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1.

Why is carbon different from other member of the group?

Answer»

Carbon differs from rest of the members of its group due to its smaller size, higher electro negativity, higher ionization enthalpy and unavailability of d-orbital’s.

2.

Why does the covalence of carbon not expand beyond four?

Answer»

In carbon, only s and p orbital’s are available for bonding and therefore it can accommodate only four pairs of electrons around it. This limit the maximum covalence to four whereas other members can expand their covalence due to the presence of d-orbital’s.

3.

Why does carbon show different allotropic forms?

Answer»

Due to property of catenation and pπ - pπ bond formation Carbon is able to show different allotropic forms.

4.

Why does the heavier elements do not form pπ – pπ multiple bond as carbon do?

Answer»

Carbon has the unique ability to form pπ – pπ multiple bond with itself and with other atoms of small size and high electro negativity whereas heavier elements do not from pπ – pπ bonds because their atomic orbital’s are too large and diffuse to have effective overlapping.

5.

What is producer gas?

Answer»

Mixture of CO and N2

6.

How does boron interact with NaOH?

Answer»

2B + 6NaOH → 2Na3BO3 + 3H2

7.

Why does the reactivity of nitrogen differ from phosphorus?

Answer»

Nitrogen exists as a diatomic molecule (N = N). Due to the presence of a triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms the bond dissociation energy is quite large (941.1 kJ mol-1). As a result, nitrogen is inert and unreactive in its elemental state.

In contrast phosphorus exists as a tetraatomic molecule (P4). Since the P-P single bond is much weaker (213 kJ mol-1) than N = N bond. Therefore, phosphorus is much reactive than nitrogen.

8.

Arrange the following halides of boron in the increasing order of acidic character: BF3, BCl3, BBr3, BI3.

Answer»

BF3 < BCl3 < BBr3 <BI3.

9.

How does metallic and non-metallic character vary in a group?

Answer»

The non-metals and the metalloids exist only in the p-block of the periodic table. The non-metallic character of elements decreases down the group. In fact the heaviest element in each p-black group is the most metallic in nature.

10.

Discuss the trends in chemical reactivity of group 15 elements.

Answer»

General trends in chemical properties of group-15

(i) Reactivity towards hydrogen:
The elements of group 15 react with hydrogen to form hydrides of type EH3, where E - N, P, As, Sb, or Bi. The stability of hydrides decreases on moving down from NH3 to BiH3

(ii) Reactivity towards oxygen:
The elements of group 15 form two types of oxides: E2O3 arid E2O5, where E = N, P, As, Sb or Bi. The oxide with the element in higher oxidation state is more acidic than the other. However, the acidic character decreases on moving down a group.

(iii) Reactivity towards halogens:
The group 15 element react with halogens to form two series of salts: EX3 and EX5. However, nitrogen does not form NX5 as H lacks the d-orbital. All trihalides (except NX3) are stable.

(iv) Reactivity towards metals:
The group 15 elements react with metals to form binary compounds in which these metals exhibit-3 oxidation states.

11.

How does metallic character vary among the group 14 elements? How is it related to ionisation energy?

Answer»

Carbon and silicon are non metals. Germanium is a metalloid and tin and lead are metals. Metallic character increases from carbon to lead. The change from non metallic to metallic character is due to the increase in atomic size from carbon to lead. Consequently the ionization potential decreases from carbon to lead.

Hence the electropositive character increases favouring ionic bonding especially with oxidation state +2. Whereas carbon and silicon show +4 oxidation state forming covalent bonding with electron sharing.

12.

Why does carbon show maximum catenation among group 14 elements?

Answer»

1. Small size of carbon atoms. 

2. C-C bond energy is comparable with the bond energy between carbon and other element 

3. 4 valency electrons are present in four orbitals and the tetravalency of carbon is fully saturated.

13.

Provide reasons: A mixture of dilute NaOH and aluminum pieces is used to open drain.

Answer»

A mixture of dilute NaOH and aluminum pieces is used to open drain.

Sodium hydroxide and aluminum react to form sodium tetra hydroxy aluminate(III) and hydrogen gas. The pressure of the produced hydrogen gas is used to open blocked drains.

2Al+2NaOH+6H2O→2Na+[Al(OH)4]+3H2

14.

