NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 1Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

📘 Here you will get Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 1 Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry NCERT Solutions (English Medium) with accurate answers to all important questions and step-by-step explanations. This chapter covers laws of chemical combination, Dalton’s atomic theory, atomic and molecular masses, mole concept, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formula, chemical equations and stoichiometry, and concentration terms (Molarity, Molality, Mole Fraction, ppm) in simple language to strengthen your board exam preparation along with JEE/NEET concepts. ✅

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NCERT Solution – Mass Percentage
Showing all questions
Q.1: Calculate the molar mass of the following:
(i) H2O  
(ii) CO2  
(iii) CH4
Answer
✅ (i) Molar mass of H2O = 18 g mol−1
✅ (ii) Molar mass of CO2 = 44 g mol−1
✅ (iii) Molar mass of CH4 = 16 g mol−1
Compound Calculation Molar Mass
H2O 2×H + O 18 g mol−1
CO2 C + 2×O 44 g mol−1
CH4 C + 4×H 16 g mol−1
Explanation – Step by Step
Atomic masses (approx.):
H = 1, C = 12, O = 16

(i) H2O
H2O = 2×H + 1×O
= 2×1 + 16
= 18 g mol−1

(ii) CO2
CO2 = 1×C + 2×O
= 12 + 2×16
= 12 + 32
= 44 g mol−1

(iii) CH4
CH4 = 1×C + 4×H
= 12 + 4×1
= 16
= 16 g mol−1
Did You Know?
👉 Easiest trick to find molar mass:
Multiply each element’s atomic mass by its number of atoms in the formula, then add them all.
Q.2: Calculate the mass per cent of different elements present in sodium sulphate (Na2SO4).
Answer
✅ Mass per cent of Na (Sodium) = 32.39%
✅ Mass per cent of S (Sulphur) = 22.54%
✅ Mass per cent of O (Oxygen) = 45.07%
Element Total mass in Na2SO4 (g) Mass %
Na 46 32.39%
S 32 22.54%
O 64 45.07%
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Take atomic masses
Na = 23, S = 32, O = 16

Step 2: Calculate molar mass of Na2SO4
\[ M(\text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4)=2\times23+32+4\times16 \] \[ =46+32+64=142\ \text{g mol}^{-1} \]
Step 3: Formula for mass per cent
\[ \%\ \text{Element}=\frac{\text{Total mass of element}}{\text{Molar mass of compound}}\times100 \]
(i) % of Na
Total mass of Na = 2×23 = 46
\[ \%\text{Na}=\frac{46}{142}\times100=32.39\% \]
(ii) % of S
Mass of S = 32
\[ \%\text{S}=\frac{32}{142}\times100=22.54\% \]
(iii) % of O
Total mass of O = 4×16 = 64
\[ \%\text{O}=\frac{64}{142}\times100=45.07\% \]
Did You Know?
👉 In any compound, the sum of mass per cent of all elements is always 100%. ✅

Quick Check:
\[ 32.39+22.54+45.07=100.00\% \]
👉 This quick check confirms your answer.
Q.3: Determine the empirical formula of an oxide of iron, which has 69.9% iron and 30.1% dioxygen by mass.
Answer
✅ Empirical formula = Fe2O3
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Assume 100 g of compound
Fe = 69.9 g
O = 30.1 g

Step 2: Calculate moles
Atomic masses: Fe = 55.85 g/mol, O = 16 g/mol
\[ \text{moles of Fe}=\frac{69.9}{55.85}\approx1.25 \] \[ \text{moles of O}=\frac{30.1}{16}\approx1.88 \]
Step 3: Divide by the smallest mole value
Smallest = 1.25
\[ \text{Fe}:\frac{1.25}{1.25}=1 \qquad \text{O}:\frac{1.88}{1.25}\approx1.50 \]
Ratio = Fe : O = 1 : 1.5

Step 4: Multiply by 2 to remove decimal
\[ 1\times2=2 \qquad 1.5\times2=3 \]
Ratio = Fe2 : O3
✅ Therefore, empirical formula = Fe2O3
Did You Know?
👉 Shortcut to find empirical formula ✅

✅ Assume percentages as grams in 100 g sample
✅ Convert grams to moles using atomic mass
✅ Divide by smallest mole to get ratio
✅ If 0.5 appears, multiply all by 2 to get whole numbers
Q.4: Calculate the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced when
(i) 1 mole of carbon (C) is burnt in air
(ii) 1 mole of carbon (C) is burnt in 16 g of dioxygen (O2)
(iii) 2 moles of carbon (C) are burnt in 16 g of dioxygen (O2)
Answer
✅ (i) CO2 = 1 mole = 44 g
✅ (ii) CO2 = 0.5 mole = 22 g
✅ (iii) CO2 = 0.5 mole = 22 g
Case Given CO2 (moles) CO2 (mass)
(i) 1 mol C (excess O2 in air) 1 mol 44 g
(ii) 1 mol C + 16 g O2 0.5 mol 22 g
(iii) 2 mol C + 16 g O2 0.5 mol 22 g
Explanation – Step by Step
Reaction
C + O2 → CO2
1 mole C + 1 mole O2 → 1 mole CO2
(i) 1 mole C burnt in air
In air, O2 is available in sufficient/excess amount, so complete burning of 1 mole C occurs.

