardness.
    Washing Soda (Na2CO3 • 10H2O) (धोने का सोडा): यह sodium carbonate के पुन: क्रिस्टलीकरण (recrystallization) से प्राप्त होता है [NCERT p. 32]:
    Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3 • 10H2O (Washing soda)
    Uses: क्लीनिंग एजेंट, कांच/साबुन उद्योग, पानी की स्थायी कठोरता (hardness) को दूर करना।

3. Water of Crystallisation [NCERT §2.4.4] 3. क्रिस्टलन का जल (Water of Crystallisation) [NCERT §2.4.4]

Salts contain fixed water molecules in their crystal structure called water of crystallisation (क्रिस्टलन का जल). Salts की crystal structure में निश्चित पानी के molecules होते हैं जिन्हें water of crystallisation (क्रिस्टलन का जल) कहा जाता है।

Chlor-Alkali & Salts Factory

Animate the electrolytic cell to see ions move, gases release, and downstream salts form:

Process Overview Brine (NaCl + H₂O) undergoes electrolysis. Cl⁻ ions go to the anode, and H⁺ ions go to the cathode, releasing Cl₂ and H₂ gas respectively. Na⁺ and OH⁻ react to form NaOH.
Chlorine (Cl₂)Chlorine (Cl₂)
Hydrogen (H₂)Hydrogen (H₂)
NaOH / SaltsNaOH / Salts
Electrolytic Cell Schematic
+ - Brine Cl₂ H₂ NaOH Cl⁻ H⁺ Na⁺ OH⁻

Checkpoint 4

What are the three chemical products formed during the chlor-alkali process?
Correct! The electrolysis of brine produces Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Chlorine gas (Cl₂), and Hydrogen gas (H₂) [NCERT p. 30]. Due to chlor (chlorine) and alkali (sodium hydroxide) products, it is called the chlor-alkali process.
Section Summary (लवणों का सारांश)
  • Common salt (NaCl) is used to produce sodium hydroxide (chlor-alkali process), bleaching powder (CaOCl₂), baking soda (NaHCO₃), and washing soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O) [NCERT pp. 30-32].
  • Water of crystallisation is the fixed number of water molecules chemically combined in one formula unit of a salt (e.g. copper sulphate crystals) [NCERT p. 32].
  • Plaster of Paris (CaSO₄·½H₂O) is a white powder that sets into a hard solid mass of Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) when mixed with water [NCERT p. 33].

5. NCERT Solutions (अभ्यास प्रश्नोत्तर)

Goal: Review comprehensive, step-by-step solutions to all in-text and chapter-end textbook questions.

In-Text Questions

Q1. Why should curd and sour substances not be kept in brass and copper vessels? [NCERT p. 22]

Curd and sour substances contain organic acids. If stored in brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) or copper vessels, these acids react with the metal to form toxic metallic compounds. These toxic salts can cause food poisoning and make the food unsafe for consumption.

Q2. 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? [NCERT p. 22]

Hydrogen gas (H2) is liberated when an acid reacts with a metal.

Example: Dilute sulfuric acid reacting with Zinc granules:

Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)

Test for Hydrogen Gas: Pass the gas through soap water. The gas forms soap bubbles that rise in the air. Bring a burning matchstick or candle near these soap bubbles; the gas burns with a characteristic pop sound, confirming the presence of hydrogen.

Q3. 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. [NCERT p. 22]

Since one of the products is calcium chloride (CaCl2) and the gas evolved extinguishes a burning candle (a property of carbon dioxide, CO2), the metal compound A must be Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3).

Balanced Equation:

CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

Q4. Why do HCl, HNO3, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character? [NCERT p. 25]

HCl and HNO3 dissociate completely in water to release hydrogen ions (H+ or hydronium ions H3O+) which are responsible for acidic properties. On the other hand, compounds like glucose (C6H12O6) and alcohol (C2H5OH) contain hydrogen but do not dissociate in water to produce H+ ions. Hence, they do not show acidic behavior.

Q5. Why does an aqueous solution of an acid conduct electricity? [NCERT p. 25]

Electric current is carried through a solution by free ions. An acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and negative acid radicals (like Cl or SO42−) when dissolved in water. These free-moving ions are responsible for conducting electricity through the solution.

