Question 10
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. Amount and concentration taken for both the acids are same. In which test tube will the fizzing occur more vigorously and why?
Fizzing will be more vigorous in test tube A due to the higher concentration of H+(aq) ions in hydrochloric acid (HCl) as compared to acetic acid (CH3COOH). Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is the stronger acid and its reactions with magnesium ribbon will result in faster rate of release of hydrogen gas.
Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts — Quick Revision Guide
Introduction
Acids and bases are fundamental chemical substances found everywhere in daily life. This chapter explores their properties, the pH scale, neutralisation reactions, and the preparation of important salts.
Key Points at a Glance
- Acids produce H+ (H3O+) ions in water; bases produce OH− ions
- Indicators: Litmus (red/blue), methyl orange, phenolphthalein, turmeric; olfactory indicators change smell
- Acid reactions: with metals (salt + H2), carbonates (salt + H2O + CO2), metal oxides (salt + H2O), bases (neutralisation)
- pH scale: 0–14; pH < 7 acidic, pH = 7 neutral, pH > 7 basic; measured by universal indicator
- pH importance: stomach (1–2), blood (7.35–7.45), tooth decay below pH 5.5, soil pH for agriculture
- Always add acid to water (dilution is exothermic); dry HCl gas does not affect litmus
- Chlor-alkali process: electrolysis of brine gives NaOH + Cl2 + H2
- Important salts: Bleaching powder (CaOCl2), Baking soda (NaHCO3), Washing soda (Na2CO3·10H2O), Plaster of Paris (CaSO4·½H2O)
- Water of crystallisation: CuSO4·5H2O (blue) loses water on heating → CuSO4 (white)
Real-World Connections
Antacids neutralise excess stomach acid; baking soda makes bread fluffy by releasing CO2; washing soda softens hard water; bleaching powder purifies drinking water; Plaster of Paris is used in fracture casts.
Quick Self-Test (5 Questions)
- What is the most important concept you learned from this chapter?
- Can you write three key equations/formulae from this chapter from memory?
- Draw a labelled diagram relevant to this chapter without looking at your notes.
- Explain one real-world application of a concept from this chapter.
- What is one common mistake students make in this chapter, and how can you avoid it?
Further Study
- NCERT Textbook Chapter 2
- NCERT Exemplar Problems
- Bright Tutorials Detailed Notes: ch02-acids-bases-salts.html
- Bright Tutorials Practice Questions: ch02-acids-bases-salts.html
- Previous Year CBSE Board Papers