1

Chemical Reactions
and Equations
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q. 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)
K Thinking Process
(i) Chemical change takes place on the molecular level and it produces a new substance.
(ii) Physical change involves change in physical properties and it does not produce a
new substance.
Ans. (d) Combustion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a chemical change. Because it is an
irreversible reaction and new products, carbon dioxide and water vapour are formed
and lot of heat is also produced during the reaction.
Rest three are physical changes as no new products are formed.

Q. 2 The following reaction is an example of a

4NH 3 (g) + 5 O2 (g) → 4NO (g) + 6H2O (g)
1. displacement reaction
2. combination reaction
3. redox reaction
4. neutralisation reaction
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
K Thinking Process
In this reaction, NH3 is changing into NO. Removal of hydrogen from a substance is
called oxidation. So, NH3 is undergoing oxidation. O2 is changing into H2O. The addition
of hydrogen to a substance is called reduction. So, O2 is undergoing reduction.
Ans. (d) It is a redox reaction because oxidation and reduction both take place simultaneously
in this reaction. Also, it is a displacement reaction because H of NH3 has been
displaced by oxygen.
2 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

Q. 3 Which of the following statements about the given reaction are correct?
3Fe(s) + 4H2O (g) → Fe 3O 4 (s) + 4H2 (g)
1. Iron metal is getting oxidised.
2. Water is getting reduced.
3. Water is acting as reducing agent.
4. Water is acting as oxidising agent.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
Ans. (c) Fe is gaining oxygen to give Fe 3O 4 . H2O is losing oxygen to give H2 . The substance
which oxidises the other substance in a chemical reaction is known as an oxidising
agent. So, water is acting as oxidising agent.

Q. 4 Which of the following are exothermic processes?

1. Reaction of water with quick lime
2. Dilution of an acid
3. Evaporation of water
4. Sublimation of camphor (crystals)
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 3 and 4
K Thinking Process
Exothermic processes are those in which heat is released along with the formation of
products.
Ans. (a) When quick lime reacts with water, a large amount of heat is released along with the
formation of calcium hydroxide. Similarly, the process of dissolving an acid or base in
water is a highly exothermic reaction. Evaporation of water and sublimation of
camphor are endothermic reactions.

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

taken. A small amount of NaOH, anhydrous CuSO 4 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?
1. In beakers A and B, exothermic process has occurred.
2. In beakers A and B, endothermic process has occurred.
3. In beaker C, exothermic process has occurred.
4. In beaker C, endothermic process has occurred.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
Ans. (c) As in case of beakers A and B, heat is given out, so temperature became high, hence it
is an exothermic reaction while in beaker C, heat is absorbed from water, so temperature
falls, hence it is an endothermic process.
Chemical Reactions and Equations 3

Q. 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 the presence of FeSO4 to
a colourless compound
Ans. (a) Potassium permanganate (KMnO 4 ) in presence of dil H2SO 4 , i.e., in acidic medium
acts as strong oxidising agent. In acidic medium, KMnO 4 oxidises ferrous sulphate to
ferric sulphate.
2KMnO 4 + 8H2SO 4 +10Fe SO 4 → K 2SO 4 + 5Fe 2 (SO 4 )3 + 2MnSO 4 + 8H2O
Ferrous Ferric
sulphate sulphate

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

(i) Pb + CuCl 2 → PbCl 2 + Cu
(ii) Na 2SO 4 + BaCl 2 → BaSO 4 + 2NaCl
(iii) C + O2 → CO2
(iv) CH 4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
(a) (i) and (iv) (b) Only (ii) (c) (i) and (ii) (d) (iii) and (iv)
Ans. (b) In double displacement reaction, two compounds exchange their ions to form two new
compounds.
Only in reaction (ii), exchange of ions is taking place (cations and anions of both
reactants are exchanged).
Na 2SO 4 + BaCl 2 → BaSO 4 + 2NaCl
White ppt.

Q. 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.
(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) Only (iv)
Ans. (a) Decomposition of silver chloride takes place in the presence of sunlight.
Sunlight
2AgCl → 2Ag(s )+Cl 2
Silver Sliver
chloride (grey)

In this reaction, the white colour of silver chloride changes greyish white due to the
formation of silver metal.
 4 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

Q. 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 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) (b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (i) and (iv) (d) (iii) and (iv)
Ans. (b) It is an exothermic reaction because heat is given out and the resulting compound is
Ca(OH)2 which is basic in nature so, the pH of the resulting solution will be more than
seven.
CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2 + heat
Calcium Calcium
oxide hydroxide
(basic)

Ca(OH)2 turns red litmus solution to blue. So, its pH value is greater than seven.

