Acids, Bases and Salts 2

In This Chapter
Acids
Bases
Indicators
>Properties of acids
Properties of bases
What do all acids and bases have in common
>How strong is an acid or base solution,
i.e., concept of pH
More about salts
Common salt: Sodium chloride
Chemicals from common salt pH 4 pH =

Bleaching powder
Plaster of Paris
Water of crystallisation: Hydrated salts
Litmus

Chemical compounds can be classified as acids, bases or salts. The sour and bitter tastes of food are due to
acids and bases, respectively, present in them. For example, lemon has sour taste due to the presence of an
acid called citric acid. The salts are formed by the interaction of acids with bases.
In this chapter, we shall study the characteristic properties of acids, bases and salts. We shall also study the
preparation, properties and uses of some useful compounds.

2.1 ACIDS
The substances are characterised as acids if they:
(Caution: Do not taste acids in the laboratory.)
have sour taste.
&Contain hydrogen (H).
turn blue litmus solution red.
examples of acids
Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, etc. are some common

2.1.1 Classification of Acids on the Basis of their Sources

On the basis of their sources, the acids can be classified as:

organic acids, and

mineral acids.
1.2 Organic Acids such as plants and animals,
are called organic acids. For examnla
omatoes
he from living
contain an acid
acids derived organisms
called oxalic acid. Ants make an acid called formic acid. The name 'formic ari tle
the sting of ants, bees and net
from the Latin word formica which means 'red ants. Pain caused by
omes them.
olant is due to formic acid released by no harm to living organisme
acids or organic acids are
weak acids and cause little or
Naturally occurring

Tamarind Curd Guava Red ant

Lemon Tomato Apple (Lactic acid) (Ascorbic acid) (Formic acid)
(Ctric acid) (Oxalic acid) (Malic acid) (Tartaric acid)
their sources
Fig. 2.1 Different organic acids and

2.1.3 Mineral Acids

Mineral acids are prepared from mineral sources. Sulphuric
acid, nitric acid and hydrochloric acid are
called inorganic acids. Many mineral acids find extensive use
important mineral acids. These acids are also
and applications.
Chemical formula Uses
Name of acid
Commercially used in car batteries and inverter batteries. It
Sulphuric acid HSO
is used in the manufacture of dyes, fertilisers, explosives and
other chemicals. It is often called king of chemicals.
Used in cleaning kitchen sink and sanitary ware.
Hyirochieric acid HCI
Nitric acid HNO Used in cleaning gold and silver ornaments, in the
manufacture of fertilisers, explosives like TNT, etc.

Carbonic acid HCO Used in soft drinks. It lands fizz to them.

Phosphoric aid HPO Used in antirust paints and fertilisers.
The mineral acids, especially sulphuric acid, nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, are highly corosive and cause
skin burns. Therefore, they should be handled with care.

2.1.4 Arrhenius Theory of Acids

According to this theory, acids are substances that dissociate or ionise to give H* ions when dissolved
in water.
For example,
HCI(aq) H"(aq) C(aq)
Hydrcchlaic acid
CHCOOH(ag) H"(aq) - CHCOO(aq)
kcetic aid
The characteristic properties of acids are due to H"(aq) ions.

2.2 BASES
The substances are characterised as bases if they:
have bitter taste.
are soapy and slippery to touch.
turn red litmus soiution blue.

A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMSTRY-10

 sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide,
Common bases are metal hydroxides such as
etc. Many of these hydroxides find extensive use and applications.

Name of hydroxides Commerelal Name Chemtcal formula

Sodium hydroxide Caustic sxda NaOH I n the manufacture of soap. paper,
textlle, et
Potassium hydroxide Caustie potash KOH In alkaline storage batery, For
abseorbing CO.
Calcium hydroxide Slaked lime Ca(O) I n the manufacture of bleaching
powder, seftening af hard water, for
whitewashing, etec.
Magnesium hydroxide Milk of magnesia Mg(OH), As an antacid to remove acidity in
stomach.
Aluminium hydroxide AI(OH) Asa foaming agent in fire extinguishers.
Ammonium hydroxide NHOH For cleaning windowpanes, etc.
to remeve
grease stains from clothes,

2.2.1 Arrhenius Theory of Bases

According to Arrhenius theory, bases are substances that dissoclate or ionise to give hydroxyl ion
(OH) when dissolved in water.
For example,

NaOH(ag) -» Na (aq) + OH(ag)

Sodium hydroxide

Ca[OH]alaq) Ca"(aq) +OH(aq)

Calcium hydroxide

The characteristic properties of bases are due to OH(ag) ions.

Bases typically have OH group in their formula but there are exceptions. For example, ammonia (NH) does
not contain OH group but it releases OH ions when dissolved in water.

NH3+H20 NHOH NH+OH

Similarly, CaO is a base as it releases OH ions when it dissolves in water.

CaO+H20 Ca2* + 20H

Those bases which are soluble in water are called alkali. The most
common alkalis are NaOH, KOH and NH,OH.
All alkalis furnish OH ions in aqueous solution. Thus, all alkalis are bases
but all bases are not alkalis.
NaOH and KOH are very strong bases (alkalis) and are highly corrosive.
Flg. 2.2 Warning sign displayed on
They cause blisters on skin (Handle carefully). containers contalning concentrated
mineral acids and alkalis

2.3 INDICATORS

Acid-base indicators or simply called indicators are the substances that indicate
of a solution. acidity or alkalinity
These indicators are actually dyes (natural
acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
or
synthetic) which show a change of colour depending upon the
2.3.1 Natural Indicators different types of
extracted from
commonly
the dyes follows:
Natural indicators are indicators are as
common
natural
plants. Some

Litmus solution from lichen,

a plant
extracted
which is used as (acid-base)
Litmus is a purple
dye,
It is commonly
the division Thallophyta.
belonging to LIchen
indicator basic, its colour
is purple.
acidic nor
solution is neither turns red.
When litmus litmus solution
purple-coloured
is acidic the
solution turns blue.
solution
If the litmus
red with
solution is alkaline,
But if the which has been impregnated
Filter paper comes in two
colours, blue
Litmus paper: It
water-soluble litmus dye,
is called a litmus paper.
and red. solution is acidic.
litmus paper turns red, the
blue
If in a solution, the solution is
alkaline.
litmus paper turns blue,
If in a solution, red of colour the Red Bluo
do not show a change Litmus papers
red litmus papers
If both blue and
solution is neutral.
base are taken in
wet or the acid and
moist or
will act as an
indicator only if it is
Note: Litmus paper
solution.
the form of an aqueous
acid or a base
in a solution but
of an
materials which
indicate the presence
natural
There are many other indicators.
less commonly used
as
they are

Red cabbage juice solution but changes to green in

remains red in acidic
leaves of red cabbage. Its colour
It is extracted from
alkaline solution.
but it becomes
Turmeric juice and neutral media
remains yellow in acidic shirt when some
in colour. Its colour on your white
Turmeric (Hald) is yellow have observed yellow spots
medium. You must these spots, the colour
reddish-brown in alkaline turmeric. When soap is rubbed over
These stains are of turns yellow when
the cloth is
over the shirt.
curry spills of basic nature. The stain again
reddish-brown because soap
is
changes to removed with rinse water.
because basic soap gets and Geranium can aso
rinsed with lots of water
Hydrangea, Petunia
coloured petals of some flowers such as
Apart from these, the acid or a base in a
solution.
be used detect the presence of an
to

