Acids Bases and Salts Important Questions with Answers

Question 1. With the help of an example explain what happens when a base reacts with a non- metallic
oxide. What do you infer about the nature of non-metal oxide? (Board Term I, 2017)

Answer: Oxides of non-metals react with bases to form salt and water. For example, the reaction between
carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide, which is a base, reacts with carbon dioxide to produce
salt and water.
CO2 + Ca(OH)2 → − CaCO3 + H2 O

Hence, oxides of non-metals are acidic in nature.

Question 2. What is observed when carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water
(i) for a short duration?
(ii) for a long duration? Also write the chemical equations for the reactions involved. (Board Term I, 2016)

Answer: (i) When CO2 is passed through lime water for short interval of time, it turns milky due to the
formation of insoluble calcium carbonate.

CO2 + Ca(OH)2 →
− CaCO3 + H2 O

(ii) If CO2 is passed for long duration through lime water, the white precipitate formed dissolves due to the
formation of soluble calcium hydrogen carbonate and the solution becomes clear.

CaCO3 + CO2 + H2 O →
− Ca(HCO3 )2

Question 3. 2 mL of sodium hydroxide solution is added to a few pieces of granulated zinc metal taken
in a test tube. When the content are warmed, a gas evolves which is bubbled through a soap solution before
testing. Write the equation of the chemical reaction involved and the test to detect the gas. Name the gas
which will be evolved when the same metal reacts with dilute solution of a strong acid.
Answer: It is observed that active metals like zinc react with strong bases like NaOH, KOH etc. to liberate
hydrogen gas and corresponding salt.

2N aOH + Zn →
− N a2 ZnO2 + H2

The evolution of gas is confirmed by the bubble formation in soap solution. Test to detect H2 gas: When burning
matchstick is kept on the mouth of this test tube, pop sound is heard which confirms the presence of H2 gas.
When Zn metal reacts with dilute solution of strong acid, H2 gas is evolved.

Zn + 2HCl →
− ZnCl2 + H2

Question 4. To. a solution of sodium hydroxide in a test tube, two drops of phenolphthalein are added.
(i) State the colour change observed.
(ii) If dil HCl is added dropwise to the solution, what will be the colour change?
(iii) On adding few drops of NaOH solution to the above mixture the colour of the solution reappears.
Why? (Board Term I, 2013)

Answer: (i) On adding phenolphthalein to NaOH solution, the colour becomes pink. (ii) On adding dilute HCl
solution dropwise to the same test tube, the pink colour disappears and the solution again becomes colourless.
(iii) On again adding NaOH to the above mixture, pink colour reappears because the medium becomes basic again.

Question 6. A cloth’strip dipped in onion juice is used for testing a liquid ‘X. The liquid ‘X changes its
odour. Which type of an indicator is onion juice? The liquid ‘X turns blue litmus red. List the observations

1
the liquid ‘X will show on reacting with the following :
(a) Zinc granules
(b) Solid sodium carbonate
Write the chemical equations for the reactions involved.

Answer: Onion juice is an olfactory indicator. Olfactory indicators give one type of odour in acidic medium
and a different odour in basic medium. As the liquid ‘X’ turns blue litmus red, hence it is an acidic solution.
(a) Acids react with active metals such as zinc, magnesium etc. and evolve hydrogen gas, for example,

Zn(s) + dil.H2 SO4(aq) →

− ZnSO4 H2(g)

(b) Acids react with metal carbonates to give carbon dioxide with brisk effervescence. For example,

N a2 CO3 + H2 SO4 →
− N a2 SO4 + CO2 + H2 O

Question 7. (a) Write the chemical name and formula of marble.

(b) It has been found that marbles of Taj are getting corroded due to development of industrial areas
around it. Explain this fact giving a chemical equation.

Answer: (a) The chemical formula of marble (lime stone) is CaCO3 . Its chemical name is calcium carbonate.

(b) Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world situated at Agra, is continuously losing its luster day by
day due to rapid industrialisation which causes acid rain. The sulphuric acid present in the acid rain causes the
marble (CaCO3 ) to be washed off as calcium sulphate (CaSO4 ), leading to the deterioration of such a splendid
piece of architecture.

