NCERT Exemplar Solutions Class 10

Science (Chemistry)

Chapter 1- Chemical Reactions and Equation

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is not a physical change?

(a) Boiling of water to give water vapour

(b) Melting of ice to give water

(c) Dissolution of salt in water

(d) Combustion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Ans: (d) Combustion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

On combustion, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) reacts with oxygen to form carbon
dioxide gas and water vapour. The chemical composition of hydrocarbons of
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) changes to carbon dioxide and water so it is a
chemical change.

In boiling of water to give water vapour, melting of ice to give water and dissolution
of salt in water, chemical composition remains the same only physical state changes
hence, these undergo physical change.

2. The following reaction is an example of a

4 NH3(g) + 5 O2(g)  4 NO(g) + 6 H2O(g)

(i) displacement reaction

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(ii) combination reaction

(iii) redox reaction

(iv) neutralisation reaction

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (i) and (iii)

(d) (iii) and (iv)

Ans: (c) (i) and (iii)

The given reaction undergoes displacement reaction and neutralisation reaction.

Displacement reaction: The oxygen displaces hydrogen from ammonia to form

nitric acid and water.

Redox reaction: Ammonia combines with oxygen atom to undergo oxidation

reaction whereas oxygen combines with hydrogen to undergo reduction.

3. Which of the following statements about the given reaction are correct?

3 Fe(s) + 4 H2O(g)  Fe3O4(s) + 4 H2(g)

(i) Iron metal is getting oxidised

(ii) Water is getting reduced

(iii) Water is acting as reducing agent

(iv) Water is acting as oxidising agent

(a) (i), (ii) and (iii)

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(b) (iii) and (iv)

(c) (i), (ii) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Ans: c. (i), (ii) and (iv)

Fe3O4 contains two oxide of iron as FeO and Fe2O3 so the oxidation number of iron
in Fe3O4 is FeIIO FeIII2O3.

In the given reaction:

3 Fe(s) + 4 H2O(g)  Fe3O4(s) + 4 H2(g)

(a) Iron metal is oxidised to +2 and +3 so iron metal is getting oxidised.

(b) Water is reduced to hydrogen by removal of oxygen atom and also oxidation
changes from -2 to 0.

(c) Water oxidises the iron to iron (II,III) oxide so it acts as an oxidising agent.

4. Which of the following are exothermic processes?

(i) Reaction of water with quicklime

(ii) Dilution of an acid

(iii) Evaporation of water

(iv) Sublimation of camphor (crystals)

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (i) and (iv)

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(d) (iii) and (iv)

Ans: a. (i) and (ii)

The reaction of water with quicklime forms slaked lime with the evolution of large
amounts of heat. So it is an exothermic reaction.

Similarly, when water is added to acid on dilution, an excessive amount of heat is

evolved. It is also an exothermic reaction.

5. Three beakers labelled as A, B and C each containing 25 mL of water were

taken. A small amount of NaOH, anhydrous CuSO4 and NaCl were added to
the beakers A, B and C respectively. It was observed that there was an increase
in the temperature of the solutions contained in beakers A and B, whereas in
case of beaker C, the temperature of the solution falls. Which one of the
following statement(s) is(are) correct?

(i) In beakers A and B, exothermic process has occurred.

(ii) In beakers A and B, endothermic process has occurred.

(iii) In beaker C exothermic process has occurred.

(iv) In beaker C endothermic process has occurred.

(a) (i) only

(b) (ii) only

(c) (i) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iii)

Ans: c. (i) and (iv)

Exothermic reaction: An exothermic reaction is a reaction in which energy is

released in the form of heat or light and energy in the form of heat is transferred into

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the surroundings. Therefore, the temperature increases when an exothermic reaction
takes place.

Example: Combustion, respiration, dilution of acid, burning of wood, addition of

NaOH and in anhydrous CuSO4 water etc.

Endothermic reaction: An endothermic reaction is a reaction in which energy is

absorbed in the form of heat or light and energy in the form of heat is transferred
from the surroundings to the system.

Example: Melting of ice, photosynthesis, dissolving salt in water etc.

So, in beakers A and B, exothermic process has occurred and in beaker C

endothermic process has occurred.

6. A dilute ferrous sulphate solution was gradually added to the beaker

containing acidified permanganate solution. The light purple colour of the
solution fades and finally disappears. Which of the following is the correct
explanation for the observation?

(a) KMnO4 is an oxidising agent, it oxidises FeSO4

(b) FeSO4 acts as an oxidising agent and oxidises KMnO4

(c) The colour disappears due to dilution; no reaction is involved

(d) KMnO4 is an unstable compound and decomposes in presence of FeSO4 to

a colourless compound.

Ans: a. KMnO4 is an oxidising agent, it oxidises FeSO4

The chemical reaction that takes place for the given reaction is:

FeIISO4 + KMnO4 + H2SO4  FeIII2(SO4)3 + MnSO4 + K2SO4 + H2O

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KMnO4 acts as an oxidizing agent and oxidises iron from +2 oxidation state to +3
oxidation state.

