CHAPTER

2 Acids, Bases and Salts

2.1 Understanding the Chemical Properties 2.3 How Strong are Acid or Base Solutions?
of Acids and Bases 2.4 More About Salts
2.2 What do All Acids and All Bases have in
Common?

Topicwise Analysis of Last 10 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2020-2011)

14
VSA
→

12 SA I
SA II
Number of questions

10 LA

0
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
Topic →

8 Maximum weightage is of More About Salts. 8 Maximum LA type questions were asked from
More about salts.
8 Maximum SA I and SA II type questions were
asked from More About Salts.

QUICK RECAP
8 Indicator : The chemical substance which is X Olfactory indicators : The substances which
added to the solutions in very small amount give one type of odour in acidic medium
to detect their acidic or basic nature is known and a different odour in basic medium are
as indicator. called olfactory indicators, e.g., vanilla
Depending upon the property of the essence, onion, clove oil, etc.
indicators, they are classified into two types : Acid-base indicators showing different colours
X Acid – base indicators : The indicators are of two types :
which show different colours in acidic and – Natural indicators : Litmus is a natural
basic medium are called acid-base indicators indicator which is a purple coloured dye.
e.g., litmus, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, Turmeric and red cabbage juice are other
etc. examples of natural indicators.
12 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

Natural indicators with their – Monobasic acids : HCl, HNO3,

characteristic colours CH3COOH, etc.
– Dibasic acids : H2SO4, H2CO3, H2SO3,
Indicator Colour in Colour Colour
etc.
neutral in acidic in basic
– Tribasic acids : H3PO4
medium medium medium
Litmus Purple Red Blue 8 Dilute acids : A dilute acid is obtained by
mixing the concentrated acid with water.
Turmeric Yellow Yellow Reddish
X The process of mixing the concentrated
brown
acid with water is highly exothermic (or heat
Red cabbage Red Red Green producing). So, when a concentrated acid
leaves extract and water are mixed together, a large amount
– Synthetic indicators : Phenolphthalein of heat is evolved.
and methyl orange are synthetic indicators. X The dilution of a concentrated acid should
always be done by adding concentrated acid
Synthetic indicators with their to water gradually with continuous stirring
characteristic colours
and not by adding water to concentrated acid.
Indicator Colour in Colour Colour
neutral in acidic in basic 8 General properties of acids :
X Physical properties :
medium medium medium
– Almost all acidic substances have sour
Phenol- Colourless Colourless Pink
taste.
phthalein
– Acids turn blue litmus solution to red.
Methyl Orange Red Yellow – Most of the acids are corrosive in nature.
orange – The solutions of acids in water conduct
8 Acids : The substances which are sour in taste electricity.
and change the colour of blue litmus to red X Chemical properties :
are acids. – Reaction with metals : Acids react with
According to Arrhenius concept, acids are active metals such as zinc, magnesium,
substances which dissociate in aqueous etc. and hydrogen gas is evolved. e.g.,
solution to furnish hydrogen or hydronium Zn(s) + dil. H2SO4(aq) ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)
ions.
– Reaction with metal carbonates and
8 Classification of acids : metal hydrogen carbonates : Acids react
X Based on the strength of the acids : with metal carbonates and bicarbonates
– Strong acids : Acids which undergo to give carbon dioxide with brisk
complete dissociation in aqueous effervescence. e.g.,
solution producing a high concentration
of H+ ions, are called strong acids.
e.g., HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, etc.
– Weak acids : Acids which undergo
+ H2O(l) + CO2 (g)↑
partial dissociation in aqueous solution Water Carbon
producing a low concentration of H+ dioxide
ions, are called weak acids. NaHCO3(s ) + HCl(aq) 
→ NaCl(aq)
e.g., Carbonic acid; H2CO3, acetic acid;  Sodium Hydrochloric Sodium
CH3COOH, formic acid; HCOOH, etc. bicarbonate acid chloride
X Based on the basicity of acids : On the basis + H2 O(l ) + CO2(g )↑
of basicity (number of replaceable H+ ions  Water Carbon
present in an acid), acids can be classified as : dioxide
Acids, Bases and Salts 13

