Date : 28-07-2025 STD 10 Science Total Marks : 88

* Answer the following question. : [ 2 marks each ] [88]

1. A metal compound ‘X’ reacts with dil.H2SO 4 to produce effervescence. The gas
evolved extinguishes a burning candle. If one of the compounds formed is
calcium sulphate, then what is ‘X’ and the gas evolved? Also, write a balanced
chemical equation for the reaction which occurred.
Ans. : A → CaCO 3 (Limestone)
Gas → CO 2
Equation: CaCO3 + H2 SO4 −−−→ CaSO4 + H2 O + CO2

2. 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. In which test tube will the fizzing occur more vigorously
and why?
Ans. : The fizzing will occur strongly in test tube A, in which hydrochloric acid (HCl)
is added. This is because HCl is a stronger acid than CH3COOH and therefore
produces hydrogen gas at a faster speed due to which fizzing occurs.
3. Blue litmus solution is added to two test tubes A and B containing dilute HCl and
NaOH solution respectively. In which test tube a colour change will be observed?
State the colour change and give its reason.
Ans. : Test tube A contains dil. HCl and test tube B contains dil. NaOH. On adding
blue litmus solution to both the test tubes, the colour of the test tube A will
change from blue to red. This is because HCl is an acid and acids turn blue litmus
to red.
4. Write the chemical formula for washing soda. How may it be obtained from
baking soda? Name an industrial use of washing soda other than washing
clothes.
Ans. : Chemical formula for washing soda: Na CO .10 H O
2 3 2

It may be obtained on heating, baking soda produces sodium carbonate

Δ

2 NaHCO3 −
→ Na2 CO3 + H2 O + CO 2.

Recrystallization of sodium carbonate gives washing soda.

Na2 CO3 + 10H2 O → Na2 CO3. 10H2 O.

Uses:-

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 washing soda is used in making glass, soap and paper industries.
5. a. If you are asked to report your observations about the following two
properties of acetic acid, what would you report?
i. Odour.
ii. Effect on litmus.
b. If you take a pinch of sodium hydrogen carbonate powder in a test-tube
and add drop-by-drop acetic acid to it, what would you observe
immediately? List any two main observations.
Ans. :
a.
i. Smells like vinegar.
ii. Turns blue litmus red.
b.
i. Brisk effervescence.
ii. Evolution of colourless gas.
6. When the concentrated aqueous solution of substance X is electrolysed, then
NaOH, Cl2 and H2 are produced. Name the substance X. What is the special
name of this process?
Ans. : Substance X, which gives sodium hydroxide, Cl2 and H2 upon electrolysis, is
NaCl. The electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is called the chlor-alkali process
because of the products formed, 'chlor' for chlorine and 'alkali' for sodium
hydroxide (NaOH).
7. Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture-proof container. Explain why?
Ans. : The Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture-proof container as it
absorbs water from moisture and turn into hard substance (Gypsum) as shown in
following chemical equation.
Heat
1 1
CaSO4 . H2 O + 1 H2 O −−→ CaSO4 .2H2 O
2 2

(Plaster of Paris)(Water) (Gypsum)

8. A white powdery substance having strong smell of chlorine is used for

disinfecting drinking water supply at waterworks. Identify the substance. Give its
chemical name and write the chemical reaction for its preparation.
Ans. : Bleaching powder is a white powder that emits a strong smell of chlorine
and is used for disinfecting drinking water supply at waterworks.
The chemical name of bleaching powder is calcium oxy chloride (CaOCl2).
The chemical reaction that takes place in its preparation is as follows.
Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2O

9. What is a neutralisation reaction? Give two examples.

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 Ans. : The reaction between an acid and a base to give salt and water is called
neutralization reaction.
For example:
NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O
KOH + HNO 3 → KNO 3 + H2O

10. A salt X when dissolved in distilled water gives a clear solution which turns red
litmus blue. Explain the phenomenon.
Ans. : Salt X is like sodium carbonate, Na2CO 3, which is made from a strong base
and a weak acid. On dissolving in water, salt X gets hydrolysed to form some
strong base and some weak acid. The strong base thus formed makes the solution
alkaline which turns red litmus blue.
11. Name an indicator which is:
i. Pink in acidic solution and yellow in basic solution.
ii. Colourless in acidic solution and pink in basic solution.
Ans. :
i. Methyl orange-acidic-pink,base-yellow,neutral-orange.
ii. Phenolphthalein-acidic-colourless,base-pink,neutral-colorless.
12. You are given three solutions A, B and C with pH values 2, 10 and 13 respectively.
Write which solution has more hydrogen ions concentration among the three
and state the nature ‘acidic or basic’ of each solution.

