PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

CLASS-X SUB: CHEMISTRY

Q1: What happens when carbon dioxide is compressed in water at

higher pressure? (CBSE 2015)
Ans: Carbonic acid is formed. CO2+H2O→H2CO3

Q2: Write the chemical equation for the reaction taking place when
steam is passed over hot aluminium. (CBSE 2015)
Ans: 2Al(s) + 3H2O (g) → Al2O3(s) + 3H2(g)

Q3: (a) Write the electron dot structure for chlorine (At No. 17) and
calcium (At No. 20). Show the formation of calcium chloride by the
transfer of electrons.
(b) Identify the nature of the above compound and explain the three
physical properties of such compounds. (CBSE 2015)

(b) It is an ionic compound.

Physical properties:
(i) It is hard and solid.
(ii) It has a high melting and boiling point.
(iii) It is soluble in water.

Q4: Give a reason for the following: (Board Term 1, 2016)

(i) Hydrogen gas is not evolved when most of the metals react with nitric
acid.
(ii) Zinc oxide is considered as an amphoteric oxide.
(iii) Metals conduct electricity.
Ans: (i) Most metals do not evolve hydrogen gas when they react with
nitric acid because nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent. It oxidizes
hydrogen gas produced during the reaction to water and itself gets
reduced to nitrogen oxides. Therefore, instead of hydrogen gas, the
products obtained are nitrogen oxides.
(II) Zinc oxide is considered an amphoteric oxide because it shows both
acidic and basic properties. It reacts with acids to form zinc salts and
water, exhibiting basic characteristics. Additionally, it reacts with bases
to form zincates and water, showing acidic properties. This ability to
react with both acids and bases classifies it as an amphoteric oxide.
ZnO + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2O
ZnO + 2NaOH + H2O→ Na2 (Zn (OH)4)

(iii) Metals conduct electricity because they have a large number of free
or delocalized electrons. These electrons are not bound to any particular
atom and can move freely throughout the metal lattice. When a
potential difference is applied across a metal, these free electrons can
easily move and carry an electric current.

Q5: Reverse of the following chemical reaction is not possible: Zn(s) +

CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s) Justify this statement with reason.
(Board Term I, 2016)

Ans: The reverse of the given chemical reaction is not possible because it
violates the principle of conservation of mass. In the forward reaction,
zinc (Zn) displaces copper (Cu) from copper sulfate (CuSO4) to form zinc
sulfate (ZnSO4) and copper. However, in the reverse reaction, copper
cannot displace zinc from zinc sulfate, as copper is less reactive than
zinc. Hence, the reverse of this reaction is not feasible.

Q6.(a) Define corrosion. (CBSE 2016)

(b) What is corrosion of iron called?
(c) How will you recognise the corrosion of silver?
(d) Why corrosion of iron is a serious problem?
(e) How can we prevent corrosion of iron?
Ans: (a) It is a process in which a metal reacts with substances present in
the air to form surface compounds.
(b) Rusting.
(c) Black layer on its surface due to formation of Ag2S.
(d) It makes the metal weak and brittle, which is a serious problem.
(e) Oiling, painting, greasing, galvanisation, and alloying can prevent iron
from corrosion.
Q7. (a) Define corrosion, what name is given to the corrosion of iron?
(b) Name the colour of the coating formed on silver and copper articles,
when exposed to air.
(c) List two damages caused by corrosion and suggest how corrosion can
be prevented. (CBSE 2016)
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. Corrosion of iron is called rusting.
(b) Coating formed on silver is black and that formed on copper is green.
(c) Damages caused by corrosion:
It causes damage to car bodies and bridges.
• It damages iron railings and ships.
Prevention of corrosion:
• Corrosion can be prevented by oiling, painting, greasing and
galvanising.
• Corrosion can be prevented by galvanising and alloying.
Q8. Give reasons for the following: (CBSE 2016)
(1) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during
the process of extraction of metals.
(ii) lonic compounds have generally high melting points.
(iii) Hydrogen is not a metal, but it has been assigned a place in the
reactivity series of metals.
(iv) The galvanised iron article is protected against rusting even if the
zinc layer is broken.
(v) The wires carrying current in homes have a coating of PVC.
Ans: (I) It is easier to convert metal oxides to metals as compared to
carbonates and sulphides. Therefore carbonates are calcinated and
sulphides are roasted to oxides.
(II) There are electrostatic forces of attraction between the cations and
anions in ionic compounds which are difficult to break. Therefore ionic
compounds have high melting points.
(III) Metals above hydrogen evolve hydrogen gas and metals below
hydrogen do not evolve hydrogen when treated with an acid. That is
when hydrogen has been assigned a place in the reactivity series of
metals.
(iv) Even if the zinc layer is broken, it will preferentially be oxidised
because it is more reactive than iron.
(v) The wires carrying current in homes have a coating of PVC. This is
because PVC is an insulating substance and protects from electric shock.