CaCO3(s) + H2 SO4(aq ) →
− CaSO4(aq) + H2 O(l) + CO2(g)

Question 8 :On diluting an acid, it is advised to add acid to water and not water to acid. Explain why it
is so advised? (Board Term I, 2014)
Ans : Diluting a concentrated acid with water is a highly exothermic process. When water is added to
concentrated acid, large amounts of heat are liberated, which can turn some of the water into steam explosively.
This can splash the acid and even cause the glass apparatus to break due to excessive heating.
Question 9 :(i) Draw a labelled diagram to show the preparation of hydrogen chloride gas in the labo-
ratory.

2
 (ii) Test the gas evolved first with dry and then with wet litmus paper. In which of the two cases, does
the litmus paper show a change in colour?
There is no change in the colour of dry blue litmus paper, but moist blue litmus paper turns red when brought
near the mouth of the test tube. This shows that HCl gas does not exhibit acidic behaviour in the absence of water
but shows acidic behaviour in the presence of water.
(iii) State the reason for exhibiting acidic character by dry HCl gas/HCl solution.
When HCl gas dissolves in water, it forms a hydrochloric acid solution, i.e., HCl(aq), which then produces
H (aq) or H3 O+ (aq) ions.
+

HCl + H2 O → H3 O+ + Cl−
Due to the presence of H + or H3 O+ ions, it shows acidic behaviour.
Question 10 :Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

(i) NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) →

(ii) CaCO3 (s) + H2 O(l) + CO2 (g) →

(iii) HCl(aq) + H2 O(l) →

Answer:

(i) 2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) → Na2 ZnO2 (aq) + H2 (g)

(ii) CaCO3 (s) + CO2 (g) + H2 O(l) → Ca(HCO3 )2 (aq)

(iii) HCl(aq) + H2 O(l) → H3 O+ + Cl− (aq)

Question 11 :How do the following substances dissociate to produce ions in their solutions?

(i) Hydrochloric acid

(ii) Nitric acid

(iii) Sulphuric acid

(iv) Sodium hydroxide

(v) Potassium hydroxide

(vi) Magnesium hydroxide (Board Term 1, 2017)

Answer:

(i) HCl → H+ + Cl−

(ii) HNO3 → H+ + NO−

3

(iii) H2 SO4 → 2H+ + SO2−

4

(iv) NaOH → Na+ + OH−

(v) KOH → K+ + OH−

(vi) Mg(OH)2 → Mg2+ + 2OH−

Question 12 :Sugandha prepares HCl gas in her school laboratory using certain chemicals. She puts
both dry and wet blue litmus papers in contact with the gas.

3
 (i) Name the reagents used by Sugandha to prepare HCl gas.

(ii) State the colour changes observed with the dry and wet blue litmus papers.

(iii) Show the formation of ions when HCl gas combines with water. (Board Term I, 2013)
Answer:
(i) Dense white fumes of hydrogen chloride gas are evolved on heating solid sodium chloride with concentrated
sulphuric acid
NaCl + H2 S04 → N aHSO4 + HCl

(ii) Refer to answer (ii) of Question 9.

(iii) Refer to answer (iii) of Question 9.

Question 13 : (a) Illustrate an activity to investigate whether all compounds containing hydrogen are
acidic.
Take two beakers, one containing HCl acid and the other containing alcohol, which is not an acid but contains
hydrogen. Fix two iron nails on a rubber cork, insert them in a beaker, and connect the nails to the two terminals
of a 6V battery through a switch and a bulb. Pour some dilute HCl solution in the beaker and switch on the
current. The bulb starts glowing, showing that acids dissociate into H+ and Cl− ions responsible for conducting
electricity.

Now take an alcohol solution in the beaker and switch on the current. The bulb does not glow in this case, showing
that alcohol does not conduct electricity.

Thus, all acids have hydrogen, but not all hydrogen-containing compounds are acids.
(b) What happens when hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are dissolved in water? Explain by
giving equations for each.
HCl dissociates in aqueous solution to give hydrogen ions (or hydronium ions) and chloride ions.

HCl → H+ + Cl−

4
 NaOH when dissolved in water produces sodium ions and hydroxide ions in the solution.

NaOH → Na+ + OH−

Question 14 : An aqueous solution ‘A’ turns phenolphthalein solution pink. On addition of an aqueous
solution ‘B’ to ‘A’, the pink colour disappears. The following statement is true for solution ‘A’ and ‘B’:

(a) A is strongly basic and B is a weak base.

