Chapter 2 Acid bases and salts -2

Q-1 Why do HCl , HNO3 etc. show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while
solutions of compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character?
Ans- This is because HCl & HNO3 produce H+(aq) ions which are responsible
for their acidic properties while glucose and alcohol do not dissociate into H+(
aq) ions in solutions.

Q-2 Why does an aqueous solution of an acid conduct electricity?

Ans- The electric current is carried through the solution by ions. Since all acids
dissociate into H+(aq) ions in water therefore they can conduct electricity.

Q-3 Why does dry HCl gas not change the colour of dry litmus paper?
Ans- Dry HCl gas does not contain H+(aq) ions which are responsible for acidic
character thus the colour of dry litmus paper does not change.

Q-4 While diluting an acid why is it recommended that the acid should be
added to water and not water to the acid?
Ans- The process of dissolving an acid or a base in water is a highly exothermic
one. The acid must always be added slowly to water with constant stirring so
that the heat is evolved gradually and slowly. If water is added to
concentratedacid then the heat generated may cause the mixture to splash
out and cause burns & the glass container may also break due to excessive
local heating.

Q-5 Do basic solutions also have H+(aq) ions? If yes then why are these basic?
Ans- Yes basic solutions also have H+(aq) ions , which come from ionization of
water but concentration of H+(aq) ions is much less in basic solutions than that
of hydroxide ions.

Q-6 Why does distilled water not conduct electricity whereas rainwater does?
Ans- Rainwater while falling on earth through the atmosphere dissolves an
acidic gas carbon dioxide from the air and forms carbonic acid which provides
hydronium ions and carbonate ions to rainwater so due to the presence of
ions, rainwater conducts electricity while distilled water does not contain any
free ions so do not conduct electricity.
Q-7 Write down balanced chemical equations for the following chemical
reactions.
1. Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules.
Zn + H2SO4 ZnSO4 + H2
2. Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.
Mg + 2 HCl MgCl2 + H2
3. Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminium powder.
2Al + 3H2SO4 Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2
4. Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron fillings.
Fe + 2HCl FeCl2 + H2