7. Which among the following is(are) double displacement reaction(s)?

(i) Pb + CuCl2  PbCl2 + Cu

(ii) Na2SO4 + BaCl2  BaSO4 + 2 NaCl

(iii) C + O2  CO2

(iv) CH4 + 2 O2  CO2 + 2 H2O

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) only

(c) (i) and (ii)

(d) (iii) and (iv)

Ans: b. (ii) only

In a double displacement reaction, one compound exchanges its ions with the ions
of other compounds to form two new compounds.

In Na2SO4, Na+ ion combines with Cl- ion of BaCl2 whereas Ba+ ion combines with
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆42− ion to form BaSO4.

8. Which among the following statement(s) is(are) true? Exposure of silver

chloride to sunlight for a long duration turns grey due to

(i) the formation of silver by decomposition of silver chloride

(ii) sublimation of silver chloride

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(iii) decomposition of chlorine gas from silver chloride

(iv) oxidation of silver chloride

(a) (i) only

(b) (i) and (iii)

(c) (ii) and (iii)

(d) (iv) only

Ans: (i) only

Silver chloride on exposure to sunlight for a long duration forms grey silver by
decomposition of silver chloride.

2 AgCl 
Sunliq
→ 2 Ag + Cl2

Silver Chloride Silver(Grey)

9. Solid calcium oxide reacts vigorously with water to form calcium hydroxide
accompanied by liberation of heat. This process is called slaking of lime.
Calcium hydroxide dissolves in water to form its solution called lime water.
Which among the following is (are) true about slaking of lime and the solution
formed?

(i) It is an endothermic reaction

(ii) It is an exothermic reaction

(iii) The pH of the resulting solution will be more than seven

(iv) The pH of the resulting solution will be less than seven

(a) (i) and (ii)

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(b) (ii) and (iii)

(c) (i) and (iv)

(d) (iii) and (iv)

Ans: b. (ii) and (iii)

When solid calcium oxide (commonly known as quicklime) is added to water, it

reacts vigorously to form calcium hydroxide (commonly known as slaked lime)
accompanied by liberation of heat. Calcium hydroxide is an alkali and hence, the pH
of the solution will be more than seven. Due to liberation of heat, the reaction is an
exothermic reaction.

Slaking of lime:

CaO + H2O  Ca(OH)2 + Heat

Calcium oxide Calcium Hydroxide

(Quicklime) (Slaked lime)

10. Barium chloride on reacting with ammonium sulphate forms barium

sulphate and ammonium chloride. Which of the following correctly represents
the type of the reaction involved?

(i) Displacement reaction

(ii) Precipitation reaction

(iii) Combination reaction

(iv) Double displacement reaction

(a) (i) only

(b) (ii) only

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(c) (iv) only

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Ans: (d) (ii) and (iv)

When you react, sodium sulphate and barium chloride, double displacement
reaction as the Na+ ion combines with Cl- ion of BaCl2 whereas Ba+ ion combines
with 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆42− ion to form BaSO4.

The white precipitate of barium sulphate and aqueous solution of salt of sodium
chloride are formed so the reaction is also a precipitation reaction.

Na2SO4 + BaCl2  BaSO4 ↓ + 2 NaCl

White precipitate

In a double displacement reaction, one compound exchanges its ions with the ions
of other compounds to form two new compounds.

Example: AB + CD → AD + CB

In a precipitate reaction, a precipitate of the insoluble compound is formed in the

reaction when two or mole soluble salts combine.

11. Electrolysis of water is a decomposition reaction. The mole ratio of

hydrogen and oxygen gases liberated during electrolysis of water is

(a) 1:1

(b) 2:1

(c) 4:1

(d) 1:2

Ans: b. 2:1

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On electrolysis of water, water dissociates to liberate hydrogen and oxygen gas.

2 H2O  2 H2(g) + O2(g)

2 moles of water dissociate to form 2 moles of hydrogen gas and 1 mole of oxygen
gas on electrolysis of water.

12. Which of the following is(are) an endothermic process(es)?

(i) Dilution of sulphuric acid

(ii) Sublimation of dry ice

(iii) Condensation of water vapours

(iv) Evaporation of water

(a) (i) and (iii)

(b) (ii) only

(c) (iii) only

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Ans: d. (ii) and (iv)

In an endothermic reaction, the energy is absorbed in the form of heat or light. Also
the energy in the form of heat is transferred from the surroundings to the system.

Sublimation of dry ice, evaporation of water, melting of ice, photosynthesis,

dissolving salt in water, etc. are endothermic reactions as the energy in the form of
heat is required for these processes.

Sublimation Reaction: Solid 

Heat
→ Gas

Evaporation Reaction: Liquid 

Heat
→ Gas

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13. In the double displacement reaction between aqueous potassium iodide and
aqueous lead nitrate, a yellow precipitate of lead iodide is formed. While
performing the activity if lead nitrate is not available, which of the following
can be used in place of lead nitrate?