Q. 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) Only (i) (b) Only (ii)
(c) Only (iv) (d) (ii) and (iv)
Ans. (d) The reaction is a double displacement reaction as follows
BaCl 2 + (NH4 )SO 4 → BaSO 4 ↓ + 2NH4Cl
Barium Ammonium Barium Ammonium
chloride sulphate sulphate chloride
(White ppt. )

It is also called precipitation reaction due to the formation of white precipitate of barium
sulphate.

Q. 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) The water decomposes during electrolysis to form hydrogen and oxygen gases in the
ratio 2 : 1 by volume.
Electric current
2H2O (l)     
→ 2H2 (g ) + O 2 (g )
Water Hydrogen Oxygen
2: 1
Chemical Reactions and Equations 5

Q. 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) Both (i) and (iii) (b) Only (ii)
(c) Only (iii) (d) Both (ii) and (iv)
Ans. (d) Sublimation of dry ice and evaporation of water both are endothermic process and
take heat (energy) from their surrounding to get sublime or evaporate. Hence, both
these processes produce cooling. This is the reason for using dry ice as refrigerant.
Dilution of sulphuric acid and condensation of water vapours evolve heat. Hence,
these are exothermic processes.

Q. 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 can be used in place of lead nitrate because like lead nitrate, it is also a
soluble salt in water.
The reaction is
Pb (CH3COO)2 + 2KI → Pbl 2 + 2CH3COO −K +
Lead acetate Lead iodide
(Yellow ppt. )

Lead sulphate is insoluble in water, so it cannot be used.

Q. 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
(c) Carbon dioxide or helium (d) Helium or nitrogen
Ans. (d) Helium and nitrogen both the gases provide inert atmosphere. When the packed food
is surrounded by unreactive gas (nitrogen or helium), there is no oxygen (or air) to
cause its oxidation and make it rancid.
Q. 15 The following reaction is used for the preparation of oxygen gas in the
laboratory
Heat
2KClO 3 (s) → 2KCl (s) + 3O2 (g)
Catalyst
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 because decomposition of
KClO 3 requires heat for products formation.
6 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

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

(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 the presence of air at high temperature
Ans. (d) A chemical reaction is a change in which one or more substance (s) or reactant (s)
react to form new substance (s) with entirely different properties.
2Cu + O 2 → 2CuO
Copper Copper
wire oxide

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

represent the correct states of the reactants and products involved at
reaction temperature?
(a) 2H2( l ) + O2( l ) → 2H2O ( g )
(b) 2H2( g ) + O2( l ) → 2H2O ( l )
(c) 2H2( g ) + O 2 ( g ) → 2H2O ( l )
(d) 2H2( g ) + O2( g ) → 2H2O ( g )
Ans. (c) It is because, the standard state for hydrogen and oxygen is gas and for water is liquid
at reaction temperature.

Q. 18 Which of the following are combination reactions?

Heat
(i) 2KClO 3 → 2KCl + 3O2
(ii) MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2
(iii) 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al 2O 3
(iv) Zn + FeSO 4 → ZnSO 4 + Fe
(a) Both (i) and (iii) (b) Both (iii) and (iv)
(c) Both (ii) and (iv) (d) Both (ii) and (iii)
Ans. (d) A reaction in which two or more reactants react together to form a single product, is
called a combination reaction. In reaction (ii), MgO and H2O combine to form Mg (OH)2
and in reaction (iii), Al and O 2 combine to form Al 2O 3 .
Reaction (i) is decomposition reaction and reaction (iv) is displacement reaction.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q. 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 773 K to form ammonia gas.
(b) Sodium hydroxide solution is treated with acetic acid to form sodium
acetate and water.
(c) Ethanol is warmed with ethanoic acid to form ethyl acetate in the
presence of concentrated H2SO 4 .
(d) Ethane is burnt in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide,
water and releases heat and light.
Chemical Reactions and Equations 7
Catalyst
Ans. (a) N2 (g ) + 3H2 (g ) a 2NH3 (g )
773 K
This is an example of combination reaction.
(b) NaOH (aq ) + CH3COOH( l ) → CH3COONa (aq ) + H2O ( l )
This is an example of neutralisation reaction as well as double displacement reaction.
Conc.
(c) C 2H5OH ( l ) + CH3COOH( l ) → CH3COOC 2H5 (l ) + H2O (l)
H2SO 4
This is an example of double displacement reaction.
(d) 2CH3 — CH3 (g ) + 7O 2 → 4CO 2 + 6H2O + Heat
This is an example of combustion reaction.