2.3.2 SyntheticIndicators from different types of

chemicals. They also
in the laboratory
Synthetic indicators are
the dyes prepared the medium. Methyl orange and
the change of acidic or basic character of
with
show change in colour indicators.
are the two commonly used synthetic
phenolphthalin

Methyl orange colour with basic or alkaline solutions.

red colour with acidic solutions
and yellow
Methyl orange gives
NC
Phenolphthalein colour with acidic medium, ie,
i
or red colour in
alkaline medium but gives no
Phenolphthalein gives pink
medium.
remains colourless in acidic

10
52 A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY
 Medja
Colour of Some Common Indicators In
Acldlc and Baslc
TABLE 2.1 Colour in alkaline
medium

Colour In acldie medlum

Indicator Blue
Red Yellow
Litmus
Red
Methyl orange Pinkiah-red

Phenolphthalein
Colourlem

ACTIVITY 2.1
demonstrate acids and bases
in laboratory
Aim: To acid (H2504), nitric
Procedure
hydrochlorlc acid (HCI),
sulphurlc
nyarOXIde
from your sclence laboratory: [Ca(OH)2], potassIum
Collect the following samples sodium hydroxlde (NaOH), calclum hydroxlde
acid (HNO3), acetic acid (CH,COOH), and ammonlum hydroxide (NH,OH). indicators as shown
in
[Mg(OH),]
(KOH), magnesium hydroxide
of the above solutions on a watch glass and
test It with a drop of the
.Put a drop of each
the following Table.
the following table.
The colour of the lindicators is recorded in Methyl orangE
Observations: Phenolphthalein
Red litmus Blue lItmus Solution
Sample Solution
Solution
Solution Solution Colourless
Red
No change Red Red
HC Colourless
No change Red
HSO Colourless
Red
No change Red Red
HNO3 Colourless
No change Red
CHCOOH Yellow
Blue No change Pink Yellow
NaOH
No change Pink
Blue
Ca(OH) No change Pink
Yellow
KOH Blue Yellow
Blue No change Pink
Mg(OH) Pink
Yellow
Blue No change
NH,OH acid and a base.
various indicators used show a specific colour with an
Conclusion: The

Olfactory Indicators For examp

in acidic or basic medium are
called olfactory indicators.
whose odour changes
Those substances
clove oil, etc.
onion, vanilla, such in an acid.
diminishes in a base but remains as
aci
The of onion
smell
is added to a base but it persists
when added to an
essence disappears when it
The smell ofvanilla
be detected in bases.
The characteristic smell of cloe oil cannot
2.4 PROPERTIES OF ACIDS

Ve have so far studied that

Acids have sour taste.
ions.
Acids dissolve in water and release H*(aq)
colourless and give red colour with methyl orang
Acids turn blue litmus solution red, phenolphthalein
of acids.
discuss some important chemical properties
ow, we shall

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS 53

 2.4.1 Reactions of Acids with Metalsand sulphuric acid react with active metals nd trs,
and
acid
dilute hydrochloric
Dilute acids such as

hydrogen.
Metal salt+ Hydrogen
Active metal dilute acid
ZnSOa(ag) +H20)
Zn(s)+dil. H,SO4
FeCl%(ag) + H2@)
Fels) 2HCl(ag)

ACTIVITY 2.2
metal with dilute acid
Aim: To demonstrate reaction of a

Procedure
the dil. HSO4
Take few pieces of granulated zinc in
conical flask and arrange the apparatus as
shown in the adjoining figure. Delivery tube

Drop dilute sulphuric acid from a dropping

funnel.
Pass the gas evolved
Bubbles are formed.
through soap solution.
Dropping-
funnel
Og Soap bubble
Bring a burning matchstick near the filled with
gas-filled bubbles. hydrogen
dil. H5O4
Observation: When the burning matchstick
Zinc
is brought near the gas-filled bubbles, the gas granules Soap solution
burns with a pop sound.
Conclusion: As the gas burns with a pop sound,
it is hydrogen gas. Thus, active metals react
with dilute acid and evolve hydrogen.

The activity can be repeated ith other acids like HCI and acetic acid (CH,COOH).

not evolved when metal reacts with nitric acid (HNO3). It is because HNO3 is not
Hydrogen gas is a

only an acid but it is a very strong oxidising agent also. It oxidises the hydrogen gas formed to water
and is itself reduced to oxides of nitrogen (N20, NO or NO2). For example,

4Zn+10HNO 4Zn(NOg)2 + N,0+ 5H20

3Cu BHNO 3Cu{NOa)2 + 2NO + 4H,O
Metals such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), etc. which are below hydrogen in the activity series do not
evolve hydrogen with dil.H2SO4 or dil.HCI.

2.4.2 Reactions of Acids with Metal Oxides

Those metal oxides which are basic in nature, react with acids to form salt and water.

oxide+ Acid
Metal(Basic) Salt+Water

CaO(s) 2HCl(aq) CaCl2aq)+ H2O(0

MgO(s)+ HSOs(aq) MgsOa(aq) + H2O()
 ACTIVITY 2.3
acid with a basic metal oxide
demonstrate the reaction of an
Aim: To
Procedure
a beaker. It
oxide (also called cupric oxlde) in
.Take about g of copper(11)
5
is a black powder
test tube.
Take dil. H2SO4 in a
oxide and dd.H,50
the beaker containing black copper(11)
Add the acid solution to
stir with a glass rod. dissolves
Solution of Cuso
reaction takes place. The black powder slowly
Observation: A chemical (Bue
blue-coloured solution is formed.
and a the reaction Cuo(Btack)
colour is due to copper sulphate formed by
Conclusion: The blue
acid with copper(II) oxide.
of dilute sulphuric
Cuo(s) +H,SO,(dil.) CusO,(aq) + H0()
Copper(I1) oxide (Blue)
Hydrogencarbonates
Carbonates and Metal
2.4.3 Reactions of Acids with Metal
ACTIVITY 2.4
hydrogencarbonate
demonstrate the reaction of an acid with a metal carbonate and metal
Aim: To
Procedure

Take two test tubes and label them as A and

B.
Thistle funnel-
tube A
Take about 2 g of sodium carbonate (Na,CO3) in test Delivery
in test
and about 2 g of sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHC03) tube
tube B. Test tube
. Add about 5 mL dilute HCI to each of these test
tubes by
arranging a set-up as shown in the figure.
gas in each into limewater
.Pass the evolved case
Carbon dioxide-
Test tube
Observations gas
colourless Dilute Sodium
.When dilute HCl is added to the two test tubes, a hydrochloric acid
Calcium
and odourless gas is evolved with brisk effervescence. carbonate hydroide
solution
.When the gas is passed into freshly prepared limewater, the
limewater turns milky.
and evolve carbon dioxide
Conclusion: Acids decompose metal carbonates and metal hydrogencarbonates
effervescence.
gas with brisk

in Activity 2.4 are written as follows:

The reactions occurring
Na2CO3(5)+ 2HCl(aq) 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(0 + CO29)
Test tube A:
NaHCO() + HCI(ag) NaClaq) + H,O(0 + CO29)
Test tube B:
into limewater, following reaction
On passing the evolved gas (CO2) KNOWLEDGE DESK
akes place
Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2g) CaCOs() + H2O() Limestone, marble, chalk and egg-shell
Limewater (Milkiness) are different forms of calcium carbonate
dioxide is passed, the milkiness disappears due Metal hydrogencarbonates are also called
excess of carbon metal bicarbonates.
formation of soluble calcium hydrogencarbonate, Ca(HCOg)2
CaCO()+ H0()+COg) Ca(HCO)zlag)
(Soluble)
Metal carbonate/Metal hydrogencarbonate Acid Salt + Water Carbon dioxide

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS 55

 Effervescence is the evolution of bubbles of a sparingly soluble gaseous product in a licquid.

