Chapter 6

Study of the First Element — Hydrogen

Class 9 - Dalal Simplified ICSE Chemistry Solutions

Equation Worksheet
Question 1

Preparation of hydrogen
[General Methods]

Reactions of active metals - cold

water

K + H2O ⟶ ............... + ...............

1. Potassium
[g]

Na + H2O ⟶ ............... + ...............

2. Sodium
[g]

Ca + H2O ⟶ ............... + ...............

3. Calcium
[g]

Reaction of metals with steam

Mg + H2O ⟶ ............... + ...............

4. Magnesium
[g]

Al + H2O ⟶ ............... + ...............

5. Aluminium
[g]

Zn + H2O ⟶ ............... + ...............

6. Zinc
[g]
 Preparation of hydrogen
[General Methods]

Fe + H2O ⇌ ............... + ...............

7. Iron
[g]

Reactions of metals with dilute

acids

Mg + HCl ⟶ ............... + ...............

8. Magnesium
[g]

Al + H2SO4 ⟶ ............... + ...............

9. Aluminium
[g]

Zn + HCl ⟶ ............... + ...............

10. Zinc
[g]

Fe + HCl ⟶ ............... + ...............

11. Iron
[g]

Reactions of metals - alkali

[conc. soln.]

Zn + NaOH ⟶ ...............

Zn + KOH ⟶ ............... + ...............

+ ............... [g]
12. Zinc

[g]

Pb + NaOH ⟶ ...............
13. Lead
+ ............... [g]

Al + NaOH + H2O ⟶ ...............

Al + KOH + H2O ⟶ ...............

+ ............... [g]
14. Aluminium

+ ............... [g]

Answer
Preparation of hydrogen
[General Methods]

Reactions of active metals -

cold water

1. Potassium 2K + 2H2O ⟶ 2KOH + H2 [g]

2. Sodium 2Na + 2H2O ⟶ 2NaOH + H2 [g]

3. Calcium Ca + 2H2O ⟶ Ca(OH)2 + H2 [g]

Reaction of metals with steam

4. Magnesium Mg + H2O ⟶ MgO + H2 [g]

5. Aluminium 2Al + 3H2O ⟶ Al2O3 + 3H2 [g]

6. Zinc Zn + H2O ⟶ ZnO + H2 [g]

7. Iron 3Fe + 4H2O ⇌ Fe3O4 + 4H2 [g]

Reactions of metals with dilute

acids

8. Magnesium Mg + 2HCl⟶ MgCl2 + H2 [g]

9. Aluminium 2Al + 3H2SO4 ⟶ Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2 [g]

10. Zinc Zn + H2SO4 ⟶ ZnSO4 + H2 [g]

11. Iron Fe + 2HCl ⟶ FeCl2 + H2 [g]

Reactions of metals - alkali

[conc. soln.]

12. Zinc Zn + 2NaOH ⟶ Na2ZnO2 + H2 [g]

 Preparation of hydrogen
[General Methods]

Zn + 2KOH ⟶ K2ZnO2 + H2 [g]

13. Lead Pb + 2NaOH ⟶ Na2PbO2 + H2 [g]

⟶ 2NaAlO2 + 3H2 [g]

2Al+ 2NaOH + 2H2O
14. Aluminium
⟶ 2KAlO2 + 3H2 [g]
2Al + 2KOH + 2H2O

Question 2

Preparation of hydrogen
[Laboratory method]

By action of dilute acid on zinc

Zn + HCl ⟶ ...............
15. Zinc
+ ............... [g]

Preparation of hydrogen
[Industrial method - Bosch process]

C + H2O ⟶ [ ...............
16. Step I - Production of water gas
+ ............... ] - Δ (1000°C)

CO + H2 + H2O ⟶ ...............
17. Step II - Reduction of steam to hydrogen
+ ............... [g] (450°C /
by carbon monoxide
Fe2O3)

KOH + CO2 ⟶ ...............

