The Complete General Science Notes (Chemistry) For Railway Exams
The Complete General Science Notes (Chemistry) For Railway Exams
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Combustion of wood
Rusting of iron
Metathesis
Digestion
Cooking an egg
Souring of milk
Rotting bananas
Exothermic reactions are reactions or processes that release energy, usually in the form of heat or light
Reactions in which energy is absorbed are known as endothermic reactions.
BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATIONS
Mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. That is, the total mass of the elements
present in the products of a chemical reaction has to be equal to the total mass of the elements present in the
reactants
The number of atoms of each element remains the same, before and after a chemical reaction
Some of the example of balanced equations
Zn + H2SO4-ZnSO4 + H2
3Fe + 4H2O Fe3O4 + 4H2
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NOTE: Calcium hydroxide reacts slowly with the carbon dioxide in air to form a thin layer of calcium
carbonate on the walls. Calcium carbonate is formed after two to three days of whitewashing and gives a
shiny finish to the walls. It is interesting to note that the chemical formula for marble is also CaCO3.
2. DECOMPOSITION REACTION
Decomposition reactions are opposite to combination reactions. In a decomposition reaction, a single
substance decomposes to give two or more substances
In this reaction, you can observe that a single reactant breaks down to give simpler products. This is a
decomposition reaction.
3. DISPLACEMENT RECTION
It is a reaction between an element and a compound. When they react, one of the elements of the compound-
reactant is replaced by the element-reactant to form a new compound and an element.
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Fe+ CuSO4 --> FeSO4 + Cu
In this reaction, iron has displaced or removed another element copper from copper sulphate solution. This
reaction is known as displacement reaction
4. DOUBLE DISPLACEMENT REACTIONS
When two compounds react, if their ions are interchanged, then the reaction is called double displacement
reaction. The ion of one compound is replaced by the ion of the another compound
Na2SO4 (aq) + BaCl2 (aq) → BaSO4 (s) + 2NaCl(aq)
PRECIPITATION REACTIONS
When aqueous solutions of two compounds are mixed, if they react to form an insoluble compound and a
soluble compound, then it is called precipitation reaction. Because the insoluble compound, formed as one of
the products, is a precipitate and hence the reaction is so called.
Precipitation reactions produce insoluble salts.
NEUTRALISATION REACTION
When an acid and a base react together to form salt and water known as neutralization reaction
HCl + NaOH → H2O + NaCl
Oxidation Reduction
Addition of oxygen Removal of oxygen
Removal of hydrogen Addition of hydrogen
Loss of electron Gain of electron
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Mercurous chloride Hg2Cl2 Calomel
Sucrose C12H22O11 Sugar
Silver nitrate AgNO3 Lunar caustic
Ethyl Alcohol C2H6O Alcohol
Hydrochloric acid HCl Muriatic acid
CHEMICAL BONDING
Attraction between atoms, ions or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds is called
chemical bonding
TYPES OF CHEMICAL BONDING
1. Ionic bond
Chemical bond formed between two atoms due to transfer of electron from one atom to the other atom
2. Covalent bond
A covalent bond is a chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron between two atoms
3. Metallic bond
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Metallic bond is the force of attraction between metal ions to a number of electrons within its sphere of
influence.
MATTER
Matter is made up of small particles
The matter around us exists in three states— solid, liquid and gas.
The forces of attraction between the particles are maximum in solids, intermediate in liquids and minimum in
gases
The spaces in between the constituent particles and kinetic energy of the particles are minimum in the case of
solids, intermediate in liquids and maximum in gases
Particles of matter are continuously moving, that is, they possess what we call the kinetic energy. As the
temperature rises, particles move faster. So, we can say that with increase in temperature the kinetic energy
of the particles also increases
The states of matter are inter-convertible. The state of matter can be changed by changing temperature or
pressure.
DIFFUSION
The mixing of a substance with another substance due to the motion of its particles is called diffusion. It is
one of the properties of material. The diffusion of one substance to another substance goes on until a uniform
mixture is formed. Diffusion takes place in gases, liquids and solids. Diffusion increases on increasing the
temperature of the diffusing substance.
STATES OF MATTER
Matter around us exists in three different states– solid, liquid and gas. These states of matter arise due to the
variation in the characteristics of the particles of matter
1. THE SOLID STATE
Solid have a definite shape, distinct boundaries and fixed volumes, that is, have negligible compressibility.
Solids have a tendency to maintain their shape when subjected to outside force. Solids may break under force
but it is difficult to change their shape, so they are rigid.