2.4.4 Strong and Weak Acids

We have studied that acids dissociate to give H ions when dissolved in water. For example,
HA H' + A
Acid
Since ions are formed in this reaction, this is known as lonisatlon.
But all acids do not ionise to the same extent when dissolved in water. Those acids which ionise mora
or less completely when dissolved in water are called strong acids. For example, sulphuric acid (H,SO,)
nitric acid (HNO,) and hydrochloric acid (HC) are strong acids.
HClag) H'(aq)+ Cl(aq)
H,SOa(aq) 2H (aq)+ SO}(aq)
On the hand, acids like acetic acid (CH,CoOH), formic acid (HCOOH) and carbonic acid (H,CO;) ionise
other
to a small extent when dissolved in water. Such acids are called weak acids.

CH,COOH(ag) CHcoo(aq) + H*(aq)

HCOglaq) 2H"(aq) + COS(0g)
(shows that the forward reaction, ie., ionisation of the acid takes place to small extent)

2.5 PROPERTIES OF BASES

We have so far studied that
Bases have bitter taste. (Caution: Do not taste bases in the laboratory)
Bases are soapy and slippery to touch.
Bases turm red litmus solution/paper blue. They turn phenolphthalein solution pink and methyl orange
solution yellow.
They dissociate to release OH ions when dissolved in water
low, let us discuss some important chemical properties of bases.

5.1 Reactions of Bases with Metals

tetals like zinc, aluminium, tin and lead react with strong alkalis like NaOH and KOH and evolve hydrogen gas
Zn(s)+2NaOH(aq) Na,ZnOg(ag) +Ha0)
Sodium zincate
Sns)+2NaOH(aq) Na2SnO2(aq) + H29)
Sodium stannite
2AI)+ 2NaOH(aq)+ 2H,O00 2NaAlO2(aq) + H2g)
Sodium aluminate

5.2 Reactions of Bases with Nonmetallic Oxides

e oxides of nonmetals are acidic in nature. For example, CO2 (oxide of carbon) and SO, (oxide of sulphur)
acidic in nature.
reactwith acidic oxides to form salt and water.
2NaOH(aq) + CO0) NacOalag) + H,O(0
Ca(OH)l0q) +SO-9)> CaSOg(aq) + H0(0
eneral,
Base +Nonmetallic oxide Salt Water

56 A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10

2.5.3bases
Strong and Weak Bases
Those which are more or less completely ionised when dissolved in water, are known as strong bass
For example, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH); and Ba(OH); are al strong bases.
NaOH(aq) Na(aq) OH (aq) +

Ca(OH)>(aq)» Ca"(aq) 20H (aq)

On the other hand, those bases which ionise to a
small extent when dissolved in water, are called weak bases
For example, ammonium hydroxide (NH,OH) and copper hydroxide [Cu(OH);] are weak bases.
NH,OH(aq)=NH;(0q) OH (aq)
2.6 WHAT DO ALL ACIDS AND BASES HAVE IN
COMMONN
We have learnt that acids are those substances
that release one or more H' ions when dissolved in water
and bases are those substances which release one or more OH ions when dissolved in water.
HA(ag)
Acid
H'(aq)+ A(0q)
BOH(aq)» B'(aq) * OH (aq)
Base
Since ions are the
carriers charge in solutions and all
of
therefore, aqueous solutions of both acids and bases acids and bases produce ions in aqueous solutions,
are conductors of
electricity.
ACTIVITY 2.5
Aim: To demonstrate that aqueous solutions of acids and
Procedure
bases are good conductors of electricity
.Prepare solutions of hydrochloric acid,sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide,
glucose and ethyl alcohol. 6V battery Bulb
Take a 100 mL beaker and place a rubber cork at
its bottom. Switch
Fix two iron nails in the cork and connect them to a 6 V
electric bulb (as shown in the adjoining figure). battery through an
.Now, take dilute HCl in the beaker such that the nails
solution. are immersed in the

Switch on the current. Nails

Observation: The bulb glows. Dilute HCl
Conclusion: It means that the solution of hydrochloric acid conducts electric
charge. Hence, the solution conducts electric charge due to the presence of ions -Cork
in it.
HCI(aq) H(aq) +
Cr (aq)

Repeat the activity with dil. H,SO4 and NaOH solutions. These solutions also conduct electricity. Thus, solutions
of acids and bases are conductors of electricity.

But, when the activity is repeated with the solutions of

glucose (CsH120s) and ethyl alcohol (CzH,OH), we
observe that the bulb does not glow. It means that these substances do not dissociate to give ions when
dissolved in water and therefore, do not conduct
electricity.
2.6.1 What happens to an Acid or a Base in Water Solution
Substances can act as acids or bases not because
because of their ability to release H*(aq) and
they contain H atoms or OH groups respectively but
OH(aq) ions respectively in their aqueous solution.
Do acids produce H (ag) ions in their
aqueous solution? Let us examine it.

AcIns DASES ANn SN

 in wwater
water

d i s s o l v e d
dissolved

ACTIVITY 2.6 w
whhe
enn

calclumAnhydrous
lons
H*
pr
p ro
oddu
ucce
e wlth chloride
acids
acids
is
fitted

demonstrate
that
that which
tube molsture.).

Aim: To test absorbs

a dry
Procedure chloride
in tube (It
sodlum gaurd
2 g CaClh
Take abouttube and anhydrous
tube.
test the gas,
devery to the with
c o n c . HSO, contact thee gas.
in with
Add some blue
ltmus paper in
contact

B r i n g a dry
paper
litmus
blue
bring a moist
change.
Next,
does not
Observations

blue litmus
paper
litmus paper
red.
red,
cone.
NaC
H
colour ofdry litmus paper
The
turns moistblue turning
blue presence
evolved
e.g., in the
The gas
acidic
properties,
produces
H* ions
As the that the gas
Conclusion: means

to H* ions, it
are due
of water
chloride. NaHSO4(aq)
+ HCIg)
is hydrogen
The gas evolved H,SO4(conc)
NaCIs)+

HCIg) into ion. H"(aq) + C(ag)

Water, actualy, helps inseparating HCIg) nydrochloric acid, Hr.

contact it torms
with of from HCI molecules C
water,
in
when hydrogen
chloride comes
red. Separation
H blue litmus paner
Therefore, turn blue
litmus colour of dry
(aq) ions which not change the
releases H HCl gas does
water molecules.
For
onvenience,
conveni
absence of
water. Hence, dry attached with
but they are
do not exist alone,
Actually, H* ions attached. or H0
one water
molecule being H+HO (H")H20 Hydronium ion
only
or hydronium ion (H,0").
shown as H(aq)
hydrogen ions must always be base. For example, sodium hydrovie a
Therefore,
ions from a
water also helps in separating OH
Similarly,
dissociates in water as follows: NaOH()Water, Na (aq) + OH"(aq)
solution.
characteristic properties in aqueous
Therefore, bases show their

Happens when a Concentrated Solution of an Acid or a Baseb

2.6.2 What
Diluted with Water
ACTIVITY 2.7
Aim: To show that dilution of a concentrated solution of an acid is exothermic process
Procedure
.Take 10 mL water in a beaker.
Add few drops of concentrated HSO4 to it and swirl the beaker slowly.
Touch the base of the beaker.
Observation: The base of the beaker is hot.
Conclusion: The dilution of an acid is exothermic.

