NCERT Exemplar Solutions
Class 10 - Science
CHAPTER 2: Acids, Bases and Salts

Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options:

Question.  1

What happens when a solution of an acid is mixed with a solution of a base in a test tube?

(i) The temperature of the solution increases

(ii) The temperature of the solution decreases

(iii) The temperature of the solution remains the same

(iv) Salt formation takes place

(a)

(i) only

(b)

(i) and (iii)

(c)

(ii) and (iii)

(d)

(i) and (iv)

Open

Question.  2

An aqueous solution turns red litmus solution blue. Excess addition of which of the following solution would reverse the change?

(a)

Baking powder

(b)

Lime

(c)

Ammonium hydroxide solution

(d)

Hydrochloric acid

Open

Question.  3

During the preparation of hydrogen chloride gas on a humid day, the gas is usually passed through the guard tube containing calcium chloride. What is the role of calcium chloride?

(a)

absorb the evolved gas

(b)

moisten the gas

(c)

absorb moisture from the gas

(d)

absorb Cl⁻ ions from the evolved gas

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Question.  4

Which of the following salts does not contain water of crystallisation?

(a)

Blue vitriol

(b)

Baking soda

(c)

Washing soda

(d)

Gypsum

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Question.  5

Sodium carbonate is a basic salt because it is a salt of

(a)

strong acid and strong base

(b)

weak acid and weak base

(c)

strong acid and weak base

(d)

weak acid and strong base

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Question.  6

Calcium phosphate is present in tooth enamel. Its nature is

(a)

basic

(b)

acidic

(c)

neutral

(d)

amphoteric

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Question.  7

A sample of soil is mixed with water and allowed to settle. The clear supernatant solution turns the pH paper yellowish-orange. Which of the following would change the colour of this pH paper to greenish-blue?

(a)

Lemon juice

(b)

Vinegar

(c)

Common salt

(d)

An antacid

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Question.  8

Which of the following gives the correct increasing order of acidic strength?

(a)

Water < Acetic acid < Hydrochloric acid

(b)

Water < Hydrochloric acid < Acetic acid

(c)

Acetic acid < Water < Hydrochloric acid

(d)

Hydrochloric acid < Water < Acetic acid

Open

Question.  9

If a few drops of a concentrated acid accidentally spills over the hand of a student, what should be done?

(a)

Wash the hand with saline solution

(b)

Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogencarbonate

(c)

After washing with plenty of water apply solution of sodium hydroxide on the hand

(d)

Neutralise the acid with a strong alkali

Open

Question.  10

Sodium hydrogencarbonate when added to acetic acid evolves a gas. Which of the following statements are true about the gas evolved?

(i) It turns lime water milky

(ii) It extinguishes a burning splinter

(iii) It dissolves in a solution of sodium hydroxide

(iv) It has a pungent odour

(a)

(i) and (ii)

(b)

(i), (ii) and (iii)

(c)

(ii), (iii) and (iv)

(d)

(i) and (iv)

Open

Question.  11

Common salt besides being used in kitchen can also be used as the raw material for making

(i) washing soda

(ii) bleaching powder

(iii) baking soda

(iv) slaked lime

(a)

(i) and (ii)

(b)

(i), (ii) and (iv)

(c)

(i) and (iii)

(d)

(i), (iii) and (iv)

Open

Question.  12

One of the constituents of baking powder is sodium hydrogencarbonate, the other constituent is

(a)

hydrochloric acid

(b)

tartaric acid

(c)

acetic acid

(d)

sulphuric acid

Open

Question.  13

To protect tooth decay we are advised to brush our teeth regularly. The nature of the tooth paste commonly used is

(a)

acidic

(b)

neutral

(c)

basic

(d)

corrosive

Open

Question.  14

Which of the following statements is correct about an aqueous solution of an acid and of a base?

(i) Higher the pH, stronger the acid

(ii) Higher the pH, weaker the acid

(iii) Lower the pH, stronger the base

(iv) Lower the pH, weaker the base

(a)

(i) and (iii)

(b)

(ii) and (iii)

(c)

(i) and (iv)

(d)

(ii) and (iv)

Open

Question.  15

The pH of the gastric juices released during digestion is

(a)

less than 7

(b)

more than 7

(c)

equal to 7

(d)

equal to 0

Open

Question.  16

Which of the following phenomena occur, when a small amount of acid is added to water?