Q. 20 Write the balanced chemical equation for the following reactions and
identify the type of reaction in each case.
(a) In Thermite reaction, iron (III) oxide reacts with aluminium and gives
molten iron and aluminium oxide.
(b) Magnesium ribbon is burnt in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas to form
solid magnesium nitride.
(c) Chlorine gas is passed in an aqueous potassium iodide solution to
form potassium chloride solution and solid iodine.
(d) Ethanol is burnt in air to form carbon dioxide, water and releases heat.
∆
Ans. (a) Thermite reaction Fe 2O 3 (s ) + 2Al(s ) → 2Fe(l) + Al 2O 3
Iron(III)oxide Aluminium Molten iron Aluminium oxide

This is an example of displacement reaction.

∆
(b) 3Mg(s ) + N2 (g ) → Mg 3N2 (s )
Magnesium Nitrogen Magnesium nitride

This is an example of combination reaction.

(c) 2KI (aq ) + Cl 2 (g ) → 2KCl (aq ) + I2 (s )
Potassium iodide Chlorine Potassium Iodine
chloride
This is an example of displacement reaction.
(d) C 2H5OH(l) + 3O 2 (g ) → 2CO 2 (g ) + 3H2O + Heat
Ethanol Carbon
dioxide
This is an example of combustion reaction.

Q. 21 Complete the missing components/variables given as and in the

following.
(a) Pb(NO 3 )2 (aq) + 2KI(aq) → PbI2 (X) + 2KNO 3 (Y)
(b) Cu(s) + 2AgNO 3 (aq) → Cu(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) + X (s)
(c) Zn(s) + H2SO 4 (aq) → ZnSO 4 (X) + H2 (Y)
X
(d) CaCO 3 (s) → CaO(s) + CO2 (g)
Ans. (a) Pb(NO3 )2 (aq ) + 2KI(aq ) → PbI2 (s ) + 2KNO 3 (aq )
(b) sCu(s ) + 2AgNO 3 (aq ) → Cu(NO 3 )2 (aq ) + 2Ag(s )
(c) Zn(s ) + H2SO 4 (aq ) → ZnSO 4 (aq ) + H2 (g )
Heat
(d) CaCO 3(s ) → CaO(s ) + CO 2 (g )
8 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

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

nature?
(a) Decomposition of ferrous sulphate
(b) Dilution of sulphuric acid
(c)Dissolution of sodium hydroxide in water
(d)Dissolution of ammonium chloride in water
Ans. (a) Decomposition of ferrous sulphate is an endothermic reaction because heat is
absorbed during the reaction.
(b) The process of dissolving sulphuric acid in water (i.e., dilution of sulphuric acid) is a
highly exothermic reaction.
(c) The process of dissolving sodium hydroxide (a bare) in water is again a highly
exothermic reaction.
(d) Dissolution of ammonium chloride in water is an endothermic reaction as heat is
absorbed during the reaction.

Q. 23 Identify the reducing agent in the following reactions.

(a) 4NH3 + 5O2 → 4NO + 6H2O (b) H2O + F2 → HF + HOF
(c) Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2 (d) 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
K Thinking Process
A substance that helps in the reduction of another substance is called reducing agent. It
either adds oxygen, gives hydrogen or donates electrons to the substance that is reduced.
Ans. (a) NH3 is the reducing agent because it gives hydrogen and itself gets oxidised to NO
(Removal of H and addition of O). O 2 has been reduced to H2O (Addition of hydrogen).
(b) H2O is the reducing agent because of the addition of electronegative F to get oxidised to
HOF. It reduces F2 to HF (by addition of hydrogen).
(c) Fe 2O 3 has been reduced to Fe (Removal of oxygen). Also, CO has been oxidised to CO 2
(Addition of oxygen) and hence, CO is a reducing agent.
(d) H2 is the reducing agent which itself gets oxidised to H2O (Addition of oxygen). O 2 has
been reduced to H2O (Addition of hydrogen).