(a) Lead sulphate (insoluble)

(b) Lead acetate

(c) Ammonium nitrate

(d) Potassium sulphate

Ans: b. Lead acetate

When the reaction between aqueous potassium iodide and aqueous lead nitrate,
double displacement reaction takes place a yellow precipitate of lead iodide is
formed.

2 KI (aq) + Pb(NO3)2(aq)  2 PbI2(s) + 2 KNO3(aq)

Yellow ppt.

Lead acetate can be used when lead nitrate is not available to obtain the yellow
precipitate of lead Iodide and following reaction will occur:

2 KI (aq) + Pb(CH3COO)2(aq)  2 PbI2(s) + 2 CH3COOK(aq)

Yellow ppt.

14. Which of the following gases can be used for storage of fresh sample of an
oil for a long time?

(a) Carbon dioxide or oxygen

(b) Nitrogen or oxygen

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(c) Carbon dioxide or helium

(d) Helium or nitrogen

Ans: d. Helium or nitrogen

Helium is a noble gas, does not react with fats and oil and protects oil from its
oxidation or rancidity. Nitrogen gas has triple bond between two nitrogen atoms due
to the presence of triple bond nitrogen also acts as noble gas and does not react with
fats and oils and also their rancidity.

15. The following reaction is used for the preparation of oxygen gas in the
laboratory

2 KClO3 (s)  2 KCl (s) + 3O2 (g)

Which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct about the reaction?

(a) It is a decomposition reaction and endothermic in nature

(b) It is a combination reaction

(c) It is a decomposition reaction and accompanied by release of heat

(d) It is a photochemical decomposition reaction and exothermic in nature

Ans: a. It is a decomposition reaction and endothermic in nature

The given reaction is a thermal decomposition reaction, as the KClO3 decomposes

to KCl and O2 on heating.

In the given reaction, the heat is supplied to the reaction mixture, so it is also an
endothermic reaction.

16. Which one of the following processes involve chemical reactions?

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(a) Storing of oxygen gas under pressure in a gas cylinder

(b) Liquefaction of air

(c) Keeping petrol in a china dish in the open

(d) Heating copper wire in presence of air at high temperature

Ans: d. Heating copper wire in presence of air at high temperature

Copper metal reacts with oxygen when heated at high temperature to form black
color copper Oxide as shown in the reaction below:

2 Cu + O2  2 CuO

The chemical composition is changed during the course of reaction, so it involves a

chemical change.

17. In which of the following chemical equations, the abbreviations represent

the correct states of the reactants and products involved at reaction
temperature?

a. 2 H2(l) + O2(l)  2 H2O(g)

b. 2 H2(g) + O2(l)  2 H2O(l)

c. 2 H2(g) + O2(g)  2 H2O(l)

d. 2 H2(g) + O2(g)  2 H2O(g)

Ans: c. 2 H2(g) + O2(g)  2 H2O(l)

The hydrogen and oxygen both in gaseous physical state react, for the formation of
water in liquid state.

18. Which of the following are combination reactions?

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(i) 2 KClO3 (s) 
Heat
→ 2 KCl (s) + 3O2 (g)

(ii) MgO + H2O  Mg(OH)2

(iii) 4 Al + 3 O2  2 Al2O3

(iv) Zn + FeSO4  ZnSO4 + Fe

(a) (i) and (iii)

(b) (iii) and (iv)

(c) (ii) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iii)

Ans: d. (ii) and (iii)

The reactions (ii) and (iii) are the combination reaction as the reactants combine to
form the single product.

Short Answer Questions

19. Write the balanced chemical equations for the following reactions and
identify the type of reaction in each case.

(a) Nitrogen gas is treated with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst at
773K to form ammonia gas.

Ans: 2 N2 (g) + 3 H2(g) 

773K
→ 2 NH3 (g)

Nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas combines at 773K to form ammonia gas by Haber
process, is a combination reaction as a single product is formed from two reactants.

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(b) Sodium hydroxide solution is treated with acetic acid to form sodium acetate
and water.

Ans: NaOH(aq) + CH3COOH(aq)  CH3COONa (aq) + H2O(aq)

Sodium hydroxide is an alkali which reacts with acetic acid to form sodium acetate
salt and water.

This reaction is a neutralisation reaction and double displacement reaction also.

a. Ethanol is warmed with ethanoic acid to form ethyl acetate in the presence
of concentrated H2SO4 .

Ans: C2H5OH (aq) + CH3COOH (aq) 

H SO
→ CH3COOC2H5(aq) + H2O
2 4

Ethanol undergoes esterification on reacting with ethanoic acid to form ester ethyl
acetate and water is released. This reaction is an esterification reaction.

b. Ethene is burnt in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water and
releases heat and light.

Ans: C2H4(g) + 3 O2 (g) 

H SO
→ 2 CO2(g) + 2 H2O(g) + heat + light
2 4

Ethene undergoes combustion when burnt in presence of oxygen to form carbon

dioxide gas and water vapour and energy is released in the form of heat and light.