CO2 moles = 1 mole
Mass = moles × molar mass
Molar mass of CO2 = 44 g/mol
Mass of CO2 = 1 × 44 = 44 g
✅ Therefore, CO2 = 1 mole = 44 g

(ii) 1 mole C burnt in 16 g O2
Here O2 is less, so first calculate moles of O2.
(Molar mass of O2 = 32 g/mol)
moles of O2 = 16 ÷ 32 = 0.5 mole
From reaction, 1 mole O2 gives 1 mole CO2, so
0.5 mole O2 gives 0.5 mole CO2.
Mass of CO2 = 0.5 × 44 = 22 g
✅ Therefore, CO2 = 0.5 mole = 22 g

(iii) 2 moles C burnt in 16 g O2
Again, moles of O2 = 16 ÷ 32 = 0.5 mole.
Required O2 for 2 moles C is 2 moles, but only 0.5 mole is available.
So, O2 is the limiting reagent.
0.5\ \text{mole O}_2 \rightarrow 0.5\ \text{mole CO}_2
\text{Mass of CO}_2 = 0.5 \times 44 = 22\ \text{g}
✅ Therefore, CO2 = 0.5 mole = 22 g
Did You Know?
👉 The reactant present in lesser stoichiometric amount becomes the limiting reagent. ✅
👉 In (ii) and (iii), O2 is limited, so CO2 formed is only 0.5 mole.
Q.5: Calculate the mass of sodium acetate (CH3COONa) required to prepare 500 mL of 0.375 molar aqueous solution.
(Given: Molar mass of CH3COONa = 82.0245 g mol−1)
Answer
✅ Required sodium acetate (CH3COONa) = 15.38 g
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Formula used (when volume is in mL)
Formula of molarity:
\( M=\frac{w(g)\times1000\ (mL/L)}{M\ (g\ mol^{-1})\times V(mL)} \)
Where
👉 M = molarity (mol L−1)
👉 w = mass of solute (g)
👉 V = volume of solution (mL)

Step 2: Put the values
👉 M = 0.375 mol L−1
👉 Molar mass = 82.0245 g mol−1
👉 V = 500 mL
\( 0.375\ (mol\ L^{-1})=\frac{w(g)\times1000}{(82.0245\ g\ mol^{-1})\times(500\ mL)} \)

Now solve for w:
\( w=\frac{0.375\ (mol\ L^{-1})\times 82.0245\ (g\ mol^{-1})\times 500\ (mL)}{1000\ (mL/L)} \) \( w=15.38\ g \)

✅ Therefore, required mass w = 15.38 g
Did You Know?
👉 In this shortcut formula, ×1000 appears because volume is taken in mL.
👉 If volume is already in L, you do not need the 1000 factor.
Q.6: Calculate the concentration of nitric acid (HNO3) in moles per litre in a sample that has
mass per cent = 69% and density = 1.41 g mL−1.
Answer
✅ Molarity of HNO3 solution = 15.44 mol L−1 (approximately 15.44 M)
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Assume 100 g of solution
69% (mass per cent) means:
• In 100 g solution, HNO3 = 69 g

Step 2: Molar mass of HNO3
HNO3 = 1 + 14 + (3 × 16) = 63 g mol−1

Step 3: Calculate moles of HNO3
👉 Moles of HNO3 = mass of HNO3 / molar mass of HNO3
👉 Moles of HNO3 = 69 g / 63 g mol−1 = 1.095 mol

Step 4: Calculate volume of 100 g solution (using density)
Density = 1.41 g mL−1
Density = mass / volume
Therefore, volume = mass / density

Volume = 100 g / 1.41 g mL−1 = 70.92 mL

Step 5: Calculate molarity (M)
Molarity = moles of solute / volume of solution (in L)
70.92 mL = 0.07092 L

Molarity (M) = 1.095 mol / 0.07092 L = 15.44 mol L−1
✅ Therefore, molarity of HNO3 solution is 15.44 mol L−1 (≈ 15.44 M).
Did You Know?
👉 If mass per cent is given, the easiest method is to assume 100 g of solution.
👉 Using density (g mL−1), you can find solution volume in mL, convert it to L, and then calculate molarity.
Q.7: How much copper (Cu) can be obtained from 100 g of copper sulphate (CuSO4)?
Answer
✅ From 100 g of CuSO4, 39.81 g Cu can be obtained.
Explanation – Unitary Method
Step 1: Calculate molar mass of CuSO4
CuSO4 = Cu + S + 4O
= 63.5 + 32 + 4×16
= 63.5 + 32 + 64
= 159.5 g mol−1