Ans. : A has maximum [H+] concentration A is acidic. B and C are basic in nature.
13. Why do HCl, HNO 3, etc., show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while
solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?
Ans. : When HCl or HNO 3 are mixed with water then they dissolve in water to form

H+ or H3O + ions which shows their acidic character.

For example just see the following reactions:
HCl (aq) → H+ + Cl-

H+ + H2O → H3O +
When alcohols and glucose are mixed with water then they do not dissolve to form
ions. Hence they do not show acidic character.
14. In the experimental set up to show that "CO 2 is given out during respiration",
name the substance taken in the small test tube kept in the conical flask. State
its function and the consequence of its use.
Ans. : In the above mentioned experimental setup, lime water is taken in a small
test tube which is kept in the conical flask. Lime water is used to detect the
presence of carbon dioxide.

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 When carbon dioxide passes through lime water, it turns milky due to the
formation of calcium carbonate.
Hence, it is used in the above experiment to check whether CO 2 is released during
respiration.
15. What happens when a concentrated solution of sodium chloride (brine) is
electrolysed? Write the equation of the reaction involved.
Ans. : When a concentrated solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed, it
decomposes to form sodium hydroxide, chlorine and hydrogen.
Electricity

2Nacl(aq) + 2H2 O(l) −−−−−−−→ 2NaCH(aq) + Cl2 g + H2 (g)

(Eletrolysis)

Sodiumcloride Water Sodiumcloride Cloride Hydrogen

(Brine) (Causticsoda)

16. What happens when carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water:
i. for a short time?
ii. for a considerable time?
Write equations of the reactions involved.
Ans. :
i. Lime water turns milky.
Na2 CO3 (aq) + CO2 g → CaCO3 + H2 O(l)

Calciumhydroxide Carbondioxide calciumcarbonate water

(Lime water) (whiteppt.)

Markes limewater milky

ii. Lime water solution becomes clear.

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

17. How many molecules of water of crystallisation (per formula unit) are present
in:
a. Copper sulphate crystals?
b. Washing soda?
c. Gypsum?
Ans. :
a. Copper sulphate crystals. 5
b. Washing soda. 10
c. Gypsum. 2

18. Separate the following into substances having pH values above and below 7.
How do these influence litmus paper?
Ans. : Substances having pH values above 7: Solution of washing soda and
toothpaste; They will turn red litmus paper blue due to their basic nature.

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 Substances having pH values less than 7: Lemon juice, vinegar and stomach juices;
They will turn blue litmus paper red due to their acidic nature.
19. A white coloured powder is used by doctors for supporting fractured bones.
When this white powder is mixed with water a hard-solid mass is obtained. Write
balanced chemical equation for the change.
Ans. : When Plaster of Paris is mixed with water, a hard solid mass is obtained
which is called Gypsum (CaSO 4.2H2O).
1 1
CaSO4 . H2 O + 1 H2 O −−−−→ CaSO4 .2H2 O
2 2

20. Why does distilled water not conduct electricity, whereas rain water does?
Ans. : Distilled water cannot conduct electricity because it does not contain ions
while rain water conducts electricity as it contains ions due presence of dissolved
salts in it.
21. Why do HCl, HNO 3, etc. show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while
solutions while solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show
acidic character?
Ans. : HCl and HNO 3 etc. dissociate in presence of water to form hydrogen ions

(H+). These hydrogen ions combine with H2O to form hydronium ions (H3O +).
The reaction can be given as follows:
+ −
HCl −→
− H + Cl

+ +
H + H2 O −→
− H3 O

Because of this property HCl and HNO 3 show acidic character in aqueous solutions.
On the other hand, alcohol and glucose cannot dissociate in water to form
hydrogen ions. Hence, they do not show acidic character.
22. What happens when a solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate is heated? Write
equation of the reaction involved.
Ans. : When a solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate is heated, then it
decomposes to give sodium carbonate with the evolution of carbon dioxide gas.
Heat

2NaHCO3 −−→ Na2 CO3 + CO2 + H2 O

23. When a solution is added to vanilla extract, then the characteristic smell of
vanilla cannot be detected. State whether the given solution is an acid or a base.
Ans. : When Hydrochloric acid reacts with an active metal (like zinc), we observe
that gas filled bubbles are formed on the surface of the metal. Pass the gas
formed through soap solution. Then, bring a burning candle near the gas filled
soap bubble. If the gas present in bubble burns with a ‘pop’ sound, then its
hydrogen gas.
24. Explain the pH change as the cause of tooth decay. How can tooth decay caused
by pH change be prevented?