This reaction is a combustion reaction and also an exothermic reaction.

20. Write the balanced chemical equations for the following reactions and
identify the type of reaction in each case.

a. Thermit reaction, iron (III) oxide reacts with aluminium and gives molten
iron and aluminium oxide.

Ans: 2 Al(s) + Fe2O3 (s) 

H SO
→ 2 4
Al2O3(s) + Fe(l) + heat

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In thermite reaction, aluminium metal reacts with iron(II) oxide, aluminium being
more reactive than iron displaces iron from iron oxide. The reaction is an exothermic
reaction as a large amount of heat is evolved due to which iron is produced in molten
state.

This is a displacement, exothermic and redox reaction.

b. Magnesium ribbon is burnt in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas to form solid

magnesium nitride.

Ans: 3 Mg(s) + N2(g)  Mg3N2(s)

The magnesium ribbon combines with nitrogen to form a single product magnesium
nitride. This reaction is a combination reaction.

c. Chlorine gas is passed in an aqueous potassium iodide solution to form

potassium chloride solution and solid iodine.

Ans: 2 KI(s) + Cl2(g)  2 KCl (aq) + I2 (s)

Chlorine gas reacts with potassium iodide in which chlorine being more reactive
displaces iodine from potassium iodide to form potassium chloride.

This reaction is a displacement reaction.

d. Ethanol is burnt in air to form carbon dioxide, water and releases heat.

Ans: C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g)  2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l) + Heat

Ethanol when burnt in air undergoes combustion and reacts with oxygen to form
carbon dioxide gas and water with the evolution of heat.

This is a combustion reaction and exothermic reaction.

21. Complete the missing components/variables given as x and y in the following

reactions

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a. Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2 KI(aq)  PbI2 (x) + 2 KNO3(y)

Ans: Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2 KI(aq)  PbI2 (s) + 2 KNO3(aq)

When lead nitrate reacts with aqueous potassium iodide, it undergoes precipitation
reaction and yellow precipitate of lead iodide is produced in aqueous solution of
potassium nitrate due to displacement of nitrate by iodine.

b. Cu(s) + 2 AgNO3(aq)  Cu(NO3)2(aq) + x(s)

Ans: Cu(s) + 2 AgNO3(aq)  Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2 Ag(s)

Copper metal is more reactive than silver and displaces silver from silver nitrate
aqueous solution and forms copper nitrate aqueous solution and silver metal.

c. Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq)  ZnSO4(x) + H2(y)

Ans: Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq)  ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)

When zinc metal is added to the sulphuric acid, hydrogen gas is evolved and the
aqueous solution of zinc sulphate is obtained.

d. CaCO3(s) 
X
→ CaO(s) + CO2(g)

Ans: CaCO3(s) 

Heat
→ CaO(s) + CO2(g)

Calcium carbonate undergoes decomposition reaction on heating to form calcium

oxide and carbon dioxide gas.

22. Which among the following changes are exothermic or endothermic in

nature?

a. Decomposition of ferrous sulphate

Ans: Endothermic reaction

2 FeSO4(s) 
∆
→ Fe2O3(s) + SO2(g) + SO3(g)

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For decomposition of ferrous sulphate, heat is supplied to it to form iron(III) oxide,
sulphur dioxide gas and sulphur trioxide gas.

b. Dilution of sulphuric acid

Ans: Exothermic reaction

Dilution of acid is an exothermic reaction and sometimes the reaction mixture results
in boiling. Sulphuric acid is a strong acid that has a great affinity for water and
liberates large amounts of heat when diluted.

c. Dissolution of sodium hydroxide in water

Ans: Exothermic reaction

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base when added to water, the reaction mixture
container becomes hot. It is advised to mix the NaOH in water carefully as the
reaction is an exothermic reaction,

d. Dissolution of ammonium chloride in water

Ans: Endothermic reaction

Ammonium chloride in water absorbs the heat from the surroundings and forms the
product, the temperature of the reaction mixture is lower and hence, it is an
endothermic reaction.

23. Identify the reducing agent in the following reactions

a. 4 NH3 + 5O 02 → 4 NO + 6 H2O-2

Ans: Ammonia

Ammonia reduces the oxygen to water and the oxidation of oxygen changes from 0
to -2.

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b. H2O + F20 → HF-1 + HOF

Ans: H2O

Water (H2O) reduces the fluorine to HF and the oxidation state changes from 0 to -
1.

c. Fe2+3O3 + 3 CO  2 Fe0 + 3 CO2

Ans: CO

Carbon monoxide (CO) reduced iron (III) oxide to iron metal as the oxidation of iron
(III) oxide changes from +3 to 0.

d. 2 H2 + O02 → 2H2O-2

Ans: H2

Hydrogen (H2) gas reduces the oxygen gas to water and acts as a reducing agent,
changing the oxidation state of oxygen from 0 to -2

24. Identify the oxidising agent (oxidant) in the following reactions.

a. Pb3O4 + 8 HCl-1  3 PbCl2 + Cl20 + 4 H2O

Ans: Pb3O4

Pb3O4 acts as an oxidant and oxidises hydrochloric acid to chlorine gas and changes
the oxidation number of chloride ion to chlorine from -1 to 0.

b. 2 Mg + O2  2 MgO

Ans: O2

Oxygen gas acts as oxidant and oxidises magnesium metal to magnesium oxide and
changes the oxidation state of magnesium from +2 to 0.