Step 2: Apply unitary method
In 159.5 g CuSO4, Cu = 63.5 g
So in 1 g CuSO4, Cu = 63.5 / 159.5 g
Therefore in 100 g CuSO4, Cu = (63.5 / 159.5) × 100 g
Cu (g) = (63.5 × 100) / 159.5 = 39.81 g
✅ Therefore, from 100 g CuSO4, 39.81 g Cu is obtained.
Did You Know?
👉 In unitary method, just remember:
“If this much is given → this much is obtained”
First find for 1 g, then multiply by 100 g ✅
Q.8: Determine the molecular formula of an oxide of iron in which the mass per cent of iron and oxygen are 69.9% and 30.1%, respectively. (Molar mass of the compound is 159.7 g mol-1)
Answer
✅ Molecular formula = Fe2O3
Explanation
Assume 100 g of compound
Then Fe = 69.9 g and O = 30.1 g
S.No. Element Amount in grams Atomic mass Moles Simplest ratio Integer ratio Empirical formula part
1 Fe 69.9 55.85 (≈56) 69.9 ÷ 55.85 = 1.25 1.25 ÷ 1.25 = 1 1 × 2 = 2 Fe2
2 O 30.1 16 30.1 ÷ 16 = 1.88 1.88 ÷ 1.25 = 1.50 1.50 × 2 = 3 O3
✅ Therefore, empirical formula = Fe2O3

Empirical formula mass = (2 × 55.85) + (3 × 16) = 159.7 g mol-1
n = molar mass of compound / empirical formula mass
n = 159.7 / 159.7 = 1

✅ Hence molecular formula of the given oxide:
Molecular formula = n × empirical formula
Molecular formula = 1 × Fe2O3
Molecular formula = Fe2O3
Did You Know?
👉 When 1.5 appears in the simplest ratio, multiply the entire ratio by 2 to make it integer.
👉 So 1 : 1.5 becomes 2 : 3, giving the formula Fe2O3.
Q.9: Calculate the atomic mass (average) of chlorine (Cl) using the following data:
Isotope Natural abundance (%) Molar mass
35Cl 75.77 34.9689
37Cl 24.23 36.9659
Answer
✅ Average atomic mass of chlorine = 35.4527 u (approximately 35.45 u)
Explanation – Step by Step
Average atomic mass = Sum of (percentage abundance × atomic mass) ÷ 100
Isotope Natural abundance (%) Atomic mass (u) Product
35Cl 75.77 34.9689 75.77 × 34.9689 = 2649.59
37Cl 24.23 36.9659 24.23 × 36.9659 = 895.95
Step 2: Add
Total = 2649.59 + 895.95 = 3545.54 (approximately)

Step 3: Divide by 100
👉 Average atomic mass = 3545.27 / 100 = 35.4527 u
✅ Therefore, average atomic mass = 35.4527 u35.45 u
Did You Know?
👉 Chlorine atomic mass is not a whole number (35 or 37) because natural chlorine is a mixture of two isotopes (35Cl and 37Cl).
👉 The isotope with higher abundance affects the average more (here 35Cl is higher, so average is closer to 35).

Q.10: In three moles of ethane (C2H6), calculate the following:
(i) Number of moles of carbon atoms
(ii) Number of moles of hydrogen atoms
(iii) Number of molecules of ethane
Answer
✅ (i) Moles of carbon atoms = 6 mol
✅ (ii) Moles of hydrogen atoms = 18 mol
✅ (iii) Number of ethane molecules = 1.8066 × 1024 molecules (approximately 1.81 × 1024)
Explanation – Step by Step
Formula of ethane: C2H6
This means in 1 molecule:
👉 Carbon = 2 atoms
👉 Hydrogen = 6 atoms

Now for 3 moles of C2H6:

📌 (i) Moles of carbon atoms
In 1 mole C2H6, moles of carbon atoms = 2 mol
So in 3 moles = 3 × 2 = 6 mol

📌 (ii) Moles of hydrogen atoms
In 1 mole C2H6, moles of hydrogen atoms = 6 mol
So in 3 moles = 3 × 6 = 18 mol

