Chemistry

Unit 3
~ Points to remember :@ Always keep in mind the anomalous behavior of lithium in relevant question. This arises because
Li+ is so small that its size is comparable to the group 2 doubly charged cations.
@ For calculations, 1 sf is not enough generally use 3 sf, butt chk the ques.
@ mass (g)= Volume of soln in cm3 ...unless density given
@ Always give the sign with the answer for enthalpy questions.
~ Common exam mistakes :@ Always say 'from yellow to colorless' or 'yellow solution decolorized' (test for saturation), not
just 'decolorized'.
@ Observation of 'hydrogen' or 'gas' is impossible!! Only 'effervescence' is seen.
@ Ca2+ does not give a red flame it gives yellow-red or brick red flame colors.
@ Use conc. HCl in non-luminous or blue bunsen flame for flame tests because luminous flames are
not hot enough.
~ Precautions :@ General personal precautions for all expts include lab coat, safety goggles and gloves.
@ Use lowest possible concentration of solns and use alternatives of same family if a par ticular
rctn is too vigorous. Also it is possible to lower temperature to reduce the rate and vigor of rctn.
@ Vessel for reaction btw Na and xyz subs should be dry otherwise Na will react with water.
@ A series of temperature readings are taken in enthalpy change expts to allow for cooling.
@ Thermometer bulb should be in the area at the same level as where the vapors enter into the
Liebeg condenser.
@ To neutralize spills wash the area with plenty of water or add a weak alkali like NaHCO 3 .
@ Allow pipette to dispense under gravity and do not blow out the last drop that remains in the
nozzle. It is accounted for during caliberation.

~ Procedures :@ HNO3 is added before the test for halide ions to acidify solution. If the substance being tested
dissociates in soln to give an anion/an anion is added, then the HNO3 is used to neutralize the
anion. It eliminates the sulphates, carbonates, etc.
@ To prepare saturated salt soln, add salt to water until no more dissolves. Heat, allow to cool and
decant saturated solution.
@ Bromine is cooled before a rctn to prevent it frm vaporizing as it is volatile.
@ Decant means to pour off the liq and leave behind the solid in a reaction mixture.
~ Errors, unexpected results, etc. :@ Reasons for less than 100% yield:-Reaction not completed
-Formation of by-products/ side-products
-Entire product not separated from reaction mixture
@ Improving accuracy of thermochemical expts:
-Pipette/burette to measure substances
-Use polystyrene cup instead of beaker as reaction vessel
-Use suitable lagging around the reaction vessel.
-Stirring to ensure more uniform heating
-Not allowing the bulb of the thermometer to touch sides/bottom of rctn vessel
-Cover vessel with lid to reduce heat losses
-Take account of specific heat capacity and mass of beaker
-Specific heat capacity of water and not acid is used
-If combustion use wooden blocks around set up to prevent air currents.
-Volatile liqs may evaporate before reweighing of spirit lamp.
-Not all elements formed in standard state (water is formed as a gas in combustion expts)
~ Observations :@ Alkanes and alkenes burn with a yellow flame, butt the alkanes (esp unsaturated) will give a
more sootier flame (higher C : H ratio).
@ Carbonates also give BaCl2 test positive

RTQ

READ THE QUESTION THRICE!!!

TWICE BEFORE ATTEMPTING
AND ONCE AFTER ANSWERING.
UNDERLINE ALL KEYWORDS.
FOR MCQ's, FIRST DECIDE THE
ANSWER THEN CHECK CHOICES.
READ ALL THE CHOICES ONCE.