2. THE LIQUID STATE
Liquids have no fixed shape but have a fixed volume. They take up the shape of the container in which they
are kept. Liquids flow and change shape, so they are not rigid but can be called fluid
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The rate of diffusion of liquids is higher than that of solids
Particles move freely and have greater space between each other as compared to particles in the solid state
3. THE GASEOUSSTATE
Gases are highly compressible as compared to solids and liquids
Gases have lower density than other states of matters
The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder that we get in our home for cooking or the oxygen supplied to
hospitals in cylinders is compressed gas
The oxygen supplied to hospitals in cylinders is compressed gas.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is used as fuel these days in vehicles.
The rate of diffusion of gas is higher than that of solids and liquids
We come to know of what is being cooked in the kitchen without even entering there, the smell of hot cooked
food reaches us in seconds because rate of diffusion of gas is higher than that of solids and liquids.
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starts changing into gas. The temperature at which a liquid starts boiling at the atmospheric pressure is known as its
boiling point
State of matter can be changed into another state by changing the temperature
LATENT HEAT
The heat energy required to convert a solid into a liquid or vapour, or a liquid into a vapour, without change of
temperature known as latent heat
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2. Heterogeneous mixture
Homogeneous mixture
1. A mixture in which the components cannot be seen separately is called a homogeneous mixture.
2. It has a uniform composition and every part of the mixture has the same properties
3. Tap water, milk, air, ice cream, sugar syrup, ink, steel, bronze and salt solutions are homogeneous mixtures
Heterogeneous mixture
1. A mixture in which the components can be seen separately is called a heterogeneous mixture.
2. It does not have a uniform composition and properties.
3. Soil, a mixture of iodine and common salt, a mixture of sugar and sand, a mixture of oil and water, a mixture
of sulphur and iron filings and a mixture of milk and cereals are heterogeneous mixture.
SOLUTIONS
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. You come across various types of solutions
in your daily life. Lemonade, soda water etc.
We can also have solid solutions (alloys) and gaseous solutions (air)
The particles of a solution are smaller than 1 nm (10-9 metre) in diameter. So, they cannot be seen by naked
eyes
Because of very small particle size, they do not scatter a beam of light passing through the solution. So, the
path of light is not visible in a solution
Solution has a solvent and a solute as its components.
SUSPENSION
Suspension is a heterogeneous mixture
The particles of a suspension scatter a beam of light passing through it and make its path visible.
The particles of a suspension can be seen by the naked eye.
COLLOIDS
A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture.
The size of particles of a colloid is too small to be individually seen by naked eyes.
Colloids are big enough to scatter a beam of light passing through it and make its path visible.
EXAMPLES OF COLLOIDS
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Dispersed phase Dispersing Medium Type Example
Liquid Gas Aerosol Fog, clouds, mist
Solid Gas Aerosol Smoke, automobile exhaust
Gas Liquid Foam Shaving cream
Liquid Liquid Emulsion Milk, face cream
Gas Solid Foam Foam, rubber, sponge, pumice
Solid Liquid Sol Milk of magnesia, mud
Liquid Solid Gel Jelly, cheese, butter
Solid Solid Solid Sol Coloured gemstone, milky glass
Has the same uniform appearance and Has different non uniform appearance and
composition composition
Components are unrecognizable Components are recognizable
Examples: Air, saline solution and Example: Sand, oil and water
bitumen
ATOMS
An atom is the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction
Atomic radius is measured in nanometers.
1/109 m = 1 nm
1 m = 109 nm
Hydrogen atom is smallest atom of all. Atomic radius of hydrogen atom is
0.037 x 10-9
Radii Example
10–10 Atom of hydrogen
10–9 Molecule of water
10–8 Molecule of hemoglobin
10–4 Grain of sand
10–3 Ant
10–1 Apple
ATOMIC MASS
Atomic mass is defined as the mass of a single atom of a chemical element
One atomic mass unit is a mass unit equal to exactly one-twelfth (1/12th) the mass of one atom of carbon-12.
The relative atomic masses of all elements have been found with respect to an atom of carbon-12
ATOMIC MASS OF SOME ELEMENTS
Element Atomic mass
Hydrogen 1
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Carbon 12
Nitrogen 14
Oxygen 16
Sodium 23
Magnesium 24
Sulphur 32
Chlorine 35.5
Calcium 40
Avogadro constant
The Avogadro constant 6.022 × 1023 is defined as the number of atoms in exactly 12 g of carbon-12.
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3. The size of the nucleus of an atom is very small compared to the size of an atom.
