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H2O CO2 ? ? pH O2 Zn Fe aq (s) (g)

Chemical Reactionsand Equations

Previous Year Board Questions

1 Mark 31/S · Q1
Q1. Select from the following decomposition reactions in which the source of energy for decomposition is heat:
  1. \(\text{CaCO}_3 \longrightarrow \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2\)
  2. \(2\text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow 2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2\)
  3. \(2\text{AgBr} \longrightarrow 2\text{Ag} + \text{Br}_2\)
  4. \(2\text{FeSO}_4 \longrightarrow \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{SO}_2 + \text{SO}_3\)
  • (A) (i) and (ii)
  • (B) (ii) and (iii)
  • (C) (iii) and (iv)
  • (D) (i) and (iv)
Reaction Analysis:
(i) \(\text{CaCO}_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2\) : Thermal Decomposition (Heat).
(ii) \(2\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{Electricity}} 2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2\) : Electrolytic Decomposition.
(iii) \(2\text{AgBr} \xrightarrow{\text{Light}} 2\text{Ag} + \text{Br}_2\) : Photolytic Decomposition.
(iv) \(2\text{FeSO}_4 \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{SO}_2 + \text{SO}_3\) : Thermal Decomposition (Heat).

Thus, (i) and (iv) require heat.
Correct Option: (D)
1 Mark 31/S · Q4
Q4. From the following, select a process in which combination reaction occurs:
  • (A) Black and white photography
  • (B) Burning of carbon (coal)
  • (C) Burning of methane
  • (D) Refining of copper
Analysis:
(A) Photography: Decomposition of AgBr.
(B) Burning of Coal: \(\text{C} + \text{O}_2 \longrightarrow \text{CO}_2\). Two reactants bond to form one product. This is a Combination Reaction.
(C) Burning of Methane: \(\text{CH}_4 + 2\text{O}_2 \longrightarrow \text{CO}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}\). Oxidation/Combustion (Double Displacement type pattern, strictly exotherimic oxidation).