Q6. Why does dry HCl gas not change the colour of the dry litmus paper? [NCERT p. 25]

Dry HCl gas is a molecular compound and does not contain free H+ ions. Litmus paper changes color only in the presence of H+ (or H3O+) ions. Since water is required for HCl to dissociate into H+, dry HCl gas does not exhibit acidic properties and fails to change the color of dry litmus paper.

Q7. While diluting an acid, why is it recommended that the acid should be added to water and not water to the acid? [NCERT p. 25]

The dilution of a concentrated acid is highly exothermic. If water is added to concentrated acid, a large amount of heat is generated instantly at the point of contact. This heat can cause the acid mixture to boil and splash out, leading to severe burns. It can also cause the glass container to break due to local heating. Adding acid slowly to a large volume of water with continuous stirring dissipates the heat safely.

Q8. How is the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) affected when a solution of an acid is diluted? [NCERT p. 25]

Dilution is the process of adding water to the solution. When an acid is diluted, the total volume of the solution increases, but the number of H3O+ ions remains constant. Therefore, the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) decreases per unit volume of the solution.

Q9. How is the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH) affected when excess base is dissolved in a solution of sodium hydroxide? [NCERT p. 25]

When excess base is dissolved in a solution of sodium hydroxide, it releases additional OH ions. As a result, the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH) increases per unit volume of the solution.

Q10. 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 ion concentration? Which of this is acidic and which one is basic? [NCERT p. 28]

A lower pH value represents a higher hydrogen ion concentration. Therefore, solution A (pH = 6) has a higher hydrogen ion concentration than solution B (pH = 8).

  • Solution A (pH = 6) is acidic because its pH is less than 7.
  • Solution B (pH = 8) is basic because its pH is greater than 7.
Q11. What effect does the concentration of H+(aq) ions have on the nature of the solution? [NCERT p. 28]

The concentration of H+ ions determines the acidic strength of a solution. Higher H+ ion concentration makes the solution more acidic (lower pH), whereas lower H+ ion concentration makes the solution less acidic or basic (higher pH).

Q12. Do basic solutions also have H+(aq) ions? If yes, then why are these basic? [NCERT p. 28] Q12. क्या basic solutions में भी H+(aq) ions होते हैं? यदि हाँ, तो ये basic क्यों होते हैं? [NCERT p. 28]

Yes, basic solutions also contain H+(aq) ions. They arise from the self-ionization of water molecules. However, they are basic because the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH) is much greater than the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). हाँ, basic solutions में भी H+(aq) ions होते हैं। वे पानी के molecules के स्वतः आयनीकरण (self-ionization) से उत्पन्न होते हैं। हालाँकि, वे basic इसलिए होते हैं क्योंकि उनमें hydroxide ions (OH) की concentration hydrogen ions (H+) की concentration से बहुत अधिक होती है।

Q13. Under what soil condition do you think a farmer would treat the soil of his fields with quick lime (calcium oxide) or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) or chalk (calcium carbonate)? [NCERT p. 28] Q13. आपके विचार से किसान अपने खेतों की मिट्टी को quick lime (calcium oxide) या slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) या chalk (calcium carbonate) से कब उपचारित करेगा? [NCERT p. 28]

Quick lime (CaO), slaked lime [Ca(OH)2], and chalk (CaCO3) are all basic substances. A farmer will treat the soil with these compounds if the soil is highly acidic (pH falls below 6.0), which hinders healthy plant growth. Treating it with bases neutralises the soil acidity. Quick lime (CaO), slaked lime [Ca(OH)2], और chalk (CaCO3) सभी basic (क्षारीय) substance हैं। एक किसान इन यौगिकों के साथ मिट्टी का उपचार तब करेगा जब मिट्टी highly acidic (pH 6.0 से कम) हो जाती है, जो पौधों के स्वस्थ विकास को रोकती है। क्षारों (bases) से उपचार करने पर मिट्टी की acidity neutralise हो जाती है।

Q14. What is the common name of the compound Ca(OCl)2? [NCERT p. 33] Q14. Compound Ca(OCl)2 का साधारण नाम क्या है? [NCERT p. 33]

The common name of Ca(OCl)2 (calcium oxychloride) is Bleaching Powder. Ca(OCl)2 (calcium oxychloride) का साधारण नाम Bleaching Powder (विरंजक चूर्ण) है।