4. The electrons revolve around the nucleus in close circular paths called orbits.
5. An atom as a whole is electrically neutral, i.e., the number of protons and electrons in an atom are equal.
BOHR’S MODEL OF AN ATOM
In order to overcome the objections raised against Rutherford’s model of the atom, Neils Bohr put forward the
following postulates about the model of an atom:
1. Only certain special orbits known as discrete orbits of electrons, are allowed inside the atom.
2. While revolving in discrete orbits the electrons do not radiate energy.
These orbits or shells are called energy levels
NEUTRONS
J. Chadwick discovered the neutron
Neutrons are present in the nucleus of all atoms, except hydrogen
Mass of an atom equal to sum of the masses of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus
ELECTRONS DISTRIBUTED IN DIFFERENT ORBITS (SHELLS)
Distribution of electrons into different orbits of an atom was suggested by Bohr and Bury.
Maximum number of electrons present in a shell is given by the formula 2n2
Where n=1,2,3,4,….
These orbits or shells are represented by the letters K,L,M,N,…
The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the outermost orbit is 8.
Electrons are not accommodated in a given shell, unless the inner shells are filled. That is, the shells are filled
in a step-wise manner.
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VALENCE ELECTRONS
Electrons present in the outermost shell of an atom are known as the valence electrons
The elements with same number of electrons in the valence shell show similar properties and those with
different number of valence electrons show different chemical properties
Elements, which have 1 or 2 or 3 valence electrons (except Hydrogen), are metals.
Elements with 4 to 7 electrons in their valence shell are non-metals.
VALANCY
Valency of an element is the combining capacity of the element with other elements and is equal to the
number of electrons that take part in a chemical reaction
Valency of the elements having valence electrons 1, 2, 3, 4 is 1, 2, 3, 4 respectively
Valency of an element with 5, 6 and 7 valence electrons is 3, 2 and 1 (8–valence electrons) respectively.
Because 8 is the number of electrons required by an element to attain stable electronic configuration
Elements having completely filled outermost shell show Zero valency
ATOMIC NUMBER
Atomic number of an element is the same as the number of protons in the nucleus of its atom.
MASS NUMBER
Mass number of an atom is equal to the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus
ISOTOPES
Two or more forms of an element having the same atomic number, but different mass number are called
Isotopes (17Cl35, 17Cl37).
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Applications
1. An isotope of uranium is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors.
2. An isotope of cobalt is used in the treatment of cancer.
3. An isotope of iodine is used in the treatment of goitre.
ISOBARS
Atoms of different elements having the same mass number, but different atomic numbers are called Isobars
(18Ar40, 20Ca40).
ISOTONES
Atoms of different elements having the same number of neutrons, but different atomic number and different
mass number are called Isotones ( 6C13, 7N14 ).
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3. Fullerene
Amorphous forms of carbon
1. Charcoal
2. coke
3. Lamp black
4. Gas carbon
SOME FUCTIONAL GROUPS OF CARBON COMPOUNDS
Hetero atom Class of compounds Formula of functional group
Cl/Br Halo- (Chloro/bromo) —Cl, —Br (substitutes for
Alkane hydrogen atom)
2. Aldehyde
3. Ketone
4. Carboxylic acid
1 Methane CH4
2 Ethane C2H6
3 Propane C3H8
4 Butane C4H10
5 Pentane C5H12
6 Hexane C6H14
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7 Heptane C7H16
8 Octane C8H18
9 Nonane C9H20
10 Decane C10H22
ETHANOL
Ethanol is commonly known as alcohol. All alcoholic beverages and some cough syrups contain ethanol. Its
molecular formula is C2H5OH
Ethanol and ethanoic acid are carbon compounds of importance in our daily lives
Ethanol is a liquid at room temperature. Ethanol is commonly called alcohol and is the active ingredient of all
alcoholic drinks
Ethanol is a colourless liquid, having a pleasant smell and a burning taste.
Ethanol is used as an anti-freeze in automobile radiators
Ethanol is used in medical wipes, as an antiseptic
Ethanol is a good solvent, it is also used in medicines such as tincture iodine, cough syrups, and many tonics
Ethanol is used for effectively killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, etc., by including it in many hand
sanitizers.
ETHANOIC ACID
Ethanoic acid or acetic acid is one of the most important members of the carboxylic acid family. Its molecular
formula is C2H4O2.
Ethanoic acid is commonly called acetic acid and belongs to a group of acids called carboxylic acids
5-8% solution of acetic acid in water is called vinegar and is used widely as a preservative in pickles.