Why does R3P = O exist but R3N = O does not (R = alkyl group)?

Answer»

N (unlike p) lacks d-orbital. This restricts nitrogen to expand its coordination number beyond four. Hence, R3N = O doesnot exits.

15.

Mention the states of hybridization of carbon in.(a) Graphite (b) CO2−3(c) Diamond

Answer»

The state of hybridization of carbon in:

(a) Graphite -- Each carbon atom in graphite is sp2 hybridized and is bound to 3 other carbon atoms. 

(b) CO2−3 - C is sp2 hybridized and is bonded to 3 oxygen atoms. 

(c) Diamond -- Each carbon in diamond is sp3 hybridized and is bound to 4 other carbon atoms.

16.

What type of hybridization does carbon undergo in diamond and graphite?

Answer»

In diamond sp3, in graphite sp2.

17.

Diamond is bad conductor whereas graphite is good conductor of electricity. Justify.

Answer»

No free electrons in diamond due to sp3 hybridization. But there are free electrons in graphite due to sp2 hybridization. 

18.

Write the chemical formula of pyrophosphorous acid.

Answer»

The chemical formula of pyrophosphorous acid H4P2O5.

19.

Explain the structure of graphite giving the reason for its softness as well as its electrical conductivity.

Answer»

Good conductor of electricity: In. graphite carbon atom is sp2 hybridised. Out of four valancy electrons in each carbon atom only three electrons, one from 2s and two from 2p are involved in hybridisation. One spare electron in its 2pz orbital is left free. These 2pz orbital overlap to form delocalised π system which extends above and below each layer. In this delocalised π electrons are free to move within the layer and hence graphite is a good conductor of electricity.

The conductivity of graphite perpendicular to the plane of the layers of hexagons is low and increases with increase in temperature, signifying that graphite is a semiconductor in that direction. The electrical conductivity is much higher parallel to the plane but decreases as the temperature is raised.

Soft, flaky and slippery substance: In graphite each layers of hexagon are held together by a weak Van der Waal’s force of attraction at a large distance of 3.40 Å. Even the slight pressure causes the layers to slide over one another. Hence graphite is soft, flaky and slippery. Graphite is used as a lubricant.

20.

Write the formula of inorganic benzene.

Answer»

The formula of inorganic benzene is B3N3H6.

21.

Which compound is called inorganic benzene and write its molecular formula.

Answer»

Borazine-  B3N3H6

22.

What is use of diborane? Why BHs exists in form of diborane?

Answer»

BH3 exists in form of diborane (B4H6) because it is electron deficient. Diborane is used as reducing agent.

23.

Write the characteristic uses of fullerence.

Answer»

C60 dissolves in hydrocarbon solvents such as hexane, benzene, toluene etc giving magenta solutions. Fullerenes are the least stable of the carbon allotropes and graphite is the most stable. Fullerenes react with alkali metals to produce solids having composition such as K3 C60. This compound acts as a superconductor below 18K. Fullerene C114 has more surface area and can withstand a very high temperature. Hence it can be used as a lubricant in satellites. Fullerenes are used as industrial catalyst and as lubricant in the treatment of cancer.

24.

Write three physical properties of Nitric acid?

Answer»
  1. Colourless fuming liquid.
  2. Melting point is 231.4k.
  3. Boiling point is 355.6k.
25.

What are silicates?

Answer»

The structural unit of silicates is SiO44- in which silicon atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms in tetrahedron fashion.

26.

The first element in every group of representative elements shows properties different from the characteristic properties of the group. Name three such elements and mention two abnormal properties of each one of them.

Answer»

Boron, carbon, Nitrogen

Boron:

(i) W, forms acuhc. oxides -whereas owners item. am-phofork and.bask, oxide. 

(ii) It cannot form [BFe]3+ whereas others can form such type of complexes.

Carbon: 

(i) It shows property of catenation to maximum extent. 

Nitrogen:

(i) N2 is gas others are solid 

(ii) NH2 is liquid, other hydrides are gases.

27.

State how will you separate CO2 and SO2 from the mixture?

