POST CLASS NOTES

Acids, Bases and Salts

Topics
1. Introduction to Acids and Bases
2. Indicators

3. pH Scale
4. Neutralisation Reaction

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Mind Map
 Important Questions

Q1.
You have been provided with three test tubes. One of them
contains distilled water and the other two contain an acidic
solution and a basic solution, respectively. If you are given only
red litmus paper, how will you identify the contents of each
test tube? (3 Marks)

Solution: The solution that turns red litmus to blue will be a basic
solution. (1 Mark)
The blue litmus paper formed here can now be used to test
the acidic solution. Put the blue litmus paper obtained above in
the remaining two test tubes, one by one. The solution that
turns the blue litmus paper to red will be the acidic solution. (1 Mark)
The solution which has no effect on any litmus paper will be
neutral; hence, it will be distilled water. (1 Mark)

Q2. Why do acids not show acidic behaviour in the absence of water?

(1 Mark)

Solution: The acidic behaviour of acids is because of the presence of

hydrogen ions. Hydrogen ions are produced from an acid when it
dissolves in water. Therefore, water is needed if acids are to show
their acidic behaviour. (1 Mark)
 Important Questions

Q3. Equal lengths of magnesium ribbons are taken in test tubes A

and B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to test tube A, while
acetic acid (CH3COOH) is added to test tube B. In which test
tube will the fizzing occur more vigorously and why?
(2 Marks)

Solution: The fizzing will occur strongly in test tube A, i.e., the one that
contains hydrochloric acid (HCl). (1 Mark)
This is because HCl is a stronger acid than CH3COOH, hence the
reaction with magnesium would occur vigorously and hydrogen gas
would be released faster (due to which fizzing occurs). (1 Mark)

Q4. A metal carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce

effervescence. The gas evolved extinguishes a burning candle.
Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction if one of the
compounds formed is calcium chloride. (2 Marks)

Solution: As given in the question, a gas is released which does not support

combustion, so the gas can be carbon dioxide.

As one of the products is calcium chloride, hence metal carbonate is
calcium carbonate. (1 Mark)
The balanced chemical equation of dilute hydrochloric acid reacting with
calcium carbonate can be represented as:
CaCO3(s) + dil. 2HCl(aq) CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
(1 Mark)
 Important Questions

Q5. The milkman adds a very small amount of baking soda to fresh
milk to make it slightly alkaline. Explain why?
(2 Marks)

Solution: Fresh milk is slightly acidic and has pH of about 6. At this pH,

curdling of milk takes place due to the presence of certain bacteria,

resulting in formation of lactic acid. Presence of lactic acid
decreases the pH even more making the milk inedible.
Hence, a small amount of baking soda is added to fresh milk to
make it slightly alkaline and prevent the build up of lactic acid.
(2 Marks)

Q6. Name the substance which on treatment with chlorine yields

bleaching powder(CaOCl2). (1 Mark)

Solution: Dry slaked lime(Ca(OH)2) is the material that produces bleaching

powder when treated with chlorine.

Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 CaOCl2 + H2O

Dry slaked Bleaching

(1 Mark)
lime Powder
 Important Questions

Q7. What is neutralisation reaction ? Give two examples

(3 Marks)

Solution: Neutralisation reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which an

acid reacts with a base to form salt and water. (1 Mark)

Examples:
1. Reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
(1 Mark)
2. Reaction between potassium hydroxide and sulphuric acid
2KOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) K2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)
(1 Mark)

Q8. Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture-proof

container. Why? (1 Mark)

Solution: The chemical formula of plaster of Paris is CaSO4.½H2O. In the

presence of moisture, it absorbs water and forms a hard substance
called gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). So, the plaster of Paris should be
stored in a moisture-proof container. (1 Mark)
 Important Questions

Q9. Give two important uses of washing soda and baking soda.

(2 Marks)
Solution: Uses of washing soda
• Removal of hardness of water.
• Manufacturing of glasses and soaps. (1 Mark)

Uses of baking soda

• Used as an ingredient in antacids.
• Used in soda-acid fire extinguishers. (1 Mark)