(b) A is strongly acidic and B is a weak acid.

(c) A has pH greater than 7 and B has pH less than 7.

(d) A has pH less than 7 and B has pH greater than 7. (2020)

Answer: (c) As the aqueous solution of A turns phenolphthalein solution pink, A is basic in nature. On
adding an acidic solution, the pink colour will disappear. Hence, B is an acid.

Question 15 : Out of HCl and CH3 COOH, which one is a weak acid and why? Explain with the help of
an example. (AI 2019)
Out of HCl and CH3 COOH, CH3 COOH is a weak acid because it dissociates partially in the solution. This
can be proved with the help of the following example.
If 1 ml HCl and 1 ml CH3 COOH are taken in a beaker, greater deflection is observed in the case of HCl,
which shows that more ions are produced by HCl in solution, producing more current.

Question 16 : Explain how an antacid works. (Board Term I, 2017)

The acidity produced due to excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes indigestion, pain, and irritation.
Milk of magnesia (chemically magnesium hydroxide) is used as an antacid. Since it is basic in nature, it reacts
with the excess hydrochloric acid present in the stomach and neutralises it.
Question 17 :(a) Three acidic solutions A, B, and C have pH = 0, 3, and 5 respectively.

(i) Which solution has the highest concentration of H+ ions?

(ii) Which solution has the lowest concentration of H+ ions?

(b) How can concentrated sulphuric acid be diluted? Describe the process. (Board Term I, 2014)
Answer:

(a) (i) The solution having lower pH will have more hydrogen ion concentration. Hence, solution ‘A’ will
have the highest H+ ion concentration.
(ii) Solution ‘C’ with pH = 5 has the lowest concentration of H+ ions.

(b) Mixing an acid with water is called dilution. This process is highly exothermic; therefore, acid is always
added to the water, not water to acid. The process for diluting concentrated sulphuric acid is:

5
 (i) Take about 10 mL of water in a beaker.
(ii) Add concentrated sulphuric acid dropwise to water and swirl the beaker slowly.

Question 18 : A compound P forms the enamel of teeth. It is the hardest substance of the body. It
doesn’t dissolve in water but gets corroded when the pH is lowered below 5.5.
(a) Identify the compound P.

(b) How does it undergo damage due to eating chocolate and sweets? What should we do to prevent tooth
decay? (Board Term I, 2014, 2013)
Answer:
(a) The compound P is calcium phosphate.

(b) Eating chocolates and sweets produce a large amount of acid in the mouth, which is not completely neu-
tralised by the saliva produced in the mouth. Excess acid attacks the enamel, and tooth decay starts as the
pH of the mouth falls below 5.5. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to clean the teeth using toothpaste
after eating food. Toothpaste, which is generally basic, neutralises the excess acid in the mouth.
Question 19: Baking soda is a mixture of
(a) sodium carbonate and acetic acid

(b) sodium carbonate and tartaric acid

(c) sodium hydrogen carbonate and tartaric acid

(d) sodium hydrogen carbonate and acetic acid.

Answer: (c) Baking soda is a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate and a mild edible acid like tartaric acid
or citric acid.
Question 20: The chemical formula for plaster of Paris is
(a) CaSO4 ·2H2 O

(b) CaSO4 ·2H2 O

(c) CaSO4 · 12 H2 O

(d) 2CaSO4 ·H2 O

Answer: (c), (d) Plaster of Paris is calcium sulphate hemihydrate, which can be represented as, CaSO4 · 21 H2 O
and 2CaSO4 ·H2 O.
Question 21 :"Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a basic salt." Justify this statement. How is it converted
into washing soda? (AI2019)
Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3 ) is basic in nature as it hydrolyzes to give a mixture of a strong base
(NaOH) and a weak acid (H2 CO3 ). Sodium hydrogen carbonate is converted to washing soda in the following
way:
(i) Thermal decomposition of NaHCO3 :
∆
2NaHCO3 −
→ Na2 CO3 + CO2 + H2 O

(ii) Recrystallization of sodium carbonate:

Na2 CO3 + 10H2 O → Na2 CO3 · 10H2 O

6
 Question 22 : Write the chemical formula of Bleaching powder. How is bleaching powder prepared?
For what purpose is it used in drinking water? (Board Term I, 2016)
The chemical formula of bleaching powder is CaOCl2 . It is prepared by the action of chlorine gas on dry
slaked lime Ca(OH)2 .
Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2 O
The chlorine used in the above reaction is the by-product produced during the electrolysis of brine. It is used in
disinfecting drinking water as chlorine liberated by it, kills the germs.