18. Step III - Removal of unreacted carbon
+ ............... [g]
dioxide and carbon monoxide from the

⟶ ...............
CuCl + CO + H2O
above mixture

Answer
 Preparation of hydrogen
[Laboratory method]

By action of dilute acid on zinc

15. Zinc Zn + 2HCl ⟶ ZnCl2 + H2 [g]

Preparation of hydrogen
[Industrial method - Bosch process]

C + H2O ⟶ [ CO + H2 ] - Δ
16. Step I - Production of water gas
(1000°C)

17. Step II - Reduction of steam to CO + H2 + H2O ⟶ CO2 + 2H2 [g]

hydrogen by carbon monoxide (450°C / Fe2O3)

CO2 ⟶ K2CO3 + H2O [g]

2KOH +
18. Step III - Removal of unreacted
carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
⟶ [Link].2H2O
CuCl + CO + 2H2O
from the above mixture

Question 3

Tests and uses of hydrogen

Conversion of hydrogen to

19. Water H2 + O2 ⟶ ...............

20. Hydrogen chloride H2 + Cl2 ⟶ ...............

21. Ammonia N2 + H2 ⇌ ...............

22. Hydrogen sulphide H2 + S ⟶ ...............

Hydrogen in metallurgy -
reduction of
 Tests and uses of hydrogen

ZnO + H2 ⟶ ...............
23. Zinc oxide
+ ...............

Fe2O3 + H2 ⟶ ...............
24. Iron [III] oxide
+ ...............

Answer

Tests and uses of hydrogen

Conversion of hydrogen to

19. Water 2H2 + O2 ⟶ 2H2O + Δ

20. Hydrogen chloride H2 + Cl2 ⟶ 2HCl

21. Ammonia N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 + Δ

22. Hydrogen sulphide H 2 + S ⟶ H 2S

Hydrogen in metallurgy - reduction of

23. Zinc oxide ZnO + H2 ⟶ Zn + H2O

24. Iron [III] oxide Fe2O3 + 3H2 ⟶ 2Fe + 3H2O

Questions
Question 1(1984)
Name an element which reacts violently with water at room temperature.
Answer
Potassium
Question 2(1984)
What do the following symbols [or formula] denote : 2H ; H2 ; H+. [two atoms,
molecule, ion]
Answer
2H — 2 atoms of hydrogen
H2 — A molecule of hydrogen
H+ — A Hydrogen ion
Question 3(1984)
Write correctly balanced equation for the following 'word equation' :
calcium + water ⟶ calcium hydroxide + hydrogen
Answer
Ca + 2H2O ⟶ Ca(OH)2 + H2
Question 4(1984)
When steam is passed over red-hot iron, magnetic oxide of iron and hydrogen
are obtained. 'The reaction between steam and red-hot iron is a Reversible
Reaction'. What is meant by this statement.
Answer
The reaction between steam and red-hot iron is as follows:
3Fe+4H2Osteam⇌Fe3O4+4H23Fe+steam4H2O⇌Fe3O4+4H2
It is a reversible reaction because oxide of iron and hydrogen recombine to
form iron and steam.
Question 5(1984)
How can you obtain hydrogen from sodium hydroxide [not by electrolysis].
Answer
When powdered zinc reacts with sodium hydroxide it produces hydrogen.
Zn+2NaOH⟶Na2ZnO2sodium zincate+H2[g]Zn+2NaOH⟶sodium zincateNa2
ZnO2+H2[g]
Question 1(1985)

hydrochloric acid ⟶
Write balanced equation for the following reaction : magnesium + dil.

Answer
Mg + 2HCl (dil.) ⟶ MgCl2 + H2
Question 1(1986)
Name a gas which burns in air or oxygen forming water.
Answer
Hydrogen
Question 2(1986)
Write correctly balanced equation for the following :
When steam is passed over red hot iron.
Answer

⇌[magnetic oxide of iron]Fe3O4+4H2

3Fe+4H2O[steam]⇌Fe3O4[magnetic oxide of iron]+4H23Fe+[steam]4H2O

Question 3(1986)
Explain the following :
Two jars of H2 are collected – 'one burns quietly and the other does not'.
Answer
The jar of hydrogen which burns quietly contains pure hydrogen whereas the
other jar does not burn quietly because it contains a mixture of hydrogen and
air which is explosive in nature and burns with a pop sound.
Question 1(1987)
Write correctly the balanced equation for the following : 'When zinc filings are
added to a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide'.
Answer
Zn+2NaOH⟶Na2ZnO2sodium zincate+H2[g]Zn+2NaOH⟶sodium zincateNa2
ZnO2+H2[g]
Question 2(1987)
Describe one chemical test applied to the following gases, which would enable
you to distinguish between them : 'carbon monoxide and hydrogen'.
Answer
CO reacts with excess of Oxygen to give CO2 gas that turns lime water milky.
2CO + O2 ⟶ 2CO2
CO2 + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ CaCO3 + H2O
Hydrogen reacts with Oxygen to form water. It doesn't turn lime water milky.
2H2 + O2 ⟶ 2H2O
Question 1(1988)

solution + zinc ⟶
Write down the 'word equation' for the following reaction : sodium hydroxide