Similar observation is made when pellets of sodium hydroxide are added to water.
Thus,
or
whenever aconcentrated solution of an acid, especially of acids
nitric acid, is diluted with
like sulphuric acid, hydrocnu
the water, process is highly exothermic, i.e., a lot of heat is evolved. ine
58 A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10
 care must be taken while diluting a concentrated acid because in some cases, so much heat is evolved tha
the acid changes into its vapour which spread in air and appear as a fog and the glass container in which
dilution is carried out may crack. Therefore, dilutlon should be carrled out by adding a thin stream of
the acid slowly to water with constant stirring so that the heat produced is dissipated. However, if
water is added to concentrated acid, the heat generated may cause the mixture splash out and cause burns
Therefore, to dilute concentrated acid, add an acid to water and not water to an acid,
Similarly, when a strong base like NaOH is added to water, heat is produced.
Mixing ofan acid or a base with water, ie, on ditlution, the dissociation of an acid or a base into ions
increases,ie. more
concentration H'(aq)
of H"(aq) or or OH (0q)perions,
OH(aq) unitrespectively are solution
volume of the produced.actually
But, decreases.
the volume also increases, the
as

2.6.3 Neutralisation
Reaction of an acid with a base to give salt and water is known as neutralisation.

Acid+Base » Salt Water

HA+ BOH BA + H20
Acid Base Salt Water
For example,
HCl(aq) NaOH(ag) NaCl(aq) + HO()
HNOg(aq) + NaOH(ag) NaNO3(aq) + H2O(0
HNOg(ag) + KOH(aq) KNOs(ag) + H2O(0
of the
When an acid
base and vice is neutralised
versa with a (H0).
to form water base, it is actually the removal of H'(ag) of the acid by OH(aq)
H (aq)+ Cr
(aq)Nat (aq) OH (a9) +
Nat (aq) + C(aq)+ H2O(0
HCI(aq) NaOH aq) NaCl(ag)
or
H'(aq) +OH"(aq) H2O(0
Neutralisation of an acid with a base is an extothermic process.
CHECK POINT 1
1. List the organic acid present in citrus fruits, apples, sour milk and sting of bees.
2. Name three indicators commonly used in a laboratory.
3. Define an acid and a base.
4. Which gas is released when a metal carbonate reacts with a dilute acid.
5. On diluting an acid, does the concentration of H* ions per unit volume increase or decrease?
6. Give the balanced equation for the reaction of zinc and sodium hydroxide solution.
7. Name two strong mineral acids.
8. What is the name given to the reaction of an acid with a base?

2.7 HOW STRONG IS AN ACID OR A BASE SOLUTION

The strength of an acid or a base depends upon the number ofH* and OH ions produced by them
respectively in their aqueous solution. For example, if we compare hydrochloric acid and acetic acid of same
concentration (say 1 M), then these produce different amounts of H* ions and we say that hydrochloric acid
is stronger acid as compared to acetic acid because it gives more H* ions.

2.7.1 pH
In pH, p stands for a German word potenz which means 'strength' and H stands for hydrogen ion. Thus,
pH is a way of indicating the concentration of hydrogen ions present in a solution. The pH of a solution is
defined as:

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS 59

 be ralsed der
in orde to express
which It must
The negativeexponent of 10 to the hye
concentration of the solution in mole per lltre.
Mathematically, 10-pH
IH (ag)]
=

mple,
appears. For examp a solution
But don't be afraid! It is not as complicated as it to a much AC
a pH of 2 corresponds
the pHhivalue,
gher t
concentration of 10-7 mole/L has a pH 7. Similarly, concentration, lower is the
Or
10 mol/L of H'(ag) ions. Thus, higher the H*(ag) Aim:
Proc

2.7.2 pH Scale Danish chemist named Sorensen toom

Scale called pH scale was developed
A by
acidic or basic a
a
substance is. pH scale nor
ormally neasure
or alkalinity of a solution, i.e., how
O(strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic). a of 7, measures g
Neutral solution and pure water have pH Obs

Acidic solutions have a pH less than 7.

Alkaline or basic solutions have a pH more than 7
9 10 11 12 13 14
88
pH 2 3 4 6

IH(ogl] 10 10 10 10 10 103 10 10 10 10 10-0 10H10-2 101" 104M

Neutral
Increasing acidic character Increasing basic character

Fig. 2.3 pH scale

A pH of 4 means that the solution is ten times more acidic than a solution having a pH.
100 times more acidic than the solution of pH 6. Thus, more acidic the solution, lower is the
the ph.

2.7.3 Universal Indicator

The universal indicator is a pH indicator composed of several compounds that exhibit colour chan..
pH value range from 0 to 14. It not only shows whether the given solution is acidic or basic but
approximate pH by giving a particular colour for a specific value of pH.
The universal indicator is available as (0 a liquid solution or (i) paper strips impregnated with the i
To estimate the pH of a solution, a drop of liquid universal indicator is directly added to the cl
the paper strip is dipped into the solution and then removed for comparison against a colour/pHa
provided with the indicator.
Neutral solution and pure water turn universal indicator paper green.
Strongly alkaline solutions turn universal indicator paper dark-blue or purple but weakly alkalinesag
turn it blue-green.
Strongly acidic solutions turn universal indicator paper red but weakly acidic solutionstuntm
or yellow.
pH 1 2 5 8 10 11 12 13

Fig. 2.4: pH and colour of universal indicator

Accurate pH values of the solution are determined by a pH meter.

60 A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10

 ACTIVITY 2.8
the of universal indicator in the determination of pH of different solutions
Aim: To demonstrate
use

Procedure

. Take 2 ml solutlon of each of the following solutions in test tubes marked A, B, C, D and E.
A-dilute hydrochloric acid B-dilute acetic acid
C-water D-dilute ammonium hydroxide solution

1:1:1:
E-dlilute sodium hydroxide solution
.Add a drop of unlversal Indicator to each of these test tubes.
Observations and Conclusion
Solution A develops red colour. It is strongly acidic.
Solution B develops yellow colour. It Is weakly acldic.
Solution C develops green colour. It is neutral.
Solution D develops blue colour. It is weakly basic,
Solution E develops violet colour. It is strongly basic (alkaline).
UOUDU
Red Yellow Green Blue Violet

ACTIVITY 2.9
Aim: To test pH values of different solutions as given in the table
Procedure TABLE
.Take small quantity of each Colour of Approximate Nature of
substance in a test tube and Solution pH value substance
add a drop of universal indicator
solution
to each solution, and record the Saliva (before meal)
colour developed. Saliva (after meal)
.Deduce the nature of each Lemon juice
substance.
Colourless aerated drink
Carrot juice
Coffee
Tomato juice
Tap water
1M NaOH
1M HCI

TABLE 2.2 Approximate pH Values of Some Common Substances

Substance Approximate pH Substance APPROXMATE ph
1. 1M HCI 1.0 11. Pure water 7.0
2. Gastric juice 1.0-1.2 12. Human blood 7.36-742
3. Lemon juice 2.2-2.4 13. Baking soda solution 7.5
4. Vinegar 3.0 14. Calamine lotion 8.0
5. Tomato juice 4.1 15. Sea water 8.5
6. Coffee 4.5 to 5.5 16. Washing soda solution 9.0
7. Acid rain below 5.6 17. Milk of magnesia 10.5
8. Milk 6.5 18. Household ammonía 12.0
9. Human saliva 6.5-7.0 19. 1M NaOH 14.0
10. Common salt solution 7.0

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

2.7.4 Importance of pH in Everyday Life
pH plays a very important role in our daily life. Some of these are given as followS:
1. pH in our digestive system
The medium in our stomach is highly acidic with a pH of about 1.2. The gastric juice,
which mainly contains hydrochloric acid, helps in the digestion of food. Sometimes,
too much hydrochloric acid is produced due to various reasons, e.g, due to eating
too spicy food, overeating, stress, etc. Excess acid in the stomach causes irritation
and pain. It can also cause ulcers in the digestive system. The condition of excess
acid in the stomach is referred to as
is advised to take antacid
hyperacidity. In case of hyperacidity, a person
tablets or antacid suspensions. These antacids contain
Some base. The base neutralises the excess acid and thus irritation and pain are
Cured. The two commonly used antacids are suspension of magnesium hydroxide
(milk of magnesia) and sodium Milk of mag
2. pH and tooth decay
hydrogencarbonate (baking
soda).