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c. CuSO4 + Zn0  Cu + Zn+2SO4

Ans: CuSO4

Copper sulphate oxidises the zinc metal to zinc sulphate and changes its oxidation
number from 0 to +2 by losing electrons and hence CuSO4 acts as oxidant.

d. V2O5 + 5 Ca0  2 V + 5 Ca+2O

Ans: V2O5 is an oxidant and oxidises the calcium metal to calcium oxide and
changes its oxidation state from 0 to +2.

e. 3 Fe0 + 4 H2O  Fe3O4 + 4 H2

Ans: H,2O

Water (H2O) is an oxidising agent in the given reaction and oxidises iron metal to
iron (II,III) oxide and evolves hydrogen gas.

f. CuO + H20 → Cu + 4 H+12O

Ans: CuO

Copper oxide oxidises hydrogen gas to water and gets reduced to copper metal. The
oxidation of each hydrogen atom changes from 0 to +1.

25. Write the balanced chemical equations for the following reactions.

a. Sodium carbonate on reaction with hydrochloric acid in equal molar

concentrations gives sodium chloride and sodium hydrogencarbonate.

Ans: Na2CO3 + HCl  NaCl + NaHCO3

b. Sodium hydrogencarbonate on reaction with hydrochloric acid gives sodium

chloride, water and liberates carbon dioxide.

Ans: NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2

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c. Copper sulphate on treatment with potassium iodide precipitates cuprous
iodide (Cu2I2), liberates iodine gas and also forms potassium sulphate.

Ans: 2 CuSO4 + 4 KI → Cu2I2 + I2 + 2 K2SO4

26. A solution of potassium chloride when mixed with silver nitrate solution, an
insoluble white substance is formed. Write the chemical reaction involved and
also mention the type of the chemical reaction?

Ans: When a solution of potassium chloride is mixed with silver nitrate solution, an
insoluble white precipitate of silver chloride is formed.

KCl (s) + AgNO3(aq) → AgCl (s) + KNO3(aq)

The type of reaction are:

Double displacement reaction: In the given reaction, both the compounds

exchange their ions to form two new compounds.

Precipitation reaction: The given reaction, forms an insoluble white precipitate of

silver chloride, so it is a precipitation reaction also.

27. Ferrous sulphate decomposes with the evolution of a gas having a

characteristic odour of burning sulphur. Write the chemical reaction involved
and identify the type of reaction.

Ans: 2 FeSO4(s) 
∆
→ Fe2O3(s) + SO2(g) + SO3(g)

Ferrous sulphate undergoes decomposition reaction on heating to form ferric oxide

and evolves sulphur dioxide gas and sulphur trioxide gas which have characteristic
odour of burning sulphur.

The given reaction is a thermal decomposition reaction as well as endothermic

reaction.

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28. Why do fireflies glow at night?

Ans: Fireflies glow at night due to chemical reactions taking place inside their body
to emit light in the form of energy.

Fireflies store a luciferin protein, which is an organic compound. The oxygen

combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the chemical luciferin in
the presence of luciferase, a bioluminescent enzyme to form a new substance
(oxyluciferin) along with the evolution of energy in the form of light. This type of
light production is called bioluminescence.

29. Grapes hanging on the plant do not ferment but after being plucked from
the plant can be fermented. Under what conditions do these grapes ferment? Is
it a chemical or a physical change?

Ans: Grapes when hanging on the plant, do not ferment due to their active immune
system. After grapes are plucked from the plant, it ferments as microbes start acting
on the sugar present in grapes and cause fermentation of them. Due to fermentation
the sugar in grapes is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. As the chemical
composition of sugar in grapes changes, it is a chemical change.

30. Which among the following are physical or chemical changes?

a. Evaporation of petrol

Ans: Physical changes

The physical state changes from liquid state to gaseous of the petrol, hence its a
physical change.

b. Burning of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Ans: Chemical changes

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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbons that undergoes
combustion on burning and forms carbon dioxide gas and water and releases large
amounts of heat energy.

c. Heating of an iron rod to red hot.

Ans: Physical changes

The iron rod is made of iron metal and remains as iron even if heated to red hot so
no chemical change is taking place hence this is a physical change.

d. Curdling of milk

Ans: Chemical changes

Milk contains casein protein and this protein reacts with the lactic acid when small
amount of curd is added to milk. Lactic acid breaks the chemical structures/bonds of
the milk and forms new bonds thus giving rise to a semi-solid form of milk called
curd.