(i) Ionisation

(ii) Neutralisation

(iii) Dilution

(iv) Salt formation

(a)

(i) and (ii)

(b)

(i) and (iii)

(c)

(ii) and (iii)

(d)

(ii) and (iv)

Open

Question.  17

Which one of the following can be used as an acid–base indicator by a visually impaired student?

(a)

Litmus

(b)

Turmeric

(c)

Vanilla essence

(d)

Petunia leaves

Open

Question.  18

Which of the following substances will not give carbon dioxide on treatment with dilute acid?

(a)

Marble

(b)

Limestone

(c)

Baking soda

(d)

Lime

Open

Question.  19

Which of the following is acidic in nature?

(a)

Lime juice

(b)

Human blood

(c)

Lime water

(d)

Antacid

Open

Question.  20

In an attempt to demonstrate electrical conductivity through an electrolyte, the following apparatus was set up. Which among the following statement(s) is(are) correct?

(i) Bulb will not glow because electrolyte is not acidic

(ii) Bulb will glow because NaOH is a strong base and furnishes ions for conduction

(iii) Bulb will not glow because circuit is incomplete

(iv) Bulb will not glow because it depends upon the type of electrolytic solution

(a)

(i) and (iii)

(b)

(ii) and (iv)

(c)

(ii) only

(d)

(iv) only

Open

Question.  21

Which of the following is used for dissolution of gold?

(a)

Hydrochloric acid

(b)

Sulphuric acid

(c)

Nitric acid

(d)

Aqua regia

Open

Question.  22

Which of the following is not a mineral acid?

(a)

Hydrochloric acid

(b)

Citric acid

(c)

Sulphuric acid

(d)

Nitric acid

Open

Question.  23

Which among the following is not a base?

(a)

NaOH

(b)

KOH

(c)

NH₄OH

(d)

C₂H₅OH

Open

Question.  24

Which of the following statements is not correct?

(a)

All metal carbonates react with acid to give a salt, water and carbon dioxide

(b)

All metal oxides react with water to give salt and acid

(c)

Some metals react with acids to give salt and hydrogen

(d)

Some non-metal oxides react with water to form an acid

Open

Question.  25

Match the chemical substances given in Column (A) with their appropriate application given in Column (B)

Column (A)Column (B)
(A) Bleaching powder(i) Preparation of glass
(B) Baking soda(ii) Production of H₂ and Cl₂
(C) Washing soda(iii) Decolourisation
(D) Sodium chloride(iv) Antacid
(a)

A—(ii), B—(i), C—(iv), D—(iii)

(b)

A—(iii), B—(ii), C—(iv), D—(i)

(c)

A—(iii), B—(iv), C—(i), D—(ii)

(d)

A—(ii), B—(iv), C—(i), D—(iii)

Open

Question.  26

Equal volumes of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions of same concentration are mixed and the pH of the resulting solution is checked with a pH paper. What would be the colour obtained?

(a)

Red

(b)

Yellow

(c)

Yellowish green

(d)

Blue

Open

Question.  27

Which of the following is(are) true when HCl (g) is passed through water?

(i) It does not ionise in the solution as it is a covalent compound.

(ii) It ionises in the solution

(iii) It gives both hydrogen and hydroxyl ion in the solution

(iv) It forms hydronium ion in the solution due to the combination of hydrogen ion with water molecule

(a)

(i) only

(b)

(iii) only

(c)

(ii) and (iv)

(d)

(iii) and (iv)

Open

Question.  28

Which of the following statements is true for acids?

(a)

Bitter and change red litmus to blue

(b)

Sour and change red litmus to blue

(c)

Sour and change blue litmus to red

(d)

Bitter and change blue litmus to red

Open

Question.  29

Which of the following are present in a dilute aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid?