📌 (iii) Number of molecules of ethane
Avogadro number (Na) = 6.022 × 1023 molecules per mole
So in 3 moles, molecules = 3 × 6.022 × 1023 = 1.8066 × 1024 molecules
Did You Know?
👉 “Mole” is the easiest counting unit in chemistry: 1 mole = 6.022 × 1023 particles (molecules/atoms).
👉 To find “moles of atoms” in a compound, just multiply by the subscript in the formula.
Q.11: What is the concentration of sugar (C12H22O11) in mol L−1 if 20 g of it is dissolved in enough water to make the final volume 2 L?
Answer
✅ Molarity of sugar (C12H22O11) solution = 0.0292 mol L-1 (approximately 0.029 M)
(that is about 0.03 M)
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Calculate molar mass of sugar
Molar mass of C12H22O11
= (12×12) + (22×1) + (11×16)
= 144 + 22 + 176
= 342 g mol-1

Step 2: Calculate moles of sugar
Moles = mass ÷ molar mass
Moles = 20 g ÷ 342 g mol-1 = 0.0585 mol

Step 3: Calculate molarity (molar concentration)
Given volume = 2 L
Molarity = moles ÷ volume (L)
Molarity = 0.0585 mol ÷ 2 L
Molarity = 0.02925 mol L-1

✅ Therefore, molarity ≈ 0.0292 mol L-1 (≈ 0.029 M)
Did You Know?
👉 “Concentration” can be expressed in different ways.
👉 If asked in g L−1, then: 20 g / 2 L = 10 g L−1
👉 But to calculate molarity, you must first convert mass into moles using molar mass.
Q.12: If the density of methanol (CH3OH) is 0.793 kg L−1, what volume of methanol is needed to prepare 2.5 L of its 0.25 M solution?
Answer
✅ Required volume of methanol (CH3OH) = 0.025 L = 25 mL
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Molar mass of methanol
Molar mass of CH3OH = 32 g mol−1 = 0.032 kg mol−1

Step 2: Calculate molarity of given pure methanol
Density (d) = 0.793 kg L−1
This means mass of 1 L methanol = 0.793 kg

Moles = mass ÷ molar mass
Moles = 0.793 kg ÷ 0.032 kg mol−1 = 24.78 mol
Therefore, molarity of pure methanol = 24.78 mol L−1
Let this be M1:
M1 = 24.78 M

Step 3: Use dilution formula
M1 × V1 = M2 × V2
Where
👉 M1 = 24.78 M (methanol)
👉 M2 = 0.25 M (required)
👉 V2 = 2.5 L (required)

Now find V1:
V1 = (M2 × V2) ÷ M1

V1 = (0.25 M × 2.5 L) ÷ 24.78 M = 0.025 L
0.025 L = 25 mL
✅ Therefore, required volume of methanol = 0.025 L or 25 mL
Did You Know?
👉 From density, we find “mass in 1 L”; then from molar mass, we find “moles in 1 L”.
👉 After that, the easiest dilution formula is: M1V1 = M2V2
Q.13: Pressure is defined as force per unit area of a surface.
SI unit is pascal: 1 Pa = 1 N m−2
If the mass of air at sea level is 1034 g cm−2, calculate the pressure in pascal.
Answer
✅ Pressure = 1.01332 × 105 Pa (approximately 1.01 × 105 Pa)
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Formula of pressure
P = F / A
and F = mg
so P = mg / A

Given:
Mass of air at sea level = 1034 g cm−2
This means mass on 1 cm2 area = 1034 g

Convert this mass into kg:
1034 g = 1.034 kg

Step 2: Convert area into m2
1 m = 100 cm
so 1 m2 = 100 cm × 100 cm = 10,000 cm2
This means:
1 cm2 = 1 / 10,000 m2

Step 3: Calculate force on 1 cm2
F = mg
m = 1.034 kg
g = 9.8 m s−2
F = 1.034 × 9.8 N

Step 4: Pressure in pascal
P = F / A
A = 1 cm2 = 1/10000 m2
so
P = (1.034 × 9.8) / (1/10000)
P = (1.034 × 9.8) × 10000
P = 101332 Pa
P = 1.01332 × 105 Pa

✅ Therefore, pressure = 1.01332 × 105 Pa
Did You Know?
👉 Atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 1.013 × 105 Pa (or 1 atm).
👉 That is why your answer comes very close to standard atmospheric pressure.
Q.14: What is the SI unit of mass? How is it defined?
Answer
✅ SI unit of mass = kilogram (kg)
Explanation – Step by Step
1) SI unit of mass
The SI unit of mass is kilogram (kg).