Q15. Name the substance which on treatment with chlorine yields bleaching powder. [NCERT p. 33] Q15. उस substance का नाम बताइए जो chlorine के साथ क्रिया करके bleaching powder बनाता है। [NCERT p. 33]

Dry slaked lime [Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2] yields bleaching powder when treated with chlorine gas. सूखा बुझा चूना [Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2] chlorine gas के साथ react करने पर bleaching powder देता है।

Q16. Name the sodium compound which is used for softening hard water. [NCERT p. 33] Q16. कठोर जल (hard water) को नरम करने के लिए किस sodium compound का उपयोग किया जाता है? [NCERT p. 33]

Sodium Carbonate decahydrate (Washing Soda, Na2CO3 • 10H2O) is used for removing permanent hardness of water. Sodium Carbonate decahydrate (Washing Soda, Na2CO3 • 10H2O) का उपयोग पानी की स्थायी कठोरता (hardness) को दूर करने के लिए किया जाता है।

Q17. What will happen if a solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate is heated? Give the equation of the reaction involved. [NCERT p. 33] Q17. यदि sodium hydrogencarbonate के solution को गर्म किया जाए तो क्या होगा? इसमें शामिल reaction का समीकरण दें। [NCERT p. 33]

When a solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate (baking soda) is heated, it decomposes to form sodium carbonate, water vapor, and carbon dioxide gas. जब sodium hydrogencarbonate (baking soda) के solution को गर्म किया जाता है, तो यह टूटकर sodium carbonate, water vapor, और carbon dioxide gas बनाता है।

Equation:

2NaHCO3(aq) [NCERT p. 31]Heat Na2CO3(s) + H2O(g) + CO2(g)

Q18. Write an equation to show the reaction between Plaster of Paris and water. [NCERT p. 33] Q18. Plaster of Paris और पानी के बीच की reaction को दर्शाने के लिए एक समीकरण लिखें। [NCERT p. 33]

Plaster of Paris (calcium sulphate hemihydrate) reacts with water to form Gypsum, setting into a hard solid mass. Plaster of Paris (calcium sulphate hemihydrate) पानी के साथ react करके Gypsum बनाता है, जो जमकर एक कठोर ठोस mass में बदल जाता है।

Equation:

CaSO4 • ½H2O(s) + 1½H2O(l) → CaSO4 • 2H2O(s) [NCERT p. 33]

Chapter-End Exercises

Q1. A solution turns red litmus blue, its pH is likely to be: (a) 1, (b) 4, (c) 5, (d) 10. [NCERT p. 34]

Correct Option: (d) 10

Litmus changes from red to blue in basic solutions. Basic solutions have pH values greater than 7. Therefore, a pH of 10 is the only basic pH option.

Q2. 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. [NCERT p. 34]

Correct Option: (b) HCl

Crushed eggshells are made of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Carbonates react with acids (like hydrochloric acid, HCl) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, which turns lime water milky. NaCl, LiCl, and KCl are neutral salts and do not react with eggshells.

Q3. 10 mL of a solution of NaOH is found to be completely neutralised by 8 mL of a given solution of HCl. If we take 20 mL of the same solution of NaOH, the amount of the same HCl solution required to neutralise it will be: (a) 4 mL, (b) 8 mL, (c) 12 mL, (d) 16 mL. [NCERT p. 34]

Correct Option: (d) 16 mL

Since the reaction is a quantitative neutralization: 10 mL of NaOH requires 8 mL of HCl. Doubling the amount of NaOH (20 mL) will require double the volume of the same HCl solution, which is 8 • 2 = 16 mL.

Q4. Which one of the following types of medicines is used for treating indigestion? (a) Antibiotic, (b) Analgesic, (c) Antacid, (d) Antiseptic. [NCERT p. 34]

Correct Option: (c) Antacid

Indigestion is caused by excess acid secretion in the stomach. Antacids are mild basic substances that neutralise this acidity.

Q5. Write word equations and then balanced equations for the reaction taking place when: [NCERT p. 34]
(a) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules.
(b) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.
(c) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminium powder.
(d) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron filings.