Answer»

Since the O.N. of C is CO2 is +4 which is the maximum for C, therefore, it cannot act as a reducing agent. In contrast the O.N. of S is SO2 is also +4 but its maximum. O.N. +6, therefore, it can act as reducing agent. This reducing gas can be removed by passing the mixture of these gases through acidified K2Cr2O7 solution when orange solution turns green due to reduction of Cr2O72- ion to Cr3+ ions while CO2 passes out unreacted.

28.

(i) Nitric oxide becomes brown when released in air. Why?(ii) BiCl3 is more stable than BiCl5. Why?

Answer»

(i) Nitric oxide becomes brown when released in air because Nitric oxide combines with oxygen when exposed to air to give nitrogen dioxide which is brown in colour.

2NO + O2 ⟶ 2NO2​ 

(ii) Bi has little tendency to form pentahalides because + 5 oxidation state of Bi is much less stable than + 3 oxidation state due to inert pair effect.

29.

Why boron trifluoride behave as lewis acid?

Answer»

The electronic configuration of boron is ns2 np1. It contains 3 electrons in its valence shell. Thus, it can form only 3 covalent bonds which means that there are only 6 electrons around boron and its octet remains incomplete. When 1 of the boron‘s atom combines with 3 fluorine atoms, its octet (8) remains incomplete. Therefore, boron trifluoride remains electron-deficient and acts as Lewis acid.

30.

Give equations for the following:(i) Preparation of CO2, (ii) Basic properties of Na2CO3, (iii) Formation of acetylene.

Answer»

(i) CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2

(ii) Na2CO3 + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2CO3 

(iii) CaC2(calcium carbide) + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2 + C2H2(Acetylene)

31.

What is dry ice?

Answer»

Solid CO2 is known as dry ice.

32.

What is the oxidation state of Ni in [Ni(CO)4]?

Answer»

Ni has oxidation state of zero in [Ni(CO)4]

33.

Why is CO considered poisonous ?

Answer»

The highly poisonous nature of CO arises because of its ability to form a complex with haemoglobin which is about 300 times more stable than the oxygen – haemoglobin complex. This prevents haemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles from carrying oxygen round the body and ultimately resulting in death.

34.

If B–Cl bond has a dipole moment, explain why BCl3 molecule has zero dipole moment.

Answer»

As a result of the difference in the electronegativities of Cl and B, the B–Cl bond is naturally polar. However, the BCl3 molecule is non-polar. This is because BCl3 is trigonal planar in shape. It is a symmetrical molecule. Hence, the respective dipole moments of the B–Cl bond cancel each other, thereby causing a zero dipole moment.

35.

Explain the reason why Carbon Monoxide is poisonous.

Answer»

Carbon monoxide is highly poisonous due to its ability to form a complex with hemoglobin. The former prevents Hb from binding with oxygen. Thus, a person dies because of suffocation on not receiving oxygen The CO–Hb complexly is more stable than the O2–Hb complex. It is found that the CO–Hb complex is about 300 times more stable than the O2–Hb complex.

36.

Aluminum trifluoride is insoluble in anhydrous HF but dissolves when NaF is added. It precipitates out of the resulting solution when gaseous BF3(boron trifluoride) is bubbled through. Give reasons.

Answer»

Hydrogen fluoride is a covalent compound and has a very strong intermolecular hydrogen-bonding. Thus, it does not provide ions and aluminum fluoride does not dissolve in it. Sodium fluoride is an ionic compound and when it is added to the mixture, Alf dissolves. This is because of the availability of free F . The reaction involved in the process is:

AlF3+3NaF→Na3[AlF6]

Aluminum fluoride gets precipitated out of the solution when boron trifluoride is added to the solution. This happens because the tendency of boron to form complexes is much more than that of aluminum. Therefore, when boron trifluoride is added to the solution, B replaces Al from the complexes according to the following reaction:

Na3[AlF6]+3BF3→3Na[BF4]+AlF3

37.

Between AlF3 and AlCl3 which one will have a higher melting point.

Answer»

AlF3 is more ionic, therefore, has higher melting point.

38.

What is silica-gel used as?

Answer»

Silica gel is used as a drying agent and as a support for chromato graphic materials and catalysts.

39.

Elements of Group 16 generally show lower value of first ionisation enthalpy compared to the corresponding periods of group 15. Why?

Answer»

Due to extra stable of half filled p orbital configuration present in 15 group element. 

40.