(a)

H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻

(b)

H₃O⁺ + OH⁻

(c)

Cl⁻ + OH⁻

(d)

unionised HCl

Open

Question.  30

Identify the correct representation of reaction occurring during chloralkali process

(a)

2NaCl(l) + 2H₂O(l) → 2NaOH(l) + Cl₂(g) + H₂(g)

(b)

2NaCl(aq) + 2H₂O(aq) → 2NaOH(aq) + Cl₂(g) + H₂(g)

(c)

2NaCl(aq) + 2H₂O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + Cl₂(aq) + H₂(aq)

(d)

2NaCl (aq) + 2H₂O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + Cl₂(g) + H₂(g)

Open

Short Answer Questions

Question. 31

31. Match the acids given in Column (A) with their correct source given in Column (B)

Column (A)Column (B)
(a) Lactic acid(i) Tomato
(b) Acetic acid(ii) Lemon
(c) Citric acid(iii) Vinegar
(d) Oxalic acid(iv) Curd

Answer:

(a) — (iv)

(b) — (iii)

(c) — (ii)

(d) — (i)

Question. 32

32. Match the important chemicals given in Column (A) with the chemical formulae given in Column (B)

Column (A)Column (B)
(a) Plaster of Paris(i) Ca(OH)₂
(b) Gypsum(ii) CaSO₄·1/2 H₂O
(c) Bleaching Powder(iii) CaSO₄·2H₂O
(d) Slaked Lime(iv) CaOCl₂

Answer:

(a) — (ii) (b) — (iii) (c) — (iv) (d) — (i)

Open

Question. 33

33. What will be the action of the following substances on litmus paper?

Dry HCl gas, Moist ened NH₃ gas, Lemon juice, Carbonated soft drink, Curd, Soap solution.

Answer:

SubstanceAction on Litmus paper
Dry HCl gasNo change
Moistened NH₃ gasTurns red to blue
Lemon juiceTurns blue to red
Carbonated soft drinkTurns blue to red
CurdTurns blue to red
Soap solutionTurns red to blue

Open

Question. 34

34. Name the acid present in ant sting and give its chemical formula. Also give the common method to get relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.

Answer:

The acid is methanoic acid (formic acid), formula \(\mathrm{HCOOH}\). To get relief apply a basic salt such as baking soda (\(\mathrm{NaHCO_3}\)) to neutralise the acid.

Open

Question. 35

35. What happens when nitric acid is added to egg shell?

Answer:

Egg shells (CaCO₃) react with HNO₃ to give calcium nitrate, water and carbon dioxide: \(\mathrm{CaCO_3 + 2HNO_3 \to Ca(NO_3)_2 + H_2O + CO_2}\).

Open

Question. 36

36. A student prepared solutions of (i) an acid and (ii) a base in two separate beakers. She forgot to label the solutions and litmus paper is not available in the laboratory. Since both the solutions are colourless, how will she distinguish between the two?

Answer:

Use chemical indicators like phenolphthalein or natural indicators (turmeric, china rose/petunia) or test reaction with a small amount of metal or carbonate. For example, add a small amount of baking soda to each; acid will give effervescence (CO₂) while base will not. Alternatively phenolphthalein turns pink in base and remains colourless in acid.

Open

Question. 37

37. How would you distinguish between baking powder and washing soda by heating?

Answer:

On heating baking soda (\(\mathrm{NaHCO_3}\)) decomposes to give sodium carbonate, water and carbon dioxide: \(\mathrm{2NaHCO_3 \xrightarrow{heat} Na_2CO_3 + H_2O + CO_2}\) (CO₂ will turn lime water milky). Washing soda (\(\mathrm{Na_2CO_3\cdot10H_2O}\)) on heating loses water but does not evolve CO₂. Thus evolution of CO₂ (turning lime water milky) identifies baking powder (NaHCO₃).

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Question. 38

38. Salt A commonly used in bakery products on heating gets converted into another salt B which itself is used for removal of hardness of water and a gas C is evolved. The gas C when passed through lime water, turns it milky. Identify A, B and C.