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

(a) Pb3 O4 + 8HCl → 3PbCl2 +Cl2 + 4H2O
(b) 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
(c) CuSO4 + Zn → Cu + ZnSO4
(d) V2O5 +5Ca → 2V + 5CaO
(e) 3Fe + 4H2O → Fe3 O4 + 4H2
(f) CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O
K Thinking Process
Oxidising agent is the substance that itself gets reduced in the reactions. It either gives
oxygen, adds hydrogen or accepts electrons from the substance to be oxidised.
Ans. (a) In this reaction, HCl has been oxidised to Cl 2 (Removal of H) and Pb 3O 4 has been
reduced to PbCl 2 (Removal of O). Hence, Pb 3O 4 is the oxidising agent (oxidant).
(b) Mg has been oxidised to MgO (Addition of O). Hence, O 2 is the oxidant.
(c) This reaction occurs as
Cu2 + + Zn → Cu + Zn2 +
Here Cu2+ has gained two electrons to form Cu. Hence, Cu2+ has been reduced to Cu.
But Zn has donated two electrons to form Zn2+ . Hence, Zn has been oxidised to Zn2+ .
Thus, CuSO 4 is the oxidising agent.
Chemical Reactions and Equations 9

(d) Ca has been oxidised to CaO (Addition of oxygen), whereas V2O 5 has been reduced to
V. Hence, V2O 5 is the oxidant.
(e) Fe has been oxidised to Fe 3O 4 whereas H2O has been reduced to H2 . Hence, H2O is the
oxident.
(f) CuO has been reduced to Cu whereas H2 has been oxidised to H2O. Hence, CuO is the
oxidant.

Q. 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 hydrogen carbonate.
(b) Sodium hydrogen carbonate on reaction with hydrochloric acid gives
sodium chloride, water and liberates carbon dioxide.
(c) Copper sulphate on treatment with potassium iodide precipitates
cuprous iodide (Cu 2I2 ), liberates iodine gas and also forms potassium
sulphate.
Ans. (a) Na 2CO3 (s) + HCl(aq ) → NaCl(aq ) +NaHCO 3
Sodium Hydrochloric acid Sodium Sodium
carbonate chloride bicarbonate

(b) NaHCO 3 + HCl(aq ) → NaCl + H2O + CO 2

Sodium Hydro Sodium Water Carbon
hydrogen chloric chloride dioxide
carbonate acid

(c) 2CuSO 4 + 4KI → Cu2 I2 + I2 +2K 2SO 4

Copper Potassium Cuprous Iodine Potassium
sulphate iodide iodide gas sulphate

Q. 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. KCl(aq ) + AgNO 3 (aq ) → AgCl(s ) + KNO 3 (aq )
Potassium Silver Silver Potassium
chloride nitrate choride nitrate
(White ppt. )

This is an example of double displacement reaction.

Q. 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.
Heat
Ans. 2FeSO 4 (s ) → Fe 2O 3 (s ) + SO 2 (g ) + SO 3 (g )
Ferrous Ferric Sulphur Sulphur
sulphate oxide dioxide trioxide

This is an example of decomposition reaction (Thermal decomposition).

Q. 28 Why do fire flies glow at night?

Ans. Fire flies have a special kind of substance (Protein) i.e., luciferin that undergoes oxidation
(by atmospheric oxygen) in the presence of an enzyme (luciferare). This reaction is
accompanied by emission of light. Therefore, fire flies glow at night.
10 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

Q. 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. When grapes are attached to the plant, aerobic respiration takes place in the cells as the
oxygen reaches there. But when plucked, no oxygen reaches the cell, therefore fermentation
starts. It is obvious that fermentation takes place only in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic
condition). Fermentation is a chemical change in which sugar is converted to alcohol.

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

(a) Evaporation of petrol
(b) Burning of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
(c) Heating of an iron rod to red hot
(d) Curdling of milk
(e) Sublimation of solid ammonium chloride
Ans. (a) Evaporation of petrol is a physical change because no new chemical substance is
formed.
(b) Burning of LPG is a chemical change because on burning, LPG forms CO 2 and H2O.
(c) Heating of an iron rod to red hot is a physical change.
(d) Curdling of milk is a chemical change because in the conversion of milk to curd, new
chemical susbtances are formed.
(e) It is a physical change, because solid NH4Cl vapours and no new chemical substance is
formed.

