UDGAM SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN

Std. X– Science (2024-25)

Ch. 1 : Chemical reactions and equations Notes

Name: ___________________________ Sec: ______ Roll No. _____ Date___________

Chemical reaction: Chemical changes or chemical reactions are the changes in which
one or more new substances are formed.

Chemical Equations: Representation of a chemical reaction in terms of symbols and

formulae of the reactants and products is known as chemical equation.

Balanced Chemical equations: The chemical equation in which the no. of atoms of
different
elements is same on both sides of the arrow is called balanced chemical equation.
Characteristics of Chemical Reactions :
(i) Evolution of gas: The chemical reaction between zinc and dilute sulphuric acid is
characterised by the evolution of hydrogen gas.
Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g) ↑

(ii) Change in Colour: The chemical reaction between sulphur dioxide gas and acidified
potassium dichromate solution is characterized by a change in colour from orange to
green. The chemical reaction between citric acid/oxalic acid and purple coloured
potassium permanganate solution is characterised by a change in colour from purple to
colourless.

(iii) Change in state of substance: The combustion reaction of candle wax is

characterised by a change in state from solid to liquid and gas (because the wax is a solid,
water formed by the combustion of wax is a liquid at room temperature whereas, carbon
dioxide produced by the combustion of wax is a gas). There are some chemical reactions
which can show more than one characteristics.

(iv) Change in temperature: The chemical reaction between quick lime water to form
slaked lime is characterized by a change in temperature (which is a rise in temperature).
The chemical reaction between zinc granules and dilute sulphuric acid is also
characterised by a change in temperature (which is a rise in temperature).

(v) Formation of precipitate: The chemical reaction between sulphuric acid and barium
chloride solution is characterised by the formation of a white precipitate of barium
sulphate.
BaCl2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → BaSO4(s) (ppt) + 2HCl(aq)

The chemical reactions can be classified into different types such as

a) Combination reaction: The reactions in which two or more reactants combine to

form a single product is called combination reaction.

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 For example, 2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2 MgO(s)

C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g) (burning of coal)

2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l) (formation of water)

b) Decomposition reaction: The reaction in which a single reactant breaks up into

two or more simpler substances(products) are called decomposition reactions.
For example, heat
2Pb(NO3)2(s) → 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) +O2(g)
The decomposition of a substance on heating is known as thermal decomposition.
heat
CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Quick lime
The decomposition of a substance by passing electric current through it is known as
electrolysis (Electrolytic Decomposition).
2H₂O (l) → 2H₂ (g)+ O₂(g)
The decomposition of a substance by absorbing light energy is called photochemical
(photolytic) decomposition.
2AgCl (s) →2Ag(s)+ Cl₂ (g)
c) Displacement reactions -The chemical reactions in which a more reactive
element displaces a less reactive element from its salt solution are known as
displacement reactions.
For example, Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s).
d) Double Displacement Reactions - The chemical reactions in which compounds
react to form two different compounds by mutual exchange of ions are called
double displacement reactions. These reactions take place in solution. Two
common types of this reaction are:
precipitation reactions and neutralization reactions.
i) Precipitation reaction: Any reaction that produces a precipitate is called a
precipitate reaction.
Na2SO4(aq) + BaCl2 (aq)→ BaSO4↓ (s) + 2NaCl(aq)
(White precipitate of Barium Sulphate is formed)
ii) Neutralization reaction: In this type of reaction an acid reacts with a base to
form salt and water by exchange of ions.
NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl (aq) + H2O
e) Redox reaction: Chemical reaction which shows both oxidation and reduction
reaction simultaneously.
Oxidation: Reaction that involves the gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.
Reduction: Reaction that involves the loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen.
ZnO + C → Zn +CO
ZnO reduces to Zn – reduction ZnO =oxidizing agent
C oxidizes to CO – oxidation C =Reducing agent
Oxidizing agent /Oxidant: The substance which undergoes reduction is the
oxidizing agent/oxidant.
Reducing agent /Reductant: The substance which undergoes oxidation is the
reducing agent/reductant.
f) Exothermic reaction and endothermic reaction: On the basis of energy
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 changes during chemical reaction, they can be classified as