We saw in the entire process that the reaction between lactic acid and milk involved
breaking of bonds and forming of new bonds. Therefore, there is a chemical change
associated with it and hence this change is a chemical change.

Hence, curdling milk is a chemical change.

e. Sublimation of solid ammonium chloride

Ans: Physical change

Sublimation is the property of converting a substance in solid state into vapour state
directly or vice versa. Ammonium chloride in solid state is sublimed without
changing its chemical composition , so it is a physical change.

31. During the reaction of some metals with dilute hydrochloric acid, following
observations were made.

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a. Silver metal does not show any change

Ans: Silver metal is placed below hydrogen in the reactivity series, so it is less
reactive to displace hydrogen from HCl and hence silver metal does not show any
change when reacted with dilute hydrochloric acid.

b. The temperature of the reaction mixture rises when aluminium (Al) is added.

Ans: The reaction of aluminium metal with dilute hydrochloric acid is exothermic
and it is advised that the reaction should be carried out carefully as the hydrogen gas
is also evolved and can splash the hot reaction mixture.

c. The reaction of sodium metal is found to be highly explosive

Ans: Sodium is a highly reactive metal as it is placed at the top in the reactivity
series. When sodium metal reacts with dilute HCl, it evolves a large amount of heat
along with hydrogen gas which catches fire and hence is found to be highly
explosive.

d. Some bubbles of a gas are seen when lead (Pb) is reacted with the acid.
Explain these observations giving suitable reasons.

Ans: When lead (Pb) is reacted with the dilute hydrochloric acid, bubbles of
hydrogen gas are observed as lead is placed above hydrogen in reactivity series as
lead is more reactive to displace hydrogen from HCl acid.

32. A substance X. which is an oxide of a group 2 element, is used intensively in

the cement industry. This element is present in bones also. On treatment with
water it forms a solution which turns red litmus blue. Identify X and also write
the chemical reactions involved.

Ans: Calcium is an element of group 2 and is present in bones also. Calcium oxide,
commonly known as quicklime, is used intensively in the cement industry. Calcium
on treatment with water forms alkali calcium hydroxide which turns the red litmus
blue.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 24

CaO(s) + H2O(l)  Ca(OH)2 (aq)

33. Write a balanced chemical equation for each of the following reactions and
also classify them.

a. Lead acetate solution is treated with dilute hydrochloric acid to form lead
chloride and acetic acid solution.

Ans: (CH3COO)2Pb + 2 HCl  PbCl2 + 2 CH3COOH [double

displacement reaction + Precipitation reaction]

b. A piece of sodium metal is added to absolute ethanol to form sodium ethoxide

and hydrogen gas.

Ans: 2 Na + C2H5OH  2 C2H5ONa + H2↑ [Displacement Reaction]

c. Iron (III) oxide on heating with carbon monoxide gas reacts to form solid iron
and liberates carbon dioxide gas.

Ans: Fe2O3 + CO  2 Fe + 3 CO2 [Redox Reaction]

d. Hydrogen sulphide gas reacts with oxygen gas to form solid sulphur and
liquid water.

Ans: H2S + O2  2S + 2 H 2O [Redox reaction]

34. Why do we store silver chloride in dark coloured bottles?

Ans: Silver chloride undergoes decomposition reaction in presence of sunlight to

form silver and evolve chlorine gas.

2 AgCl 
Sunlig ht
→ 2 Ag + Cl2

To prevent the decomposition of silver chloride by sunlight, it is stored in dark

coloured bottles.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 25

35. Balance the following chemical equations and identify the type of chemical
reaction.

a. Mg(s) + Cl2(g)  MgCl2(s)

Ans: Mg(s) + Cl2(g)  MgCl2(s)

This is a combination reaction.

b. HgO(s) →
Heat
Hg(l) + O2(g)

Ans: 2 HgO(s) →

Heat
2 Hg(l) + O2(g)

This is a thermal decomposition reaction.

c. Na(s) + S(s) →

Fuse
Na2S(s)

Ans: 2 Na(s) + S(s) →

Fuse
Na2S(s)

This is combination reaction

d. TiCl4 (l) + Mg (s)  Ti(s) + MgC12(s)

Ans: TiCl4 (l) + 2 Mg (s)  Ti(s) + 2 MgC12(s)

This is a displacement reaction

e. CaO(s) + SiO2(s)  CaSiO3(s)

Ans: CaO(s) + SiO2(s)  CaSiO3(s)

This is a combination reaction

f. H2O2(1) 
UV
→ H2O(1) + O2(g)

Ans: 2 H2O2(1) 
UV
→ 2 H2O(1) + O2(g)

This is a photo-decomposition reaction.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 26

36. A magnesium ribbon is burnt in oxygen to give a white compound X
accompanied by emission of light. If the burning ribbon is now placed in an
atmosphere of nitrogen, it continues to burn and forms a compound Y.

a. Write the chemical formulae of X and Y.