2) Definition of kilogram (as per your given idea)
The mass of a special standard piece (or cylinder/block) made of platinum–iridium, kept at 0°C at Sèvres near Paris, was taken as 1 standard kilogram.
Based on this standard, all other masses were measured.
Did You Know?
👉 Mass does not change with place, but weight can change because
weight = m × g, and g may vary from place to place. ✅
Q.15: Match the following prefixes with their powers of 10.
Answer
✅ (i) micro → 10−6
✅ (ii) deca → 101 (that is 10)
✅ (iii) mega → 106
✅ (iv) giga → 109
✅ (v) femto → 10−15
Prefix Power (of 10)
micro 10−6
deca 101
mega 106
giga 109
femto 10−15
Explanation
👉 micro means “one-millionth”, so 10−6.
👉 deca means “ten times”, so 101.
👉 mega means “one million”, so 106.
👉 giga means “one billion”, so 109.
👉 femto represents a very small value, so 10−15.
________________________________________
Did You Know?
📌 Memory trick:
👉 micro = in the “minus” side (10−6)
👉 mega, giga = big values on “plus” side (106, 109)
👉 femto = extremely small (10−15)
Q.16: What do you mean by significant figures?
Answer
✅ Significant figures are the digits that indicate the precision (accuracy and certainty) of a measurement.
They include all certain digits and one final uncertain/estimated digit.
Explanation – Step by Step
1) Why are significant figures important?
When we measure a quantity, the reading is not perfectly exact due to instrument limitations.
So the digits we write indicate how reliable the measurement is.

2) What is included in significant figures?
👉 Certain digits: digits that can be read clearly from the instrument
👉 Estimated digit: the last digit, written by estimation

3) Examples
👉 2.35 cm → has 3 significant figures (2, 3, 5)
👉 0.00450 g → has 3 significant figures (4, 5, 0)
👉 1200 (without decimal point) → number of significant figures is ambiguous; it depends on notation
________________________________________
Did You Know?
👉 The last digit in a measurement always carries some uncertainty, and that is the basis of significant figures.
👉 In scientific calculations, the final answer is also reported with proper significant figures based on given data.
Q.17: A sample of drinking water was found to be severely contaminated with chloroform (CHCl3), which is carcinogenic in nature. The level of contamination was 15 ppm (by mass).
(i) Express this in per cent by mass.
(ii) Determine the molality of chloroform in the water sample.
Answer
✅ (i) 15 ppm = 0.0015% (by mass)
✅ (ii) Molality of CHCl3 = 1.26 × 10-4 mol kg-1 (approximately)
Explanation – Step by Step
(i) Converting 15 ppm into mass per cent

15 ppm (by mass) means 15 parts by mass of chloroform are present in 106 parts by mass of water.
Mass per cent = (15 × 10-6) × 100 = 0.0015%


(ii) Molality of CHCl3 in water

Molar mass of CHCl3:
C = 12.01, H = 1.008, Cl = 35.45
CHCl3 = 12.01 + 1.008 + 3×35.45 = 119.37 g mol-1

In 106 g sample, amount of chloroform = 15 g
In 103 g (1 kg) sample, amount of chloroform = (15 g ÷ 106) × 103 = 1.5 × 10-2 g

Moles of chloroform in 103 g (1 kg) sample:
Moles of chloroform = amount of chloroform ÷ molar mass of CHCl3
= 1.5 × 10-2 g ÷ 119.37 g mol-1
= 1.255 × 10-4 mol

Molality = (moles of solute) / (mass of solvent in kg)

✅ Therefore, molality = 1.26 × 10-4 mol kg-1
Did You Know?
👉 Quick ppm trick (by mass):
x ppm means x parts by mass of solute present in 106 parts by mass of solution.
Q.18: Express the following in scientific notation:
(i) 0.0048
(ii) 234,000
(iii) 8008
(iv) 500.0
(v) 6.0012
Answer
✅ (i) 0.0048 = 4.8 × 10-3
✅ (ii) 234,000 = 2.34 × 105
✅ (iii) 8008 = 8.008 × 103
✅ (iv) 500.0 = 5.000 × 102
✅ (v) 6.0012 = 6.0012 × 100
Explanation – Step by Step
Rule for scientific notation:
Write the number so that only one non-zero digit remains to the left of decimal, then multiply by power of 10.

👉 Move decimal to the left → exponent +
👉 Move decimal to the right → exponent

(i) 0.0048 → decimal moved 3 places right → 4.8, so 10-3
(ii) 234,000 → decimal moved 5 places left → 2.34, so 105
(iii) 8008 → decimal moved 3 places left → 8.008, so 103
(iv) 500.0 → decimal moved 2 places left → 5.000, so 102
(v) 6.0012 → already between 1 and 10 → 100
Did You Know?
👉 Writing 500.0 as 5.000 × 102 shows that it has 4 significant figures.
👉 Scientific notation makes calculations easier for very small or very large numbers.
Q.19: How many significant figures are present in the following?
(i) 0.0025
(ii) 208
(iii) 5005
(iv) 126,000
(v) 500.0
(vi) 2.0034
Answer
✅ (i) 0.0025 → 2 significant figures
✅ (ii) 208 → 3 significant figures
✅ (iii) 5005 → 4 significant figures
✅ (iv) 126,000 → 3 significant figures
✅ (v) 500.0 → 4 significant figures
✅ (vi) 2.0034 → 5 significant figures
Explanation – Step by Step
Rules (Quick Rules)
1) Leading zeros are not significant.
2) Zeros between two non-zero digits are significant.
3) Trailing zeros after decimal are significant.
4) Trailing zeros in a whole number without decimal are generally not significant (unless specified).