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body. It is made up of calcium phosphate. It do=
dissolve in water but is corroded when the pH in the mouth is below 5.5. Bacteria
produce acids by degradation of sugar and food particles present in the
=
This results in remaining in the mouth to eating
lowering of pH in the mouth which promotes tooth decay. Therefore,
arter
decay, avoid eating sugary foods. The mouth should prevent
teeth using be properly cleaned after each meal. Brushi
toothpaste also helps in
they neutralise the excess acid and preventing tooth decay. Toothpastes are
generally basic, the
prevent tooth decay.
ACTIVITY 2.10
Aim: To determine
pH of soil
Procedure
Put about 2 g of soil in a
test
Shake the contents of the testtube
and add about 5 mL of
distilled water to it.
tube.
Filter the contents and collect the
filtrate in a test tube.
Dip a universal indicator paper in the
filtrate and remove.
Observation: Compare the colour of the
indicator paper with the
pH/colour chart and determine the
3. pH and pH.
plants
Plants require a
specific pH of the soil for their proper
too acidic soil. The soil be acidic or basic growth. Plants cannot grow in too
Chemical fertilisers also may naturally.
affect the pH of soil. For
al-
cultivation of a crop, it is proper
of the of
pH the soil. important to have a
knowledge Nettle KNOWLEDGE DESK
If the soil is too plantis a
herbaceous
leaves have plant whic=
in the wild. Its
acidic (pH less
pH can be raised by adding limethan required), then its
or slaked lime
cause
painful stinging has
stings when touched
neutralises the excess acid of the which This is due to accic
soil. methanoic acid (form
(pH more than required), Similarly,
is too alkaline if the soil secreted by them. You will be
then its know that surpr
lowered by adding pH can be remedy for this is
itself. The traditional
gypsum which neutralises the excess
of alkali present in the provided b
soil. is to rub the remedy
affected area
4. pH and survival of with the leaves of dock
animals plant
pH influences every which grows
nearby.
including metabolism,physiological activity in our body
pain and diseases. The speed
probably the dock Most
lea provide some plant
leaves
biological reactions in our body is under pH control. of base
which neutralises the
which th effect
body works well when the pH of the Human of the acid and
body fluids is in the pH thus, provides
range of 7.0 to 7.8. If due to some
reason this pH
a soothing
soothing effect.
effed
range is Nettle
62 ASAADIG STInY
 disturbed, the person may fall il. Similarly, acquatle animals can survlve in lava r rhyer vnatar if ph s ht¥H
a certain range. Normal rain is slightly acidic. When pH of rairwater is less than 96, t is callers acid rain
When acid rain flows into lakes and rivers, it lowers the pti of water. The uurvival of aruatir ifa in 4ie
waters becomes difticult. Calcium carbonate is often added to such arldic lake watnrs tri nautralio tte offe
of the acid that comes with the acid rain.
5. Self defence by animals and plants through chemical warfare
Have you ever been stung by a honeybee or an ant? Bee or ant sting leaves forrmic arid which ca
pain and irritation. Simple remedy in such a case is to rub the afferted area with a pinch of yavirig
soda which neutralises the acid and thus brings relief.
A wasp sting is alkaline and its effect may be neutralised by a weak acid like acetic acid

CHECK POINT 2
1. What does pH stand for?
the pH scale?
2. Who gave
3. What is the pH of pure water and that of ralnwater? Why are they different?
4 What colour develops when a drop of universal indicator is added to pure water?
s. What is the pH of hydrochloric acid solution if Its concentration Is 10 M?

2.8 SALTTS

Salts are ionic compounds formed by the combination of a cation from a base and an anion from an
acid. Salts are generally formed when an acid and a base neutralise each other. For exarnple,
NaOH(aq) + HCl(ag) = NaCl(ag) + H2O()
Base Acid Salt Water

2.8.1 Naming ofSalts

Salts are named simply by giving the name of the cation and anion. Thus, the name of a salt has two parts:
The first part comes from the name of the metal of the base used.
The second part comes from the anion of the acid that was used.
For example,
Acid used Second part of the name of the salt Examples
HC1 Chloride Sodium chloride, NaCI
Potassium chloride, KCI

H,SO4 Sulphate Sodium sulphate, NaSO

Magnesium sulphate, MSO,
HNO3 Nitrate Potassium nitrate, KNO
Sodium nitrate, NaNO,
Salts having the same common positive ion (cation) or negative ion (anion) are said to belong to a farnily.
For example, NaCl, NaNO3 and Na,SO, belong to the family of sodium salts because the cation of these
salts is the same, i.e., sodium.
Similarly, NaCl and KCI belong to the family of chlorides as the anion of these salts is the same.
Sample Problem: Write the formulae of salts given below and identify the acids and bases from which
these salts may be obtained.
Sodium sulphate, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulphate, copper sulphate, sodium carbonate,
ammonium carbonate, ammonium chloride and sodium chloride.
Solution: The formulae of the above mentioned salts, and the base and the acid from which these salts

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTIS 63

 may be obtained are give
NaOH and
and Ada
Forimul
Name of the salt Nag504

KNO KOH and H

Sodium sulphate
Potassium nitrate
MgSO
CuSO
MglOHh and
Cu(OH and
Magnesium sulphate
Copper sulphate
NagCO NaOH and H
Sodium carbonate (NH)%COs NHOH and H
Ammonium carbonate NH,CI NHOH and i
NaO and HC
Ammonium chloride NaCI
Sodium chloride
Hydrolysis of salts the base from which it
it is formed.t.
i

282 pH of SaltSolutions: into the

acid and
it splits up neutralisation.
of
a salt is
dissolved in water, is the r e v e r s e
When of the salt.
Hydrolysis
BA+HO HA BOH
Is called hydrolysis Base
Acid
Water
Salt
the acid and the base form