Question 23 : A student collected common names and formulae of some substances but he forgot to
note which formula is for which compound. Help him to match the correct formula. (Board Term I, 2013)
(i) Caustic soda → NaOH
(ii) Slaked lime → Ca(OH)2
(iii) Baking soda → NaHCO3
(iv) Lime → CaO

Question 24 :List the important products of the Chlor-alkali process. Write one important use of each.
(2020)
Sodium hydroxide is prepared by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (brine). The complete
reaction can be represented as:
2NaCl + 2H2 O → 2NaOH + Cl2 + H2
The process of electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is called the chlor-alkali process because of the products
formed: chlor for chlorine and alkali for sodium hydroxide. The three very useful products obtained by the
electrolysis of sodium chloride solution are sodium hydroxide, chlorine, and hydrogen.

• Uses of sodium hydroxide: In the manufacture of soaps and detergents.

• Uses of chlorine: As a germicide and disinfectant for sterilization of drinking water and for water in swim-
ming pools.

• Uses of hydrogen: In the manufacture of ammonia, which is used for the preparation of various fertilizers
like urea, ammonium sulfate, etc.

Question 25 :How is washing soda prepared from sodium carbonate? Give its chemical equation. State
the type of this salt. Name the type of hardness of water which can be removed by it? (2020)
Washing soda is prepared by recrystallization of sodium carbonate:

Na2 CO3 + 10H2 O → Na2 CO3 · 10H2 O

It is used to remove the permanent hardness of water. Hard water is treated with a calculated amount of washing
soda when chlorides and sulfates of calcium and magnesium present in hard water get precipitated as insoluble
calcium and magnesium carbonates which can be easily filtered off. The water thus becomes soft.

CaCl2 + Na2 CO3 → CaCO3 ↓ +2NaCl

MgSO4 + Na2 CO3 → MgCO3 ↓ +Na2 SO4

Question 26 : Give reasons for the following:

(i) Only one half of the water molecule is shown in the formula of plaster of Paris.

(ii) Sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as an antacid.

7
 (iii) On strong heating, blue-colored copper sulfate crystals turn white. (2020)

Answer:

(i) Only one half of the water molecule is shown in the formula of plaster of Paris (CaSO4 · 21 H2 O) as one
molecule of water is being shared by two molecules of calcium sulfate (CaSO4 ). So the effective water of
crystallization for one CaSO4 unit comes to half a molecule of water.

(ii) Acidity can be neutralized by a base. Sodium hydrogen carbonate can be used as an antacid solution
because it is a weak base and will react with excess acid produced in the stomach due to hyperacidity and
will neutralize it.

(iii) Blue-colored copper sulfate crystals are hydrated copper sulfate, CuSO4 · 5H2 O. On heating, blue copper
sulfate crystals lose their water of crystallization and turn into anhydrous copper sulfate, which is white in
color.

Question 27 : During electrolysis of brine, a gas ‘G’ is liberated at the anode. When this gas ‘G’ is
passed through slaked lime, a compound ‘C’ is formed, which is used for disinfecting drinking water.

(i) Write the formula of ‘G’ and ‘C’.

(ii) State the chemical equations involved.

(iii) What is the common name of compound ‘C’? Give its chemical name. (2020)

Answer:

(i) During electrolysis of brine, chlorine is obtained at the anode. When chlorine is passed through slaked
lime, bleaching powder is formed which is used for disinfecting drinking water. Hence, G is Cl2 and C is
CaOCl2 .

(ii)
2NaCl + 2H2 O → 2NaOH + Cl2 + H2
Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2 O

(iii) The common name of C is bleaching powder. Its chemical name is calcium hypochlorite.

Question 28 : Identify the acid and the base from which sodium chloride is obtained. Which type of salt
is it? When is it called rock salt? How is rock salt formed? (Delhi 2019)
Sodium chloride is obtained by the neutralization of sodium hydroxide (base) with hydrochloric acid (acid).
It is a neutral salt. Common salt found in the form of solid deposits is often brown in color due to the presence of
impurities which is called rock salt. Rock salt is formed by the evaporation of salty water from inland lakes.