Correct Option: (B)
1 Mark 31/S · Q18
Q18. Assertion (A): Decomposition of vegetable matter into compost is an exothermic reaction.
Reason (R): Decomposition reactions need energy to break down the reactants.
Assertion (A): True. Microbial breakdown of organic matter releases heat.
Reason (R): True. General decomposition (inorganic) is endothermic as bonds break.
Explanation: R does not explain A. A is an exception to the general rule implied by R (which describes endothermic nature). In fact, R contradicts the nature of A if taken as a causal explanation.
Correct Option: (B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
2 Marks 31/S · Q22
Q22. Translate the following statements into balanced chemical equations :
(a) Aluminium reacts with copper chloride to form aluminium chloride and copper.
(b) Zinc reacts with sodium hydroxide to give sodium zincate and hydrogen gas.
(a) \(2\text{Al}(s) + 3\text{CuCl}_2(aq) \longrightarrow 2\text{AlCl}_3(aq) + 3\text{Cu}(s)\)
(b) \(\text{Zn}(s) + 2\text{NaOH}(aq) \longrightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{ZnO}_2(aq) + \text{H}_2(g)\)
1 Mark 31/1 · Q2
Q2. The formation of magnesium oxide is correctly shown in option : Formation of MgO
Analysis:
Magnesium (Z=12): 2, 8, 2. Loses 2 electrons to form \(\text{Mg}^{2+}\).
Oxygen (Z=8): 2, 6. Gains 2 electrons to form \(\text{O}^{2-}\).
Electron Transfer: Two electrons from Mg are transferred to O.
Structure: \(\text{Mg}:\xrightarrow{} \text{O} \longrightarrow [\text{Mg}]^{2+} [\text{:O:}]^{2-}\).
Correct Option: (A)
1 Mark 31/1 · Q6
Q6. The products formed when Aluminium and Magnesium are burnt in the presence of air respectively are :
  • (A) \(\text{Al}_3\text{O}_4\) and \(\text{MgO}_2\)
  • (B) \(\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\) and \(\text{MgO}\)
  • (C) \(\text{Al}_3\text{O}_4\) and \(\text{MgO}\)
  • (D) \(\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\) and \(\text{MgO}_2\)
Aluminium burns to form aluminium oxide: \(4\text{Al} + 3\text{O}_2 \longrightarrow 2\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\).
Magnesium burns to form magnesium oxide: \(2\text{Mg} + \text{O}_2 \longrightarrow 2\text{MgO}\).
Correct Option: (B)
1 Mark 31/1 · Q7
Q7. Electrolysis of water is a decomposition reaction. The mass ratio \((\text{M}_\text{H} : \text{M}_\text{O})\) of hydrogen and oxygen gases liberated at the electrodes during electrolysis of water is :
  • (A) 8 : 1
  • (B) 2 : 1
  • (C) 1 : 2
  • (D) 1 : 8
Water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) consists of 2 parts Hydrogen and 1 part Oxygen by volume, but by mass:
Mass of 2H = \(2 \times 1 = 2\)
Mass of 1O = \(1 \times 16 = 16\)
Ratio \(\text{H} : \text{O} = 2 : 16 = 1 : 8\).
Correct Option: (D)
1 Mark 31/1 · Q20
Q20. Assertion (A): Decomposition reactions are generally endothermic reactions.
Reason (R): Decomposition of organic matter into compost is an exothermic process.
  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true
Assertion (A): True. Energy (heat/light/electricity) is required to break bonds.
Reason (R): True. Microbial decomposition releases heat.
Explanation: R does not explain A. In fact, R is an exception to the statement in A.
Correct Option: (B)
2 Marks 31/1 · Q25
Q25. A student performs the following experiment in his school laboratory. 2025-31-1-QuestionNumber25.png List two observations to justify that in this experiment a chemical change has taken place.
Reaction: \(\text{Zn}(s) + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4(aq) \longrightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4(aq) + \text{H}_2(g)\)
Observations:
1. Evolution of gas: Bubbles of Hydrogen gas are observed.
2. Change in Temperature: The conical flask becomes hot (Exothermic reaction).
3. Change of state: Solid Zinc granules gradually disappear/dissolve.
2 Marks 31/1 · Q26
Q26. Translate the following statements into chemical equations and then balance them :
(a) Nitric acid reacts with calcium hydroxide to form calcium nitrate and water.
(b) Sodium chloride reacts with silver nitrate to form silver chloride and sodium nitrate.
(a) \(2\text{HNO}_3(aq) + \text{Ca(OH)}_2(aq) \longrightarrow \text{Ca(NO}_3)_2(aq) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)\)
(b) \(\text{NaCl}(aq) + \text{AgNO}_3(aq) \longrightarrow \text{AgCl}(s) + \text{NaNO}_3(aq)\)
1 Mark 31/2 · Q1
Q1. In the electrolysis of water, the mass ratio of hydrogen and oxygen gases liberated at the electrodes is :
  • (A) 1 : 2
  • (B) 1 : 4
  • (C) 1 : 8
  • (D) 1 : 16
Mass Ratio:
Water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) by mass:
Mass of H = \(2 \times 1 = 2\) u.
Mass of O = \(1 \times 16 = 16\) u.
Ratio H : O = 2 : 16 = 1 : 8.
Correct Option: (C)
2 Marks 31/2 · Q21
Q21. (a) In common practice silver is recovered from silver nitrate solution by the use of copper metal. Name the type of reaction that takes place in this process and give the chemical equation of the reaction involved.
(b) Name the method used for refining silver.
(a) Reaction:
Type: Displacement Reaction (Copper is more reactive than Silver).
Equation: \( \text{Cu}(s) + 2\text{AgNO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu}(\text{NO}_3)_2(aq) + 2\text{Ag}(s) \).
(b) Refining Method: Electrolytic Refining.
3 Marks 31/2 · Q27
Q27. (a) (i) Define the term decomposition reaction. Write one chemical equation each for decomposition reaction where energy is supplied in the form of heat, light or electricity.
(ii) Decomposition of vegetable matter into compost is considered an exothermic reaction. Why ?
OR
(b) Why are decomposition reactions called the opposite of combination reactions ? Write one chemical equation each for these two types of reactions mentioning the name of the reactant(s) and the product(s) involved in the reactions.
(a) (i) Decomposition Reaction:
A reaction in which a single reactant breaks down to give simpler products.
Examples:
- Heat (Thermal): \( \text{CaCO}_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{CaO}(s) + \text{CO}_2(g) \)
- Light (Photo): \( 2\text{AgCl}(s) \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight}} 2\text{Ag}(s) + \text{Cl}_2(g) \)
- Electricity (Electrolytic): \( 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \xrightarrow{\text{Electricity}} 2\text{H}_2(g) + \text{O}_2(g) \)
(a) (ii) Compost:
The decomposition of vegetable matter involves the breakdown of complex organic substances by microbes. This process releases a significant amount of heat energy, hence it is exothermic.