The pH of the salt solution

depends upon
the nature of
when t
1. The salt of a strong acid and a weak base gives acidic solution (pH lesslyses
tha nto give a
dissolved in water. 7)
when dissolved in water, hydrolyses t
ammonium
chloride (NH,CI)
For example,
and hydrochloric
acid.
NH4OH(aq) +Hcl(ag)
hydroxide
NHCIs)+ H2O() Ammonium Hydrochloric
Water acid
Ammonium hydroxide
chloride (Weak base) (Strong acid)
more or
acid, therefore, it ionises base
less completely, to aivel
a
Hydrochloric acid is a strong weak and therefore, it ionisestge
ammonium hydroxide
is a
n u m b e r of "(ag) is greater tha
H(ag) ions whereas Therefore, as the than te
gVing small number of
OH(ag) ions.
is acidic.
of OH (aq) ions, the solution basic (or alkaline) solution (pH mora st
2. The salt of a strong base and a weak acid gives than
in water, hydrolyses to give sodiumb
For example, sodium carbonate (Na CO)
when dissolved
diumhy
and carbonic acid.
Na,CO3()+ HO(0 2NaOH(aq) + H2CO3(aq)
Carbonic
Sodium carbonate Water Sodium
hydroxide acid
(Weak acid)
(Strong base)
number of OH (ag) ionsin
Sodium hydroxide is a strong base
and therefore, it releases large
and hence, it releases small number of H'(ag) ions. T
whereas carbonic acid is a weak acid
or alkaline.
the solution of sodium carbonate is basic
base may give slightly acidic or slightly basic orm
3. The salt of a weak acid and a weak
solution.
For example,
BA H20= HA + BOH
Salt of weak Water Weak Weak
acid and acid base
weak base
Thus, when a salt of weak acid and a weak base, e.g., ammonium carbonate, ammonium aer
is dissolved in water the weak acid and the weak base are formed. The pH of the solution wm

upon the relative strength of the acid and base formed.

less than
(0 If anacid is stronger than the base, the solution is slightly acidic (pH
(Gi) If an acid is weaker than the base, the solution is slightly basic (pH more than 7

6 4AASIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10

 (ii) If an acid and
base formed are of equal
a
strength, the solution is neutral (pH )
For example, a solution of ammonium acetate (CH3COONHA) is neutral.
4. The salt of a strong acid and a strong base gives neutral solutlon (pH = 7).
do not
Salts of strong
hydrolyse. acids and
Therefore, theystrong
bases, e.g, NaCl,
do not disturb the pH KNO, Na,so,
of water
etc., when dissolved in water
which is 7.
2.9 COMMON SALT: SODIUM CHLORIDE
cadium chloride (NaCi) also called common salt or table salt is an essential part of our diet. sodium loride
is the most abundant mineral of the earth. Large deposits of sodium chloride are present invarious parts of the
world. These deposits called rock salt have probably fomed as a result of evaporation of inland water bodies in
desert or arid regions, in tropical countries, common salt is obtained by solar evaporation of sea water.
When pure, sodium chloride is a white cyrstalline solid. However, it is often brown due to the impurities
resent in It.

Jses of Sodium Chloride

1. Sodium chloride plays an important role in the proper functioning of the human body. Biologically, it
performs à major role in muscle contraction, conduction of nerve impulses, etc. It is the source material
from which body prepares hycdrochloric acid in
gastric juice.
2. Common salt is used in cooking food. It improves the flavour and taste of food.
3.
Common saltis the raw material for the preparation of large number of chemicals such as sodium
hydroxide caustic soda), sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate (baking soda), hydrochloric
acid, chlorine and sodium metal.

.10 CHEMICALS FROM COMMON SALT

chloride is the raw material for manufacturing a important chemicals. Some of these are
dium
follows:
number of

L0.1 Sodium Hvdroxide (NaOH)

lium hydroxide is commonly called caustic soda or lye. Sodium hydroxide is prepared on large scale by
trolysis of a concentrated solution of sodium chloride. This solution is called brine.
2NaCl(ag)+ 2H20() Electiccurent, 2NaOH(aq) + Hzg) + Ch0)
rogen gas Is obtained at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode. NaOH remains in solution. The
tion on evaporation gives solid NaOH.
process is known as chlor-alkali process* because of the products 'chlor' for chlorine and 'alkali" for
um hydroxide.
e three products, i.e., sodium hydroxide, hydrogen and chlorine
seful chemicals both in industry and laboratory
Uses of Sodium Hydroxide
NaOH is a white, very deliquescent and crystalline solid. It has
corrosive action on skin. It is readily soluble in water. Its solution
is soapy to touch.
It is used:
1. in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, paper, artificial silk
(rayon) and dyes. NaOH pellets

nts will read about the actual process and the reactions involved in chlor-alkali process in higher classes.

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS 65

 of bauxite,
the refining of petroleum and purification
.in as sodium sodium
hypochlorite, sodiurn chl.
chlor ate
3. in
in the manufacture
man of chemicals such
3.
4. in mercerising cotton.
and metal sheets,
and for drains, and,
S.as a cleansing agent for machines
6. as a laboratory reagent.
Uses of Hydrogen Gas
It is used:
alcohol.
i n the manufacture of ammonia and methyl
acid.
2. in the preparation of hydrochloric
3. for the hydrogenation of oils to give fats. Vegetable oils on hydrogenation.
tion give rnart
Vegetable oil + H2 - Margarine (vegetable ghee)
4. as rocket fuel in liquefied form.
Uses of Chlorine Gas
It is used:
1. as a bleaching agent in textile industry.
2. for sterilising water for domestic and industrial uses.
3. in the manufacture of chemicals like chloroform (CHCl3), carbon tetracht.
BHC, etc. de (t.
4. in the extraction of metals like gold and platinum.
5. in the manufacture of CFCs (freons).
6. in the manufacture of poisonous gases like phosgene, mustard gas and tear qac
7. in the production of plastics such as PVC, Teflon, Neoprene, etc.

2.10.2 Washing Soda

Chemical formula: Na,co,.10H,0O Chemical name: Sodium carbonate de
Washing soda is obtained from sodium carbonate (NaCO,;) which is manufactured by amm
Solvay process. monig
Step 1. Limestone (CaCO3) is heated to furnish carbon dioxide and lime (CaO).

CaCO() CaO(s)+ CO:0)

Step 2. Carbon dioxide and ammonia gases are bubbled into a saturated solution of sodim
(NaCI) at 15°C.
NaCI+ NH3 + CO2 +
H20 NaHCO3 + NH,CI
Sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO3) is sparingly soluble in water at 15°C and
is fiter
Step 3. On heating, NaHCO3 gives sodium carbonate (NaCOg).

2NaHCO() NazCO3(5) + CO2g) + H2Og)

Anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na,CO3) thus obtained is called soda ash.
Sodium carbonate readily dissolves in water. The solution on
of sodium carbonate decahydrate, ie.,
evaporation below 32'C giveso
NazCO3.10H,0.
perties
Washing soda is a white crystalline solid. The crystals lose water molecules of
and crumble to powder. crystallisationon
It reacts with acids to evolve carbon dioxide.

ASIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10

 Uses of Washlng Soda
1. As the name suggestls, It ls usecd for washing of clothes, It is a constituent of wap powders
2.It is usnd in the softloning of hard water
3.It is used in the nanufacture of glass, Caustic soda, borax and water glass.
A. It Isused As a lalboratory rngent

