Class 10 | Science | Chapter 02 | Acids, Bases and Salts

1. Acids and Bases: Introduction

  • Acids: Substances that release H⁺ ions in aqueous solution.
    🔸 Taste: Sour
    🔸 Example: HCl, H₂SO₄, CH₃COOH
  • Bases: Substances that release OH⁻ ions in aqueous solution.
    🔹 Taste: Bitter, slippery to touch
    🔹 Example: NaOH, KOH, NH₄OH

2. Indicators

  • Definition: Substances that change color in acidic/basic solutions.

Indicator

Acid Color  

Base Color

Litmus

Red

 Blue

Methyl Orange 

Red

 Yellow

Phenolphthalein

 Colorless

 Pink

Turmeric

Yellow      

Reddish-Brown

3. Chemical Properties of Acids and Bases

a) Reaction with Metals

  • Acid + Metal → Salt + H₂ (Hydrogen gas)
  • Test for H₂ gas: Burning matchstick gives a ‘pop’ sound.

Example:

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑


b) Reaction with Metal Carbonates and Bicarbonates

  • Produces CO₂ gas, Salt, and Water.
  • CO₂ turns lime water milky.

Example:

Na₂CO₃ + 2HCl → 2NaCl + CO₂ + H₂O


c) Reaction with Metal Oxides

  • Acid + Metal Oxide → Salt + Water
    (Metal oxides are basic in nature.)

Example:

CuO + H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + H₂O


d) Reaction of Base with Non-metal Oxides

  • Base + Non-metal oxide → Salt + Water
    (Non-metal oxides are acidic.)

Example:

Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O


4. Acid-Base Reaction (Neutralization)

  • Acid + Base → Salt + Water
    Exothermic reaction.

Example:

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

5. pH Scale

  • pH: Potential of Hydrogen, ranges from 0 to 14.
  • pH < 7: Acidic
  • pH = 7: Neutral
  • pH > 7: Basic

Importance of pH in Everyday Life:

  • Soil treatment (acidic soil treated with lime)
  • Tooth decay (caused by acid below pH 5.5)
  • Digestion (stomach acid — HCl)
  • Self-defense in animals (e.g., wasp stings are basic; bee stings are acidic)

🧂 6. Salts

  • Definition: Ionic compounds formed by neutralization of an acid with a base.

Examples of Important Salts:

Salt

Formula

Use

Sodium chloride

NaCl

Table salt

Sodium carbonate

Na₂CO₃

Washing soda

Sodium bicarbonate

NaHCO₃

Baking soda

Calcium carbonate

CaCO₃

Marble, chalk

Calcium hydroxide

Ca(OH)₂

Slaked lime

Plaster of Paris

CaSO₄·½H₂O

Fracture casts

🏗️ 7. Important Compounds

🔸 a) Washing Soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O)

  • Prepared by heating baking soda.
  • Removes hardness of water.

🔹 b) Baking Soda (NaHCO₃)

  • Mild base.
  • Used in baking, fire extinguishers.

🔸 c) Plaster of Paris (POP) (CaSO₄·½H₂O)

  • Formed by heating gypsum:

CaSO₄·2H₂O → CaSO₄·½H₂O + 1½H₂O

  • Used for making molds, casts.

💎 8. Important Reactions to Remember

  • NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O (Neutralization)
  • Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O (CO₂ test)
  • Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂ (Hydrogen gas)
  • CaSO₄·2H₂O → CaSO₄·½H₂O + 1½H₂O (POP formation)

✅ 9. Mind Map / Summary

Acids → Sour → H⁺ ions → React with metals, bases, oxides.

Bases → Bitter → OH⁻ ions → React with acids, non-metal oxides.

Salts → Formed from Acid + Base → Examples: NaCl, Na₂CO₃, CaSO₄.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from “Acids, Bases and Salts” — CBSE Class 10 Board Exam

🔹 Very Short Answer Type Questions (1-2 Marks)

  1. Define acids and bases with examples.
  2. What is the pH of acidic, neutral, and basic solutions?
  3. Why does dry HCl gas not change the color of litmus paper?
  4. What is the chemical name and formula of baking soda?
  5. Name the acid present in:
    • Vinegar
    • Tamarind
  6. Why do we feel a burning sensation when an ant stings?
  7. Write the chemical formula of Plaster of Paris.
  8. Name the acid produced in the stomach that aids digestion.

🔸 Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

  1. Write the chemical equation for the reaction of:
    • HCl with zinc
    • Na₂CO₃ with HCl
  2. List three chemical properties of acids.
  3. What happens when CO₂ is passed through lime water? Explain with an equation.
  4. Explain the importance of pH in everyday life with examples.
  5. Write the steps involved in the preparation of baking soda.

🔶 Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

  1. Describe the chemical properties of acids with suitable chemical equations.
  2. Explain the chemical properties of bases with examples.
  3. Describe the preparation, properties, and uses of:
    • Plaster of Paris (POP)
    • Washing soda
  4. Explain the working of the pH scale and its significance.
  5. Explain neutralization with examples and a labeled diagram if possible.

📝 Common Diagram-Based Questions

  • Draw a pH scale and label acidic, neutral, and basic ranges.
  • Show the reaction of CO₂ with lime water in a diagrammatic form.

⭐ Most Repeated Questions

  • What is the chemical name and formula of POP?
  • Write the balanced equation for the reaction of zinc with HCl.
  • Explain the importance of pH in tooth decay and soil treatment.

🎯 Tip:

Focus on reactions involving:

  • Metals with acids
  • Acids with carbonates/bicarbonates
  • Neutralization reactions
  • Importance of pH in daily life