(b) Opposite Nature:
- Decomposition: One reactant breaks into multiple products (AB \(\rightarrow\) A + B).
- Combination: Multiple reactants combine to form one product (A + B \(\rightarrow\) AB).
Equations:
- Decomp: \( 2\text{FeSO}_4(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3(s) + \text{SO}_2(g) + \text{SO}_3(g) \) (Ferrous Sulphate \(\rightarrow\) Ferric Oxide + Sulphur Dioxide + Sulphur Trioxide)
- Comb: \( \text{CaO}(s) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \rightarrow \text{Ca}(\text{OH})_2(aq) \) (Quick Lime + Water \(\rightarrow\) Slaked Lime)
1 Mark 31/3 · Q2
Q2. Consider the following chemical equation :
\(p \text{Al} + q \text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow r \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + s \text{H}_2\)
To balance this chemical equation, the values of ‘p’, ‘q’, ‘r’ and ‘s’ must be respectively :
  • (A) 3, 2, 2, 1
  • (B) 2, 3, 3, 1
  • (C) 2, 3, 1, 3
  • (D) 3, 1, 2, 2
Balancing:
Equation: \(\text{Al} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \longrightarrow \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{H}_2\)
Aluminium: RHS has 2, so LHS needs 2. (\(p=2\))
Oxygen: RHS has 3, so LHS needs 3. (\(q=3\))
Hydrogen: LHS has \(3 \times 2 = 6\). RHS needs 6, so \(3 \times \text{H}_2\). (\(s=3\))
RHS Al is already balanced with \(r=1\).
Coefficients: \(p=2, q=3, r=1, s=3\).
Order: 2, 3, 1, 3.
Correct Option: (C)
2 Marks 31/3 · Q21
Q21. (a) List the possible sources of energy required in decomposition reactions. Illustrate any one with a suitable example.
OR
(b) What is observed when hydrated ferrous sulphate crystals are heated in a dry boiling tube ? Give balanced chemical equation(s) of the reactions(s) that occur(s).
(a) Sources of Energy:
Decomposition reactions require energy in the form of Heat, Light, or Electricity.
Example (Heat): Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate.
\( \text{CaCO}_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{CaO}(s) + \text{CO}_2(g) \)

(b) Heating Ferrous Sulphate:
Observation:
1. Green colour of crystals changes to white (loss of water) and then to reddish-brown (Ferric Oxide).
2. Smell of burning sulphur (\(\text{SO}_2, \text{SO}_3\)) is observed.
Equation:
\( 2\text{FeSO}_4(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3(s) + \text{SO}_2(g) + \text{SO}_3(g) \)
3 Marks 31/3 · Q27
Q27. State the change that is observed when a China dish containing copper powder is heated over the flame of a burner. Name the phenomenon responsible for the change and write balanced equation for the chemical reaction that occurs. How is this reaction different from the reaction that occurs when copper wares kept in open air slowly lose their shiny brown surface and gain a coat ? Write chemical name of the coating and state its colour.
Heating Copper Powder:
Observation: The brown copper powder becomes coated with a black substance (Copper(II) Oxide).
Phenomenon: Oxidation.
Equation: \( 2\text{Cu} + \text{O}_2 \xrightarrow{\Delta} 2\text{CuO} \)