– Reaction with bases : When an acid X Based on the acidity of bases : On the basis
reacts with a base, it forms salt and water. of acidity (number of replaceable OH– ions
Neutralisation present in a base), bases can be classified as :
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) 
→
reaction – Monoacidic bases : NH4OH, NaOH, etc.
Hydrochloric Sodium
acid hydroxide – Diacidic bases : Ca(OH)2, Mg(OH)2, etc.
(Acid) (Base)
8 General properties of bases :
NaCl(aq) + H2 O(l )
Water
X Physical properties :
Sodium chloride
(Salt) – They are bitter in taste.
– Reaction with metallic oxides : Metal – They are soapy to touch.
oxide reacts with acid forming salt and – Bases turn the colour of red litmus to
water. blue, methyl orange from orange to
CaO(s ) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + H2 O(l) yellow and phenolphthalein from
Calcium Hydrochloric Water
colourless to pink.
Calcium
oxide acid chloride – Like acids, the solutions of bases in water
– Reaction with water : Acids when also conduct electricity.
dissolve in water give H3O+ or H+ ions. X Chemical properties :
HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl– – Reaction with acids : Bases react with
acids to form salts and water.
8 Uses of acids :
X Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacture of 2NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq)  → Na 2SO4(aq) +2H2
fertilizers, paints, explosives, synthetic fibres, Sodium hydroxide Sulphuric acid Sodium sulphate Wa
dyes, drugs, etc. and is also used in petroleum (Base) (Acid) (Salt)
refining. 2NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq)  → Na 2SO4(aq) +2H2O(l )
X Nitric acid is used in the manufacture of hydroxide Sulphuric acid
Sodium Sodium sulphate Water
fertilizers like ammonium nitrate, explosives(Base) (Acid) (Salt)
like TNT, artificial silk, dyes and plastics. – Reaction with metals : Some bases such
X Hydrochloric acid is used in textile, food, as NaOH, KOH react with active metals
leather and dye industries. to liberate hydrogen gas along with the
8 Bases : The substances which have bitter formation of salts.
taste, soapy touch and turn red litmus to blue 2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s )  → Na 2 ZnO2(aq) + H2(g )
are bases. Zinc
Sodium Sodium zincate Hydrogen
According to Arrhenius concept, bases are hydroxide (Metal) (Salt) (Gas)
substances which when dissolved in water (Base)
2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s )  → Na 2 ZnO2(aq) + H2(g )
furnish hydroxyl (OH–) ions. Sodium Zinc Sodium zincate Hydrogen
hydroxide (Metal) (Salt) (Gas)
8 Classification of bases : (Base)
X Based on the strength of bases : – Reaction with non-metal oxides :
– Strong bases : Bases which completely Bases react with non-metallic oxides to
ionise in aqueous solution to furnish produce salts and water.
high concentration of OH– ions, are 2NaOH(aq) + CO2(g) Na2CO3(aq) +
called strong bases. e.g., Sodium H2O(l)
hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide – Reaction with heavy metal salts : Metal
(KOH), etc.
salts react with aqueous solution of bases
– Weak bases : Bases which partially
to produce precipitates of insoluble
ionise in aqueous solution to furnish low
metallic hydroxides.
concentration of OH– ions, are called
weak bases. e.g., Ammonium hydroxide ZnSO4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) Na2SO4(aq)
(NH4OH), magnesium hydroxide + Zn(OH)2↓
[Mg(OH)2], etc.   White ppt.
14 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

– Reaction with water : Bases when or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. So, pH

dissolved in water produce OH– ions. scale is used to measure the strength of acids
H O
2 → Na + − and bases.
NaOH(s )  (aq ) + OH(aq )
X In pH scale :
Note : A base which dissolves in water – All substances having pH values between
is called an alkali. Thus, all alkalies are
0 and 7 are acidic in nature.
bases but all bases are not alkalies.
– All substances having pH values between
8 Uses of bases : 7 and 14 are basic in nature.
X Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is used – All substances having pH value equal to
in alkaline batteries and soft soaps. 7 are neutral.
X Calcium hydroxide is used in manufacture X pH of salt :
of bleaching powder, softening of hard water, – Salt of a strong acid and a strong base is
etc. neutral with pH value equal to 7.
X Ammonium hydroxide is used for removing – Salt of a strong acid and a weak base is
grease stains from clothes. acidic with pH value less than 7.
8 Salts : Salts are the ionic compounds which – Salt of a strong base and a weak acid is
contain a positive ion (or cation) other than basic with pH value more than 7.
H+ ion and negative ion (or anion) other than X Importance of pH in everyday life : pH
OH– ion. e.g., K2SO4, NaCl, NaNO3, etc. plays an important role in everyday life as :
8 Classification of salts : – In humans and plants : Most of the
X Normal salts : These salts are formed when all reactions taking place in our body are
replaceable hydrogens of an acid are replaced in the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. If pH falls
by metal ions thus, they do not generally below 7.0 or rises above 7.8, the survival
contain any replaceable hydrogen atom. of living organisms becomes difficult. For
e.g., NaCl, Na2SO4, etc. healthy growth of plants, the soil should
X Acidic salts : These salts are formed when have a specific pH which is neither highly
a polybasic acid is partially neutralised by a alkaline nor highly acidic.
base and salts still have some acidic H+ ions. – In digestive system : Hydrochloric
e.g., NaHCO3, NaHSO3, etc. acid is produced in our stomach which
X Basic salts : These salts are formed by partial helps in the digestion of food. But if
neutralisation of polyacidic bases with acids the amount of acid produced is beyond
and salts still have some basic OH– ions. e.g., the required limit, it causes pain and
Mg(OH)Cl, etc. irritation in the stomach. This pain can be
X Families of salts : The salts are classified into cured by antacids containing weak bases
different families either on the basis of the (like magnesium hydroxide). This base
acid or on the basis of the base from which neutralises the excess acid produced.
they have been obtained. – Tooth decay caused by acids : If the
– Sulphate family : Na2SO4, K2SO4, pH in our mouth falls below 5.5, the
MgSO4, CaSO4, etc. dissolution of calcium phosphate (tooth
– Nitrate family : NaNO3, KNO3, enamel) starts i.e., tooth decay begins.
Cu(NO3)2, etc. – Self defence of animals and plants
– Chloride family : KCl, NaCl, CaCl2, through chemical warfare : Sting of
AlCl3, etc. honey-bee or yellow ant injects methanoic
+
8 Concept of pH : The concentration of H ion acid (or formic acid) due to which we feel
+
i.e., [H ] in aqueous solution is very small, pain. To get relief, a solution of mild base,
so it is very difficult to express the acidity such as baking soda is used. Stinging hair
Acids, Bases and Salts 15

of nettle leaves inject methanoic acid, of brine. Manufacturing of bleaching powder,