Answer
Sodium hydroxide solution + zinc ⟶ Sodium zincate + hydrogen gas
Question 2(1988)
Explain briefly how hydrogen is manufactured on a large scale, from steam.
Answer
Step I
Reaction : Production of water gas
Ccoke+H2Osteam→1000°C[CO+H2]water gas−ΔcokeC+steamH2O1000°Cwater
gas[CO+H2]−Δ
Reactants : White hot coke and steam
Temperature : Around 1000°C
Process : Passage of steam over white hot coke [carbon]
Chamber : Specially designed convertor
Step II
Reaction : Reduction of steam to hydrogen by carbon monoxide
[CO+H2]water gas+H2Oexcess steam→450°CFe2O3 CO2+2H2+Δwater gas[CO+
H2]+excess steamH2OFe2O3450°C CO2+2H2+Δ
Reactants : Water gas and excess steam
Temperature : Around 450°C
Catalysts : Iron [III] oxide [Fe2O3], promoter chromic oxide [Cr2O3]
Process : Excess steam is mixed with water gas, passed over a catalyst at
elevated temperatures.
[CO is converted to CO2 with a further yield of hydrogen.]
Step III
Reaction : Separation of carbon dioxide [CO2] and carbon monoxide from the
above mixture
(a) CO2 is removed by dissolving mixture in water under pressure [30
atmospheres], or caustic potash solution to dissolve CO2.
2KOH + CO2 ⟶ K2CO3 + H2O
(b) CO is removed by dissolving mixture in ammoniacal cuprous chloride
solution.
CuCl + CO + 2H2O ⟶ [Link].2H2O.
Thus, hydrogen gas is left over.
Question 1(1989)
State the products of the reaction 'when steam is passed over red-hot iron'.
Answer
When steam is passed over red hot iron, magnetic oxide of iron and hydrogen
are produced.