Ans: Magnesium reacts with oxygen when burnt in air to form white anhydrous
magnesium oxide (compound X) accompanied by emission of light.

Mg(s) + O2(g)  MgO(s)

Magnesium Magnesium Oxide

When magnesium is burnt in the nitrogen atmosphere, it forms magnesium nitride

(compound Y), which continues to burn.

3 Mg(s) + N2(g)  Mg3N2(s)

Magnesium Magnesium Nitride

b. Write a balanced chemical equation, when X is dissolved in water.

When magnesium oxide (compound X) is dissolved in water, alkali solution of

magnesium hydroxide is formed which turns red litmus blue.

MgO(s) + H2O(g)  Mg(OH)2(s)

Magnesium Oxide Magnesium Hydroxide

37. Zinc liberates hydrogen gas when reacted with dilute hydrochloric acid,
whereas copper does not. Explain why?

Ans: Zinc metal is placed above hydrogen in the reactivity series and hence more
reactive to displace hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric acid and liberate hydrogen
gas.

Zn(s) + HCl(aq)  ZnCl2 (aq) + H2(g)

Zinc Hydrogen

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 27

Copper metal is placed below hydrogen in the reactivity series and hence less
reactive to displace hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric acid and no reaction takes
place.

Cu(s) + HCl(aq)  No reaction

Copper

38. A silver article generally turns black when kept in the open for a few days.
The article when rubbed with toothpaste again starts shining.

a. Why do silver articles turn black when kept in the open for a few days? Name
the phenomenon involved.

Ans: Silver metal articles when kept in open air for a few days, react with sulphur
compounds present in the atmosphere and turn black due to the formation of Ag2S.
This phenomenon is corrosion.

2 Ag(s) + H2S(g)  Ag2S(s) + H2(g)

Silver Hydrogen sulphide Silver Sulphide

Toothpaste contains calcium carbonate, aluminium hydroxide which can remove the
black layer of silver sulphide and silver shines again.

3 Ag2S + 2 Al  6 Ag + Al2S3

Silver Sulphide Aluminium Silver Aluminium Sulphide

b. Name the black substance formed and give its chemical formula.

Ans: The black substance is silver sulphide and has a chemical formula as H2S.

Long Answer Questions

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 28

39. On heating blue coloured powder of copper (II) nitrate in a boiling tube,
copper oxide (black), oxygen gas and a brown gas X is formed

a. Write a balanced chemical equation of the reaction.

Ans: The copper (II) nitrate decomposes on heating to form black copper oxide and
oxygen gas is liberated along with brown nitrogen gas.

2 Cu(NO3)2(s) →
Heat
2 CuO(s) + 4 NO2 ↑ + O2 ↑

Copper Nitrate Copper Oxide Nitrogen Dioxide

(blue) (black) (brown)

b. Identify the brown gas X evolved.

Ans: The brown gas X is nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

c. Identify the type of reaction.

Ans: The type of reaction is thermal decomposition reaction as the single reactant
decomposes on heating to give three products.

d. What could be the pH range of aqueous solution of the gas X?

Ans: The pH of the oxides of non-metal is acidic in nature, nitrogen is a non metal
so nitrogen dioxide gas which is gas X is acidic and the range of aqueous solution
of nitrogen dioxide is 0-7.

40. Give the characteristic tests for the following gases:

a. CO2

Ans: Carbon dioxide gas shows the characteristic of turning limewater milky due to
formation of insoluble precipitate of calcium carbonate.

Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2(g)  CaCO3(s) + H2O(g)

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 29

 Limewater Carbon Dioxide Calcium Carbonate

b. SO2

Ans: Sulphur dioxide gas turns the purple color acidic solution of potassium
permanganate colourless. The SO2 acts as a reducing agent and forms colourless
potassium sulphate and colorless manganese sulphate.

KMnO4(aq) + H2O(l) + 5 SO2(g)  K2SO4(aq) + 2 H2SO4 + MnSO4

Potassium Permanganate Potassium Sulphate Manganese Dioxide

(Purple) (Colorless) (Colorless)

c. O2

Ans: When a matchstick is brought near the oxygen gas, it burns with more intensity
and with bright flames as the oxygen gas supports the burning.

d. H2

Ans: When a matchstick is brought near the hydrogen gas, it burns with a ‘pop’
sound.

41. What happens when a piece of:

a. zinc metal is added to copper sulphate solution?

Ans: When zinc metal is added to blue copper sulphate solution, zinc being more
reactive than copper (as zinc is placed above copper in the reactivity series) displaces
copper metal from copper sulphate solution to form colorless solution of zinc
sulphate and reddish brown copper metal settles at the bottom.

Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq)  ZnSO4(aq) + Cu

Zinc Copper Sulphate Zinc Sulphate Copper

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 30

 (Blue) (Colorless) (Reddish-brown)

b. Aluminium metal is added to dilute hydrochloric acid?