Apply now:
(i) 0.0025 → only 2 and 5 count → 2
(ii) 208 → zero in between counts → 3
(iii) 5005 → both middle zeros count → 4
(iv) 126,000 → no decimal, trailing zeros not counted → 3
(v) 500.0 → decimal present, all trailing zeros count → 4
(vi) 2.0034 → zeros between non-zero digits count → 5
Did You Know?
👉 In 126,000, significant figures can be 3 or more depending on measurement precision and notation.

📌 To make it clear, use scientific notation:
👉 1.26 × 1053 significant figures
👉 1.26000 × 1056 significant figures
Q.20: Round off the following up to three significant figures:
(i) 34.216
(ii) 10.4107
(iii) 0.04597
(iv) 2808
Answer
✅ (i) 34.216 → 34.2
✅ (ii) 10.4107 → 10.4
✅ (iii) 0.04597 → 0.0460
✅ (iv) 2808 → 2.81 × 103 (that is 2810)
Explanation – Step by Step
Rule: Keep first three significant digits, then check the next (fourth) digit.
👉 If fourth digit is 5 or more → increase third digit by 1
👉 If fourth digit is less than 5 → keep as it is

(i) 34.216
First 3 significant digits: 3, 4, 2 → 34.2
Next digit is 1 (<5) ⇒ 34.2

(ii) 10.4107
First 3 significant digits: 1, 0, 4 → 10.4
Next digit is 1 (<5) ⇒ 10.4

(iii) 0.04597
Significant digits start from 4: 4, 5, 9
Next digit is 7 (≥5) ⇒ 9 rounds up, so 0.0460
(Last zero shows 3 significant figures.)

(iv) 2808
First 3 significant digits: 2, 8, 0
Next digit is 8 (≥5) ⇒ 280 becomes 281
So 2.81 × 103 (that is 2810)
Did You Know?
👉 Writing 2808 as 2810 for 3 significant figures can sometimes be confusing due to the last zero, so the clearest form is: 2.81 × 103.
Q.21: (a) When dinitrogen and dioxygen react to form different compounds, the following data are obtained:
Case Mass of dinitrogen Mass of dioxygen
(i) 14 g 16 g
(ii) 14 g 32 g
(iii) 28 g 32 g
(iv) 28 g 80 g
Which law of chemical combination is obeyed by this data? State the law.

(b) Fill in the blanks:
(i) 1 km = ........... mm = ............ pm
(ii) 1 mg = ........... kg = ............ ng
(iii) 1 mL = ........... L = ............ dm3
Answer
✅ (a) The data obeys the Law of Multiple Proportions.

✅ (b)
(i) ✅ 1 km = 106 mm = 1015 pm
(ii) ✅ 1 mg = 10-6 kg = 106 ng
(iii) ✅ 1 mL = 10-3 L = 10-3 dm3
Explanation – Step by Step
(a) Law of Multiple Proportions
Statement:
When two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in ratios of small whole numbers.

Now fix nitrogen mass at 14 g:
• (i) N = 14 g, O = 16 g
• (ii) N = 14 g, O = 32 g
O ratio = 16 : 32 = 1 : 2 (small whole numbers)

For (iii), N = 28 g, make it 14 g by dividing by 2:
• O = 32/2 = 16 g

For (iv), N = 28 g, make it 14 g by dividing by 2:
• O = 80/2 = 40 g

So with fixed N = 14 g, O masses are 16, 32, 40
Ratio = 16 : 32 : 40 = 2 : 4 : 5 (small whole numbers)
✅ Hence it follows the law of multiple proportions.

(b) Unit conversions

(i) km to mm, pm
👉 1 km = 1000 m
👉 1 m = 1000 mm ⇒ 1 km = 103 × 103 = 106 mm
👉 1 m = 1012 pm ⇒ 1 km = 103 × 1012 = 1015 pm

(ii) mg to kg, ng
👉 1 mg = 10-3 g
👉 1 g = 10-3 kg ⇒ 1 mg = 10-3 × 10-3 = 10-6 kg
👉 1 mg = 106 ng

(iii) mL to L, dm3
👉 1 mL = 10-3 L
👉 1 L = 1 dm3 ⇒ 10-3 L = 10-3 dm3
Did You Know?
👉 This law helps explain why nitrogen and oxygen form many compounds such as NO, NO2, N2O, and N2O3 in different fixed ratios.
👉 Quick memory tip: 1 L = 1 dm3 and 1 mL = 1 cm3.
Q.22: If the speed of light is 3.00 × 108 m s−1, calculate the distance covered by light in 2.00 ns.
Answer
✅ Distance = 0.600 m (or 6.00 × 10−1 m)
Explanation – Step by Step
Formula: Distance = Speed × Time

