NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

1. Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?

Solution:
Magnesium rubber should be cleaned before burning in air because Magnesium metal reacts with the
atmospheric oxygen and forms Magnesium Oxide (MgO) layer which is a very stable compound. In order to
prevent further reactions with Oxygen, it is therefore necessary to clean the ribbon by to remove the layer of
MgO.

e
2. Write a balanced equations for the following chemical reactions.

ut
i) Hydrogen + Chloride —-> Hydrogen chloride
ii)Barium chloride + Aluminium sulphate —-> Barium sulphate + Aluminium chloride
iii) Sodium + Water —-> Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen

tit
Solution:
i) H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl
ii)3BaCl2 + Al2(SO4)3 → 2AlCl3 + 3BaSO4
iii) 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

s
In
3. Write a balanced chemical equation with state symbols for the following reactions
i) Solutions of Barium chloride and Sodium sulphate in water react to give insoluble Barium sulphate and
solution of Sodium chloride.
ii)Sodium hydroxide solution in water reacts with hydrochloric acid solution to produce Sodium chloride
sh

solution and water.

Solution:
i) BaCl2 + Na2SO4 → BaSO4 + 2NaCl
ii)NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O
ka

1. A solution of a substance ‘X’ is used for whitewashing.

(i) Name the substance ‘X’ and write its formula.
Aa

(ii)Write the reaction of the substance ‘X’ named in (i) above with water. Solution:

i)The substance ‘X’ which is used in whitewashing is quick lime or Calcium Oxide and its formula is CaO.
ii)
CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

2. Why is the amount of gas collected in one of the test tubes in Activity 1.7 double of the amount collected in
the other? Name this gas
Solution:
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

In activity 1.7, gas collected in one of the test tubes is double of the amount collected in the other
because water gets hydrolysed to release H2 and O2 gas. Here, after electrolysis two molecules of
Hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen gas is released, hence the amount of Hydrogen collected would
be double than that of oxygen.

1. Why does the colour of copper sulphate solution change when an iron nail is dipped in it?

te
Solution:
When an iron nail dipped in the copper sulphate solution, iron displaces copper from the copper sulphate
because iron is more reactive than copper. Therefore the colour of the copper sulphate solution changes.

itu
The reaction is:
Fe + CuSO4 → FeSO4 + Cu

2. Give an example of a double displacement reaction other than the one given in Activity 1.10.
Solution:

st
Reaction Between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an example of double
displacement reaction. Here Silver donates its ion to Sodium chloride ion and pick up nitare ion to form
silver chloride and sodium Nitrate
AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO3
In
3. Identify the substances that are oxidized and that are reduced in the following equation.
i) 4Na(s) + O2(g) → 2Na2O(s)
ii) CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(l)
Solution:
sh

The Sodium (Na) in the first equation is getting oxidized with the addition of Oxygen (O2) and the
Copper (Cu) in the second equation is reduced due to the addition of Hydrogen (H2)
ka

1. Which of the statements about the reaction below are incorrect?

2PbO(s) + C(s) → 2Pb(s) + CO2(g)
(a) Lead is getting reduced
Aa

(b) Carbon Dioxide is getting oxidised

(c) Carbon is getting oxidised
(d) Lead oxide is getting reduced
(i) (a) and (b)
(ii) (a) and (c)
(iii) (a), (b) and (c)
(iv) all
Solution:
(i) (a) and (b)
Explanation: (a) because Oxygen is being removed and (b) because the removed oxygen from Lead is
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

added to the elemental Carbon.

2. Fe2O3 + 2Al → Al2O3 + 2Fe

The above reaction is an example of a
1. Combination reaction.
2. Double displacement reaction.
3. Decomposition reaction.
4. Displacement reaction.

te
Solution:
Answer is 4. Displacement reaction.
Explanation: The Oxygen from the Ferrous oxide is getting displaced to the Aluminium metal to form
Aluminium Oxide. In this reaction Aluminum is more reactive metal than Fe. Therefore Al will displace

itu
Fe from its oxide. This type of chemical reactions in which one of the elements displace another is
called displacement reaction. Here less reactive metal is displaced by more reactive metal. Since one-
time displacement is occurring, therefore, it is called a single displacement reaction.