causing burning pain. is generally carried out in ‘Hasenclever plant’.
X Uses : It is used
8 Common salt (Sodium chloride, NaCl) : Sea
– in textile industry for bleaching cotton
water is one of the main source of common
and linen.
salt. To extract the salt from sea water, it is
– in paper industry for bleaching wood
allowed to evaporate in shallow tanks under
pulp.
the influence of sun and wind.
– in laundry for bleaching washed clothes.
X Properties of common salt : – for disinfecting drinking water.
– It is a colourless crystalline substance
with melting point 820°C. 8 Baking soda (NaHCO3) : When an aqueous
– At low temperature (0 to –20°C), it exists solution of sodium chloride (brine) saturated
with ammonia is allowed to react with carbon
as a dihydrate, NaCl⋅2H2O.
dioxide, baking soda is produced along with
– It is slightly hygroscopic in nature.
ammonium chloride.
– It is soluble in water.
X Uses of common salt : NaCl + H2 O + CO2 + NH3 
→ NH 4 Cl
– It is essential constituent of our diet. + NaHCO3
– It is used to make freezing mixture Baking soda
(when mixed with ice) e.g., in making This process is known as ‘Solvay process’.
ice-creams. X Uses : It is used
– It is used as raw material for caustic – for making baking powder.
soda, bleaching powder, baking soda and – as an antacid.
washing soda. – as an additive in food and drinks.
– in fire - extinguishers.
8 Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) : Sodium
hydroxide is prepared by electrolysis of an 8 Washing soda (Na2CO3 . 10H2O) : The
aqueous solution of sodium chloride (brine). preparation of washing soda is carried out
This method is called ‘chlor-alkali’ process. through following steps :
The complete reaction can be represented as, Step-I : Manufacture of sodium hydrogen
On passing carbonate :
2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O(l ) 
→ NaCl + H2O + NH3 + CO2  → NaHCO3
electricity
2NaOH(aq) + Cl 2( g ) + H2( g ) Sodium
bicarbonate
The sodium hydroxide solution is formed  + NH4Cl
near the cathode. Step-II : Thermal decomposition of sodium
X Uses : It is used hydrogen carbonate : When dry crystals
– for making soaps and detergents. of sodium hydrogen carbonate are heated
– for degreasing metals. strongly, they decompose to form anhydrous
– in making of artificial fibres. sodium carbonate (soda ash).
– in petroleum refining. Heat
2NaHCO3(s ) 
→ Na 2CO3(s ) + CO2( g )
– as a laboratory reagent.
+ H2O( g )
8 Bleaching powder (CaOCl2) : It is prepared
by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked Step-III : Recrystallisation of sodium
lime Ca(OH)2. carbonate : Sodium carbonate thus obtained
is recrystallised to form crystals of washing
Ca(OH)2 + Cl 2 
→ CaOCl 2 + H2O soda.
Slaked lime Bleaching
powder Na 2CO3(s ) + 10H2O(l ) 
→ Na 2CO3 .10H2O(s )
The chlorine used in the above reaction is the Anhydrous Washing soda
sodium
by-product produced during the electrolysis carbonate
16 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

X Uses : It is used X Uses : It is used

– for softening of hard water. – for making moulds for toys, pottery,
– for washing purposes in laundry and as ceramics, etc.
cleaning agent for domestic purposes. – for making statues, models and other
– in textile industries and also in petroleum
decorative materials.
refining.
– as fire proofing materials.
– in the manufacturing of borax.
– in medical science as plasters for setting
8 Plaster of Paris : It is prepared by heating broken and fractured bones.
gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) at 373 K in a kiln.
Heat 1 8 Water of crystallisation : It is the fixed
CaSO4 .2H2 O → CaSO4 . H2 O
373 K 2 number of water molecules present in
Gypsum
Plaster of Paris one formula unit of a salt. e.g., Gypsum
1
+ 1 H2 O (CaSO4.2H2O) has two molecules of water of
2
crystallisation.
The temperature during the heating should
not be allowed to rise above 373 K. Otherwise, In hydrated copper sulphate (CuSO4.5H2O),
whole of its water is lost and anhydrous there are five molecules of water of
calcium sulphate (CaSO4) is obtained. crystallisation.
Acids, Bases and Salts 17

Previous Years’ CBSE Board Questions

2.1 Understanding the Chemical odour. Which type of an indicator is onion

juice? The liquid ‘X’ turns blue litmus red.
Properties of Acids and Bases List the observations the liquid ‘X’ will show
SA I (2 marks) on reacting with the following :
(a) Zinc granules
1. With the help of an example explain what (b) Solid sodium carbonate
happens when a base reacts with a non- Write the chemical equations for the reactions
metallic oxide. What do you infer about the involved. (2020)
nature of non-metal oxide?
(Board Term I, 2017) 7. (a) Write the chemical name and formula of
marble.
2. What is observed when carbon dioxide gas is
passed through lime water (b) It has been found that marbles of Taj are
(i) for a short duration? getting corroded due to development of
(ii) 
for a long duration? Also write the industrial areas around it. Explain this
chemical equations for the reactions fact giving a chemical equation.
involved. (Board Term I, 2016) (c) (i) What happens when CO2 is passed
through lime water?
SA II (3 marks) (ii) What happens when CO2 is passed in
3. 2 mL of sodium hydroxide solution is added excess through lime?
to a few pieces of granulated zinc metal taken  (Board Term I, 2013)
in a test tube. When the content are warmed,
a gas evolves which is bubbled through a soap 2.2 Why Do All Acids and All
solution before testing. Write the equation of
the chemical reaction involved and the test Bases have in Common?
to detect the gas. Name the gas which will SA I (2 marks)
be evolved when the same metal reacts with
dilute solution of a strong acid. (2018) 8. On diluting an acid, it is advised to add acid
4. Write the names of the product formed to water and not water to acid. Explain why it
when zinc reacts with NaOH. Also write the is so advised? (Board Term I, 2014)
balanced chemical equation for the reaction SA II (3 marks)
involved. Write a test to confirm the presence
of the gas evolved during this reaction. 9. (i) Draw a labelled diagram to show the
(Board Term I, 2015) preparation of hydrogen chloride gas in
5. To a solution of sodium hydroxide in a test laboratory.
tube, two drops of phenolphthalein are (ii) Test the gas evolved first with dry and
added. then with wet litmus paper. In which
(i) State the colour change observed. of the two cases, does the litmus paper
(ii) If dil HCl is added dropwise to the show change in colour?
solution, what will be the colour change? (iii) State the reason of exhibiting acidic
(iii) On adding few drops of NaOH solution character by dry HCl gas/HCl solution.
to the above mixture the colour of the  (2020)
solution reappears. Why? 10. Complete and balance the following chemical
(Board Term I, 2013) equations :
LA (5 marks) (i) NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) →
6. A cloth strip dipped in onion juice is used for (ii) CaCO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) →
testing a liquid ‘X’. The liquid ‘X’ changes its (iii) HCl(aq) + H2O(l) → (2020)
18 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