Given:
Speed of light, c = 3.00 × 108 m s−1
Time, t = 2.00 ns = 2.00 × 10−9 s

Distance = (3.00 × 108) × (2.00 × 10−9) m
= 6.00 × 10−1 m
= 0.600 m
Did You Know?
👉 Light travels about 0.30 m in 1 ns, so in 2 ns it travels about 0.60 m.
Q.23: In the reaction A + B2 → AB2, identify the limiting reagent (if any) in the following mixtures:
(i) 300 atoms of A + 200 molecules of B2
(ii) 2 mol A + 3 mol B2
(iii) 100 atoms of A + 100 molecules of B2
(iv) 5 mol A + 2.5 mol B2
(v) 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B2
Answer
✅ (i) B2 is the limiting reagent
✅ (ii) A is the limiting reagent
✅ (iii) No limiting reagent (both are completely consumed)
✅ (iv) B2 is the limiting reagent
✅ (v) A is the limiting reagent
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Understand the reaction: A + B2 → AB2
This means:
✅ 1 atom (or 1 mol) of A requires 1 molecule (or 1 mol) of B2.
So ratio: A : B2 = 1 : 1
________________________________________

Step 2: Rule
👉 If A is less ⇒ A is limiting
👉 If B2 is less ⇒ B2 is limiting
👉 If both are equal ⇒ no limiting reagent
________________________________________

(i) 300 atoms A + 200 molecules B2
Need 300 B2, available only 200 B2
B2 is limiting (100 atoms A remain)
________________________________________

(ii) 2 mol A + 3 mol B2
Need 2 mol B2, available 3 mol B2
A is limiting (1 mol B2 remains)
________________________________________

(iii) 100 atoms A + 100 molecules B2
Required and available are equal
No limiting reagent
________________________________________

(iv) 5 mol A + 2.5 mol B2
Need 5 mol B2, available 2.5 mol B2
B2 is limiting (2.5 mol A remains)
________________________________________

(v) 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B2
Need 2.5 mol B2, available 5 mol B2
A is limiting (2.5 mol B2 remains)
________________________________________

Quick Trick
👉 Since ratio is 1:1, whichever is smaller is the limiting reagent.
Did You Know?
👉 The limiting reagent is always the one that gets consumed first and decides the maximum amount of product formed.
Q.24: Dinitrogen and dihydrogen react to form ammonia according to:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) → 2NH3(g)
(i) Calculate the mass of NH3 produced if 2.00 × 103 g N2 reacts with 1.00 × 103 g H2.
(ii) Will any reactant remain unreacted?
(iii) If yes, which one and what mass?
Answer
✅ (i) Mass of ammonia (NH3) formed = 2.43 × 103 g (≈ 2428.57 g)
✅ (ii) Yes, one reactant remains unreacted.
✅ (iii) H2 remains unreacted; remaining mass = 571.43 g (≈ 571.4 g)
Explanation – Step by Step
Balanced equation: N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

Molar masses:
N2 = 28 g mol−1
H2 = 2 g mol−1
NH3 = 17 g mol−1

From stoichiometry:
28 g N2 reacts with 6 g H2 to form 34 g NH3.

Step 1: H2 required for 2.00 × 103 g N2
H2 required = (6/28) × 2.00 × 103
= 428.57 g

Available H2 = 1.00 × 103 g = 1000 g (excess)
✅ So N2 is limiting, H2 is excess.

Step 2: NH3 formed from 2.00 × 103 g N2
NH3 formed = (34/28) × 2.00 × 103
= 2428.57 g2.43 × 103 g

Step 3: Unreacted H2
H2 consumed = 428.57 g
H2 left = 1000 − 428.57 = 571.43 g
Did You Know?
👉 Even if one reactant is in large excess, product amount is always controlled by the limiting reagent.
Q.25: How are 0.50 mol Na2CO3 and 0.50 M Na2CO3 different?
Answer
✅ 0.50 mol Na2CO3 is the amount of substance; it does not include volume by itself.
✅ 0.50 M Na2CO3 is the molar concentration, i.e., 0.50 mol per litre of solution.
Explanation – Step by Step
👉 Mole (mol): tells only “how much substance is present.”
Example: 0.50 mol Na2CO3 can be dissolved in 100 mL, 500 mL, or 2 L. Moles remain 0.50.

👉 Molarity (M): tells “moles per litre of solution.”
0.50 M means:
🤔 1 L solution contains 0.50 mol Na2CO3
🤔 2 L solution contains 1.00 mol Na2CO3
Did You Know?
👉 Molarity depends on solution volume, so it can change with temperature. Molality does not depend on volume, so it is temperature-independent.
Q.26: If 10 volumes of dihydrogen gas react with 5 volumes of dioxygen gas, how many volumes of water vapour are produced?
Answer
10 volumes of water vapour (H2O) are produced.
Explanation – Step by Step
Reaction:
2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(g)

By Gay-Lussac’s law of combining volumes (at same T and P), gaseous volumes combine in the ratio of coefficients.