Answer:

A — \(\mathrm{NaHCO_3}\) (baking soda)
B — \(\mathrm{Na_2CO_3}\) (sodium carbonate, washing soda on hydration)
C — \(\mathrm{CO_2}\)

Open

Question. 39

39. In one of the industrial processes used for manufacture of sodium hydroxide, a gas X is formed as by product. The gas X reacts with lime water to give a compound Y which is used as a bleaching agent in chemical industry. Identify X and Y giving the chemical equation of the reactions involved.

Answer:

Main reaction (electrolysis of brine): \(\mathrm{2NaCl(aq) + 2H_2O(l) \to 2NaOH(aq) + Cl_2(g) + H_2(g)}\).
X = \(\mathrm{Cl_2}\) (chlorine gas).
Reaction with lime water: \(\mathrm{Ca(OH)_2 (s) + Cl_2 (g) \to CaOCl_2 (s) + H_2O}\).
Y = calcium oxychloride (bleaching powder, \(\mathrm{CaOCl_2}\)).

Open

Question. 40

40. Fill in the missing data in the following table

Name of the saltFormulaSalt obtained from — BaseSalt obtained from — Acid
(i) Ammonium chlorideNH₄ClNH₄OH
(ii) Copper sulphateH₂SO₄
(iii) Sodium chlorideNaClNaOH
(iv) Magnesium nitrateMg(NO₃)₂HNO₃
(v) Potassium sulphateK₂SO₄
(vi) Calcium nitrateCa(NO₃)₂Ca(OH)₂HNO₃

Answer:

(i) Ammonium chloride — Formula: \(\mathrm{NH_4Cl}\); Base: \(\mathrm{NH_4OH}\); Acid: \(\mathrm{HCl}\).
(ii) Copper sulphate — Formula: \(\mathrm{CuSO_4}\); Base: \(\mathrm{Cu(OH)_2}\); Acid: \(\mathrm{H_2SO_4}\).
(iii) Sodium chloride — Formula: \(\mathrm{NaCl}\); Base: \(\mathrm{NaOH}\); Acid: \(\mathrm{HCl}\).
(iv) Magnesium nitrate — Formula: \(\mathrm{Mg(NO_3)_2}\); Base: \(\mathrm{Mg(OH)_2}\); Acid: \(\mathrm{HNO_3}\).
(v) Potassium sulphate — Formula: \(\mathrm{K_2SO_4}\); Base: \(\mathrm{KOH}\); Acid: \(\mathrm{H_2SO_4}\).
(vi) Calcium nitrate — Formula: \(\mathrm{Ca(NO_3)_2}\); Base: \(\mathrm{Ca(OH)_2}\); Acid: \(\mathrm{HNO_3}\).

Open

Question. 41

41. What are strong and weak acids? In the following list of acids, separate strong acids from weak acids.

Hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, formic acid, sulphuric acid.

Answer:

Strong acids: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), Nitric acid (HNO₃).
Weak acids: Citric acid, Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), Formic acid (HCOOH).

Open

Question. 42

42. When zinc metal is treated with a dilute solution of a strong acid, a gas is evolved, which is utilised in the hydrogenation of oil. Name the gas evolved. Write the chemical equation of the reaction involved and also write a test to detect the gas formed.

Answer:

Gas evolved: hydrogen (\(\mathrm{H_2}\)).
Reaction: \(\mathrm{Zn + 2HCl \to ZnCl_2 + H_2}\).
Test: Bring a burning splinter near the mouth of the test tube — the gas burns with a characteristic 'pop' sound indicating hydrogen.

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Long Answer Questions

Question. 43

43. In the following schematic diagram for the preparation of hydrogen gas as shown in Figure 2.3, what would happen if following changes are made?

(a) In place of zinc granules, same amount of zinc dust is taken in the test tube

(b) Instead of dilute sulphuric acid, dilute hydrochloric acid is taken

(c) In place of zinc, copper turnings are taken

(d) Sodium hydroxide is taken in place of dilute sulphuric acid and the tube is heated

Answer:

(a) Hydrogen gas will evolve with greater speed (because powder has larger surface area).
(b) Almost same amount of gas is evolved (HCl is also a strong acid; Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂).
(c) Hydrogen gas is not evolved (copper is less reactive than hydrogen and does not react with dilute acid under normal conditions).
(d) If NaOH (a strong base) is used with zinc and heated, hydrogen gas is evolved and sodium zincate is formed: \(\mathrm{Zn + 2NaOH \xrightarrow{\Delta} Na_2ZnO_2 + H_2}\).