11. How the following substances will dissociate 16. Explain how an antacid works.
to produce ions in their solutions? (Board Term I, 2017)
(i) Hydrochloric acid SA II (3 marks)
(ii) Nitric acid
(iii) Sulphuric acid 17. (a) Three acidic solutions A, B and C have
(iv) Sodium hydroxide pH = 0, 3 and 5 respectively.
(v) Potassium hydroxide (i) Which solution has highest concentration
(vi) Magnesium hydroxide of H+ ions?
(Board Term I, 2017) (ii) Which solution has the lowest
12. Sugandha prepares HCl gas in her school concentration of H+ ions?
laboratory using certain chemicals. She (b) How concentrated sulphuric acid can be
puts both dry and wet blue litmus papers in diluted? Describe the process.
contact with the gas. (Board Term I, 2014)
(i) Name the reagents used by Sugandha to 18. A compound P forms the enamel of teeth. It
prepare HCl gas. is the hardest substance of the body. It doesn’t
(ii) State the colour changes observed with dissolve in water but gets corroded when the
the dry and wet blue litmus papers. pH is lowered below 5.5.
(iii) Show the formation of ions when HCl (a) Identify the compound P.
gas combines with water. (b) How does it undergo damage due to
(Board Term I, 2013) eating chocolate and sweets? What
LA (5 marks) should we do to prevent tooth decay?
13. (a) 
Illustrate an activity to investigate (Board Term I, 2014, 2013)
whether all compounds containing
hydrogen are acidic.
2.4 More About Salts
(b) What happens when hydrochloric acid VSA (1 mark)
and sodium hydroxide are dissolved
19. Baking soda is a mixture of
in water. Explain by giving equation of
(a) sodium carbonate and acetic acid
each. (Board Term I, 2016)
(b) sodium carbonate and tartaric acid
2.3 How Strong are Acid or Base (c) sodium hydrogen carbonate and tartaric
acid
Solutions? (d) sodium hydrogen carbonate and acetic
VSA (1 mark) acid. (2020)
14. An aqueous solution ‘A’ turns 20. The chemical formula for plaster of Paris is
phenolphthalein solution pink. On addition (a) CaSO4.2H2O (b) CaSO4.H2O
of an aqueous solution ‘B’ to ‘A’ the pink 1
(c) CaSO4. H2O (d) 2CaSO4.H2O
colour disappears. The following statement is 2
 (2020)
true for solution ‘A’ and ‘B’ :
(a) A is strongly basic and B is a weak base. SA I (2 marks)
(b) A is strongly acidic and B is a weak acid. 21. ‘‘Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a basic salt’’.
(c) A has pH greater than 7 and B has pH Justify this statement. How is it converted
less than 7. into washing soda? (AI 2019)
(d) A has pH less than 7 and B has pH greater
than 7. (2020) 22. Write the chemical formula of Bleaching
powder. How is bleaching powder prepared?
SA I (2 marks) For what purpose is it used in drinking water?
15. Out of HCl and CH3COOH, which one is a (Board Term I, 2016)
weak acid and why? Explain with the help of 23. A student collected common names and
an example. (AI 2019) formulae of some substances but he forgot to
Acids, Bases and Salts 19

note which formula is for which compound. 31. Write one point of difference between each of
Help him to match the correct formula. the following :
(i) Caustic soda NaHCO3 (i) A hydrated salt and an anhydrous salt.
(ii) Slaked lime CaO (ii) Washing soda and soda ash.
(iii) Baking soda NaOH (iii) Baking soda and baking powder.
(iv) Lime Ca(OH)2 (Board Term I, 2017)
(Board Term I, 2013) 32. Complete the following table :
SA II (3 marks) Sample Red Blue Phenolp-
solution litmus litmus hthalein
24. List the important products of the
solution solution solution
Chlor-alkali process. Write one important
Acetic acid
use of each. (2020)
Sodium hydroxide
25. How is washing soda prepared from sodium Baking soda
carbonate? Give its chemical equation.
(Board Term I, 2017)
State the type of this salt. Name the type of
hardness of water which can be removed by 33. A white coloured powder is used by doctors
it? (2020) for supporting fractured bones.
(a) Write chemical name and formula of the
26. Give reasons for the following :
powder.
(i) Only one half of water molecule is shown
(b) When this white powder is mixed with
in the formula of plaster of Paris.
water a hard solid mass is obtained.
(ii) Sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as
Write balanced chemical equation for
an antacid.
this change. (Board Term I, 2016)
(iii) On strong heating, blue coloured copper
sulphate crystals turn white. (2020) 34. (a) Define an acid-base indicator. Mention
one synthetic acid-base indicator.
27. During electrolysis of brine, a gas ‘G’ is
(b) If someone in the family is suffering from
liberated at anode. When this gas ‘G’ is
a problem of acidity after overeating,
passed through slaked lime, a compound
which of the following substances would
‘C’ is formed, which is used for disinfecting
you suggest as a remedy?
drinking water.
 Lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda
(i) Write formula of ‘G’ and ‘C’.
solution. Mention the property on
(ii) State the chemical equations involved.
the basis of which you will choose the
(iii) What is common name of compound
remedy. (Board Term I, 2014)
‘C’? Give its chemical name. (2020)
28. Identify the acid and the base from which LA (5 marks)
sodium chloride is obtained. Which type of 35. Define water of crystallisation. Give the
salt is it? When is it called rock salt? How is chemical formula for two compounds as
rock salt formed? (Delhi 2019) examples. How can it be proved that the
29. A white powder is added while baking cakes water of crystallisation makes a difference in
to make it soft and spongy. Name its main the state and colour of the compounds?
ingredients. Explain the function of each  (2020)
ingredient. Write the chemical reaction 36. (a) A student dropped a few pieces of marble
taking place when the powder is heated in dilute hydrochloric acid contained in
during baking. (AI 2019) a test tube. The evolved gas was passed
30. The pH of a salt used to make tasty and crispy through lime water. What change
pakoras is 14. Identify the salt and write a would be observed in lime water? Write
chemical equation for its formation. List its balanced chemical equations for both
two uses. (2018) the changes observed.
20 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