Ethanoic acid is used in printing on fabrics
The melting point of pure ethanoic acid is 290k and hence it often freezes during winter. They look like
glaciers, so it is called glacial acetic acid
SOAPS & DETERGENTS
Soap is a sodium or potassium salt of long chain carboxylic acid
Soap is effective only in soft water
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Detergent is ammonium or sulphonate salt of long chain of carboxylic acid
Detergent are effective both soft and hard water
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN DAILY LIFE
Organic compounds are inseparable in human life
Various classes of organic compounds and their uses in our daily life as follows:
Hydrocarbons
1. Fuels like LPG, Petrol, Kerosene.
2. Raw materials for various important synthetic materials.
3. Polymeric materials like tyre, plastic containers.
Alcohols
1. As a solvent and an antiseptic agent.
2. Raw materials for various important synthetic materials.
Aldehydes
1. Formaldehyde as a disinfectant.
2. Raw materials for synthetic materials.
Ketones
1. As a solvent.
2. Stain Remover.
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DOBEREINER’STRIADS LAW
He tried to arrange the elements with similar properties into groups. He identified some groups having three
elements each. So he called these groups ‘triads’ Dobereiner showed that when the three elements in a triad
were written in the order of increasing atomic masses. The atomic mass of the middle element was roughly
the average of the atomic masses of the other two elements
Example: In the triad group (1), arithmetic mean of atomic masses of 1st and 3rd elements, (6.9 + 39.1)/2 =
23. So the atomic mass of Na (middle element) is 23.
Limitations
Dobereiner could identify only three triads from the elements known at that time and all elements could not be
classified in the form of triads. „
The law was not applicable to elements having very low and very high atomic mass.
Newlands Law of Octaves
In 1866, John Newlands arranged 56 known elements in the increasing order of their atomic mass.
He started with the element having the lowest atomic mass (hydrogen) and ended at thorium which was the
56th element. He found that every eighth element had properties similar to that of the first. This arrangement
was known as 'law of octaves'
Law of Octaves was applicable only upto calcium, as after calcium every eighth element did not possess
properties similar to that of the first.
Newlands’ Law of Octaves worked well with lighter elements only
Newlands’ table was restricted to only 56 elements and did not leave any room for new elements
Mendeleev periodic table
At the time of Mendeleev started his work, 63 elements were known. He examined the relationship between
the atomic masses of the elements and their physical and chemical properties
He observed that most of the elements got a place in a Periodic Table and were arranged in the order of their
increasing atomic masses
Mendeleev’s Periodic Table contains vertical columns called ‘groups’ and horizontal rows called ‘periods’
It has eight vertical columns called ‘groups’ and seven horizontal rows called ‘period’.
Limitations
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The increasing order of atomic mass was not strictly followed throughout.
Eg. Co & Ni, Te & I.
No place for isotopes in the periodic table
No proper position could be given to the element hydrogen. Non-metallic hydrogen was placed along with
metals like lithium (Li), sodium (Na) and potassium (K).
Modern Periodic Table
Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number
Modern Periodic Law can be stated as follows “The chemical and physical properties of the elements are the
periodic functions of their atomic numbers”. Based on the modern periodic law, the modern periodic table is
derived
Modern Periodic Table has 18 vertical columns known as groups and 7 horizontal rows known as ‘periods’.
Elements present in any one group have the same number of valence electrons
The valence of an element is determined by the number of valence electrons present in the outermost shell of
its atom
Metals are found on the left-hand side of the Periodic Table
Non-metals are found on the right-hand side of the Periodic Table
Modern Periodic Table, a zig-zag line separates metals from non-metals. The borderline elements boron,
silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium and polonium are intermediate in properties and are called
metalloids
Halogens are located on the 17th group on the periodic table
Noble gases are located on the 18th group on the periodic table
Based on the physical and chemical properties of elements, they are grouped into various families.