(a) Dilute sulphuric acid + Zinc:

  • Word: Zinc + Sulphuric acid → Zinc sulphate + Hydrogen
  • Balanced: Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)

(b) Dilute hydrochloric acid + Magnesium:

  • Word: Magnesium + Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen
  • Balanced: Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

(c) Dilute sulphuric acid + Aluminium:

  • Word: Aluminium + Sulphuric acid → Aluminium sulphate + Hydrogen
  • Balanced: 2Al(s) + 3H2SO4(aq) → Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 3H2(g)

(d) Dilute hydrochloric acid + Iron:

  • Word: Iron + Hydrochloric acid → Iron(II) chloride + Hydrogen
  • Balanced: Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) → FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Q6. Compounds such as alcohols and glucose also contain hydrogen but are not categorised as acids. Describe an Activity to prove it. [NCERT p. 34]

Activity 2.8 - Conduction test:

  1. Set up an electric circuit by fixing two iron nails on a rubber cork and placing it inside a 100 mL beaker.
  2. Connect the nails to the terminals of a 6-volt battery through a switch and a small LED bulb.
  3. Pour dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the beaker and switch on the current. The bulb glows, showing the solution conducts electricity because HCl dissociates into free H+ and Cl ions.
  4. Empty and rinse the beaker, then repeat the experiment using a glucose solution. The bulb does not glow, indicating no current flows.
  5. Repeat again with an alcohol solution. The bulb remains off.

Conclusion: Although glucose and alcohol contain hydrogen atoms, they do not dissociate into H+ ions in water, showing that they are not acidic.

Q7. Why does distilled water not conduct electricity, whereas rain water does? [NCERT p. 34]

Distilled water is a pure compound that does not contain dissolved mineral salts. Since there are no free ions available to carry charge, it does not conduct electricity. In contrast, rainwater absorbs gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere to form carbonic acid, sulfurous acid, and nitric acid. These acids dissociate in water to produce free ions, which conduct electricity.

Q8. Why does dry HCl gas not show acidic behaviour in the absence of water? [NCERT p. 35]

Acidic behavior is caused by hydrogen ions (H+) formed when an acid dissociates. This dissociation can only take place in the presence of water, which acts as a polar solvent to pull H+ away from Cl, forming hydronium ions. In the absence of water, dry HCl gas remains molecular and cannot release free ions, thus showing no acidic behavior.

Q9. Five solutions A, B, C, D and E when tested with universal indicator 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? Arrange the pH in increasing order of hydrogen-ion concentration. [NCERT p. 35]

Based on pH values:

  • (a) Neutral: Solution D (pH = 7)
  • (b) Strongly alkaline: Solution C (pH = 11)
  • (c) Strongly acidic: Solution B (pH = 1)
  • (d) Weakly acidic: Solution A (pH = 4)
  • (e) Weakly alkaline: Solution E (pH = 9)

Arrangement in increasing order of H⁺ concentration:

A higher pH represents a lower H+ concentration. Therefore, the order from lowest to highest H+ is:

pH 11 < pH 9 < pH 7 < pH 4 < pH 1 (Solution C < Solution E < Solution D < Solution A < Solution B)

Q10. Equal lengths of magnesium ribbons are taken in test tubes A and B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to test tube A, while acetic acid (CH3COOH) is added to test tube B. Amount and concentration taken for both the acids are same. In which test tube will the fizzing occur more vigorously and why? [NCERT p. 35]

Fizzing is caused by the release of hydrogen (H2) gas during the metal-acid reaction. The rate of hydrogen release depends on the concentration of H+ ions in the solution.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid and dissociates completely in water, producing a high H+ concentration. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid and dissociates only partially, yielding a low H+ concentration. Therefore, fizzing will occur much more vigorously in test tube A (containing HCl).

Q11. Fresh milk has a pH of 6. How do you think the pH will change as it turns into curd? Explain your answer. [NCERT p. 35]

When fresh milk turns into curd, lactose sugar present in the milk is fermented by Lactobacillus bacteria into lactic acid. The formation of lactic acid releases hydrogen ions, making the curd acidic. Consequently, the pH will decrease below 6.

Q12. A milkman adds a very small amount of baking soda to fresh milk.
(a) Why does he shift the pH of the fresh milk from 6 to slightly alkaline?
(b) Why does this milk take a long time to set as curd? [NCERT p. 35]

(a) Shifting pH to alkaline: Milk spoils and turns sour because lactic acid forms over time. Adding basic baking soda (NaHCO3) neutralises any initial lactic acid formed, shifting the pH to slightly alkaline (around 7-8). This delays spoilage and keeps the milk fresh longer.