Q. 31 During the reaction of some metals with dilute hydrochloric acid,

following observations were made.
(a) Silver metal does not show any change
(b) The temperature of the reaction mixture rises when aluminium (Al) is
added
(c) The reaction of sodium metal 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. (a) This is because silver is below hydrogen in the reactivity series so, cannot displace
hydrogen when reacted with acid.
(b) The reaction of AI with dilute HCI is exothermic i.e., heat is produced in the reaction,
hence the temperature of the reaction mixture rises.
2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl 3 + 3H2 + Heat
(c) Sodium is a very reactive metal. It reacts explosively (extremely rapidly) with
hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride and hydrogen with the evolution of heat too.
H2 gas produced catches fire immediatly.
(d) Lead is present just above the hydrogen in the activity series of metals. Hence, it is
slightly more reactive and displace hydrogen from acid very slowly and to a small
extent. Therefore, only bubbles of H2 are seen to evolve.
Pb(s ) +2HCl (aq ) → PbCl 2 + H2 (g )
Lead Dilute Lead
chloride
Chemical Reactions and Equations 11

Q. 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. X is calcium oxide (CaO), also called quick lime. It reacts with water to form calcium
hydroxide which is a basic compound.
CaO(s ) + H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2
Calcium oxide Water Calcium hydroxide
(slaked lime)

 Red litmus
↓
Blue

Q. 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.
(b) A piece of sodium metal is added to absolute ethanol to form sodium
ethoxide and hydrogen gas.
(c) Iron (III) oxide on heating with carbon monoxide gas reacts to form
solid iron and liberates carbon dioxide gas.
(d) Hydrogen sulphide gas reacts with oxygen gas to form solid sulphur
and liquid water.
Ans. (a) Pb(CH3COO)2 (aq ) + 2HCl (dil) → PbCl 2 (s ) ↓ + 2CH3COOH (aq )
This is a double displacement reaction. It is also a precipitation reaction.
(b) 2C 2H5OH (l) + 2 Na (s ) → 2 C 2H5O −Na + + H2 ↑
This is displacement reaction.
(c) Fe 2O 3 (s ) + 3 CO(g ) → 2 Fe(s ) + 3CO 2(g ) ↑
This is a redox reaction.
(d) 2H2S (g ) + O 2(g ) → 2S(s ) + 2 H2O(l)
This is a redox reaction.

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

Ans. Dark coloured bottles interrupt the path of light such that light cannot reach silver chloride
in the bottles and its decomposition is prevented. It is known that silver chloride
decomposes to silver and chlorine in the presence of light.
This is shown in the reaction given below
Sun light
2AgCl(s ) → 2Ag(s ) + Cl 2 (g )
Silver Silver Chlorine
chloride (grey)
(white)

Hence, it is stored in dark coloured bottles.

12 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

Q. 35 Balance the following chemical equation and identify the type of

chemical reaction.
(a) Mg (s) + Cl 2 (g) → MgCl 2 (s)
Heat
(b) HgO (s) → Hg (l ) + O2 (g)
Fuse
(c) Na (s) + S(s) → Na2S(s)
(d) TiCl 4 (l ) + Mg (s) → Ti (s) + MgCl 2 (s)
(e) CaO (s) + SiO2 (s) → CaSiO 3 (s)
UV
(f) H2O2 (l ) → H2O (l ) + O2 (g)
Ans. (a) Mg(s) + Cl 2 (g ) → MgCl 2 (l) (Combination reaction)
Heat
(b) 2HgO (s ) → 2 Hg (l) + O 2 (g ) (Thermal decomposition reaction)

(c) 2 Na (s ) + S(s ) →

Fuse
Na 2S(s ) (Combination reaction)
(d) TiCl 4 (l) + 2 Mg(s ) → Ti (s ) + 2 MgCl 2 (s ) (Displacement reaction)
(e) CaO(s ) + SiO 2 (s ) → CaSiO 3 (s ) (Combination reaction)
UV
(f) 2H2O 2 (l) → 2 H2O(l) + O 2 (g ) (Photodecomposition reaction)

Q. 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.
(b) Write a balanced chemical equation, when X is dissolved in water.
Ans. 2 Mg(s ) + O 2 (g ) → 2MgO (s )+light
Magnesium Magnesium oxide ( X )