Groups in modern periodic table
Group 1 Alkali metals
Group 2 Alkaline earth metals
Group 3 o 12 Transition metals
Group 13 Boron Family
Group 14 Carbon Family
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Group 15 Nitrogen Family
Group 16 Oxygen Family (or) Chalcogen Family
Group 17 Halogens
Group 18 Noble gases
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61 Pm Promethium
62 Sm Samarium
63 Eu Europium
64 Gd Gadolinium
65 Tb Terbium
66 Dy Dysprosium
67 Ho Holmium
68 Er Erbium
69 Tm Thulium
70 Yb Ytterbium
71 Lu Lutetium
72 Hf Hafnium
73 Ta Tantalum
74 W Tungsten
75 Re Rhenium
76 Os Osmium
77 Ir Iridium
78 Pt Platinum
79 Au Gold
80 Hg Mercury
81 Tl Thallium
82 Pb Lead
83 Bi Bismuth
84 Po Polonium
85 At Astatine
86 Rn Radon
87 Fr Francium
88 Ra Radium
89 Ac Actinium
90 Th Thorium
91 Pa Protactinium
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92 U Uranium
93 Np Neptunium
94 Pu Plutonium
95 Am Americium
96 Cm Curium
97 Bk Berkelium
98 Cf Californium
99 Es Einsteinium
100 Fm Fermium
101 Md Mendelevium
102 No Nobelium
103 Lr Lawrencium
104 Rf Rutherfordium
105 Db Dubnium
106 Sg Seaborgium
107 Bh Bohrium
108 Hs Hassium
109 Mt Meitnerium
110 Ds Darmstadtium
111 Rg Roentgenium
112 Cn Copernicium
113 Nh Nihonium
114 Fl Flerovium
115 Mc Moscovium
116 Lv Livermorium
117 Ts Tennessine
118 Og Oganesson
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Fossil fuels were formed from the dead remains of living organisms millions of years ago.
COAL
It is as hard as stone and is black in colour
Coal is processed in industry get some useful products such as coke, coal tar and coal gas
Coke is a tough, porous and black substance. It is an almost pure form of carbon. Coke is used in the
manufacture of steel and in the extraction of many metals.
Coal Tar is a black, thick liquid with an unpleasant smell. Products obtained from coal tar are used as starting
materials for manufacturing various substances used in everyday life and in industry, like synthetic dyes,
drugs, explosives, perfumes, plastics, paints, photographic materials, Roofing materials.
Coal gas is obtained during the processing of coal to get coke
Different types of coals are peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite
Anthracite is one of variety of coal contains the highest percentage of carbon
Lignite coal is called brown coal, is the lowest grade coal with the least concentration of carbon
Petroleum and Natural Gas
Petrol and diesel are obtained from a natural resource called petroleum. Due to its great commercial
importance, petroleum is also called black gold.
Petroleum is a mixture of Hydrocarbon
Petroleum is a dark oily liquid. It has an unpleasant odour. It is a mixture of various constituents such as
petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, etc.
The process of separating the various constituents/ fractions of petroleum is known as refining
Natural gas is a very important fossil fuel because it is easy to transport through pipes.
Natural gas is stored under high pressure as compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG is used for power
generation. It is a cleaner fuel.
Many useful substances are obtained from petroleum and natural gas. These are termed as ‘Petrochemicals’
Constituents of Petroleum and their Uses below
Constituents of Petroleum Uses
LPG Fuel for home and industry
Petrol Motor fuel, aviation fuel
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Lubricating oil Lubrication
Paraffin wax Ointments, candles, Vaseline
Bitumen Paints, road surfacing
Kerosene Fuel for stoves, lamps and jet aircrafts
Note
The atmosphere of Venus is made up of thick white and yellowish clouds of sulphuric acid
The accidental touch of Nettle leaves creates a pain and burning sensation, which is due to inject of Methanoic
acid into the skin of the person
BASE
Basic nature of a substance is due to the formation of OH- ions in solution
Bases react with metals to form salt with the liberation of hydrogen gas.
Zn + 2 NaOH → Na2 ZnO2 + H2 ↑
Bases react with acids to form salt and water. The reaction between a base and an acid is known as
Neutralisation reaction
KOH + HCl → KCl + H2O
Basic solution in water conduct electricity because they produce hydroxide ions
Base is a molecule or ion which is capable of accepting proton
An base is a substance which can produce the electron
HOW STRONG ARE ACIDS AND BASE SOLUTIONS
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A scale for measuring hydrogen ion concentration in a solution is called pH scale. The ‘p’ in pH stands for
‘potenz’ in German meaning power. pH scale is a set of numbers from 0 to 14 which is used to indicate
whether a solution is acidic, basic or neutral
The pH of a neutral solution is 7. Values less than 7 on the pH scale represent an acidic solution. As the pH
value increases from 7 to 14, it represents an increase in OH– ion concentration in the solution, that is,
increase in the strength of alkali
1 Acids have pH less than 7
2 Bases have pH greater than 7
3 A neutral solution has pH equal to 7
Strength of acids and bases depends upon the number of H+ ions and OH– ions produced, respectively. If we
take hydrochloric acid and acetic acid of the same concentration, say one molar, then these produce different
amounts of hydrogen ions. Acids that give rise to more H+ ions are said to be strong acids, and acids that give
less H+ ions are said to be weak acids.