(b) Delay in setting as curd: Curd needs an acidic environment to set (as lactic acid coagulates milk proteins). Since the baking soda has made the milk alkaline, the lactic acid produced by bacteria must first neutralise the baking soda before it can lower the pH enough for the milk to coagulate into curd. Thus, it takes longer to set.

Q13. Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture-proof container. Explain why? [NCERT p. 35]

Plaster of Paris (CaSO4 • ½H2O) is a anhydrous hemihydrate powder. If it absorbs moisture from the air, it undergoes a hydration reaction to form Gypsum (CaSO4 • 2H2O). This causes the powder to set into a hard solid mass, rendering it useless for plastering or molding. Thus, it must be stored in moisture-proof containers.

Q14. What is a neutralisation reaction? Give two examples. [NCERT p. 35]

A chemical reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water is called a neutralization reaction. The hydrogen ions of the acid combine with the hydroxide ions of the base to form neutral water.

Examples:

  1. HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
  2. H2SO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) → CaSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
Q15. Give two important uses of washing soda and baking soda. [NCERT p. 35]

Uses of Washing Soda (Na2CO3 • 10H2O):

  1. Used in glass, soap, and paper manufacturing industries.
  2. Used as a cleaning agent for domestic purposes and for removing permanent hardness of water.

Uses of Baking Soda (NaHCO3):

  1. Used as a raising agent in baking powder for making cakes, bread, and pakoras crispy (releases CO2).
  2. Used as an ingredient in antacids to neutralise excess stomach acid, and in soda-acid fire extinguishers.

6. Solved PYQs (बोर्ड परीक्षा प्रश्नोत्तर)

Goal: Test your knowledge with actual CBSE Board previous years' questions, solved with marking criteria.

1-Mark Questions (Objective / Very Short Answer)

Q1. Write the chemical formula of bleaching powder and state its active ingredient. (CBSE 2020)

Chemical formula: CaOCl2 (calcium oxychloride). The active ingredient is chlorine gas (Cl2) released when it reacts with atmospheric moisture or acids.

Q2. Name the acid present in tomato and vinegar. (CBSE 2019)

Tomato contains oxalic acid. Vinegar contains acetic acid (ethanoic acid) [NCERT p. 28].

2-Mark Questions (Short Answer - Type I)

Q3. A substance X is used as a medicine for neutralizing acidity in the stomach. When heated, it releases a gas Y which makes bread rise. Identify X and Y and write the heating equation. (CBSE 2023)

1. The substance X used as an antacid that decomposes to release baking gas is Baking Soda (Sodium Hydrogencarbonate, NaHCO3).

2. The gas Y released is Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

Equation:

2NaHCO3(s) →Heat Na2CO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) [NCERT p. 31]

3-Mark Questions (Short Answer - Type II)

Q4. What is the chlor-alkali process? Write the balanced chemical equation representing the reaction and state one use of each of the three products. (CBSE 2022)

Definition: The chlor-alkali process is the industrial electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine) to produce chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide [NCERT p. 30].

Equation:

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

Uses:

  • Chlorine (Cl2): Water treatment, manufacturing PVC, disinfectants.
  • Hydrogen (H2): Rocket fuel, ammonia for fertilizers, margarine.
  • Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Degreasing metals, soaps and detergents, paper making.

5-Mark Questions (Long Answer)

Q5. Answer the following questions: (CBSE 2021)
(a) Why does tooth decay start when mouth pH is below 5.5?
(b) What is Plaster of Paris? Why should it not be mixed with water during storage?
(c) Give the chemical names and formulae of Gypsum and Plaster of Paris.

(a) Tooth Decay: Enamel is made of calcium phosphate (calcium hydroxyapatite), which is highly resistant to water but gets corroded when mouth pH falls below 5.5 [NCERT p. 27]. Bacteria break down food particles to produce acids. Using basic toothpaste neutralises the acid and prevents corrosion.

(b) Plaster of Paris storage: Plaster of Paris is CaSO4 • ½H2O. If it contacts moisture during storage, it hydrates to form Gypsum, setting into a hard solid mass [NCERT p. 33]. This ruins the product, so it must be kept in airtight containers.

(c) Names and Formulae:

  • Gypsum: Calcium sulphate dihydrate, CaSO4 • 2H2O [NCERT p. 33].
  • Plaster of Paris: Calcium sulphate hemihydrate, CaSO4 • ½H2O [NCERT p. 33].