3 Mg (s ) + N2 (g ) → Mg 3N2 (s )
Magnesium Magnesium
nitride ( Y )

(a) The chemical formulae of X = MgO ; Y = Mg 3N2

(b) MgO + H2O → Mg(OH)2

X Magnesium
hydroxide

Q. 37 Zinc liberates hydrogen gas when reacted with dilute hydrochloric acid,
whereas copper does not. Explain, why?
Ans. The position of zinc in the reactivity series is above hydrogen whereas that of copper is
below hydrogen. It means that Zn oxidises (loses electrons) more easily than hydrogen
whereas copper does not do so. So, copper does not displace H2 from dilute acids. The
reaction is
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl 2 + H2 ↑
Zinc dil Zinc
chloride

Cu + HCl → No reaction
Copper
Chemical Reactions and Equations 13

Q. 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.
(b) Name the black substance formed and give its chemical formula.
Ans. (a) Silver article turns black when kept in the air because silver article reacts with sulphur
compounds such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) present in air. The phenomenon is called
corrosion. For silver particularly, it is called tarnishing of silver.
(b) The black substance formed is silver sulphide (Ag 2S).
2Ag + H2S → Ag 2S + H2
Silver Hydrogen Silver Hydrogen
sulphide sulphide
(black)

Long Answer Type Questions

Q. 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.
(b) Identify the brown gas X evolved.
(c) Identify the type of reaction.
(d) What could be the pH range of aqueous solution of the gas X?
Heat
Ans. (a) 2Cu(NO 3 )2 → 2CuO + O 2 + 4NO 2
Copper Copper Oxygen Nitrogen
nitrate oxide dioxide
(black) (brown)
(X )

(b) X is nitrogen dioxide gas (NO 2 ).

(c) This is a thermal decomposition reaction.
(d) The aqueous solution of the gas is acidic because it is an oxide of a non-metal, so its
pH range would be in between 1 to 7.

Q. 40 Give the characteristic tests for the following gases.

(a) CO2 (b) SO2
(c) O2 (d) H2
Ans. (a) Test for CO2 gas (lime water test) When CO 2 gas is passed through lime water, it turns
milky due to the formation of insoluble calcium carbonate.
Ca(OH)2 (aq ) + CO 2 → CaCO 3 (s )+ H2O
Lime water Carbon Calcium Water
(colourless) dioxide carbonate
(white)
If the gas is in excess, milkiness disappears due to the formation of soluble calcium
bicarbonate.
CO 2 + H2O + CaCO 3 → Ca(HCO 3 )2
Carbon Water Calcium Calcium
dioxide carbonare bicarbonate
(soluble)
14 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

(b) Test for SO2 gas

(i) Sulphur dioxide gas turns moist litmus paper from blue to red because SO 2 is acidic in
nature.
(ii) Sulphur dioxide gas turns acidified potassium dichromate (vi) solution from orange to
green.
K 2Cr2O 7 + 3SO 2 + H2SO 4 → Cr2 (SO 4 )3 + K 2SO 4 + H2O
Potassium Chromium
dichromate sulphate

(c) Test for O2 gas When a wooden splinter is brought near the mouth of the gas jar
containing oxygen gas, it burns brightly as oxygen is the supporter of combustion.
C + O2 → CO 2 + Heat + Light
Wood Oxgen Carbon
dioxide

(d) Test for H2 gas Hydrogen gas burns in the presence of air or oxygen with a pop sound
when a burning candle is brought near it.

Q. 41 What happens when a piece of

(a) zinc metal is added to copper sulphate solution?
(b) aluminium metal is added to dilute hydrochloric acid?
(c) silver metal is added to copper sulphate solution?
Also, write the balanced chemical equation, if reaction occurs.
Ans. (a) Blue colour of CuSO4 solution disappears.
Reason Zinc reacts with copper sulphate to form colourless zinc sulphate solution and
solid copper in deposited form as Zn is more reactive than Cu, so, displaces Cu from
CuSO 4 solution.
Zn(s )+ CuSO 4 (aq ) → ZnSO 4 (aq )+ Cu (s )
Zinc Copper Zinc sulphate Copper
(grey) sulphate (colourless) (brown)
(blue)

(b) Hydrogen gas is evolved.

Reason Aluminium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form aluminium chloride and
hydrogen gas.
2Al (s ) + 6HCI (aq ) → 2AICI3 (aq ) + 3H2 (g )
Aluminium Hydrochloric Aluminium Hydrogen
acid chloride

(c) No reaction occurs.