(b) State the chemical property in each case 40. What is water of crystallization? Write
on which the following uses of baking the common name and chemical formula
soda are based : of a commercially important compound
(i) as an antacid which has ten water molecules as water
(ii) as a constituent of baking powder. of crystallization. How is this compound
(Board Term I, 2017) obtained? Write the chemical equation also.
List any two uses of this compound.
37. (a) What are anhydrous and hydrated salts?
(Board Term I, 2015)
Explain with a suitable example of each.
(b) How is plaster of Paris prepared? What 41. (a) Name and describe giving chemical
reaction takes place when it sets to a hard equation the process used for producing
mass? (Board Term I, 2017) sodium hydroxide. Why is this process
so named?
38. (a) Write the chemical formula of hydrated (b) Give one use of each of any two products
copper sulphate and anhydrous copper obtained in this process.
sulphate. Giving an activity illustrate  (Board Term I, 2014)
how these two are interconvertible.
42. (a) You have three solutions - A, B and C
(b) Write chemical names and formulae of
having a pH of 6, 2 and 9 respectively.
plaster of Paris and gypsum.
Arrange these solutions in increasing
(Board Term I, 2016) order of hydrogen ion concentration.
39. How is sodium hydroxide produced? Write Which of the three is most acidic?
the balanced chemical equation also. Why is What happens to the hydrogen ion
this process called as chlor-alkali process? In concentration in A as it is diluted?
this process name the products given off at : (b) If someone is suffering from a stomach
(a) anode problem called acidity, why is a solution
(b) cathode of baking soda offered as a remedy?
Write one use of each of these products. (c) Write chemical name and formula of
(Board Term I, 2015) baking soda. (Board Term I, 2013)

Detailed Solutions

1. Oxides of non-metals react with bases to form (ii) If CO2 is passed for long duration
salt and water. For example, the reaction between through lime water, the white precipitate formed
carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide. Calcium dissolves due to the formation of soluble calcium
hydroxide, which is a base, reacts with carbon hydrogen carbonate and the solution becomes
clear.
dioxide to produce salt and water.
CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) Ca(HCO3)2(aq)
CO2 + Ca(OH)2 CaCO3 + H2O
Calcium Carbon Water Calcium hydrogen
Carbon Calcium Calcium
carbonate dioxide carbonate
dioxide hydroxide carbonate
(insoluble) (soluble)
Hence, oxides of non-metals are acidic in nature. 3. It is observed that active metals like zinc react
2. (i) When CO2 is passed through lime water with strong bases like NaOH, KOH etc. to liberate
for short interval of time, it turns milky due to the hydrogen gas and corresponding salt.
formation of insoluble calcium carbonate. 2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)↑
Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2(g) CaCO3(s)↓ + H2O(l) Sodium Zinc Sodium Hydrogen
hydroxide zincate (Salt)
Calcium Carbon Calcium Water
hydroxide dioxide carbonate The evolution of gas is confirmed by the bubble
(Lime water) (White ppt.) formation in soap solution.
Acids, Bases and Salts 21

Test to detect H2 gas : When burning matchstick 9. (i)