2,10.3 Baking Soda

Chemlcal formula: NaHCO, Chemical name: Sodlum hydrogencarbonate or sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda Is preparecd by passing carbon dioxide through an
aqueous solution of sodium carbonate
Na,CO+CO +H,0 2NaHCO
Caaringly soluble sodium blcarbonate crystallises out of the solution.
Properties
Baking soda is a whte crystalline
solid, sparingly soluble in water.
Its aqueous solution is mildly alkaline,
A 5aturated solution of sodium
hydrogencarbonate has a pH of 8-9.
The solution gives yellow colour with methyl orange.
It decomposes on heating forming sodium
carbonate and liberating carbon dioxide.
2NaHCO, Na,CO + H20+ CO
I t reacts with acids and evolves carbon dioxide.
NaHCO+H Na+ H20+ CO2
(Acid)
Uses of Baking Soda
Baking soda is probably the most useful compound. Its some
uses are: important
1, In cookingand baking as the name
and spongy cakes, quick-breads, biscuits,suggests
to prepare soft
tasty and cryspy pakoras.
A small quantity of baking soda is added to
dough and batter.
Sodium hydrogencarbonate acts as a leavening agent as it releases
carbon dioxide when it comes in contact with acidic
or heated.
substances
The carbon dioxide (leavening gas) slowly bubbles out,
thus, making the dough or batter to
expand and
bread, etc. to rise and produce a porous structure.making
cake or
Cake
2. In the preparation of baking powders. All
baking powders are mixture of three essential ingredients:
)Sodium bicarbonate, i.e., baking soda.
(i) Some substance which furnishes H' ions with sodium bicarbonate to liberate CO2 when
to react
water is added to the baking
powder. It is normally potassium hydrogen tartrate or tartaric acid.
(i) A third substance such as starch to
prevent intimate contact between () and (i).
While making dough for the preparation of bread or cake,
baking, the carbon dioxide formed by the reaction of baking baking powder is mixed with the flour. During
soda and tartaric acid, also neutralises
sodium carbonate formed due to decomposition of sodium
tartaric acid is not present, cake will taste bitter. hydrogencarbonate during baking. In case,
3. As sodium hydrogen carbonate neutralises
and taken, it gives relief in acid
acid, it is used as quick antacid. When mixed with water
indigestion, acid reflux and heart burn.
4. Many toothpastes contain
baking soda as it
kill bacteria and eliminate foul smell from thepolishes
and removes stains from teeth. Also, it
mouth. helps to

ACIDS, BASES ANP SAITs

 5. It can be used to prevent fungal growth.
6.It can be used to kill insects like cockroaches.
stings and relief from some plans
7. It can be used to relief from some insect bites and
get w
fires. Sodium hydrogencarbonate (ba
8. As fire extinguisher to extinguish oil and grease
biodegradable and non-toxic to environment and health.

2.11 BLEACHING POWDER

Chemical formula: CaOCl2 Chemical name: Calcium
Bleaching powder is also called chloride of lime. Though bleaching powder is represented as
as Cac
Ca00,,
oxychle
actual formula is quite complex.
at 30"C-35°C.
BIeaching powder is prepared by passing chlorine gas over dry slaked lime
Ca(OH)>s)+ Cl2) 30C CaOClh(s) + H,O(0

Bleaching powder is a yellow-white powder with strong smell of chlonine.

Bleaching powder liberates chlorine with dilute acids.
CaOClh + dil.H;SO4 CaSO4HO+ Clhg)
Even atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO + moisture), ie, carbonic acid liberates chlorine from bleaching
aching po
pow
CaOclh + H2CO CaSO+H;0+ Ch@)
Uses of Bleaching Powder
Bleaching powder is used:
1. for
bleaching of
.wood pulp in paper industry
cotton and linen, and
washed clothes in laundry.
2. as a disinfectant
and
3. in the
sterilising agent in water treatment plants.
manufacture of chloroform.
4. as an
oxidising agent in chemical industry.
2.12 PLASTER OF PARIS
Chemical formula: CaSoH2O
Chemical name: Calcium sulphate hemihydrate
Plaster of Paris is obtained
by heating gypsum to about 373 K in a kiln.
CasOg2H,0 -3, CasO H,0+H,0
Gypsum Plaster of Paris
Note that only half a water
It is written in this form
molecule is shown to be attached
as water of

Its common name,

because two formula units of
CaSO4 share one moleculecrystallisation.
i.e, plaster of Paris (POP) comes from the of water.
by heating gypsum which was fact that it was first
mainly found near Paris in France. prepared
Properties
laster
of Paris has the remarkable
an adequate quantity properties of setting with water. On
of water, it forms a mixing with
hence, it is given the name plastic
mass that sets into a
n5-10 minutes, hard solid
"plaster". During setting, it expands a little
Statue made
68 of POP
ASIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10
 and it can take sharp
so
impression of the mould
into which it is out. It is due to the
again. formation f gypim

CasOH0 H0 CasOs2H,0
Uses of Plaster of Paris
Plaster of paris is used:
1. for immobilising the affected part leading to
2. for making decorative pieces quick recovery in case of bone fracture or sprain.
such as toys, statues, etc.
3. in fireproofing
the building
materials.
Plaster of Paris should
be stored in
will cause slow setting of plaster of Paris moisture-proof container. This is because the presence of
turning it into gypsum. That will make moisture
some time. plaster of Paris useless after
2.13 WATER OF
CRYSTALLISATION: HYDRATED SALTS
A crystalline salt molecule that is loosely attached to a certain
hydrated salt. These water molecules are incorporated into the number of water molecules is caled
crystal structure of the salt.
Every hydrated salt has a definite number of molecules of water of
example, copper sulphate crystals contain 5 molecules of water ofcrystallisation in its one formula unit. For
CuSO 5H20. Copper sulphate pentahydrate. crystallisation in one formula unit, 1.e.,
Water of crystallisation is the fixed number of water
unit of a salt in its crystalline form. molecules chemically attached to each formula
Some other examples are given in the
following table:
Salt (Commercial/ Chemical name
Popular name) Chemical formula Colour
Washing soda Sodium carbonate decahydrate
Borax
NayCO,.10HO White
Sodium borate decahydrate
Epsom salt
Na2B,0,10H,O White
Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate MgSO47H,o White
Blue vitriol
Copper sulphate pentahydrate CusO,.5HO Blue
Green vitriol Ferrous sulphate heptahydrate
FeSO7HO Green
Gypsum Calcium sulphate dihydrate
CaSO2H,0 White
Plaster of Paris Calcium sulphate hemihydrate
CasoHo White

should be noted that molecules of water of crystalisation are

integral
alt. Since water of crystallisation is not free water, it does not wet the
of the crystal structure
partsalt. of

ction of Heat on Hvdrated Salts

"hen a hydrated salt is heated, it loses its water molecule of
crystallisation. Due to loss of wats
ystallisation, the salt may lose its crystal shape and become powdery substance, and lose its colour as
ne salt which has lost its water of crystallisation completely is called anhydrous salt.
r example, copper sulphate crystals (CuSO45H20) are blue in colour. When these crystals are h=
"ongly, they lose all the water of crystallisation and form anhydrous copper sulphate which is white inc

CuSO4.5H2Os) 473K CuSOs) + 5H01

Hydrated copper Anhydrous
sulphate copper sulphate
(Blue) (White)

ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

 ACTIVITY 2.11|
Aim: To show action of heat on hydrated copper sulphate
Procedure Water
T a k e few crystals of copper sulphate in a dry boiling tube.
droplets
Heat the test tube over the burner. Boiling
tube
water droplets are
ODservation: The blue-coloured crystals turn white and some
seen deposited over the cooler part of the boiling tube.
This shows that blue-coloured crystals of hydrated copper sulphate
Coper
Conclusion:
turn white due to loss of water of crystallisation on heating.
sulhore
crysak

Remove the boiling tube away from the flame and allow it to cool. Now add few dros
observe that anhydrous copper sulphate (white) turns blue. This s due to formatioPOf
of hydrate
sulphate again.
CusO(s) 5HO(0 CuSO4.5H2O
Anhydrous Water Hydrated
copper sulphate copper sulphate
(White) (Blue)
This property of anhydrous copper sulphate is used to detect the presence of moisture
A few drops of the liquid under investigation are added to white anhydrous ture/ water
bus copper sulpha in
turns blue, the liquid has moisture/water in it.
po
Hygroscopy
Those substances which absorb moisture from atmosphere at ordinary tempera.
hygroscopic substances, and the property is known as hygroscopy. rature, an
For example, concentrated H2S04, anhydrous calcium chloride (Cacla), phosphorus pents..
silica gel, etc. are hygroscopic substances. bentaoid
Deliquescence
Those substances which absorb moisture from atmosphere
at ordinary temperature and
dissolve in the absorbed water to form a solution are called deliquescent and uf .

phenomenon is called deliquescence.

substane
tances.
For example, NaOH, KOH, MgC2, CaCl2 etc. are deliquescent substances.