Substances pH values
Human blood 7.35-7.45
Pure water 7
Lemon juice 2.2
Gastric juice 1.2
Milk of magnesia 10
Human urine 6
Beers 4.5
Wines 2.8-3.8
Black coffee 5.2
Milk 6.5 – 6.7
Normal rain 5.6 - 6
Acid rain 4.2-4.4
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Our body works within the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Living organisms can survive only in a narrow range of pH
change
When pH of rain water is less than 5.6, it is called acid rain. When acid rain flows into the rivers, it lowers the
pH of the river water. The survival of aquatic life in such rivers becomes difficult.
Tooth decay starts when the pH of the mouth is lower than 5.5. Tooth enamel, made up of calcium
hydroxyapatite (a crystalline form of calcium phosphate) is the hardest substance in the body. It does not
dissolve in water, but is corroded when the pH in the mouth is below 5.5. Using toothpastes, which are
generally basic, for cleaning the teeth can neutralise the excess acid and prevent tooth decay
It is very interesting to note that our stomach produces hydrochloric acid. It helps in the digestion of food
without harming the stomach. During indigestion the stomach produces too much acid and this causes pain
and irritation. To get rid of this pain, people use bases called antacids. These antacids neutralize the excess
acid. Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of magnesia), a mild base, is often used for this purpose
USES OF ACIDS „
Sulphuric acid is called King of Chemicals because it is used in the preparation of many other compounds.
It is used in car batteries also.
Hydrochloric acid is used as a cleansing agent in toilets.
Carbonic acid is used in aerated drinks. „
Tartaric acid is a constituent of baking powder
Citric acid is used in the preparation of effervescent salts and as a food preservative. „
Nitric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, dyes, paints and drugs. „
Oxalic acid is used to clean iron and manganese deposits from quartz crystals. It is also used as bleach for
wood and removing black stains. „
USES OF BASES
Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soap.
Magnesium hydroxide is used as a medicine for stomach disorder.
Ammonium hydroxide is used to remove grease stains from cloths.
Calcium hydroxide is used in white washing of building.
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SALTS
Salt is the product of reaction between acids and bases.
Salts of a strong acid and a strong base are neutral with pH value of 7. On the other hand, salts of a strong acid
and weak base are acidic with pH value less than 7 and those of a strong base and weak acid are basic in
nature, with pH value more than 7.
Most of the salts are soluble in water. For example, chloride salts of potassium and sodium are soluble in
water. But, silver chloride is insoluble in water
Salt is hygroscopic in nature.
USES OF SALTS
COMMON SALT (SODIUM CHLORIDE - NaCl)
It is used in our daily food and used as a preservative.
BLEACHING POWDER (CaOCl2 )
For bleaching cotton and linen in the textile industry, for bleaching wood pulp in paper factories and for
bleaching washed clothes in laundry.
Oxidizing agent in many chemical industries.
To make drinking water free from germs.
BAKING SODA (NaHCO3 )
The baking soda is commonly used in the kitchen for making tasty crispy pakoras, etc. Sometimes it is added
for faster cooking
Baking soda is also an ingredient in antacids. Being alkaline, it neutralizes excess acid in the stomach and
provides relief.
It is also used in soda-acid fire extinguishers
WASHING SODA (Na2CO3.10H2O)
Sodium carbonate (washing soda) is used in glass, soap and paper industries.
It is used in the manufacture of sodium compounds such as borax.
Sodium carbonate can be used as a cleaning agent for domestic purposes.
It is used for removing permanent hardness of water.
PLASTER OF PARIS ( CaSO4 .1/2 H2O)
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Plaster of Paris, the substance which doctors use as plaster for supporting Structured bones in the right
position.
Plaster of Paris is used for making toys, materials for decoration and for making surfaces smooth
GYPSUM (CaSO4 .2H2O)
Manufacture of wallboard, cement, plaster of Paris, soil conditioning, a hardening retarder in Portland cement
METALS
Metals, in their pure state, have a shining surface. This property is Called metallic lustre.
Metals can be beaten into thin sheets. This property is called malleability. Gold and silver are most
malleability metal.
Ability of metals to be drawn into thin wires is called ductility. Gold is the most ductile metal. You will be
surprised to know that a wire of about 2 km length can be drawn from one gram of gold.
Metals are good conductors of heat and have high melting points. The best conductors of heat are silver and
copper. Lead and mercury are comparatively poor conductors of heats
Metals are good conductors of electricity. The best conductors of electricity is silver
When an acid reacts with a metal, hydrogen gas is evolved and a corresponding salt is formed
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Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen gas
All metals except mercury exist as solids at room temperature
Gallium and cesium have very low melting points. These two metals will melt if you keep them on your
palm
Alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium) are so soft that they can be cut with a knife. They have low
densities and low melting points
Concentrated Acid: It has relatively large amount of acid dissolved in a solvent.