3. What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings? Tick the correct answer.

st
1. Hydrogen gas and Iron chloride are produced.
2. Chlorine gas and Iron hydroxide are produced.
3. No reaction takes place.
In
4. Iron salt and water are produced.
Solution:
1. Hydrogen gas and Iron chloride are produced.
Explanation: The Chlorine from Hydrogen chloride is displaced by the Iron fillings to undergo the
sh

following reaction.
2HCl + Fe → FeCl2 + H2

4. What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should a chemical equation be balanced?

Solution:
ka

A balanced equation is the one in which number of different atoms on both the reactant and product
sides are equal. Balancing chemical equation is necessary for the reaction should obey The Law of
Conservation of energy. Balancing the chemical equation has no defined method and is purely a trial and
error attempt.
Aa

5. Translate the following statements into chemical equations and balance them.
(a) Hydrogen gas combines with nitrogen to form ammonia.
(b) Hydrogen sulphide gas burns in air to give water and sulphur dioxide.
(c) Barium chloride reacts with aluminium sulphate to give Aluminium chloride and a precipitate
of barium sulphate.
(d) Potassium metal reacts with water to give potassium hydroxide and Hydrogen gas.
Solution:
(a) Unbalanced: H2 + N2 → NH3
Balanced: 3H2 + N2 → 2NH3
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

(b) Unbalanced: H2S + O2 → H2O + SO2

Balanced: 2H2S + 3O2 → 2H2O + 2SO2

(c) Unbalanced:
BaCl2 + Al2(SO4)3 → AlCl3 + BaSO4
Balanced: 3BaCl2 + Al2(SO4)3 → 2AlCl3 + 3BaSO4

(d) Unbalanced: K + H2O → KOH + H2

Balanced: 2K + 2H2O → 2KOH + H2

te
6. Balance the following chemical equations.
(a) HNO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2 + H2O
(b) NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + H2O

itu
(c) NaCl + AgNO3 → AgCl + NaNO3
(d) BaCl2 + H2SO4 → BaSO4 + HCl
Solution:
(a) 2HNO3 + 2Ca(OH)2 → 2Ca(NO3)2 + 2H2O

st
(b) 6NaOH + 3H2SO4 → H2SO4 + 6H2O
(c) NaCl + AgNO3 → AgCl + NaNO3
(d) BaCl2 + H2SO4 → BaSO4 + 2HCl
In
7. Write the balanced chemical equation for the following reactions.
Calcium hydroxide + Carbon dioxide —-> Calcium carbonate + Water
Zinc + Silver nitrate —-> Zinc nitrate + Silver
Aluminium + Copper chloride —-> Aluminium chloride + Copper
Barium chloride + Potassium sulphate —-> Barium sulphate + Potassium chloride
sh

Solution:
2Ca(OH)2 + 2CO2 → 2CaCO3 + 2H2O
Zn + 2AgNO3 → Zn(NO3)2 + 2Ag
2Al + 3CuCl3 → 2AlCl3 + 3Cu
BaCl2 + K2SO4 → BaSO4 + 2KCl
ka

8) Write a balanced chemical equation for the following and identify the type of reaction of each
case
KBr + BaI2 → KI + BaBr2
ZnCO3 → ZnO + CO2
Aa

H2 + Cl → HCl
Mg + HCl → MgCl2 + H2
Solution:
2KBr + BaI2 → 2KI + BaBr2 (Double Displacement Reaction)
ZnCO3 → ZnO + CO2 (Decomposition Reaction)
H2 + Cl → 2HCl (Combination Reaction)
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2 (Displacement Reaction)

9) What is meant by exothermic and endothermic reactions? Give examples.

Solution:
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

An endothermic reaction occurs when energy is absorbed from the surroundings in the form of
heat.(Example: Photosynthesis, melting of ice, evaporation). Conversely, an exothermic reaction is one
in which energy is released from the system into the surroundings. (Example: Explosions, concrete
setting, nuclear fission and fusion).

10. Why is respiration considered to be an exothermic reaction?

Solution:
For the survival of life, we require energy. We obtain this energy from the food we eat. The food
molecules, through the process of digestion, is broken down into a simpler molecule like glucose. These

te
substances come in contact with the Oxygen present in our body cells to form Carbon dioxide and water
along with a certain amount of energy (Respiration process). Since the energy is in the form of heat (that
maintains our body temperature) the respiration is considered to be an exothermic reaction. The reaction

itu
taking place is:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy

11. Why are decomposition reactions called the opposite of Combination reactions? Write
equations for decomposition reactions.

st
Solution:
Combination reaction is said to be the reaction between two or more molecules to form a larger
molecule; whereas the decomposition reaction is defined as the splitting of larger molecules into two or
more smaller molecules. This essentially explains that the decomposition reaction is the opposite of the
In
combination reaction.
In most of the cases the decomposition reaction is endothermic since heat from the surrounding or
induced heat is used to break the bonds of the larger molecule. Few examples of decomposition
reactions are:
ZnCO3 → ZnO + CO2
sh

CaCO3 + Energy → CaO + CO2

2HgO → 2Hg + O2

12. Write one equation each for decomposition reactions in which energy is supplied in the form of
heat, light or electricity.
ka

Solution:
(a) Thermal decomposition reaction (Thermolysis)
Decomposition of potassium chlorate: When heated strongly, potassium chlorate decomposes into
potassium chloride and oxygen. This reaction is used for the preparation of oxygen.
2KClO3 + Heat → 2KCl + 3O2
Aa

(b) Electrolytic decomposition reaction (Electrolysis)

Decomposition of sodium chloride: On passing electricity through molten sodium chloride, it
decomposes into sodium and chlorine.