is kept on the mouth of this test tube, pop sound is Moist litmus
heard which confirms the presence of H2 gas. paper
Delivery tube
When Zn metal reacts with dilute solution of Dropper
containing Cork
strong acid, H2 gas is evolved. concentrated
Zn + 2HCl ZnCl2 + H2↑ H2SO4 Test Tube
Strong acid Salt gas A pair of tongs A pair of tongs
4. Refer to answer 3.
5. (i) On adding phenolphthalein to NaOH Test Tube
Sodium
solution, the colour becomes pink. chloride
(ii) On adding dilute HCl solution dropwise to
the same test tube, the pink colour disappears and Guard tube containing
calcium chloride
the solution again becomes colourless.
(iii) On again adding NaOH to the above mixture, Preparation of hydrogen chloride gas
pink colour reappears because the medium becomes (ii) There is no change in the colour of ‘dry’ blue
basic again. litmus paper but ‘moist’ blue litmus paper turns
6. Onion juice is an olfactory indicator. red if brought near the mouth of the test tube.
Olfactory indicators give one type of odour in This shows that HCl gas does not show acidic
acidic medium and a different odour in basic behaviour in absence of water but it shows acidic
medium. As the liquid ‘X’ turns blue litmus red, behaviour in presence of water.
hence it is an acidic solution. (iii) When HCl gas dissolves in water, forms
(a) Acids react with active metals such as zinc, hydrochloric acid solution i.e., HCl(aq) which then
magnesium etc. and evolve hydrogen gas, for produces H+(aq) or H3O+(aq) ions.
example,
HCl + H2O H3O+ + Cl–
Zn(s) + dil.H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g)
(b) Acids react with metal carbonates to give Due to the presence of H+ or H3O+ it shows acidic
carbon dioxide with brisk effervescence. behaviour.
For example, Na2CO3 + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + CO2 10. (i) 2NaOH(aq) + Zn(s) Na2ZnO2(aq) + H2(g)
 + H2O (ii) CaCO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) Ca(HCO3)2(aq)
7. (a) The chemical formula of marble (lime (iii) HCl(aq) + H2O(l) H3O(aq) + Cl–(aq)
+
stone) is CaCO3. Its chemical name is calcium
11. Dissociation of various substances to produce
carbonate.
(b) Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the ions in their solutions are :
world situated at Agra, is continuously losing its (i) Hydrochloric acid (HCl) :
luster day by day due to rapid industrialisation HCl(aq) H+(aq)+ Cl–(aq)
which causes acid rain. (ii) Nitric acid (HNO3) :
The sulphuric acid present in the acid rain causes HNO3(aq)
–
H+(aq) + NO3 (aq)
the marble (CaCO3) to be washed off as calcium
(iii) Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) :
sulphate (CaSO4), leading to the deterioration of 2–
such a splendid piece of architecture. H2SO4(aq) 2H+(aq) + SO4 (aq)
CaCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) CaSO4(aq) + H2O(l) + (iv) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) :
 CO2(g) NaOH(aq) Na+(aq) + OH–(aq)
(c) Refer to answer 2. (v) Potassium hydroxide (KOH) :
8. Diluting a concentrated acid with water is KOH(aq) K+(aq) + OH–(aq)
a highly exothermic process. So, when water is
(vi) Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] :
added to concentrated acid, large amounts of heat
is liberated which changes some water to steam Mg(OH)2(aq) Mg2+ –
(aq) + 2OH (aq)
explosively which can splash the acid and even 12. (i) Dense white fumes of hydrogen chloride
the glass apparatus may break due to excessive gas are evolved on heating solid sodium chloride
heating. with concentrated sulphuric acid.
22 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

NaCl(s) + H2SO4 NaHSO4(aq) + HCl(g)↑ NaOH when dissolved in water produces sodium
Sodium Conc. Sodium Hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions in the solution.
chloride sulphuric hydrogen chloride
acid sulphate NaOH(s) + H2O(l) Na+(aq) + OH–(aq)
(ii) Refer to answer 9(ii). Sodium Sodium Hydroxide
hydroxide ions ions
(iii) Refer to answer 9(iii).
13. (a) Take two beakers, one containing HCl 14. (c) : As the aqueous solution of A turns
acid and other containing alcohol which is not phenolphthalein solution pink, hence A is basic
an acid but contains hydrogen. Now, fix two iron in nature. On adding an acidic solution, the pink
nails on a rubber cork and insert in a beaker and colour will disappear. Hence, B is an acid.
connect the nail to the two terminal of 6V battery 15. Out of HCl and CH3COOH, CH3COOH
through a switch and a bulb. Pour some dilute is a weak acid because it dissociates partially in
HCl solution in beaker and switch on the current. the solution. This can be proved with the help of
The bulb starts glowing. This shows that acids get following example.
dissociated as H+ and Cl– ions and these ions are
If 1 M HCl and 1 M CH3COOH are taken in the
responsible for conducting electricity.
beaker as shown in the figure, greater deflection
HCl H+(aq) + Cl–(aq) is observed in case of HCl which shows that
Battery (6V)
more ions are produced by HCl in solution which
produce more current.
Switch Bulb glows

Beaker

Iron nail
Rubber cork Dilute hydrochloric acid
solution
(a)
Let us now take alcohol solution in the beaker and
switch on the current. The bulb does not glow in 16. The acidity produced due to excess
this case. This shows that alcohol does not conduct hydrochloric acid in the stomach which cause
electricity. indigestion, produce pain and irritation. Milk of
Battery
magnesia (chemically magnesium hydroxide)
Bulb does
is used as an antacid. Since, it is basic in nature,
Switch not glow reacts with the excess hydrochloric acid present in
the stomach and neutralises it.
Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl MgCl2 + 2H2O
Beaker Magnesium Hydrochloric Magnesium Water
hydroxide acid chloride
Iron nail
(Milk of magnesia)
Rubber cork Alcohol solution
17. (a) (i) The solution having lower pH will have
(b) more hydrogen ion concentration. Hence, solution
So, all acids have hydrogen but all hydrogen ‘A’ will have highest H+ ion concentration.
containing compounds are not acid. (ii) Solution ‘C’ i.e., pH = 5 has the lowest
(b) HCl dissociates in aqueous solution to give concentration of H+ ions.
hydrogen ions (or hydronium ions) and chloride (b) Mixing of an acid with water is called dilution.
ions. This process is highly exothermic and therefore,
 H3O(aq)  Cl(aq)
HCl (aq)  H2 O (l )  acid is always added to the water not water to acid.
Hydrochloric Hydronium
The process for diluting concentrated sulphuric
acid ion acid is :
Acids, Bases and Salts 23