Dilute Acid: It has relatively smaller amount of acid dissolved in solvent.
Almost all metals combine with oxygen to form metal oxides.
Metal + Oxygen → Metal oxide
All metals do not react with oxygen at the same rate. Different metals show different relativities towards
oxygen. Metals such as potassium and sodium react so vigorously.
Metals such as potassium and sodium react so vigorously that they catch fire if kept in the open. Hence, to
protect them and to prevent accidental fires, they are kept immersed in kerosene oil.
Anodising is a process of forming a thick oxide layer of aluminium. Aluminium develops a thin oxide layer
when exposed to air. This aluminium oxide coat makes it resistant to further corrosion
Silver and gold do not react with oxygen even at high temperatures
When Metals react with Water?
Metals react with water and produce a metal oxide and hydrogen gas. Metal oxides that are soluble in water
dissolve in it to further form metal hydroxide. But all metals do not react with water.
Metal + Water → Metal oxide + Hydrogen
Metal oxide + Water → Metal hydroxide
Metals like potassium and sodium react violently with cold water. In case of sodium and potassium, the
reaction is so violent and exothermic that the evolved hydrogen immediately catches fire.
The reaction of calcium with water is less violent. The heat evolved is not sufficient for the hydrogen to
catch fire. Calcium starts floating because the bubbles of hydrogen gas formed stick to the surface of the
metal.
Magnesium does not react with cold water. It reacts with hot water to form magnesium hydroxide and
hydrogen. It also starts floating due to the bubbles of hydrogen gas sticking to its surface.
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Metals like aluminium, iron and zinc do not react either with cold or hot water. But they react with steam to
form the metal oxide and hydrogen.
Metals such as lead, copper, silver and gold do not react with water at all
When Metals react with Acids?
Metals react with acids to give a salt and hydrogen gas.
Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas is not evolved when a metal reacts with nitric acid. It is because HNO3 is a strong oxidising
agent. It oxidises the H2 produced to water and itself gets reduced to any of the nitrogen oxides (N2O, NO,
NO2 ). But magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) react with very dilute HNO3 to evolve H2 gas.
Aqua regia is a freshly prepared mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid in
the ratio of 3:1. Aqua regia is a highly corrosive, fuming liquid. It is one of the few reagents that is able to
dissolve gold and platinum. It is used for cleaning and refining gold.
Symbol Metal
Sk Potassium
Na Sodium
Ca Calcium
Mg Magnesium
Al Aluminum
Zn Zinc
Fe Iron
Pb Lead
H Hydrogen
Cu Copper
Hg Mercury
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Ag Silver
Au Gold
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NON-METALS
Examples of non-metals are carbon, sulphur, iodine, oxygen, hydrogen, etc.
Non-metals are either solids or gases except bromine which is a liquid at room temperature
Iodine is a non-metal but it is lustrous
Carbon is a non-metal that can exist in different forms. Each form is called an allotrope.
Diamond, an allotrope of carbon, is the hardest natural substance known and has a very high melting and
boiling point.Graphite, another allotrope of carbon, is a conductor of electricity
Non-metals produce acidic oxides when dissolve in water
CORROSION
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. The black coating on silver and the green coating on copper are other examples
of corrosion
PREVENTION OF CORROSION
Rusting of iron can be prevented by painting, oiling, greasing, galvanizing , chrome plating, anodizing or
making alloys
Galvanization is a method of protecting steel and iron from rusting by coating them with a thin layer of zinc.
ALLOYING
Alloying is a very good method of improving the properties of a metal.
Alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a Non-metal.
Iron is the most widely used metal. But it is never used in its pure state. This is because pure iron is very soft
and stretches easily when hot. But, if it is mixed with a small amount of carbon, it becomes hard and strong.
When iron is mixed with nickel and chromium, we get stainless steel, which is hard and does not rust.
Pure gold is very soft. It is, not suitable for making jewelry. It is alloyed with either silver or copper to make it
hard.
IMPORTANT ALLOYS
Alloy Combinations
Solder Lead and Tin
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Brass Copper and zinc
Stainless steel Iron, Chromium and Nickel
Bronze Copper and Tin
Invar Iron and Nickel
Constantan Copper and Nickel
Gun metal Copper ,tin and zinc
Sterling silver Silver and copper
German silver Copper , zinc and Nickel
Some alloys have lower melting point than pure metals (Example: Solder is an alloy of lead and tin which has
lower melting point than each of the metals).