Open

Question. 44

44. For making cake, baking powder is taken. If at home your mother uses baking soda instead of baking powder in cake,

(a) how will it affect the taste of the cake and why?

(b) how can baking soda be converted into baking powder?

(c) what is the role of tartaric acid added to baking soda?

Answer:

(a) The cake will taste bitter because heating NaHCO₃ gives Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate) which is bitter: \(\mathrm{2NaHCO_3 \xrightarrow{heat} Na_2CO_3 + H_2O + CO_2}\).
(b) Convert baking soda to baking powder by adding an appropriate amount of tartaric acid (or another edible acid) to produce a mixture that evolves CO₂ on heating.
(c) Tartaric acid neutralises some of the sodium carbonate formed, preventing bitterness and providing controlled CO₂ release for leavening.

Open

Question. 45

45. A metal carbonate X on reacting with an acid gives a gas which when passed through a solution Y gives the carbonate back. On the other hand, a gas G that is obtained at anode during electrolysis of brine is passed on dry Y, it gives a compound Z, used for disinfecting drinking water. Identify X, Y, G and Z.

Answer:

X = calcium carbonate (\(\mathrm{CaCO_3}\)).
Gas from acid + carbonate = \(\mathrm{CO_2}\).
Y is lime water (\(\mathrm{Ca(OH)_2}\)) which on passing CO₂ gives back calcium carbonate: \(\mathrm{Ca(OH)_2 + CO_2 \to CaCO_3 + H_2O}\).
G (gas at anode in electrolysis of brine) = chlorine (\(\mathrm{Cl_2}\)).
Z (product when dry Cl₂ is passed on dry Ca(OH)₂) = bleaching powder (calcium oxychloride, \(\mathrm{CaOCl_2}\)).

Open

Question. 46

46. A dry pellet of a common base B, when kept in open absorbs moisture and turns sticky. The compound is also a by-product of chloralkali process. Identify B. What type of reaction occurs when B is treated with an acidic oxide? Write a balanced chemical equation for one such reaction.

Answer:

B = sodium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{NaOH}\)).
Type of reaction with acidic oxide (e.g. CO₂) — acid–base reaction (neutralisation) producing a salt and water/other product. Example: \(\mathrm{2NaOH + CO_2 \to Na_2CO_3 + H_2O}\).

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Question. 47

47. A sulphate salt of Group 2 element of the Periodic Table is a white, soft substance, which can be moulded into different shapes by making its dough. When this compound is left in open for some time, it becomes a solid mass and cannot be used for moulding purposes. Identify the sulphate salt and why does it show such a behaviour? Give the reaction involved.

Answer:

The salt is Plaster of Paris (calcium sulphate hemihydrate, \(\mathrm{CaSO_4\cdot\tfrac{1}{2}H_2O}\)). On absorbing moisture it converts to gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate, \(\mathrm{CaSO_4\cdot2H_2O}\)) which is hard. Reaction: \(\mathrm{CaSO_4\cdot\tfrac{1}{2}H_2O + \tfrac{3}{2}H_2O \to CaSO_4\cdot2H_2O}\) or written as \(\mathrm{CaSO_4\cdot\tfrac{1}{2}H_2O + H_2O \to CaSO_4\cdot2H_2O}\) in stoichiometric form.

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Question. 48

48. Identify the compound X on the basis of the reactions given below. Also, write the name and chemical formulae of A, B and C.

Compound X + Zn → A + H₂(g)

Compound X + HCl → B + H₂O

Compound X + CH₃COOH → C + H₂O

Answer:

X = sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
A = sodium zincate, \(\mathrm{Na_2ZnO_2}\) (formed when Zn reacts with hot concentrated NaOH).
B = sodium chloride (NaCl).
C = sodium acetate, \(\mathrm{CH_3COONa}\).

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NCERT Exemplar Solutions Class 10 – Science – CHAPTER 2: Acids, Bases and Salts | Detailed Answers