Q9: Describe an activity to find out the conditions under which iron
rusts.
Ans: To find out the conditions under which iron rusts, you can perform
the following activity:
• Take three test tubes and label them as A, B, and C.
Fill test tube A with water, test tube B with water and oil, and test tube C
with water and salt.
Place a small piece of iron nail in each test tube and allow them to stand
undisturbed for a few days.
• Observe the test tubes regularly and note any changes in the
appearance of the iron nails.
• After a few days, check for the presence of rust on the iron nails in
each test tube.
Analyze the results and determine the conditions under which iron rusts.
Q10: A metal 'X' combines with a non-metal 'Y' by the transfer of
electrons to form a compound Z.
(1) State the type of bond in compound Z.
(ii) What can you say about the melting point and boiling point of
compound Z?
(iii) Will this compound dissolve in kerosene or petrol?
(iv) Will this compound be a good conductor of electricity? (2017)
Ans: (i) The type of bond in compound Z is an ionic bond.
(II) lonic compounds generally have high melting and boiling points due
to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive and
negative ions.
(iii) lonic compounds like compound Z do not dissolve in non-polar
solvents like kerosene or petrol. They are only soluble in polar solvents.
(iv) No, compound Z will not be a good conductor of electricity in a solid
state because the ions are held in a fixed position and cannot move.
However, it may conduct electricity when dissolved in water or molten
state as the ions become free to move and carry electric charge.
Q11: Why do some metal surfaces acquire a dull appearance when they
are exposed to moist air?
Write the colour acquired by the surfaces of copper and silver in such a
situation and also write the chemical names of the substances due to
which it happens.
Ans: When metal surfaces are exposed to moist air, they can undergo
oxidation. This oxidation leads to the formation of metal oxides on the
surface of the metal. In the case of copper, the surface acquires a
greenish coating called copper(II) oxide (CuO). Copper(II) oxide gives the
surface a dull appearance. In the case of silver, the surface acquires a
blackish coating called silver sulfide (Ag2S). Silver sulfide also gives the
surface a dull appearance.
Q12: (a) What is reactivity series? How does the reactivity series help in
predicting the relative activity of various metals?
(b) Suggest different chemical processes used for obtaining a metal from
its oxides of metals in the middle and top of the reactivity series.
Support your answer with one example. (CBSE Sample Paper 2018)
Ans: (a) The series of metals in decreasing order of reactivity is called the
reactivity series of metals. The metals at the top are most reactive and
metals at the bottom are least reactive.