In what way can it be proved that PH3 is basic in nature? 

Answer»

PH3 react with acid like HI to give PH4

41.

Though nitrogen exhibits +5 oxidation state, it does not form pentahalide. Give reason

Answer»

Due to absence of d orbital it does not form pentahalide. But due to involvement of s and p orbit it exhibits +5 oxidation state.

42.

Why does NO2 dimerise ?

Answer»

NO2 contain odd number of valence electron. On dimirisation it gives a stable N2O4 molecule.

43.

 PH3 has lower boiling point than NH3. Why?

Answer»

Because of hydrogen bond which is present in NH3.

44.

Why do noble gases have comparatively large atomic sizes?

Answer»

Noble gases do not form molecules. In case of noble gases. the atomic radii corresponds to Van der Waals radii. On the other hand, the atomic radii of other elements correspond to their covalent radii. By definition, Van der WaaI’s radii are larger than covalent radii. It is for this reason that noble gases are very large in size as compared to other atoms belonging to the same period.

45.

Discuss the general characteristics of group 15 elements with reference to their electronic configuation, oxidation state, atomic size, ionisation enthalpy and electro negativity.

Answer»

General characteristic of group-15 elements:

(A) Electronic configurations :
The atoms of group 15 have five electrons in the outermost shell, two in s and three in p subshell. The general electronic configuration of this group may be expressed as ns2 np3

ElementsElectronic configuration
N(Z = 7)[He] 2s2 2p3
P(Z = 15)[Ne] 3s2 3p3
As(Z = 33)[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p3
Sb(Z = 51)[kr] 4d10 5s2 5p3
Bi(Z = 83)[Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3

(B) Oxidation state :
The elements of group-15 have five electrons in their valence shell. They exhibit various oxidation states from -3 to +5.

(i) The tendancy of the elements to exhibit – 3 oxidation state decreases on moving down from P to Bi due to increase in size and metallic character.

(ii) On moving down the group, the stability of + 5 oxidatioin state decreases while that of + 3 oxidation state increases due to inert pair effect.

(C) Atomic size:
The atomic and ionic radii of group-15 elements are smaller than the atomic radii of the elements of group 14 elements. On going down the group, the atomic radii increase with increase in atomic number.
Order of Atomic size :
N > P> As > Sb > Bi

(D) Electronegativity :
The electrogativity values of elements of group-15 are higher than the corresponding elements of group-14. On going down the group, the electronegativity value decrease.
Order of electronegativity given as :
N   > P >  As > Sb > Bi
(3.0) (2.1) (2.0) (1.9)  (1.9)

46.

List the uses of neon and argon gases.

Answer»

(A) Uses of Neon gas:

1. It is used in safety devices for protecting electrical instruments like voltmeters, relays, ractifires etc.

2. Neon is used for filling sodium vapour lamps.

3. It is used in Beacon light as safety signal for air navigators, because its light has high penetration power.

(B) Uses of Argon gas:

1. It is used for filling electric bulbs because of its inert nature

2. It is used in laboratory for handling substances that are air sensitive.

3. Pure argon is used in gas chromatography.

47.

Which is the weakest hydrohalic acid ?(a) HI(b) HBr(c) HF(d) HCl

Answer»

The answer is (c) HF

48.

Why does O2 act as a powerful oxidising agent?

Answer»

O3 is an endothermic compound. On heating it readily decomposes to give dioxygen and nescent oxygen.
O3 \(\overset{Heat}{\longrightarrow}\) O2 + [O] (Nascent oxygen)
Since nascent oxygen is very reactive, therefore, O3 acts as powerful oxidising agent.

49.

How is SO2 an air pollutant?

Answer»
  • It combines with water vapour present in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid. This causes acid rain. Acid rain damages soil, plants and buildings, especially those made of marble.
  • Even in very low concentrations, SO2 causes irritation in the respiratory tract. It causes throat and eye irritation and can also affect the larynx to cause breathlessness.
  • It is extremely harmful to plants. Plants exposed to sulphur dioxide for a long time lose colour from their leaves. This condition is known as chlorosis. This happens because the formation of chlorophyll is affected by the presence of SO2.
50.

Explain why fluorine forms only one.

Answer»

Fluorine forms only one oxoacid, i.e. HOF because of its high electronegativity and small size.