Difference from Corrosion (Patina):
- Heating: Formation of Black Copper Oxide (\(\text{CuO}\)).
- Open Air (Corrosion): Formation of Green coating due to reaction with \(\text{CO}_2\) and moisture.
Coating Name: Basic Copper Carbonate (\(\text{CuCO}_3 \cdot \text{Cu(OH)}_2\)).
Colour: Green.
1 Mark 31/4 · Q6
Q6. In which one of the following situations a chemical reaction does not occur?
  • (a) Milk is left open at room temperature during summer
  • (b) Grapes get fermented
  • (c) An iron nail is left exposed to humid atmosphere
  • (d) Melting of glaciers
Analysis:
(a), (b), (c) are Chemical Changes (souring, fermentation, rusting).
(d) Melting is a Physical Change (State change).
Correct Option: (d)
2 Marks 31/4 · Q21
Q21. Name the compound used in black and white photography. State whether the reaction that occurs is exothermic or endothermic. Give justification for your answer.
Compound: Silver Bromide (\(\text{AgBr}\)) or Silver Chloride (\(\text{AgCl}\)).
Type: Endothermic.
Justification: The decomposition of AgBr/AgCl requires absorption of energy (light) to break down into silver and halogen gas (\(2\text{AgBr} \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight}} 2\text{Ag} + \text{Br}_2\)).
3 Marks 31/4 · Q30
Q30. (A) Why do we balance a chemical equation? Name and state the law that suggests the balancing of a chemical equation? Balance the following chemical equation :
\(\text{Zn} + \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 + \text{H}_2\)
OR
(B) Define a precipitation reaction. Give its example and also express the reaction that occurs in the form of a balanced chemical equation.
(A):
Why: To satisfy the Law of Conservation of Mass.
Law: Mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Total mass of reactants = Total mass of products.
Balanced Equation:
\(3\text{Zn} + 2\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 + 3\text{H}_2\)

(B):
Definition: A reaction in which an insoluble substance (precipitate) is formed is called a precipitation reaction.
Example: Reaction between Sodium Sulphate and Barium Chloride.
Equation:
\(\text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4(aq) + \text{BaCl}_2(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s) (\text{White ppt}) + 2\text{NaCl}(aq)\)
4 Marks 31/4 · Q38
Q38. Common salt is a very important chemical compound for our daily life. It's chemical name is sodium chloride and it is used as a raw material in the manufacture of caustic soda, washing soda, baking soda etc. It is also used in the preservation of pickles, butter, meat etc.

(i) Name the acid and the base from which common salt can be obtained.
(ii) State the nature (acidic/basic/neutral) of sodium chloride. Give reason for the justification for your answer.
(iii) (A) What happens when electric current is passed through an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (called brine)? Name the products obtained along with the corresponding places in the electrolytic cell where each of these products is obtained.
OR
(iii) (B) How is washing soda obtained from sodium chloride? Give chemical equation of the reactions involved in the process.
(i): Acid: Hydrochloric Acid (\(\text{HCl}\)). Base: Sodium Hydroxide (\(\text{NaOH}\)).
(ii): Neutral. Because it is a salt of a strong acid and a strong base.
(iii) (A): Chlor-Alkali Process:
When electricity is passed through brine, it decomposes to form Sodium Hydroxide.
\(2\text{NaCl}(aq) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \rightarrow 2\text{NaOH}(aq) + \text{Cl}_2(g) + \text{H}_2(g)\)
Products:
1. Chlorine gas (\(\text{Cl}_2\)) at Anode.
2. Hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\)) at Cathode.
3. Sodium Hydroxide (\(\text{NaOH}\)) near Cathode.