i. Exothermic reaction: A chemical reaction in which heat energy is

released/produced.
C + O2 → CO2 (g) + heat
ii. Endothermic reaction: A chemical reaction in which energy is
absorbed.
CaCO3 + Heat → CaO + CO2
Corrosion – The process of slow conversion of metals into their undesirable
compounds due to their reaction with oxygen, water, acids, gases etc. present in
the atmosphere is called corrosion.
Rusting – Iron when reacts with oxygen and moisture forms red substance called
rust. Chemical composition of rust is Fe2O3.xH2O. Its chemical name is Hydrated
Iron (III) oxide.
Rancidity – The taste and odour of food materials containing fat and oil changes
when they are left exposed to air for long time. This is called rancidity. It is caused
due to oxidation of fat and oil present in food material.
It can be prevented by using various methods such as by adding antioxidants to
the food materials, storing food in airtight container and by flushing out air with
nitrogen.
In-text questions Page no. 6
1. Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?
Ans: Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in air because
Magnesium metal reacts with the atmospheric oxygen and forms Magnesium
Oxide (MgO) layer which is a very stable compound. To prevent further reactions
with Oxygen, it is therefore necessary to clean the ribbon to remove the layer of
MgO.
2. Write a balanced equation for the following chemical reactions.
i) Hydrogen + Chloride → Hydrogen chloride
ii) Barium chloride + Aluminium sulphate → Barium sulphate + Aluminium chloride
iii) Sodium + Water → Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen
Ans:
i) H₂+ Cl₂ → 2HCI
ii) 3BaCl₂ + Al2(SO4)3 → 3BaSO4 + 2AICI3
iii) 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂
3. Write a balanced chemical equation with state symbols for the following
reactions:
i) Solutions of Barium chloride and Sodium sulphate in water react to give
insoluble barium sulphate and the solution of Sodium chloride.
ii) Sodium hydroxide solution (in water) reacts with hydrochloric acid solution (in
water) to produce Sodium chloride solution and water.
Ans:
i) BaCl₂(aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) → BaSO4(s) ↓ + 2NaCl(aq)
ii) NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O
In-text questions Page no. 10

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 1. A solution of a substance 'X' is used for whitewashing.
(i) Name the substance "X' and write its formula.
(ii) Write the reaction of the substance 'X' named in (i) above with
water.
Ans:
i) The substance 'X' which is used in whitewashing is quick lime or Calcium Oxide
and its formula is CaO.

ii) CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2 + Heat

2. Why is the amount of gas collected in one of the test tubes in Activity 1.7
double of the amount collected in the other? Name this gas.
Ans:
A water molecule decomposes to give hydrogen and oxygen gas. In a water
molecule hydrogen and oxygen are present in 2:1 ratio, hence the amount of
Hydrogen collected would be double than that of oxygen.
In-text questions Page no. 13
1. Why does the colour of copper sulphate solution change when an iron
nail is dipped in it?
Ans: When an iron nail dipped in the copper sulphate solution, iron displaces
copper from the copper sulphate because iron is more reactive than copper.
Therefore, the colour of the copper sulphate solution changes. (Blue to pale
green)
The reaction is:
Fe+ CuSO4 → FeSO4 + Cu
(blue)-> (green)
2. Give an example of a double displacement reaction other than the one
given in Activity 1.10.
Ans: Reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an
example of double displacement reaction.
AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl↓ + NaNO3
3. Identify the substances that are oxidized and that are reduced in the
following equation.
i) 4Na(s) + O2(g) → 2Na2O(s)
ii) CuO(s) + H₂(g) → Cu(s) + H₂O(l)
Ans:

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 Exercise Questions (Page number: 14-16)
1. Which of the statements about the reaction below are incorrect?
2PbO(s) + C(s) → 2Pb(s) + CO2(g)
(a) Lead is getting reduced.
(b) Carbon Dioxide is getting oxidized.
(c) Carbon is getting oxidized.
(d) Lead oxide is getting reduced.
(i) (a) and (b) (ii) (a) and (c)
(iii) (a), (b), and (c) (iv) all
Ans: (i) (a) and (b)