⇌magnetic oxide of ironFe3O4+hydrogen4H2

3Fe+4H2Osteam⇌Fe3O4magnetic oxide of iron+4H2hydrogen3Fe+steam4H2O

Question 1(1990)
How can you obtain hydrogen from a mixture of hydrogen and carbon
monoxide.
Answer
When excess steam is mixed with the mixture of hydrogen and carbon
monoxide, at elevated temperature of 450°C and using a catalyst iron [III]
oxide, CO is converted to CO2 with a further yield of hydrogen.
[CO+H2]water gas+H2Oexcess steam→450°CFe2O3 CO2+2H2+Δwater gas[CO+
H2]+excess steamH2OFe2O3450°C CO2+2H2+Δ
Question 2(1990)
What do you observe when a piece of sodium is dropped into cold water ?
Answer
When a piece of sodium is dropped into cold water, sodium being very reactive,
reacts with water violently. It melts into a globule and darts about in water
liberating hydrogen gas.
2Na + 2H2O (cold water) ⟶ 2NaOH + H2
Question 3(1990)
Give reasons for the following :
'Though hydrogen is lighter than air, it is not collected by the downward
displacement of air'.
Answer
As hydrogen forms explosive mixture with air, hence it is not collected by
downward displacement of air even though hydrogen is lighter than air.
Question 4(1990)
Complete the following word equations :
(i) Sodium hydroxide + zinc ⟶ hydrogen + ...............
(ii) Calcium + water ⟶ calcium hydroxide + ...............
Answer
Sodium hydroxide + zinc ⟶ hydrogen + sodium zincate
Calcium + water ⟶ calcium hydroxide + hydrogen
Question 1(1991)
How would you obtain 'hydrogen from sodium hydroxide' solution other than
by electrolysis ?
Answer
When powdered zinc reacts with sodium hydroxide it produces hydrogen.
Zn+2NaOH⟶Na2ZnO2Sodium zincate+H2[g]Zn+2NaOH⟶Sodium zincateNa2
ZnO2+H2[g]
Question 1(1992)
Complete and balance the following equations :
Al + NaOH + ............... ⟶ ............... + ...............
Answer
2Al+ 2NaOH + 2H2O ⟶ 2NaAlO2 + 3H2 [g]
Question 2(1992)
What do the following symbols represent : 2H and H2.
Answer
 2H ⟶ 2 atoms of hydrogen
 H2 ⟶ 1 molecule of hydrogen
Question 1(1993)
Write balanced equation of the reaction in the preparation of : hydrogen from
a solution of potassium hydroxide [other than by electrolysis].
Answer
Preparation of hydrogen from potassium hydroxide :
2Al + 2KOH + 2H2O ⟶ 2KAlO2 + 3H2 [g]
Question 2(1993)
Describe briefly, with equations, the Bosch Process for the large scale
production of hydrogen.
Answer
Bosch process for large production of hydrogen:
Step I
Reaction : Production of water gas
Ccoke+H2Osteam→1000°C[CO+H2]water gas−ΔcokeC+steamH2O1000°Cwater
gas[CO+H2]−Δ
Reactants : White hot coke and steam
Temperature : Around 1000°C
Process : Passage of steam over white hot coke [carbon]
Chamber : Specially designed convertor
Step II
Reaction : Reduction of steam to hydrogen - by carbon monoxide
[CO+H2]water gas+H2Oexcess steam→450°CFe2O3CO2+2H2+Δwater gas[CO+H
2]+excess steamH2OFe2O3450°CCO2+2H2+Δ
Reactants : Water gas and excess steam
Temperature : Around 450 °C
Catalysts : Iron [III] oxide [Fe2O3], promoter chromic oxide [Cr2O3]
Process : Excess steam is mixed with water gas, passed over a catalyst at
elevated temperature.
[CO is converted to CO2 with a further yield of hydrogen.]
Step III