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 Ans. : Tooth decay starts when the pH of the acid formed in the mouth falls below
5.5 because the acid becomes strong enough to attack the enamel of the teeth and
corrode it.
25. A gas ‘X’ reacts with lime water and forms a compound ‘Y’ which is used as a
bleaching agent in chemical industry. Identify ‘X’ and ‘Y’. Give the chemical
equation of the reactions involved.
Ans. : X- Chlorine gas.
Y- Calcium oxychloride.
26. A student is studying the properties of acetic acid in his school laboratory. List
two physical and two chemical properties which he must observe and note in his
record book.
Ans. : Physical properties−
i. Smell like vinegar.
ii. Colourless liquid.
Chemical propertirs−
i. Turns blue litmus red.
ii. Gives brisk effervescence with sodium carbonate.
27. Give two important uses of washing soda (or sodium carbonate).
Ans. :
i. It is used as cleansing agent for domestic purposes.
ii. It is used for removing permanent hardness of water.
28. What happens to:
a. The H ions, and
b. Temperature of the solution, when an acid is neutralised?
Ans. :
a. H+ ions of acid combine with OH- ions of alkali to form water, H2O.
b. Temperature of the solution rises.
29. A compound ‘X’ on heating with excess conc. sulphuric acid at 443K gives an
unsaturated compound ‘Y’. ‘X’ also reacts with sodium metal to evolve a
colourless gas ‘Z’. Identify ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’. Write the equation of the chemical
reaction of formation of ‘Y’ and also write the role of sulphuric acid in the
reaction.
Ans. : X is ethanol.
Y is ethene.
Z is hydrogen gas.
When ethanol is heated with excess amount of concentrated sulphuric acid, it gives
an unsaturated compound ethene (C2H4). Conc. H2SO 4 acts as a dehydrating agent
because it ejects water from ethanol.
 Reaction:
Conc.H 2 So 4

CH3 CH2 OH −−−−−−→ CH2 = CH2 + H2 O

Now, when ethanol reacts with sodium, a colourless gas is evolved, which is
hydrogen gas.
Reaction:
2CH3 CH2 OH + 2Na −−−−→ 2CH3 CH2 ONa + H2

30. P and Q are aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide,
respectively. Which of these will turn:
a. Blue litmus red?
b. Red litmus blue?
Ans. :
a. Neither solution will turn blue litmus red. Solution P is sodium chloride,
formed from a strong acid, hydrochloric acid (HCl), and a strong base,
sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When sodium chloride is dissolved in water, it
gets hydrolysed to give equal amounts of hydroxide and hydrogen ions,
which makes its aqueous solution neutral. Therefore, the solution of
sodium chloride will have no effect on red or blue litmus paper.
b. Sodium hydroxide solution (Q) will turn red litmus blue, because solution Q
is basic.
31. Acetic acid is a weak acid and ammonia is a weak base. Discuss the term weak.
Ans. : Acetic acid is weak acid becoz it produces less hydrogen ions and ammonia
is weak base becoz it produces less OH ions
Explanation:
If an acid which is less than 100% ionizes in solution is known as weak acid.
For example: If a base which is less than 100% ionizes in solution is known as weak
base.
For example: Acetic acid is dissociates into ions but it does not ionize 100%
therefore it is considered as weak acid.
Ammonia dissociates into ions but it does not ionize 100% therefore it is
considered as weak base.
32. In addition to sodium hydrogencarbonate, baking powders contain a substance
X. Name the substance X. What is the role of substance X in the baking powder?
Ans. : Substance X is tartaric acid. It can react with any sodium carbonate formed
and neutralise it otherwise cakes and bread will taste bitter.
33. A student prepared solutions of (i) an acid and (ii) a base in two separate
beakers. She forgot to label the solutions and litmus paper is not available in the
laboratory. Since both the solutions are colourless, how will she distinguish
between the two?
 Ans. : Add phenolphthalein to a portion of each solution in separate test tube. If it
turns pink, the beaker contains base whereas if it remains colourless, it is an acid.
If phenolphthalein is not available, pH paper can be used. Acid will turn pH paper
red base will turn pH paper blue.
34. Why do acids not show acidic behaviour in the absence of water?
Ans. : Acids produce hydrogen ions or hydronium ions only in presence of water.
Therefore, it shows acidic behavior only presence of water.
35. What happens when an acid reacts with a metal hydrogencarbonate? Write
equation of the reaction which takes place.
Ans. : When an acid reacts with a metal hydrogen carbonate, then a salt, carbon
dioxide gas and water are formed.
NaHCO3 + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + CO2 (g) + H2 O(l)