Question 29 : A white powder is added while baking cakes to make it soft and spongy. Name its main
ingredients. Explain the function of each ingredient. Write the chemical reaction taking place when the
powder is heated during baking. (AI2019)
The white powder added while baking cakes to make it soft and spongy is baking powder. Its main ingredients
are sodium hydrogen carbonate and a mild edible acid like tartaric acid or citric acid. NaHCO3 decomposes to
give out CO2 which causes the cake to rise and makes it soft and spongy. The function of tartaric acid or citric
acid is to neutralize sodium carbonate formed during heating which can otherwise make the cake bitter. The
reaction taking place when the powder is heated:
∆
2NaHCO3 −
→ Na2 CO3 + H2 O + CO2

8
 Question 30 : The pH of a salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is 14. Identify the salt and write
a chemical equation for its formation. List its two uses. (2018)
The salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ), pH = 9. On a large scale,
sodium bicarbonate is prepared as:

NaCl + H2 O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4 Cl + NaHCO3

Two uses of sodium bicarbonate are as follows:

(i) It is used as an antacid in medicines.

(ii) It is used as an additive in food and drinks.

Note: In the question paper, the given pH is 14 which should be 9.

Question 31 : Write one point of difference between each of the following:

(i) A hydrated salt and an anhydrous salt.

(ii) Washing soda and soda ash.

(iii) Baking soda and baking powder. (Board Term 1, 2017)

Answer:

(i) A hydrated salt contains water of crystallization as part of its molecules, whereas an anhydrous salt does
not contain water of crystallization.

(ii) Washing soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2 CO3 ·10H2 O), while soda ash is anhydrous sodium
carbonate (Na2 CO3 ).

(iii) Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ), while baking powder is a mixture of baking soda and
a mild edible acid like tartaric acid or citric acid.

Question 32 : What is the chemical name and chemical formula of baking soda? Explain why baking
soda is used to make bread and cake soft and spongy. (Board Term 1, 2016)
Baking soda is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate and its chemical formula is NaHCO3 . When baking
soda is heated, it decomposes to produce CO2 gas, which causes the bread or cake to rise and become soft and
spongy.
∆
2NaHCO3 − → Na2 CO3 + H2 O + CO2

Question 33 : What happens when crystals of washing soda are left open in dry air? What is this
property called? (Board Term 1, 2016)
When crystals of washing soda (Na2 CO3 ·10H2 O) are left open in dry air, they lose their water of crystalliza-
tion and become amorphous white powder. This property is known as efflorescence.

Question 34 : Explain the following giving chemical equations:

(i) Plaster of Paris should be stored in moisture-proof containers.

(ii) Gypsum, when heated to a temperature of 373 K, forms plaster of Paris. (Board Term 1, 2015)

9
 Answer:

(i) Plaster of Paris should be stored in moisture-proof containers because it absorbs moisture to form hard solid
mass as gypsum.
1 3
CaSO4 · H2 O + H2 O → CaSO4 · 2H2 O
2 2
(ii) Gypsum is heated to 373 K to form plaster of Paris.

373K 1 3
CaSO4 · 2H2 O −−→ CaSO4 · H2 O + H2 O
2 2

Question 35 : Define water of crystallisation. Give the chemical formula for two compounds as exam-
ples. How can it be proved that the water of crystallisation makes a difference in the state and colour of
the compounds? (2020)
Answer: Water of crystallisation: It is the fixed number of water molecules present in one formula unit of a
salt. For example:

• Gypsum (CaSO4 · 2H2 O) has two molecules of water of crystallisation.

• Hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4 · 5H2 O) has five molecules of water of crystallisation.

Activity:

• Take a few crystals of copper sulfate in a dry boiling tube. These are blue in color.

• Heat the boiling tube by holding it with a test tube holder on the flame of the burner.

Observations: You will observe that the color of copper sulfate crystals after heating becomes white. You
may also notice water droplets on the mouth side of the boiling tube which are obtained from the water of crys-
tallisation. After adding 2-3 drops of water to the white sample of copper sulfate (obtained after heating), you
will observe that the blue color of copper sulfate crystals is restored.