Reactions : Separation of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from the above
mixture
(a) CO2 is removed by dissolving mixture in water under pressure [30
atmospheres], or caustic potash solution to dissolve CO2.
2KOH + CO2 ⟶ K2CO3 + H2O
(b) CO is removed by dissolving mixture in ammoniacal cuprous chloride
solution.
CuCl + CO + 2H2O ⟶ [Link].2H2O.
Thus, hydrogen gas is left over.
Question 3(1993)
Account for the following facts :
(i) Though lead is above hydrogen in the activity series, it does not react with
dilute hydrochloric acid or dilute sulphuric acid.
(ii) Potassium and sodium are not used to react with dilute hydrochloric acid or
dilute sulphuric acid in the laboratory preparation of hydrogen.
Answer
(i) Lead reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid or dilute sulphuric acid forming an
insoluble coating of lead chloride (PbCl2) and lead sulphate (PbSO4)
respectively, hence, stops the further reaction.
(ii) Potassium and sodium are not used to react with dilute hydrochloric acid or
dilute sulphuric acid in the laboratory preparation of hydrogen because the
reaction is highly explosive and practically not-feasible.
Question 1(1994)
Place the metals calcium, iron, magnesium and sodium in order of their activity
with water, placing the most active first. Write the equation for each of the
above metals which react with Water.
Answer
These metals arranged in order of their activity with water:
Na > Ca > Mg > Fe
Equations for reaction of metals with water:
Sodium
2Na+2H2Ocold water⟶2NaOH+H22Na+cold water2H2O⟶2NaOH+H2
Calcium
Ca+2H2Ocold water⟶Ca(OH)2+H2Ca+cold water2H2O⟶Ca(OH)2+H2
Magnesium
Mg+H2Oboiling water⟶MgO+H2Mg+boiling waterH2O⟶MgO+H2
Iron

⇌[magnetic oxide of iron]Fe3O4+4H2

3Fe+4H2O[steam]⇌Fe3O4[magnetic oxide of iron]+4H23Fe+[steam]4H2O

Question 2(1994)
Why is copper not used to prepare hydrogen by the action of dilute
hydrochloric acid or dilute sulphuric acid on the metal.
Answer
As Cu is below hydrogen in metal reactivity series, hence, cannot displace
hydrogen from acid and so no reaction takes place.
Additional Questions
Question 1
State the electronic configuration of hydrogen [at. no. 1]. Give a reason why
hydrogen can be placed in group 1 [1A] and group 17 [VIIA] of the periodic
table.
Answer
Hydrogen has the simplest electronic configuration of 1.
As hydrogen has 1 valence electron, so it either loses one electron and behaves
like electropositive alkali metals of group 1 or it gains one electron and behaves
like electronegative halogens of group 17. Hence, it shows similarities with
alkali metals as well as halogens, therefore, it can be placed in group 1 [1A] or
group 17 [VIIA] of the periodic table.
Question 2
Give the general group characteristics applied to hydrogen with respect to
similarity in properties of hydrogen with –
(a) alkali metals of group 1 [IA]
(b) halogens of group 17 [VIIA].
with special reference to valency electrons & ion formation.
Answer
Similarity in properties of hydrogen with
(a) Alkali metals of group 1 [IA] :
1. Electronic Configuration — Valency electron - one valence electron e.g.,
H = 1; Li = 2, 1; Na = 2, 8, 1; K = 2, 8, 8, 1