(b) The metals in the middle of the reactivity series are obtained from
their ores by chemical reduction with a suitable reducing agent, e.g.
ZnO+C ---->Zn + CO
The metals at the top of the series are obtained by electrolytic reduction
of their molten ore:

Q13: (a) Write the steps involved in the extraction of pure metals in the
middle of the activity series from their carbonate ores.
(b) How is copper extracted from its sulphide ore? Explain the various
steps supported by chemical equations. Draw a labelled diagram for the
electrolytic refining of copper. (2018)
Ans: (a) Extraction of metals of medium reactivity: The metals in the
middle of the reactivity series are
zinc, iron, lead, etc. The carbonate ores first need to get converted to
oxides as it is easier to get metal from their oxides.
(b) Copper glance (Cu2S) when heated in air gets partially oxidised to
copper oxide which further react with the remaining copper glance
to give copper metal.
Q14: What would a student report nearly after 30 minutes of placing
duly cleaned strips of aluminium, copper, iron and zinc in freshly
prepared iron sulphate solution taken in four beakers? (2019)

Ans: After approximately 30 minutes, the student would observe that

the strip of iron would start to show signs of corrosion or rusting. This is
because iron is more reactive than copper, aluminium, and zinc and will
displace the iron from the iron sulphate solution, forming iron oxide
(rust) on its surface.

Q15: A pale green solution of ferrous sulphate was taken in four

separate test tubes marked I, II, III and IV. Pieces of Cu, Zn and Al were
dropped in test tubes II, III and IV respectively. In which case(s)
(a) Does the colour of the ferrous sulphate solution match with the
colour in test tube (I)? Give reason.
(b) the colour of the ferrous sulphate solution will fade and a black mass
will be deposited on the surface of the metal. (2019 C)

Ans: (a) The colour of the ferrous sulphate solution in test tube (1) will
match the colour of the solution in test tube II when a piece of copper is
dropped in it. This is because copper is less reactive than iron and will
not displace iron from ferrous sulphate solution, resulting in no change
in the colour of the solution.
(b) The colour of the ferrous sulphate solution will fade and a black mass
will be deposited on the surface of the metal when a piece of aluminium
or zinc is dropped in test tube III or IV. This is because aluminium and
zinc are more reactive than iron and will displace iron from the ferrous
sulphate solution, forming iron oxide (black mass) on their surfaces.
Q16: An ore on treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid produces brisk
effervescence. Name the type of ore with one example. What steps will
be required to obtain metal from the enriched ore? Also, write the
chemical equations for the reactions involved in the process. (AI 2019)

Ans: The ore that produces brisk effervescence when treated with dilute
hydrochloric acid is a carbonate ore. One example of a carbonate ore is
limestone (CaCO3).
Steps to obtain metal from the enriched ore:
Calcination: The ore is heated strongly in the absence of air to convert it
into metal oxide. CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Reduction: The metal oxide is then reduced using a suitable reducing
agent, such as carbon or hydrogen, to obtain the metal. CaO(s) + C(s) →
Ca(s) + CO(g)

Q17: Silver articles become black when kept in the open for some time,
whereas copper vessels lose their shiny brown surfaces and gain a green
coat when kept in the open. Name the substances present in the air with
which these metals react and write the name of the products formed.
(2019)

Ans: The substances present in the air with which silver reacts are
hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulphur compounds. Silver reacts with
these substances to form a black layer of silver sulphide (Ag2S) on its
surface. The substances present in the air with which copper reacts are
moisture, carbon dioxide (CO2). and oxygen (O2). Copper reacts with
these substances to form a green layer of copper carbonate (CuCO3) or
copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) on its surface.

Q18: (a) List in tabular form three chemical properties based on which
we can differentiate between a metal and a non-metal.
(b) Give reasons for the following:
(i) Most metals conduct electricity well.
(ii) The reaction of iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) with heated aluminium is used
to join cracked machine
parts. (Delhi 2019)
b) (i) Metals conduct electricity due to the flow of free electrons present
in them.
(ii) The reaction of iron (III) oxide, Fe2O3 with aluminium is highly
exothermic and the iron produced melts. This molten iron is used to join
cracked iron parts of machines and railway tracks.