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Agricultural
Aluminium potassium Alum Used in Water Purification
Sulphate ,Some types of Toothpastes
and Pickling Agent
Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers and Explosives
Bismuth Fire detection systems and
bullets
Calcium Carbonate LimeStone Marble, Limestone and
Precipitated Chalk
Calcium oxide Quicklime Cement Production
Carbon Graphite, Fossil Fuels, Clay,
Charcoal and Diamond
Copper Manufacturing of Electrical
Wires & cables
Glycerin Making of Skin Products
Ethanol Antiseptic, Rocket Fuels, Fuel
cells and Engine Fuel
Helium Treating Asthma and Barcode
Reading
Lithium Portable Battery and Making
of Optical devices
Mercury Quicksilver Barometers and Thermometer
Sodium Nitrate Gunpowder making and
treating of dentine
hypersensitivity
Sulphuric acid Vitriol Electrolyte and Industrial
Cleaning agent
Zinc Galvanizing
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Group 18 Group 18
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Tooth enamel is made up of Calcium Phosphate
Calcium Phosphate acid is used in soft drinks
In the absence of air and under high temperature and pressure the dead organisms are converted into
petroleum and natural gas
Nuclear fuel in the sun is Helium
Metal constituent of chlorophyll is Magnesium
Carbon dioxide is responsible for the swelling of bread
Kerosene is a mixture of Aliphatic hydrocarbons
Most of the explosions in mines occurs due to mixing of Methane with air
Titanium is known as Metal of Future
Impurity present in ore is Gangue
Paper is chemically Cellulose
Xenon is also known as Stranger Gas
Butane is used in cigarette lighters
Metals are lustrous because they have free electrons
Noble gases are Colourless and Odourless
Petroleum is found in Sedimentary Rocks
Lead pencil contains Graphite
Platinum is called white Gold
Nickle is used for the synthesis of Vanaspati Ghee
Ammonia (NH3) is synthesized through Haber’s process
Ozone is allotrope of oxygen
Cesium used in photoelectric cells which is used to convert sunlight into electricity
Calcium hydride is used to prepare fire proof and water proof clothes
During the process of rusting the weight of iron Increases increased due to the weight of oxygen which has
combined with the iron
Fuse wire is made up of Lead and Tin
Gases used by sea divers for breathing are Oxygen and Helium
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Ozone blackens silver’s shine
Egg shell is made up of Calcium Carbonate
Acid rain is caused when the air is polluted by Nitrous Oxide &Sulphur dioxide Gases
Alum is used as a Water Purifier
Electro negative elements are non-metal
Lignite known as the brown goal
Black lung disease occurs in people working in coal mines
Lead pollutes big cities air.Sources of lead is emissions from motor vehicles and industrial sources
Crook Glass is used to make sun glass
Acetylsalicylic Acid commonly known as Aspirin
Barium Hydroxide is known Baryta water
Benzoic acid is one of the most common preservatives used in food processing industry
Deuterium is Isotope of hydrogen
Efficiency of the catalyst depends on its molecular state
Mine explosions are mostly caused by mixing of Air and Methane
Natural rubber is a polymer derived from Isoprene
Iron Pyrite is known as Fools Gold
Ozone is diamagnetic in nature
Oxides of metals are alkaline
Paraffin wax is Saturated hydrocarbon
Mercury Vapour& Argon is filled inside a Tube light
Vinegar is an aqueous solution of Acetic acid
Bee Sting contains a Methanoic Acid
A Photoelectric cell contains selenium metal
Zinc Phosphide is used a Rat Poison
Hydrogen was the first element to be produced after Big Bang
The nature of saliva is acidic.
Steel contains 0.1–2 percent carbon
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Commonly used medicine for typhoid is chloromycetin.
The chemical that is used in making artificial rain is silver nitrate.
Aqua regia is a mixture of HCI and NHO3
Hematite is ore of iron
Acid is used to write on glass- Hydrochloric acid
Calcium and magnesium ion cause hardness of water.
Pencil “lead” is made up of – Graphite
The hardest substance available on earth is Diamond
Lavioser was the first person to classify elements into metals and non-metal.
Copper and its alloys are natural antimicrobial material
Dead organisms are transformed into petroleum and natural gas in absence of air
Alum is commonly used in water purification
Ozone is Allotrope of Oxygen
Deuterium is Isotope of Hydrogen
Biogas chiefly contains Methane
Carbon dioxide is responsible for the swelling of bread
Chemical name of Picric Acid is Tri Nitro Phenol
Egg shell is made up of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Uses of isotopes
Iron 59 Anemia
Iodine 131 Goitre
Cobalt 60 Cancer
Carbon11 Brain scan
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