H – 1e– ⟶ H1+
2. Ion Formation — Electropositive character exhibited.

Li – 1e– ⟶ Li1+
Na – 1e– ⟶ Na1+
3. Valency — Electrovalency of 'one' exhibited. H1+, Li1+, Na1+
(b) Halogens of group 17 [VIIA] :
1. Electronic Configuration — One electron less than the noble gas e.g., H =
1 [He = 2]; F = 2,7; [Ne = 2,8]; Cl = 2,8,7 [Ar = 2,8,8]

H + 1e– ⟶ H1-
2. Ion Formation — Electronegative character exhibited.
 F + 1e– ⟶ F1-
Cl + 1e– ⟶ Cl1-
3. Valency — Electrovalency and covalency exhibited
Hydrogen - forms NaH [electrovalent]; CH4 [covalent]
Chlorine - forms NaCl [electrovalent]; CCl4 [covalent]
Question 3
How did the name 'hydrogen' originate. How does hydrogen occur in the
combined state.
Answer
Hydrogen was initially called 'inflammable gas'. It burnt in air to produce water.
Hence, Lavoisier in 1783 established it's name 'hydrogen' meaning water
producer. [Greek word Hydro = water, gen = producer]
Hydrogen occurs in the combined state:
1. In plant and animal tissues - which are made of compounds of hydrogen
along with carbon, oxygen and nitrogen.
2. In water - about one ninth by mass of water is hydrogen.
3. As a constituent of different substances i.e., acids, alkalis, petroleum
products and organic substances.
Question 4
Give balanced equations for obtaining hydrogen from cold water using –
(a) A monovalent active metal
(b) A divalent active metal
Answer
(a) Monovalent active metal Na :
2Na+2H2Ocold water⟶2NaOH+H22Na+cold water2H2O⟶2NaOH+H2
(b) Divalent active metal Ca :
Ca+2H2Ocold water⟶Ca(OH)2+H2Ca+cold water2H2O⟶Ca(OH)2+H2
Question 5
Give balanced equations for obtaining hydrogen from ?
(a) Boiling water using a divalent metal
(b) Steam using a trivalent metal
(c) Steam using a metal – and the reaction is reversible.
Answer
(a) Mg + H2O ⟶ MgO + H2 [g]
(b) 2Al + 3H2O ⟶ Al2O3 + 3H2 [g]
(c) 3Fe + 4H2O ⇌ Fe3O4+ 4H2 [g]
Question 6
State why hydrogen is not prepared in the laboratory by the action of –
(a) Sodium with cold water.
(b) Calcium with dilute sulphuric acid.
(c) Lead with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Answer
(a) Sodium is very reactive and reacts with water violently. It melts into a
globule and darts about in water. Hence, the collection of hydrogen is difficult
using sodium and cold water.
(b) As the reaction between calcium and dil. sulphuric acid is highly explosive
and practically not feasible, hence, hydrogen is not prepared in the laboratory
by the action of calcium with dilute sulphuric acid.
(c) Lead reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid forming an insoluble coating of
lead chloride (PbCl2) and hence, further reaction comes to a stop. Therefore,
hydrogen is not prepared in the laboratory by the action of lead with dilute
hydrochloric acid.
Question 7
Give balanced equations for the following conversions.
(a) Sodium zincate from zinc
(b) Sodium plumbite from lead
(c) Sodium aluminate from aluminium.
Answer
(a) Zn+2NaOH⟶Na2ZnO2[sodium zincate]+H2[g](a) Zn+2NaOH⟶[sodium zin
cate]Na2ZnO2+H2[g]
(b) Pb+2NaOH⟶Na2PbO2[sodium plumbite]+H2[g](b) Pb+2NaOH⟶[sodium
plumbite]Na2PbO2+H2[g]
(c) 2Al+2NaOH+2H2O⟶2NaAlO2[sodium aluminate]+H2[g](c) 2Al+2NaOH+2H
2O⟶[sodium aluminate]2NaAlO2+H2[g]
Question 8
In the laboratory preparation of hydrogen from zinc and dil. acid. Give reasons
for the following :
(a) The complete apparatus is air-tight.
(b) Dilute nitric acid is not preferred as the reactant acid.
(c) The lower end of the thistle funnel should dip below the level of the acid in
the flask.
(d) Hydrogen is not collected over air.
Answer
(a) Hydrogen forms an explosive mixture with air hence the complete
apparatus is air tight preventing any leakage of the gas.
(b) Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent, it oxidizes the hydrogen formed to
water and hence is not preferred as the reactant acid.
(c) The lower end of the thistle funnel should dip below the level of the acid in
the flask, otherwise hydrogen gas produced will escape through thistle funnel.
(d) Hydrogen is collected over water and not air as it forms an explosive
mixture with air.
Question 9
'Magnesium reacts with very dilute nitric acid at low temperatures liberating
hydrogen.' Give reasons.
Answer
Magnesium reacts with dil. HNO3 at low temperature liberating H2, since
oxidizing action of the acid is much reduced due to dilution.
Question 10
State the conditions and give balanced equations for the conversion of –
(a) coke to water gas,
(b) water gas to hydrogen
in the Bosch process.
Answer
(a) coke to water gas
Ccoke+H2Osteam→1000°C[CO+H2]water gas−ΔcokeC+steamH2O1000°Cwater
gas[CO+H2]−Δ
(b) water gas to hydrogen
[CO+H2]water gas+H2Oexcess steam→450°CFe2O3 CO2+2H2+Δwater gas[CO+
H2]+excess steamH2OFe2O3450°C CO2+2H2+Δ
Question 11
How are the unreacted gases separated out in 'Bosch process' in the
manufacture of hydrogen.
Answer
(a) CO2 is removed by dissolving mixture in water under pressure [30
atmospheres], or caustic potash solution to dissolve CO2.
2KOH + CO2 ⟶ K2CO3 + H2O
(b) CO is removed by dissolving mixture in ammoniacal cuprous chloride
solution.
CuCl + CO + 2H2O ⟶ [Link].2H2O.
Question 12
Compare the combustibility of –
(a) pure hydrogen
(b) hydrogen-air mixture.
Answer
2H2 + O2 ⟶ 2H2O.
Pure hydrogen burns quietly in air with a pale blue flame forming water:

Hydrogen air mixture explodes on burning.

Question 13
State the reactant added to hydrogen to obtain the respective product in each
case.
(a) Ammonia
(b) Hydrogen chloride
(c) Water
(d) Hydrogen sulphide
Answer
Reactant added to obtain :

N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3
(a) Ammonia — Nitrogen and hydrogen.

H2 + Cl2 ⟶ 2HCl
(b) Hydrogen chloride — Hydrogen and chlorine.

2H2 + O2 ⟶ 2H2O
(c) Water — Hydrogen and oxygen.

H 2 + S ⟶ H 2S
(d) Hydrogen sulphide — Hydrogen and sulphur.

Question 14
State the use of hydrogen –
(a) As a fuel
(b) In hydrogenation of oil & coal
(c) In extraction of metals
Answer
(a) As a fuel — Hydrogen is used in the form of coal gas, water gas and liquid
hydrogen.
(b) In hydrogenation of oil & coal — Vegetable oil [palm oil] turns to semi solid
fats [vegetable ghee] in the presence of platinum or nickel catalyst under high
pressure at about 200°C by hydrogenation.
Passage of hydrogen under high pressure over powdered coal in presence of
catalyst and at a suitable temperature produces a product similar to petroleum.
(c) In extraction of metals — Hydrogen when passed over heated metals oxides
of less active metals like zinc, iron, lead and copper reduces the oxides of the
metals to free metals.
Question 15
Explain the terms – oxidation and reduction in terms of addition and removal
of oxygen/hydrogen with suitable examples.
Answer
Oxidation is addition of oxygen to a substance or removal of hydrogen from a
substance. For example,
Addition of oxygen — 2Cu + O2 ⟶ 2CuO
Removal of hydrogen — H2S + Cl2 ⟶ 2HCl + S
Reduction is addition of hydrogen to a compound or removal of oxygen from a
compound.
Removal of oxygen — CuO + H2 ⟶ Cu + H2O
Addition of hydrogen — Cl2 + H2S ⟶ 2HCl + S
Question 16
Explain the term redox reaction with an example involving the reaction of
hydrogen sulphide with chlorine.
Answer
A chemical reaction which involves, oxidation of one substance and reduction
of other substance is called a Redox Reaction.
Considering the example of the reaction of hydrogen sulphide with chlorine:
Zn + CuSO4 ⟶ ZnSO4 + Cu
Zn + Cu2+SO42- ⟶ Zn2+SO42- + Cu
Here, Zinc is oxidised and Copper is reduced.
Oxidation — Zn - 2e- ⟶ Zn2+
Reduction — Cu2+ + 2e- ⟶ Cu
Question 17
State what are oxidising and reducing agents. Give examples of oxidising and
reducing agents in the gaseous, liquid and solid form. Give two tests each
generally answered by oxidising and reducing agents respectively.
Answer
Oxidizing Agents :
 Loses oxygen or electronegative radical
 Gains hydrogen or electropositve radical
 Accepts electrons.
Examples:
 Gases - O2, O3, Cl2, F2
 Liquids - H2O2, K2Cr2O7 [acidified], conc. HNO3, conc. H2SO4
 Solids - MnO2, HgCl2, PbO2, KNO3
Reducing Agents :
 Gains oxygen or electronegative radical
 Loses hydrogen or electropositive radical
 Donates electrons.
Examples:
 Gases - H2, CO, SO2, NH3
 Liquids - HCl, HBr, H2SO3, HNO2
 Solids - Carbon [coke], metals [K, Na, Ca], Sugar [C12H22O11], SnCl2
Test for an Oxidizing Agent :
 Decomposes to give a colourless gas which rekindles a glowing splint.
 Liberates chlorine on heating with conc. HCl
Test for a Reducing Agent :
 On reaction with iron[III] salts - the colour changes from yellowish brown
to light green [iron [II] ions are formed].
 Liberates nitrogen dioxide on heating with conc. HNO3.
Unit Test Paper 6 — Hydrogen
Question 1
Select from A to G the reactant added, to give the products 1 to 5, in the
preparation of hydrogen gas.
A : dilute acid
B : dilute alkali
C : cold water
D : conc. alkali
E : boiling water
F : conc. acid
G : steam
1. Ca(OH)2 + H2
2. MgO + H2
3. Fe3O4 + H2
4. Al2(SO4)3 + H2
5. NaAlO2 + H2
Answer
1. C : cold water
Ca+2H2Ocold water⟶Ca(OH)2+H2Ca+cold water2H2O⟶Ca(OH)2+H2
2. E : boiling water
Mg+H2Oboiling water⟶MgO+H2Mg+boiling waterH2O⟶MgO+H2
3. G : steam
3Fe+4H2Osteam⇌Fe3O4+4H23Fe+steam4H2O⇌Fe3O4+4H2
4. A : dilute acid
2Al+3H2SO4dil. acid⟶Al2(SO4)3+3H22Al+dil. acid3H2SO4⟶Al2(SO4)3+3H2
 5. D : conc. alkali
2Al+2NaOHconc. alkali+2H2O⟶2NaAlO2+3H22Al+conc. alkali2NaOH+2H2
O⟶2NaAlO2+3H2
Question 2
Give balanced equations for the following conversions, 1 to 5.
1. MgCl2 ⟵ HCl ⟶ FeCl2
2. KAlO2 ⟵ KOH ⟶ K2ZnO2
3. ZnO ⟵ H2O ⟶ Fe3O4
4. CO + H2 ⟵ H2O ⟶ CO2 + H2
5. NH3 ⟵ H2 ⟶ H2S
Answer
1. MgCl2 ⟵ HCl ⟶ FeCl2
Mg + 2HCl ⟶ MgCl2 + H2
Fe + 2HCl ⟶ FeCl2 + H2
2. KAlO2 ⟵ KOH ⟶ K2ZnO2

Zn + 2KOH ⟶ K2ZnO2 + H2[g]

2Al + 2KOH + 2H2O⟶ 2KAlO2 + 3H2 [g]