Q19 Compare in tabular form the reactivities of the following metals

with cold and hot water: (2020)
(a) Sodium
(b) Calcium
(c) Magnesium
Q20: (a) Write the electron dot structure of Ca (At. No. 20) and O (At.
No. 8).
(b) Show the formation of calcium oxide by the transfer of electrons.
(c) Name the ions present in this compound.
(d) List four important characteristics of this compound. (2020)

(b) The formation of calcium oxide (CaO) involves the transfer of

electrons. Calcium (Ca) donates two electrons to oxygen (O) to form
Ca2+ cation and 02 anion. The ionic bond is formed between these ions
to create calcium oxide.
(c) in calcium oxide (CaO), the ions present are Ca2+ (calcium cation) and
02- (oxygen anion).
(d) Four important characteristics of calcium oxide (CaO) are:
It is a white, crystalline solid.
It has a high melting and boiling point
It is an ionic compound.
It is commonly used as a desiccant and in cement production.
.
Q21: List three differentiating features between the processes of
galvanization and alloying. (2020)

Ans: Three differentiating features between the processes of

galvanisation and alloying are as follows:
Definition: Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective zinc
coating to iron or steel to prevent corrosion, while alloying is the process
of combining two or more metals or metals with a non-metal to create a
new material with enhanced properties.
• Purpose: Galvanisation is primarily used to protect the base metal
from corrosion by providing a sacrificial layer of zinc, whereas alloying is
done to improve specific properties of the metal, such as strength,
hardness, or resistance to corrosion.
Procedure: In galvanisation, the metal is coated with zinc through
processes like hot-dip galvanisation or electroplating. On the other hand,
alloying involves melting and mixing different metals or adding non-
metallic elements to create an alloy with the desired properties.

Q22: (a) Complete and balance the following chemical equations: (2020)
(i) Al2O3 + HCI--->
(ii) K2O + H2O---->
(iii) Fe + H2O---->
(b) An element 'X' displaces iron from the aqueous solution of iron
sulphate. List your observations if the element 'X' is treated with the
aqueous solutions of copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and silver nitrate.
Based on the observations arrange X, Zn, Cu and Ag in increasing order
of their reactivities.

Ans: (a) Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

(i) Al2O3+6HCI--->2AICI3+3H20
(ii) K2O+H2O--->2КОН
(iii) Fe + 2H2O--→ Fe(OH)2+H2
(b) Observations:
When element 'X' is treated with copper sulphate solution, no reaction
occurs.
When element 'X' is treated with zinc sulphate solution, 'X' displaces zinc
from the solution, resulting in the formation of 'X' sulphate and zinc
metal.
When element 'X' is treated with silver nitrate solution, 'X' displaces
silver from the solution, resulting in the formation of 'X' nitrate and
silver metal.
Based on the observations, the increasing order of reactivities is: Cu < Ag
< X < Zn

Q23: (i) By the transfer of electrons, illustrate the formation of a bond in

magnesium chloride and identify the ions present in this compound.
(ii) lonic compounds are solids. Give reasons.
(iii) With the help of a labelled diagram show the experimental set-up of
steam action on a metal

Q24: (a) (i) Write two properties of gold that make it the most suitable
metal for ornaments.
(ii) Name two metals which are the best conductors of heat.
(iii) Name two metals that melt when you keep them on your palm.
(b) Explain the formation of the ionic compound CaO with an electron-
dot structure. Atomic numbers
of calcium and oxygen are 20 and 8 respectively. (2020)

Ans: (a) (i) The malleability and ductility properties of gold make it
suitable for ornaments. (ii) Silver and gold.
(iii) Gallium and caesium have so low melting points that they melt even
on keeping them in the palm.

(b) Formation of the ionic compound CaO (calcium oxide) with an

electron-dot structure:
Calcium oxide (CaO) is formed through the transfer of electrons between
calcium (Ca) and oxygen (O) atoms. Calcium, with an atomic number of
20, loses two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar
to that of a noble gas (argon), while oxygen, with an atomic number of 8,
gains two electrons to complete its valence shell.
The electron-dot structure of CaO can be represented as follows:

In this structure, the calcium atom loses its two valence electrons to
oxygen, resulting in a Ca2+c cation and an 02 anion. The electrostatic
attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond
in calcium oxide (CaO).
Q25: Carbon cannot reduce the oxides of sodium, magnesium and
aluminium to their respective metals. Why? Where are these metals
placed in the reactivity series? How are these metals obtained from their
ores? Take an example to explain the process of extraction along with
chemical equations.
(2020)

Ans: Sodium, magnesium and aluminium have a higher affinity towards

oxygen than carbon because these are highly reactive metals. Hence,
carbon cannot reduce the oxides of sodium, magnesium and aluminium
to their respective metals. These metals are placed at the top of the
reactivity series. Highly reactive metals like Na, Mg, Al, etc. are extracted
by electrolytic reduction of their molten chlorides or oxides. Electrolytic
reduction is brought about by passing electric current through the
molten state. Metal gets deposited at the cathode. NaCl Na+ Cl- At
cathode: Na + e → Na At anode: 2Cl-Cl2+2e +

Q26: Write balanced chemical equations to explain what happens, when

(i) Mercuric oxide is heated.
(ii) A mixture of cuprous oxide and cuprous sulphide is heated.
(iii) Aluminium is reacted with manganese dioxide.
(iv) Ferric oxide is reduced with aluminium.
(v) Zinc carbonate undergoes calcination.
(2020)

Q27: (a) Name the following: (2020)

(i) Metal that can be cut by a knife
(ii) Lustrous non-metal
(iii) Metal that exists in liquid state at room temperature
(iv) Most malleable and ductile metal
(v) Metal that is the best conductor of electricity
(vi) Non-metal that can exist in different forms
(b) How are alloys better than metals? Give the composition of solder
and amalgam.

Ans: (a) (i) Sodium

(ii) lodine
(iii) Mercury
(iv) Gold
(v) Silver
(vi) Carbon
(b) Alloys are stronger than the metals from which they are made, more
resistant to corrosion, have lower melting points, and have lower
electrical conductivity. Solder is an alloy of lead and tin. An amalgam is
an alloy of mercury with another metal.

Q28: Why is potassium kept immersed in kerosene? (2021 C)

Ans: Potassium is kept immersed in kerosene because it reacts

vigorously with air and water. The reaction with air forms a layer of
potassium oxide on the surface, while the reaction with water produces
potassium hydroxide. Both of these reactions release hydrogen gas,
which is highly flammable. By keeping potassium immersed in kerosene,
it is protected from air and water, preventing any unwanted reactions.

Q29: Give a reason why:

(a) gold and silver are used for making jewellery.
(b) a few metals are used for making cooking utensils. (2021 C)

Ans: (a) Gold and silver are highly malleable metals so, they are used for
making jewellery.
(b) Certain metals, such as stainless steel, copper, and aluminium, are
used for making cooking utensils due to their specific properties.
Stainless steel is chosen for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease
of cleaning. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing for even
distribution of heat during cooking. Aluminium is lightweight and has
good thermal conductivity, making it suitable for cookware. These
metals provide the necessary characteristics required for efficient and
safe cooking.
Q30: A clear solution of slaked lime is made by dissolving Ca(OH)2 in an
excess of water. This solution is left exposed to air. The solution slowly
goes milky as a faint white precipitate form. Explain why a faint white
precipitate forms, and support your response with the help of a chemical
equation.
OR
Keerti added dilute Hydrochloric acid to four metals and recorded her
observations as shown in the table given below:

Select the correct observation(s) and give chemical equation(s) of the

reaction involved. (2022)

Ans: Calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide present in the

atmosphere to form calcium carbonate which results in milkiness/white
ppt./formation of calcium carbonate
Q31: The following questions are source based/case based questions.
Read the case carefully and answer the questions that follow. The
melting points and boiling points of some ionic compounds are given
below:

These compounds are termed ionic because they are formed by the
transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal. The electron transfer
in such compounds is controlled by the electronic configuration of the
elements involved. Every element tends to attain a completely filled
valence shell of its nearest noble gas or a stable octet.
(i) Show the electron transfer in the formation of magnesium chloride.
(ii) List two properties of ionic compounds other than their high melting
and boiling points.
(iii)
(A) While forming an ionic compound say sodium chloride how does
sodium atom attain its stable configuration?
(B) Give reasons:
OR
(i) Why do ionic compounds in the solid state not conduct electricity?
(ii) What happens at the cathode when electricity is passed through an
aqueous solution of sodium chloride? (2023)

Ans: (i) Transfer of electrons during the creation of magnesium chloride:

(ii) The two properties of ions Compounds are:

(a) Solubility: Electrovalent compounds are generally soluble in water

and insoluble in solvents such as kerosene, petrol, etc.
(b) Conduction of Electricity: The conduction of electricity through a
solution involves the movement of charged particles. A solution of an
ionic compound in water contains ions, which move to the opposite
electrodes when electricity is passed through the solution. Ionic
compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity because
movement of ions in the solid is not possible due to their rigid structure.
But ionic compounds conduct electricity in the molten state. This is
possible in the molten state since the elecrostatic forces of attraction
between the oppositely charged ions are overcome due to the heat.
Thus, the ions move freely and conduct electricity.

(iii) (A) Sodium atom has one electron in its outermost shell. If it loses
the electron from its M shell then its L shell now becomes the outermost
shell and that has a stable octet. The nucleus of this atom still has 11
protons but the number of electrons has become 10, so there is a net
positive charge giving us a sodium cation Nat. On the other hand
chlorine has seven electrons in its outermost shell and it requires one
more electron to complete its octet. If sodium and chlorine were to
react, the electron lost by sodium could be taken up by chlorine. After
gaining an electron, the chlorine atom gets a unit negative charge,
because its nucleus has 17 protons and there are 18 electrons in its K, L
and M shells. This gives us a chloride anion CI.
(B) (i) The conduction of electricity through a solution involves the
movement of charged particles. A solution of an ionic compound in
water contains ions, which move to the opposite electrodes when
electricity is passed through the solution. Ionic compounds in the solid
state do not conduct electricity because the movement of ions in the
solid is not possible due to their rigid structure. But ionic compounds
conduct electricity in the molten state. This is possible in the molten
state since the electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely
charged ions are overcome due to the heat. Thus, the ions move freely
and conduct electricity.

(ii) When electricity is passed through a solution of sodium chloride in

water, hydrogen gas is released twice as much as oxygen gas is released
at the anode.

Q32: The following questions are source-based/case-based questions.

Read the case carefully and answer the questions that follow. Metals are
required for a variety of purposes. For this, we need their extraction
from their ores. Ores mined from the earth are usually contaminated
with many impurities which must be removed before the extraction of
metals. The extraction of pure metal involves the following steps:
(1) Concentration of ore
(2) Extraction of metal from the concentrated ore
(3) Refining of metal
(a) Name an ore of mercury and state the form in which mercury is
present in it.
(b) What happens to zinc carbonate when it is heated strongly in a
limited supply of air?
(c) The reaction of a metal A with Fe2O3 is highly exothermic and is used
to join railway tracks.
(1) Identify the metal A and name the reaction taking place.
(II) Write the chemical equation or the reaction of metal A with Fe2O3.
(2023)

Ans: (a) An ore of mercury is cinnabar, and mercury is present in it in the

form of mercury sulfide (HgS).
(b) When zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) is heated strongly in a limited supply of
air, it undergoes thermal decomposition to produce zinc oxide (ZnO),
carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O):
ZnCO3(s) → ZnO(s) + CO2(g)
(c) (1) The metal A in this case is iron (Fe), and the reaction taking place
is called a thermite reaction or the thermite process.
(II) The chemical equation for the reaction of iron (A) with iron(III) oxide
(Fe2O3) is: 2Al(s) + Fe2O3(s) → 2Fe(s) + Al2O3(s)
This reaction is highly exothermic and is used in various industrial
applications, including joining railway tracks due to its high heat
generation and the ability to melt and fuse metals.