(i) Take about 10 mL of water in a beaker. 24. Sodium hydroxide is prepared by electrolysis
(ii) Add concentrated sulphuric acid dropwise to of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (brine).
water and swirl the beaker slowly. The complete reaction can be represented as :
18. (a) The compound P is calcium phosphate. 2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O(l ) 
→
On passing
(b) Eating chocolates and sweets produce electricity
large amount of acid in the mouth which is not 2NaOH(aq) + Cl 2( g ) + H2( g )
completely neutralised by the saliva produced in The process of electrolysis of sodium chloride
the mouth. Excess acid attacks the enamel and solution is called chlor-alkali process because of the
tooth decay starts as pH of the mouth falls below products formed : chlor for chlorine and alkali for
5.5. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to clean sodium hydroxide. The three very useful products
the teeth by using toothpastes after eating food. obtained by the electrolysis of sodium chloride
Toothpastes which are generally basic neutralise solution are sodium hydroxide, chlorine and
the excess acid in the mouth. hydrogen.
19. (c) : Baking soda is a mixture of sodium At anode : Cl2 gas is liberated
hydrogen carbonate and a mild edible acid like At cathode : H2 gas is liberated.
tartaric acid or citric acid. Uses of sodium hydroxide : In the manufacture of
soaps and detergents.
20. (c, d) : Plaster
 of Paris is calcium sulphate Uses of chlorine : As a germicide and disinfectant
hemihydrate which can be represented as, for sterilisation of drinking water and for water of
1 swimming pools.
CaSO4. H2O and 2CaSO4.H2O.
2 Uses of hydrogen : In the manufacture of ammonia
21. Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) is which is used for the preparation of various
basic in nature as on hydrolysis it gives a mixture fertilizers like urea, ammonium sulphate etc.
of strong base (NaOH) and weak acid (H2CO3). 25. Washing soda is prepared by recrystallisation
Sodium hydrogen carbonate is converted to of sodium carbonate :
washing soda in the following way : Na2CO3(s) + 10H2O(l) Na2CO3.10H2O(s)
(i) Thermal decomposition of NaHCO3 : Anhydrous Washing soda
Heat sodium carbonate
2NaHCO3(s ) 
→ Na2 CO3(s ) + CO2 ↑+ H2 O ↑ It is a basic salt as on hydrolysis it gives a mixture
Sodium Anhydrous
hydrogen sodium carbonate of strong base (NaOH) and weak acid (H2CO3).
carbonate Na2CO3 + 2H2O H2CO3 + 2NaOH
(ii) Recrystallisation of sodium carbonate : It is used to remove the permanent hardness
Na2 CO3(s ) + 10H2 O(l ) 
→ Na2 CO3⋅10H2 O(s ) of water. Hard water is treated with a calculated
Washing soda
amount of washing soda when chlorides and
sulphates of calcium and magnesium present in
22. The chemical formula of bleaching powder is
hard water get precipitated as insoluble calcium
CaOCl2.
and magnesium carbonates which can be easily
It is prepared by the action of chlorine gas on dry
filtered off. The water thus becomes soft.
slaked lime Ca(OH)2. CaCl2 + Na2CO3 CaCO3↓ + 2NaCl
Ca(OH)2 + Cl 2 
→ CaOCl 2 + H2O MgSO4 + Na2CO3 MgCO3↓ + Na2SO4
Slaked lime Bleaching
powder 26. (i) Only one half of water molecule is shown
1
The chlorine used in the above reaction is the by- in the formula of plaster of Paris (CaSO4. H2O)
product produced during the electrolysis of brine. 2
It is used in disinfecting drinking water as chlorine as one molecule of water is being shared by two
molecules of calcium sulphate (CaSO4). So the
liberated by it, kills the germs.
effective water of crystallisation for one CaSO4
23. (i) Caustic soda → NaOH unit comes to half molecule of water.
(ii) Slaked lime → Ca(OH)2 (ii) Acidity can be neutralised by a base. Sodium
(iii) Baking soda → NaHCO3 hydrogen carbonate can be used as an antacid
(iv) Lime → CaO solution because it is a weak base and will react
24 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

with excess acid produced in the stomach due to Two uses of sodium bicarbonate are as follows :
hyperacidity and will neutralise it. (i) It is used as an antacid in medicines.
(iii) Blue coloured copper sulphate crystals are (ii) It is used as an additive in food and drinks.
hydrated copper sulphate, CuSO4.5H2O. On Note : In the question paper, the given pH is 14
heating blue copper sulphate crystals looses its which should be 9.
water of crystallisation and turns into anhydrous 31. (i)
copper sulphate which is white in colour.
Heat Hydrated salt Anhydrous salt
CuSO4.5H2O CuSO4 + 5H2O
A salt with one or more A salt in which all
(Blue) (White)
chemically combined water molecules are
27. (i) During electrolysis of brine, chlorine
water molecule is called removed, is called
is obtained at anode. When chlorine is passed
hydrated salt. e.g., washing anhydrous salt. e.g.,
through slaked lime, bleaching powder is formed
which is used for disinfecting drinking water. soda, Na2CO3.10H2O soda ash, Na2CO3
Hence, G is Cl2 and C is CaOCl2. (ii)
Electrolysis
(ii) 2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O(l) 2NaOH(aq) + Washing soda Soda ash
 Cl2(g) + H2(g) The hydrated salt of The anhydrous
[O] sodium carbonate sodium carbonate
Ca(OH)2(s) + Cl2(g) CaOCl2(s) + H2O(l)
(C) containing 10 molecules (Na2CO3) which does
(iii) Common name of C is bleaching powder. Its of water of crystallisation, not contain water
chemical name is calcium hypochlorite. is known as washing soda of crystallisation, is
28. Sodium chloride is obtained by the i.e., Na2CO3⋅10H2O. known as soda ash.
neutralisation of sodium hydroxide (base) with (iii)
hydrochloric acid (acid). It is a neutral salt. Baking soda Baking powder
Common salt found in the form of solid deposits
Baking soda is Baking powder is a
is often brown in colour due to presence of
sodium hydrogen mixture of NaHCO3 and
impurities which is called rock salt.
carbonate with the tartaric acid or citric
Rock salt is formed by evaporation of salty water
formula, NaHCO3. acid.
of inland lakes.
32.
29. The white powder added while baking cakes
Sample Red litmus Blue Phenolp-
to make it soft and spongy is baking powder. Its solution litmus hthalein
solution
main ingredients are sodium hydrogen carbonate solution solution
and a mild edible acid like tartaric acid or citric Acetic acid No effect Red Colourless
acid. (CH3COOH)
NaHCO3 decomposes to give out CO2 which
causes the cake to rise and makes it soft and Sodium Blue No effect Pink
spongy. The function of tartaric acid or citric acid hydroxide
is to neutralise sodium carbonate formed during (NaOH)
heating which can otherwise make the cake bitter. Baking Soda Blue No effect Pink
Reaction taking place when the powder is heated : (NaHCO3)
Heat
2NaHCO3 
→ Na 2 CO3 + H 2 O + CO2↑ 33. (a) Chemical name of the powder is calcium
30. Salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is sulphate hemihydrate. Chemical formula of the
sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), pH = 9. On large powder is CaSO4 ⋅ 1 H2O.
scale, sodium bicarbonate is prepared as : 2
NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 (b) When water is added to plaster of Paris, it sets
Sodium Water Carbon Ammonia into a hard mass in about half an hour. The setting
chloride dioxide of plaster of Paris is due to its hydration to form
NH4Cl + NaHCO3
Ammonium Sodium crystals of gypsum which set to form a hard, solid
chloride bicarbonate mass.
Acids, Bases and Salts 25