(iii) (B): Solvay Process / Preparation:
1. \(\text{NaCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 + \text{NH}_3 \rightarrow \text{NH}_4\text{Cl} + \text{NaHCO}_3\) (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate).
2. Heat \(\text{NaHCO}_3\): \(2\text{NaHCO}_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2\).
3. Recrystallization: \(\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + 10\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \cdot 10\text{H}_2\text{O}\) (Washing Soda).
1 Mark 31/5 · Q3
Q3. The values of a, b, c and d in the following balanced chemical equation are respectively :
\( \text{aPb}(\text{NO}_3)_2 \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{PbO} + \text{cNO}_2 + \text{dO}_2 \)
  • (A) 1, 1, 2, 1
  • (B) 1, 1, 1, 2
  • (C) 2, 2, 1, 4
  • (D) 2, 2, 4, 1
Balancing:
\(2\text{Pb}(\text{NO}_3)_2 \rightarrow 2\text{PbO} + 4\text{NO}_2 + \text{O}_2\)
Coefficients: a=2, b=2, c=4, d=1.
Correct Option: (D)
1 Mark 31/5 · Q7
Q7. The main observations while performing the experiment of burning magnesium ribbon in air are :
(i) Magnesium ribbon burns with a dazzling white flame.
(ii) A white powder is formed.
(iii) Magnesium ribbon vapourises.
(iv) Aqueous solution of the white powder turns blue litmus to red.
  • (A) (i) and (iv)
  • (B) (ii) and (iii)
  • (C) (i) and (ii)
  • (D) (iii) and (iv)
Observations:
(i) Burns with dazzling white flame (True).
(ii) White powder (MgO) is formed (True).
(iii) It does not vapourise (False).
(iv) MgO is basic, turns Red litmus Blue (False).
Correct Option: (C)
1 Mark 31/5 · Q20
Q20. Assertion (A): Silver chloride turns grey in sunlight.
Reason (R): Decomposition of silver chloride into silver and chlorine takes place by sunlight.
  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Explanation:
AgCl (White) decomposes in sunlight to form Silver (Grey) and Chlorine gas (Photopyrolytic decomposition).
\(2\text{AgCl} \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight}} 2\text{Ag} + \text{Cl}_2\).
A is True. R is True and explains A.
Correct Option: (A)
2 Marks 31/5 · Q26
Q26. A copper wire on burning in flame, gets coated with a black substance. Write the chemical equation of the reaction that takes place. How can this chemical change be reversed ?
Reaction: Oxidation of Copper.
\(2\text{Cu} + \text{O}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} 2\text{CuO}\) (Black Copper Oxide).
Reversal: By passing Hydrogen gas over hot copper oxide.
\(\text{CuO} + \text{H}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \text{Cu} + \text{H}_2\text{O}\).
1 Mark 31/6 · Q1
Q1. Example of thermal decomposition reaction are
  1. \( 2 \text{AgCl} \rightarrow 2 \text{Ag} + \text{Cl}_2 \)
  2. \( \text{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CaO} + \text{CO}_2 \)
  3. \( 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2 \text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2 \)
  4. \( 2 \text{KClO}_3 \rightarrow 2 \text{KCl} + 3 \text{O}_2 \)
  • (A) (i) and (ii)
  • (B) (ii) and (iii)
  • (C) (iii) and (iv)
  • (D) (ii) and (iv)
(i) Photolytic decomposition (sunlight).
(ii) Thermal decomposition (heat).
(iii) Electrolytic decomposition (electricity).
(iv) Thermal decomposition (heating Potassium Chlorate).
Correct Option: (D)
1 Mark 31/6 · Q4
Q4. The colour of the solution observed after about 1 hour of placing iron nails in copper sulphate solution is
  • (A) Blue
  • (B) Pale green
  • (C) Yellow
  • (D) Reddish brown
Iron displaces Copper from Copper Sulphate solution.
\(\text{Fe}(s) + \text{CuSO}_4(aq) \text{ (Blue)} \rightarrow \text{FeSO}_4(aq) \text{ (Pale Green)} + \text{Cu}(s)\)
Correct Option: (B)
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