Question 36 : (a) A student dropped a few pieces of marble in dilute hydrochloric acid contained in a
test tube. The evolved gas was passed through lime water. What change would be observed in lime water?
Write balanced chemical equations for both the changes observed. (b) State the chemical property in each
case on which the following uses of baking soda are based:

(i) as an antacid

(ii) as a constituent of baking powder. (Board Term I, 2017)

Answer:

10
 (a) When marble reacts with dilute HCl, carbon dioxide gas is liberated.

CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2 O + CO2

When CO2 gas is passed through lime water, insoluble calcium carbonate is formed which appears milky.

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 ↓ +H2 O

(b) (i) The excess acid formed in the stomach due to various reasons (one being overeating) is neutralised by
sodium hydrogen carbonate. Hence, it is used as an ingredient of antacid.
(ii) Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) is a constituent of baking powder. On heating, it gives out
CO2 which causes the cake to rise and make it soft and spongy.

Question 37 : (a) What are anhydrous and hydrated salts? Explain with a suitable example of each. (b)
How is plaster of Paris prepared? What reaction takes place when it sets to a hard mass? (Board Term I,
2017)
Answer:

(a) Refer to answer 31(i).

(b) Plaster of Paris is prepared from gypsum, which is calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4 · 2H2 O). Gypsum is
heated in a kiln to a temperature of 100°C (373 K). At this temperature, it loses three-fourths of its water of
crystallisation, forming plaster of Paris.

373K 1 3
CaSO4 · 2H2 O −−→ CaSO4 · H2 O + H2 O
2 2
Refer to answer 33(b) for the reaction that takes place when it sets to a hard mass.

Question 38 : (a) Write the chemical formula of hydrated copper sulfate and anhydrous copper sulfate.
Giving an activity illustrate how these two are interconvertible. (b) Write chemical names and formulae of
plaster of Paris and gypsum. (Board Term 1, 2016)
Answer:

(a) The chemical formula of hydrated copper sulfate is CuSO4 · 5H2 O and anhydrous copper sulfate is CuSO4 .
For activity, refer to answer 35.

(b) Plaster of Paris is calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4 · 12 H2 O) and gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate
(CaSO4 · 2H2 O).

Question 39 : How is sodium hydroxide produced? Write the balanced chemical equation also. Why is
this process called the chlor-alkali process? In this process, name the products given off at:

(a) anode

(b) cathode

Write one use of each of these products. (Board Term I, 2015)

Answer: Refer to answer 24.

Question 40 : What is water of crystallization? Write the common name and chemical formula of a
commercially important compound which has ten water molecules as water of crystallization. How is this
compound obtained? Write the chemical equation also. List any two uses of this compound. (Board Term
I, 2015)

11
 Answer: Water of crystallization: Crystals of some salts contain a certain amount of associated water. The
water associated with the crystal (or molecule) of any salt is called water of crystallisation.
The hydrated salt known as washing soda is sodium carbonate containing ten molecules of water of crystal-
lization, i.e., sodium carbonate decahydrate. Its molecular formula is Na2 CO3 · 10H2 O.
It can be obtained by heating baking soda followed by recrystallisation from its aqueous solution.

Na2 CO3 + 10H2 O → Na2 CO3 · 10H2 O

Uses of sodium carbonate:

(i) For the manufacture of glass, soap, papers, and chemicals like caustic soda (NaOH), borax, etc.

(ii) For washing purposes (laundry works).

Question 41 : (a) You have three solutions – A, B, and C having a pH of 6, 2, and 9 respectively. Arrange
these solutions in increasing order of hydrogen ion concentration. Which of the three is most acidic? What
happens to the hydrogen ion concentration in A as it is diluted? (b) If someone is suffering from a stomach
problem called acidity, why is a solution of baking soda offered as a remedy? (c) Write the chemical name
and formula of baking soda. (Board Term I, 2013)
Answer:

(a) The solution having lower pH will have more hydrogen ion concentration. Hence, the order in increasing
hydrogen ion concentration is:

Solution C(pH = 9) < Solution A(pH = 6) < Solution B(pH = 2)

Solution B is the most acidic. Adding water to solution A will reduce the concentration of hydrogen ions
in the solution.

(b) Refer to answer 26(ii).

(c) Refer to answer 31(iii).

12