(c) Photodecomposition reaction (Photolysis)

Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide: In the presence of light, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

water and oxygen.

13. What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write relevant
equations for the above.
Solution:
A displacement reaction is the one when a more reactive substance displaces a less reactive one from its salt

e
solution whereas a double displacement reaction is the one where a mutual exchange of ions happens between
two compounds.

ut
In a displacement reaction, only a single displacement takes place whereas in the double displacement reaction,
as the name suggests two displacement takes place between the molecules.
Example:
Displacement reaction

tit
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2
Double displacement reaction
2KBr + BaI2 → 2KI + BaBr2

s
Q13) What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write
relevant equations for the above.
In
Solution:
A displacement reaction is the one when a more reactive substance displaces a less reactive one from its
salt solution whereas a double displacement reaction is the one where a mutual exchange of ions
happens between two compounds.
In a displacement reaction, only a single displacement takes place whereas in the double displacement
sh

reaction, as the name suggests two displacement takes place between the molecules.
Example:
Displacement reaction
Mg+2HCl→MgCl2+H2
ka

Double displacement reaction

2KBr + BaI2 → 2KI + BaBr2

14. In the refining of Silver, the recovery of silver from Silver nitrate solution involves displacement reaction
by Copper metal. Write down the reaction involved.
Aa

Solution:
Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)

15. What do you mean by a precipitation reaction? Explain by giving examples.

Solution:
When two solutions containing soluble salts are combined, a double displacement reaction takes place in which
the ions are exchanged between the compounds. When one of such compounds formed is in solid form (that is
insoluble in aqua) then it settles down at the bottom of the container. This solid is known as the precipitate and
the respective reaction is termed as the precipitation reaction. Few examples of precipitation reactions are:
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

CdSO4(aq) + K2S(aq) → CdS(s) + K2SO4(aq)

2NaOH(aq) + MgCl2(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + Mg(OH)2(s)

16. Explain the following in terms of gain of oxygen with two examples each.
(a) Oxidation
(b) Reduction
Solution:
(a) In a chemical reaction, when the oxygen is added to the element to form its respective oxide it is the
element being oxidised. Example:

te
4Na(s) + O2(g) → 2Na2O(s)
H2S + O2 → H2O + SO2

itu
(b) In a chemical reaction, when the oxygen is being removed from the compound then it is said to be
reduced. Example:
CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(l)
2HgO → 2Hg + O2

st
17. A shiny brown coloured element ‘X’ on heating in the air becomes black in colour. Name the
element ‘X’ and the black coloured compound formed.
Solution:
The shiny brown coloured element is the Copper metal (Cu). When the metal is heated in air, it reacts
In
with atmospheric oxygen to form copper oxide. Hence the black coloured compound is the copper
oxide.
2Cu(s) + O2(g) → 2CuO(s)

18) Why do we apply paint on iron articles?

sh

Solution:
Iron articles are painted to prevent them from rusting. When left unpainted, the metal surface comes in
contact with the atmospheric oxygen and in the presence of moisture it from Iron(III) oxide. But if
painted the surface does not come in contact with moisture and air thus preventing Rusting.
ka

19) Oil and Fat containing food items are flushed with Nitrogen. Why?
Solution:
The main purpose of flushing Nitrogen into food packets that contain oil and fat items is to prevent
Rancidity which occurs when the oil or fat reacts with the oxygen letting out an unpleasant smell and
taste. Therefore by flushing Nitrogen, an unreactive surrounding is created thus preventing rancidity.
Aa

20) Explain the following terms with one example each.

(a) Corrosion
(b) Rancidity
Solution:
(a) Corrosion is a process where a refined metal is oxidised by atmospheric oxygen to form a more
stable compound such as oxides. The metal gradually degrades during the corrosion process. Rusting of
iron is a good example of corrosion where the iron is converted to Iron oxide. Millions of dollars are
spent annually in preventing rusting from bridges and other monuments.
(b) The condition produced by the aerial oxidation of the oil and fat present in the food material that
 NCERT Solution for class 10 Science Chapter 1 Chemical reactions and equations

produces an unpleasant taste and smell. The rancidity is retarded when the food is kept inside the
refrigerator since the low temperature does not promote the oxidation reaction.

e
ut
s tit
In
sh
ka
Aa