Table salt, i.e.,

ordinary sodium chloride turns moist and ultimately becomes a solution, especial
rainy season. It isbecause of the impurities of MgCl2 and CaCl2 present in
ordinary common sa
are deliquescent. Pure NaCl is not
deliquescent.
Efflorescence
Certain hydrated salts when exposed to atmosphere at ordinary temperature lose their
crystallisation either partially or completely. Such salts are called efflorescent salts and the phene
is called efflorescence.
For example, washing soda, epsom salt, etc. are efflorescent salts.

CHECK POINT 3
1. Will the aqueous solution of ammonium sulphate be acidic, basic or neutral?
2. What is the pH of aqueous solution of sodium chloride?
an
3. Name three chemicals made from sodium chloride.
4. What is the commercial name of
calcium sulphate hemihydrate?
5. Electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride gives three important products. Name them.

70 A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY10

 SUMMARY
A n acid is a substance that releases
H' (ag) ions in aqueous solution.
>A base is a substance that releases
OH (aq) ions in aqueous solution.
>Acid-base indicators are dyes or a mixture of dyes which indicate whether a solution is acidic or basic by change
of colour.

> Common acid-base indicators are

phenolphthalein, methyl orange and litmus.
> Onion, vanilla and clove oil are olfactory indicators. They give different smell in acidic and basic solutions.
Dilute acids react with active metals to form salts and evolve
Acids react with metal oxides to give metal salt and water. hydrogen.
Acids react with metal carbonates and metal hydrogencarbonates to give corresponding metal salt, carbon dioxide
and water.

Metals like Zn, Al and Sn react with caustic alkalis like

NaOH and KOH to form metal salt and evolve hydrogen.
Solutions of acid and base in water, conduct
electricity because they produce H" (ag) and OH (aq) ions respechvey
p H value of a solution shows whether the solution is acidic, basic or neutral.
> pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. If the pH is 7, the solution is neutral. An acidic solution has a pH less than 7 whereas
a basic solution has a pH greater than 7.
pH of a solution and its H'(aq) ion concentration are inversely related to each other, i.e., lower the pH, higher is the
H(ag) ion concentration of the solution.
Mixing of concentrated acids and bases with water is highly exothermic
process.
Acids and bases neutralise each other to form corresponding salt and water.
Electrolysis of brine (solution of NaCl) gives caustic soda (NaOH), hydrogen gas and chlorine gas.
Washing soda is chemically sodium carbonate decahydrate (NaCO3.10H4O).
Baking soda is chemically sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO).
Baking powder is mainly a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid.
Bleaching powder is chemically known as calcium oxychloride (CaOC,).

Plaster of Paris is chemically CaSO4H,O.

Water of crystallisation is the fixed number of water molecules chemically attached to each formula unit of a salt in
its crystalline form.
On heating, the hydrated salts lose the molecules of water of
undergo a change of colour.
crystallisation either partially or completely and may

ACIDS, BASES ANDSALTS

 1ë base that have constituted the
11, Name the three salt ammonium
products 'chlor-alkali process'.
of nitrate
12. Give two examples of
hydrated salts which are
13. Identify the compound of calcium which is white in colour and also give their chemical formulae.
its chemical name and formula. yellowish-white powder and is used for disinfecting Warer. uive

14. What will you observe when blue litmus solution

is added to a solution of ferric chloride?
15. What will you observe when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to sodium bicarbonate placed in test
a
tube
E. Fill in the blanks.
1. Acids have. taste and turn blue litmus solution.
2. Those substances whose smell changes in acidic and basic media are called . indicators.

3. Higher the H"(ag) ion concentration of a solution, is its pH.

4. Chemical formula of baking soda is_

5. Acids and bases neutralise each other to form. and

6. pH scale was given by.

known as.
7. Calcium sulphate hemihydrate is popularly
salts are the salts of acid.
8. Carbonate
formula of hydrated cupric sulphate is
9. Chemical formed is
sodium hydroxide, the salt
.

colour in basic
When acetic acid reacts with
10. medium but gives -
- c o l o u r in acidic
11. Methyl orange gives
mediun. and
a mixture of -

is normally
12. Baking powder

SALTSs 73
ACIDS,BASES AND
 S. No. Salt Component pH of aqueous
Acid Base solulion
Sodium chloride
2 Ammonium chloride
3. Sodium carbonate

4. Copper sulphate
5. Aluminium chloride
6.
Potassium sulphate
Answers to Selected Questions
A. Lactic acid 2. Hydrochloric acid 3. Water-soluble bases are called alkalis. 4. Litmus and
1.
turmerie
5. Onion and vanilla 6.
Red 7. Pink 8. Neutralisation 9. Due to the presence of ions
10. Sulphuric acid 11. Solution
with pH 4 is more acidic. 12. Basic 13. Five 14. Sorensen
15. Metal salt and
hydrogen 16. Ascorbic acid 17. Bleaching powder
18. NaHCO3, sodium hydrogencarbonate 19. A concentrated aqueous solution of NaCi
20.
Washing soda, Na,CO,.10H,0 21. Five 22. Plaster of Paris
B. 1. True 2. False 3. True 4. True 5. True 6. False 7. True 8. True 9. False
10. True 11. False 12. True 13. False 14. True 15. True
C. 1. No 2. No 3. No 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. No 10. Yes
11. Yes 12. Yes
D. 1. Citric acid 2. Formic
acid (or methanoic acid) 3. Acetic acid
4. Sulphuric acid (H,SO) and hydrochloric acid (HC1) 5. NaCl and KCI 6. The solution will rem-
colourless. 7. Clove oil and vanilla 8. pH value increases. 9. Plaster of Paris
10. Ammonium hydroxide (NH,OH) and nitric acid (HNO)
11. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrogen gas and chlorine gas
12. Washing soda (Na;CO,.10H;0) and epsom salt (MgSO,7H,O)
13. Bleaching powder (calcium oxychloride), CaOCl2 14. The blue litmus solution will turn red.
15. A colourless gas comes out with brisk effervescence.
E. 1. Sour, red 2.Olfactory 3. Lower 4. NaHCO3 5. Salt, water 6. Sorensen 7. Plaster of Paris
8. Carbonic 9. CuSO,.5H;0 10. Sodium acetate (CH,COONa) 11. Red, yellow
12. Sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid
F. 1. (c) 2. (e) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. ( 6. (b)
G. 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (d) 25. (c) 26. (d) 27. (b) 28. (c) 29. (c) 30. (d)
31. (b) 32. (a)
I. Across: 3. CARBON DIOXIDDE 4. BAKING POWDER 9. BLUE 11. BAS
12. PHENOLPHTHALEIN 14. RED 15. SEVEN
Down: 1. CITRIC 2. PLASTER OF PARIS 5. GYPSUM 6. WEAK
7. HYDROGEN 8. ONION 10. SALT 13. LITMUS
J. 1. HCI, NaOH, pH equal to 7 2. HCI, NH,OH, pH less than 7 3. HCO, NaOH, more pli than7
4. HSO Cu(OH) pH less than 7 5. HCL, AlOH) pH less than 7 6. H,S0, KO1, pii equal to 7

78 A SIMPLE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY-10