2. Fe2O3 + 2Al → Al2O3 + 2Fe

The above reaction is an example of a
(a) Combination reaction.
(b) Double displacement reaction.
(c) Decomposition reaction.
(d) Displacement reaction.
Ans:
(d) Displacement reaction.
Explanation: The Oxygen from the Ferrous oxide is getting displaced to the
Aluminium metal to form Aluminium Oxide. In this reaction Aluminum is more
reactive metal than Fe. Therefore, Al will displace Fe from its oxide.
3. What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings?
Tick the correct answer.
(a) Hydrogen gas and Iron chloride are produced.
(b) Chlorine gas and Iron hydroxide are produced.
(c) No reaction takes place.
(d) Iron salt and water are produced.
Ans:
(a) Hydrogen gas and Iron chloride are produced.
Explanation: The Chlorine from Hydrogen chloride is displaced by the Iron fillings
to undergo the following reaction. 2HCI + Fe → FeCl2 + H₂
4. What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should a chemical equation
be balanced?
Ans: A balanced equation is the one in which number of different atoms on both
the reactant and product sides are equal. Balancing chemical equation is
necessary for the reaction since every chemical equation obeys “Law of
Conservation of Mass”.
The law of conservation of mass states that matter can neither be created nor
destroyed so in a chemical equation the total mass of reactants must be equal to
the mass of products formed.

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 5. Translate the following statements into chemical equations and balance
them.
(a) Hydrogen gas combines with nitrogen to form ammonia.
(b) Hydrogen sulphide gas burns in air to give water and sulphur dioxide.
(c) Barium chloride reacts with aluminium sulphate to give Aluminium chloride
and a precipitate of barium sulphate.
(d) Potassium metal reacts with water to give potassium hydroxide and Hydrogen
gas.
Ans: (a) 3H₂+ N₂ → 2NH3
(b) 2H₂S+ 3O₂ → 2H₂O + 2SO₂
(c) 3BaCl2 + Al2(SO4)3 → 2AlCl3 + 3BaSO4
(d) 2K+ 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂
6. Balance the following chemical equations.
(a) HNO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2 + H₂O
(b) NaOH + H₂SO4 → Na2SO4 + H2O
(c) NaCl + AgNO3 → AgCl + NaNO3
(d) BaCl₂ + H₂SO4 → BaSO4 + HCI

Ans:
(a) 2HNO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2 + 2H₂O
(b) 2NaOH + H₂SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2H₂O
(c) NaCl + AgNO3 → AgCl + NaNO3
(d) BaCl2 + H₂SO4 → BaSO4 + 2HCI
7. Write the balanced chemical equation for the following reactions.
(a) Calcium hydroxide + Carbon dioxide → Calcium carbonate + Water
(b) Zinc + Silver nitrate → Zinc nitrate + Silver
(c) Aluminium + Copper chloride → Aluminium chloride + Copper (Take as
Cu(II))
(d) Barium chloride + Potassium sulphate → Barium sulphate + Potassium
chloride
Ans:
(a) Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO3 + H₂O
(b) Zn + 2AgNO3 → Zn(NO3)2 + 2Ag
(c) 2Al + 3CuCl2 → 2AlCl3 + 3Cu
(d) BaCl2 + K₂SO4 → BaSO4 + 2KCI
8. Write a balanced chemical equation for the following and identify the type
of reaction of each case-
(a) Potassium bromide(aq) + Barium iodide(aq) → Potassium lodide(aq) + Barium
bromide(s)
(b) Zinc carbonate(s) → Zinc oxide(s) + Carbon dioxide(g)

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 (c) Hydrogen(g) + Chlorine(g)→ Hydrogen chloride(g)
(d) Magnesium(s) + Hydrochloric acid(aq) → Magnesium chloride(aq) +
Hydrogen(g)
Ans:
(a) 2KBr+ BaI2 → 2KI + BaBr2 (Double Displacement Reaction)
(b) ZnCO3 → ZnO + CO2 (Decomposition Reaction)
(c) H₂+CI2 → 2HCI (Combination Reaction)
(d) Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H₂ (Displacement Reaction)
9. What is meant by exothermic and endothermic reactions? Give examples.
Ans:
An endothermic reaction occurs when energy is absorbed from the surroundings
in the form of heat. (Example: Photosynthesis, melting of ice, evaporation).
Conversely, an exothermic reaction is the reaction in which heat is released along
with the formation of products Examples: burning of natural gas, respiration,
decomposition of waste matter.
10. Why is respiration considered to be an exothermic reaction?
Ans: During respiration, the digested food gets oxidized and the energy is
released. That is why it is considered as an exothermic reaction. C6H12O6 + 6O2
→ 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy
11. Why are decomposition reactions called the opposite of Combination
reactions? Write equations for decomposition reactions.
Ans:
When two or more substances (elements or compounds) combine to form a
single product, the reaction is called combination reaction.
Decomposition reactions are opposite to combination reactions as
In a decomposition reaction, a single substance decomposes to give two or more
substances.