Ans: When aluminum metal is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, aqueous solution
of aluminium chloride is formed and hydrogen gas is evolved.

2 Al(s) + 6 HCl(aq)  2 AlCl3(aq) + 3 H2(g)

Aluminium Hydrochloric Acid Aluminium Chloride Hydrogen

c. silver metal is added to copper sulphate solution?

Also, write the balanced chemical equation if the reaction occurs

Ans: Silver metal is less reactive than copper, so it will not displace copper from
copper sulphate solution and hence, no reaction takes place when silver is added to
copper sulphate solution.

Ag(s) + CuSO4(aq)  No Reaction

Silver Copper Sulphate

42. What happens when zinc granules are treated with dilute solution of H2SO4,
HC1, HNO3, NaC1 and NaOH, also write the chemical equations if reaction
occurs.

When zinc granules are treated with dilute solution of the following:

● H2SO4

When zinc granules are treated with dilute solution of sulphuric acid, zinc sulphate
solution is formed along with hydrogen gas.

Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq)  ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)

Zinc Sulphuric Acid Zinc Sulphate Hydrogen

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 31

● HCl

When zinc granules are treated with dilute solution of hydrochloric acid, zinc
chloride solution is obtained with the evolution of hydrogen gas.

Zn(s) + 2 HCl(aq)  ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

Zinc Hydrochloric Acid Zinc Chloride Hydrogen

● HNO3

When zinc granules are treated with dilute solution of nitric acid, an aqueous
solution of zinc nitrate is formed along with water and nitrous oxide.

4 Zn(s) + 10 HNO3(aq)  4 Zn(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l) + N2O

Zinc Nitric Acid Zinc Nitrate

● NaCl

Zinc granules on treatment with NaCl, do not undergoes any reaction as sodium is a
reactive metal than zinc (sodium is placed above zinc in the reactivity series), and
cannot displace sodium from its salt solution of sodium chloride.

Zn(s) + NaCl(aq)  No Reaction

Zinc Sodium Chloride

● NaOH:

Zinc metal reacts with alkali to form salt and evolve hydrogen gas.

Zn(s) + 2 NaOH(aq)  Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)

Zinc Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Zincate

43. On adding a drop of barium chloride solution to an aqueous solution of

sodium sulphite, white precipitate is obtained.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 32

a. (a) Write a balanced chemical equation of the reaction involved

Ans: Barium chloride, on adding to an aqueous solution of sodium sulphite, a white

precipitate of barium sulphite is formed.

BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO3(aq)  BaSO3(s) + 2 NaCl(aq)

Zinc Sodium Sulphite Barium Sulphite

(White ppt.)

b. What other name can be given to this precipitation reaction?

Ans: The other name that can be given to this precipitation reaction is double
displacement reaction.

c. On adding dilute hydrochloric acid to the reaction mixture, white precipitate

disappears. Why?

Ans: On adding dilute hydrochloric acid to the reaction mixture, white precipitate
of barium sulphite disappears due to formation of aqueous solution of barium
chloride, water and sulphur dioxide gas is evolved.

BaSO3(s) + 2 HCl(aq)  BaCl2(aq) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)

Barium Sulphite Hydrochloric Acid Barium Chloride

44. You are provided with two containers made up of copper and aluminium.
You are also provided with solutions of dilute HC1, dilute HNO3, ZnCl2 and
H2O. In which of the above containers these solutions can be kept?

Ans: Copper is a less reactive metal and placed below hydrogen and zinc metal in
the reactivity series and hence cannot displace hydrogen from acids and water aw
well as zinc from zinc chloride, hence all the solution of dilute HC1, dilute HNO3,
ZnCl2 and H2O can be kept in copper vessel.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 33

Aluminium is reactive metal and placed above hydrogen in the reactivity series
hence reacts with the following:

● dilute HCl:

2 Al(s) + 6 HCl(aq)  AlCl3(aq) + H2(g)

Aluminium Hydrochloric Acid Aluminum Chloride

Aluminium reacts with dilute HCl to form aluminium chloride solution and
hydrogen gas is evolved. So, dilute HCl solution cannot be stored in aluminium
vessels.

● dilute HNO3:

Aluminium reacts with a dilute solution of nitric acid to form the protective layer of
aluminium oxide (Al2O3) which prevents the further reaction of acid with aluminium
vessels and hence, dilute nitric acid can be stored in the aluminium vessel.

● ZnCl2

2 Al(s) + 3 ZnCl2(aq)  2 AlCl3(aq) + 3 Zn(s)

Aluminium Zinc chloride Aluminum Chloride

Aluminum is a more reactive metal than zinc (aluminium is placed above zinc in the
reactivity series), displaces zinc from zinc chloride solution to form aluminium
chloride and zinc metal. Zinc chloride solution cannot be stored in aluminium
vessels.

● H2O

Aluminium metal reacts with cold water but can react with steam to form a protective
layer of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) which prevents further reaction with water hence,
water can be stored in aluminium vessels.

Class X Science www.vedantu.com 34