Sodiumhydrogen Hydrochloric acid Sodium chloride Carbondoxide Water

Carbonate

36. Which acid is produced in our stomach? What happens if there is an excess of
acid in the stomach? How can its effect be cured?
Ans. : Our stomach produces hydrochloric acid. If there is excess of hydrochloric
acid in the stomach, it causes indigestion which produces pain and irritation. Its
effect can be cured by taking antacids.
37. Why do HCl, H2SO 4, HNO 3, etc., show acidic character in aqueous solutions while
solutions of compounds like C6H12O 6 (glucose) and C6H12OH (alcohol) do not
show acidic character?
Ans. : The acidic character of a substance is due to the presence of hydrogen ions
[H+(aq) ions] in its aqueous solution. HCl, H2SO 4 etc show acidic properties
because they produce hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. The solution of
compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character because they do
not ionize in water to produce hydrogen ions or any other ions in solution.
38. What is a salt? Give the names and formulae of any two salts. Also name the
acids and bases from which these salts may be obtained.
Ans. : A salt is a compound formed from an acid by the replacement of the
hydrogen in the acid by a metal.
Example: Sodium chloride – NaCl; It is obtained from hydrochloric acid and sodium
metal. Ammonium chloride – NH Cl; It is obtained from ammonia and hydrochloric
acid.
39. Name the acid present in ant sting and give its chemical formula. Also give the
common method to get relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.
 Ans. : Acid present in ant sting is formic acid which is also named as Methanoic
acid.
Chemical formula for formic acid is HCOOH.
It is acidic in nature, so an alkaline compound like wet baking soda can be used to
neutralize its effect to get relief from discomfort.
40. What is an olfactory indicator? Name two olfactory indicators. What is the effect
of adding sodium hydroxide solution to these olfactory indicators?
Ans. : Those substances whose smell (or odour) changes in acidic or basic
solutions are called olfactory indicators. Onion and vanilla extracts are olfactory
indicators. When a basic solution like sodium hydroxide solution is added to a cloth
strip treated with onions (or onion extract), then the onion smell cannot be
detected.
41. A gas is liberated immediately with a brisk effervescence, when you add acetic
acid to sodium hydrogen carbonate powder in a test tube. Name the gas and
describe the test that confirms the identity of the gas.
Ans. : When acetic acid (CH3COOH) is added to the sodium hydrogen carbonate
(NaHCO 3) than carbon dioxide gas produce with brisk effervescence.
CH3COOH + NaHCO 3 → CH3COONa + CO 2↑ + H2O
Observations: The gas turns lime water milky that confirms the identity of CO 2 gas.
Ca(OH)2 + CO 2 → CaCO 3↓ + H2O

42. 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?
Ans. :
a. Milk is made slightly alkaline so that it may not become sour easily due to
the formation of lactic acid in it.
b. The alkaline milk takes a longer time to set into curd because the lactic acid
being formed has to first neutralise the alkali present in it.
43. A first-aid manual suggests that vinegar should be used to treat wasp stings and
baking soda for bee stings. What does this information tell you about the
chemical nature of:
a. Wasp stings?
b. Bee stings?
Ans. :
a. Wasp stings are alkaline in nature since they are treated using acids like
vinegar.
b. Bee stings are acidic in nature since they are treated using bases like
baking soda.
44. What is bleaching powder? How is bleaching powder prepared? Write chemical
equation of the reaction involved in the preparation of bleaching powder.
Ans. : Bleaching powder is Calcium oxychloride (CaOCl ). It is prepared by passing
chlorine gas over dry slaked lime.
Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2 O

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