3. ZnO ⟵ H2O ⟶ Fe3O4

Zn + H2O ⟶ ZnO + H2 [g]
3Fe + 4H2O ⇌ Fe3O4 + 4H2 [g]
4. CO + H2 ⟵ H2O ⟶ CO2 + H2
Ccoke+H2Osteam→1000°C[CO+H2]water gas−ΔcokeC+steamH2O1000°C
water gas[CO+H2]−Δ
[CO+H2]water gas+H2Oexcess steam→450°CFe2O3CO2+2H2+Δwater gas
[CO+H2]+excess steamH2OFe2O3450°CCO2+2H2+Δ
5. NH3 ⟵ H2 ⟶ H2S
N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3
H 2 + S ⟶ H 2S
Question 3.1
Give reasons for the following:
Nitric acid in the dilute form is not used in the laboratory preparation of
hydrogen from metals.
Answer
Nitric acid is a strong Oxidizing agent and nascent oxygen formed on it's
decomposition oxidizes the hydrogen to water. Hence, nitric acid in the dilute
form is not used in the laboratory preparation of hydrogen from metals.
Question 3.2
Give reasons for the following:
Granulated zinc is preferred to metallic zinc in the preparation of hydrogen
using dilute acid.
Answer
Granulated zinc contains traces of impurities, which has a slight catalyzing
effect on the reaction and speeds it up. Hence, granulated zinc is preferred to
metallic zinc in the preparation of hydrogen using dilute acid.
Question 3.3
Give reasons for the following:
Hydrogen and alkali metals of group 1 [IA] react with copper [II] oxide to give
copper.
Answer
Hydrogen and alkali metals of group 1 [IA] act as reducing agents and thus,
reduce CuO to Cu.
CuO + H2 ⟶ Cu + H2O
Question 3.4
Give reasons for the following:
Hydrogen is collected by the downward displacement of water and not air even
though it is lighter than air.
Answer
Hydrogen is almost insoluble in water. Even though hydrogen is lighter than air,
it is not collected by downward displacement of air since it forms an explosive
mixture with air.
Question 3.5
Give reasons for the following:
A mixture of hydrogen and chlorine can be separated by passage through a
porous pot.
Answer
As hydrogen diffuses more than chlorine in the porous pot, therefore, most of
chlorine remains outside the pot. Hence, the mixture of hydrogen and chlorine
can be separated by passage through a porous pot.
Question 4
Name the following
1. A metal below iron but above copper in the activity series of metals
which has no reaction with water.
2. A metal which cannot be used for the preparation of hydrogen using
dilute acids.
3. The salt formed when aluminium reacts with potassium hydroxide,
during the preparation of hydrogen from alkalis.
4. A gaseous reducing agent which is basic in nature.
5. A compound formed between hydrogen and an element from group 17
[VIIA] – period 3.
Answer
1. Lead [Pb]
2. Lead [Pb]
3. Potassium aluminate [KAlO2]
4. Ammonia [NH3]
5. Element from group 17 [VIIA] – period 3 is Cl and compound formed is -
HCl
Question 5
Select the correct answer from the symbols in bracket.
1. The element placed below hydrogen in group 1 [IA]. [Na, Li, K, F],
 2. The element other than hydrogen, which forms a molecule containing a
single covalent bond. [Cl, N, O]
3. The element, which like hydrogen has one valence electron. [He, Na, F,
O]
4. The element, which like hydrogen is a strong reducing agent. [Pb, Na, S,
Cl]
5. The element which forms a diatomic molecule. [C, Br, S, P]
Answer
1. Li
2. Cl
3. Na
4. Na
5. Br
Question 6
The diagram represents the preparation & collection of hydrogen by a standard
laboratory method.

1. State what is added through the thistle funnel 'Y'.

2. State what difference will be seen if pure zinc is added in the distillation
flask 'X' instead of granulated zinc.
3. Name a solution which absorbs the impurity – H2S.
4. State why hydrogen is collected after all the air in the apparatus is
allowed to escape.
5. Name a gas other than hydrogen collected by the same method.
Answer
1. Dilute hydrochloric acid [HCl]
2. When pure zinc is added in the distillation flask 'X' instead of granulated
zinc, the rate of production of H2 is slow. Granulated zinc is commercial
 zinc obtained from molten zinc, it contains traces of impurities which has
a slight catalyzing effect on the reaction.
3. Lead nitrate Pb(NO3)2 solution absorbs H2S
4. Hydrogen is collected after all the air in the apparatus is allowed to
escape as hydrogen forms an explosive mixture with air.
5. Oxygen gas.