1 1 36. (a) When marble reacts with dilute HCl

CaSO4 ⋅ H2O + 1 H2O → CaSO4 ⋅ 2H2O carbon dioxide gas is liberated.
2 2 Gypsum
Plaster of Paris Water (sets as hard mass) CaCO3 + 2HCl CaCl2 + H2O + CO2↑
Calcium Dil. Calcium Water Carbon
34. (a) Acid – base indicators : The indicators carbonate hydrochloric chloride dioxide
which show different colours in acidic and (Limestone/ acid
marble
basic medium are called acid-base indicators.
When CO2 gas is passed through lime water,
Phenolphthalein is a synthetic indicator.
insoluble calcium carbonate is formed which
(b) Acidity can be neutralised by a base. Hence,
we should choose baking soda solution because appears milky.
it is a weak base and will react with excess acid CO2( g ) + Ca(OH)2(aq) 
→
produced in the stomach due to hyperacidity and Carbon Calcium
will neutralise it. dioxide hydroxide
(Lime water) CaCO3(s )↓ + H2O(l )
35. Water of crystallisation : It is the fixed Calcium Water
number of water molecules present in one formula carbonate
unit of a salt. e.g., Gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) has two (insoluble)
molecules of water of crystallisation. (b) (i) The excess acid formed in the stomach
In hydrated copper sulphate (CuSO4.5H2O), there due to various reasons (one being overeating)
are five molecules of water of crystallisation. is neutralised by sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Activity : Hence, it is used as an ingredient of antacid.
– Take few crystals of copper sulphate in a dry (ii) Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) is
boiling tube. These are blue in colour. a constituent of baking power. On heating it gives
– Heat the boiling tube by holding it with a test
out CO2 which causes the cake to rise and make it
tube holder on the flame of the burner.
soft and spongy.
37. (a) Refer to answer 31(i).
(b) It is prepared from gypsum which is calcium
Water droplets sulphate dihydrate (CaSO4⋅2H2O). Gypsum
is heated in a kiln to a temperature of 100°C
(373 K). At this temperature, it loses three-fourth
of its water of crystallisation forming plaster of
Paris.
100 °C (373K)
CaSO4 ⋅ 2H2O   →
Gypsum 1 1
CaSO4 ⋅ H2O + 1 H2O
2 2
Observations : You will observe that the colour Plaster of Paris
of copper sulphate crystals after heating becomes Refer to answer 33(b).
white. You may also notice water droplets on the 38. (a) The chemical formula of hydrated copper
mouth side of the boiling tube which are obtained sulphate is CuSO4⋅5H2O(s) and anhydrous copper
from water of crystallisation. sulphate is CuSO4(s).
After adding 2-3 drops of water on the white For activity refer to answer 35.
sample of copper sulphate (obtained after heating) (b) Plaster of Paris is calcium sulphate
you will observe that the blue colour of copper 1
sulphate crystals is restored. hemihydrate; CaSO4 ⋅ H2O and Gypsum is
2
Heat calcium sulphate dihydrate; (CaSO4⋅2H2O).
CuSO4⋅5H2O CuSO4 + 5H2O
(Blue) (White) 39. Refer to answer 24.
CuSO4 + 5H2O CuSO4⋅5H2O 40. Water of crystallization : Crystals of some
(White) (Blue) salts contain certain amount of associated water.
26 CBSE Champion Science Class 10

The water associated with the crystal (or molecule) like caustic soda (NaOH), borax, etc.
of any salt is called water of crystallisation. (ii) For washing purposes (laundry works).
The hydrated salt is known as washing soda which 41. Refer to answer 24.
is sodium carbonate containing 10 molecules 42. (a) The solution having lower pH will
of water of crystallization, i.e., it is sodium have more hydrogen ion concentration. Hence,
carbonate decahydrate. Its molecular formula is solution B (i.e., pH = 2) will have more hydrogen
Na2CO3⋅10H2O. ion concentration.
It can be obtained by heating baking soda followed B > A > C
by recrystallisation from its aqueous solution. (pH = 2) (pH = 6) (pH = 9)
Solution B is most acidic.
2NaHCO3 heat
→ Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
Adding water to solution A, will reduce the
Na2CO3 + 10H2O Na2CO3.10H2O concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.
Uses of sodium carbonate : (i) For the (b) Refer to answer 26(ii).
manufacture of glass, soap, papers and chemicals (c) Refer to answer 31(iii).