2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2 MgO(s) Combination Reaction

heat
2Pb(NO3)2(s) → 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) +O2(g) Decomposition Reaction

12. Write one equation each for decomposition reactions in which energy is
supplied in the form of heat, light or electricity.
Ans:
(a) Thermal decomposition reaction (Thermolysis)
heat
2Pb(NO3)2(s) → 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) +O2(g)
(b) Electrolytic decomposition reaction (Electrolysis)
Electricity
2H2O → 2H2 + O2
(c) Photodecomposition reaction (Photolysis)
sunlight
2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl2

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 13. What is the difference between displacement and double displacement
reactions?
Write relevant equations for the above.
Ans:
A displacement reaction is the one when a more reactive element displaces a
less reactive element from its salt solution whereas a double displacement
reaction is the one where a mutual exchange of ions occur between the
reactants.
Example:
Displacement reaction- Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
Double displacement reaction - AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO3
14. In the refining of Silver, the recovery of silver from Silver nitrate solution
involves displacement reaction by Copper metal. Write down the reaction
involved.
Ans: Cu(s) +2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)
15. What do you mean by a precipitation reaction? Explain by giving
examples.
Ans: When two solutions containing soluble salts are combined, a double
displacement reaction takes place in which the ions are exchanged between the
compounds. When one of such compounds formed is in solid form (that is
insoluble in aqua) then it settles down at the bottom of the container. This solid is
known as the precipitate and the respective reaction is termed as the precipitation
reaction. Few examples of precipitation reactions are:
Na2SO4 + BaCl2 → BaSO4 + 2NaCl
(White precipitate of Barium Sulphate is formed)

Pb(NO3)2 + 2KI → PbI2 + 2KNO3

(Yellow precipitate of Lead Iodide is formed)

16. Explain the following in terms of gain of oxygen with two examples
each.
(a) Oxidation (b) Reduction
Ans:
(a) In a chemical reaction if oxygen is being added to a substance,it is said to be
oxidized and it is termed as oxidation reaction.
Example: 2Mg + O2 → 2 MgO
2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO

(b) In a chemical reaction, when the oxygen is being removed from the
compound then it is said to be reduced and it is termed as reduction reaction.
Example: CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O
ZnO + C → Zn + CO
17. A shiny brown coloured element 'X' on heating in the air becomes black
in colour. Name the element 'X' and the black coloured compound formed.

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 Ans: The shiny brown coloured element is the Copper metal (Cu). When the
metal is heated in air, it reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form copper oxide.
Hence the black coloured compound is copper oxide.
2Cu(s) + O₂(g) → 2CuO(s)
18. Why do we apply paint on iron articles?
Ans: Iron articles are painted to prevent them from rusting. When left unpainted,
the metal surface comes in contact with the atmospheric oxygen and in the
presence of moisture it forms Iron(III) oxide. But if painted the surface does not
come in contact with moisture and air , rusting is prevented.
19. Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with Nitrogen. Why?
Ans: The main purpose of flushing Nitrogen into food packets that contain oil and
fat is to prevent rancidity which occurs when the oil or fat reacts with the oxygen
and produce an unpleasant smell and taste. Therefore, nitrogen is flushed to
prevent rancidity.
20. Explain the following terms with one example each.
(a) Corrosion (b) Rancidity
Ans:
(a) When a metal is attacked by substances around it such as moisture, acids,
etc., it is said to corrode, and this process is called corrosion. Rusting of iron is a
good example of corrosion where the iron is converted to Iron oxide. The black
coating on silver and the green coating on copper are other examples of
corrosion. Corrosion causes damage to car bodies, bridges, iron railings, ships
and to all objects made of metals, especially those of iron.
(b) Rancidity is a condition produced by the aerial oxidation of the oil and fat
present in the food material producing an unpleasant taste and smell.
The rancidity can be prevented by-
- refrigeration
- keeping food in airtight containers
- adding antioxidants in food
- flushing food with nitrogen gas

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