Reason Silver metal is less reactive than copper, therefore, it cannot displace copper
from copper sulphate solution.
Ag (s ) + CuSO 4 (aq ) → No reaction
Silver Copper
suphate

Q. 42 What happens when zinc granules are treated with dilute solution of
H 2SO 4 , HCl, HNO 3 , NaCl and NaOH, also write the chemical equations, if
reaction occurs ?
Ans. The reactions of zinc granules with various reagents are as follows
(i) Dilute H2 SO4 Zn (s ) + H2SO 4 (aq ) → ZnSO 4 (aq ) + H2 (g ) ↑
Zinc Sulphuric Zinc sulphate Hydrogen
acid
(ii) Dilute HCI Zn (s ) + 2HCl(aq ) → ZnCl 2 (aq ) + H2 (g )
Zinc Hydrochloric Zinc chloride Hydrogen
acid
Chemical Reactions and Equations 15

(iii) Dilute HNO3 Dilute HNO 3 is an oxidising acid therefore, its reaction with a metal
(e.g., Zn) is different than other dilute acids.
4Zn (s )+ 10 HNO 3 (aq ) → 4Zn (NO 3 )2 (aq ) + NH4NO 3 (aq ) + 3H2O(l)
Zinc Nitric Zinc nitrate Ammonium nitrate Water
acid

(iv) NaCI solution Reaction does not take place

Zn (s ) + NaCl (aq ) → No reaction
Zinc Sodium chloride

(v) NaOH solution

Zn (s )+ 2NaOH (aq ) → Na 2 ZnO 2 + H2 (g )
Zinc Sodium hydroxide Sodium Hydrogen
zincate

This hydrogen gas is evolved with H2SO 4 , HCl and NaOH, nitrous oxide gas is evolved with
dilute HNO 3 and no reaction takes place with NaCl solution.

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

sodium sulphite, white precipitate is obtained.
(a) Write a balanced chemical equation of the reaction involved.
(b) What other name can be given to this precipitation reaction?
(c) On adding dilute hydrochloric acid to the reaction mixture, white
precipitate disappears. Why?
Ans. (a) Na 2SO 3 (aq ) + BaCl 2 (aq ) → BaSO 3 + 2NaCl (aq )
Sodium Barium Barium Sodium
sulphite chloride sulphite chloride

(b) Double displacement reaction

(c) BaSO 3 (s ) + 2HCl(aq ) → BaCl 2 (aq ) + H2O (l) + SO 2 (g )
(White Hydrochloric Barium Water Sulphur
ppt. ) acid chloride dioxide
(dilute) (soluble)

As the reaction product barium chloride is water soluble, the white precipitate disappears.

Q. 44 You are provided with two containers made up of copper and aluminium.
You are also provided with solutions of dilute HCl, dilute HNO 3 , ZnCl 2
and H 2O. In which of the containers these solutions can be kept?
Ans. The container made up of copper or aluminium is suitable for storing the given solutions,
can be decided by studying their reactions.
(i) Reactions of copper with
(a) Dilute HCl
Cu + dilute HCI → No reaction
So, it can be stored in Cu container.
(b) Dilute HNO3
Being a strong oxidising agent, dilute HNO 3 reacts with copper, so it cannot be
stored in copper container.
Cu(s ) + 8HNO 3 (dil) → 3Cu(NO 3 )2 (aq ) + 2NO(g ) + 4H2O(l)
(c) ZnCl2
Copper is less reactive than zinc so it does not react with ZnCl 2 solution.
Therefore, it can be stored in copper container.
16 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

(d) H2 O
Copper does not react with water. So, its container can store H2O in it. Thus, dil
HCl, ZnCl 2 solution and H2O can be kept in copper vessel but dil. HNO 3 cannot be
kept in copper vessel.

(ii) Reactions of aluminium with

(a) Dilute HCl
Al reacts with dilute HCl, so it cannot be kept in aluminium container.
2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl 3 + 3H2
(b) Dilute HNO3
When dil. HNO 3 is kept in Al container, it forms a protective layer of aluminium
oxide on it which makes it passive towards action with acid, therefore, it can be
kept in Al container.
(c) ZnCl2
Al is more reactive than zinc, so it cannot keep ZnCl 2 solution in it.
2Al + 3 ZnCl 2 → 2AlCl 3 + 3 Zn
(d) H2 O
Al does not react with H2O .So, its container can store H2O in it. Thus, dil. HNO 3
and H2O(l) can be kept in aluminium vessel but dil HCl and ZnCl 2 solution cannot
be kept in aluminium vessel.