Volume ratio from equation:
H2 : O2 : H2O = 2 : 1 : 2

Given:
H2 = 10 volumes, O2 = 5 volumes
10 : 5 = 2 : 1 ✅ exact stoichiometric ratio

So both react completely.
Since 2 volumes H2 give 2 volumes H2O,
10 volumes H2 will give 10 volumes H2O.
Did You Know?
👉 For gaseous reactions at the same temperature and pressure, you can solve many questions directly using coefficient ratios, without converting to masses.
Q.27: Convert the following into basic (SI) units:
(i) 28.7 pm
(ii) 15.15 pm
(iii) 25365 mg
Answer
✅ (i) 28.7 pm = 2.87 × 10-11 m
✅ (ii) 15.15 pm = 1.515 × 10-11 m
✅ (iii) 25365 mg = 2.5365 × 10-2 kg
Explanation – Step by Step
(i) 28.7 pm to m
1 pm = 10-12 m
28.7 pm = 28.7 × 10-12 m = 2.87 × 10-11 m

(ii) 15.15 pm to m
15.15 pm = 15.15 × 10-12 m = 1.515 × 10-11 m

(iii) 25365 mg to kg
1 mg = 10-6 kg
25365 mg = 25365 × 10-6 kg = 2.5365 × 10-2 kg
Did You Know?
👉 pico (p) = 10-12, milli (m) = 10-3.
👉 For mass conversions, a safe chain is: mg → g → kg.
Q.28: Which one of the following will have the largest number of atoms?
(i) 1 g Au (s)
(ii) 1 g Na (s)
(iii) 1 g Li (s)
(iv) 1 g of Cl2(g)
Answer
✅ (iii) 1 g Li (s) has the largest number of atoms.
Explanation – Step by Step
📌 Number of atoms ∝ (moles × atoms per particle)
📌 Moles = mass / molar mass

Since each option has the same mass (1 g), the one with the lowest effective molar mass gives more particles. Also, if a molecule contains 2 atoms, total atoms increase accordingly.

(i) 1 g Au
Molar mass of Au ≈ 197 g mol−1
Moles of atoms = 1/197 mol

(ii) 1 g Na
Molar mass of Na ≈ 23 g mol−1
Moles of atoms = 1/23 mol

(iii) 1 g Li
Molar mass of Li ≈ 6.94 g mol−1
Moles of atoms = 1/6.94 mol (highest among these)

(iv) 1 g Cl2
Molar mass of Cl2 ≈ 71 g mol−1
Moles of molecules = 1/71 mol
Each molecule has 2 atoms, so moles of atoms = 2 × (1/71) = 2/71 mol

Comparison (in moles of atoms):
• Li: 1/6.94 ≈ 0.144
• Na: 1/23 ≈ 0.0435
• Au: 1/197 ≈ 0.0051
• Cl2: 2/71 ≈ 0.0282

✅ The highest value is for Li, so 1 g Li contains the maximum number of atoms.
Note: For Cl2, the factor of 2 is included because the question asks for number of atoms, not molecules.
Did You Know?
👉 For the same mass (1 g), a lighter element usually has more particles, so it often has more atoms.
Q.29: Calculate the molarity of an aqueous solution of ethanol (C2H5OH) in which the mole fraction of ethanol is 0.040. (Assume the density of water is 1 g mL−1.)
Answer
✅ Molarity of ethanol solution = 2.314 mol L-1 (approximately 2.31 M)
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Formula for mole fraction
Mole fraction = moles of component / total moles

For ethanol:
0.040 = (moles of C2H5OH) / (moles of C2H5OH + moles of H2O)

Let moles of ethanol = n
Then:
0.040 = n / (n + n(H2O)) ……(i)

Step 2: Calculate moles of water in 1 L
Density of water = 1 g mL−1
So, mass of 1 L water = 1000 g
Molar mass of water = 18 g mol−1

n(H2O) = 1000 / 18 = 55.55 mol

Substitute in (i):
0.040 = n / (n + 55.55)

Step 3: Solve for n (moles of ethanol)
0.040(n + 55.55) = n
0.040n + 2.222 = n
n − 0.040n = 2.222
0.960n = 2.222
n = 2.222 / 0.960 = 2.314 mol

Step 4: Molarity
Molarity = moles of solute / volume of solution in L
Molarity = 2.314 mol / 1 L = 2.314 mol L-1
Did You Know?
👉 When mole fraction is given, a practical approach is to assume a convenient basis (like 1 L solvent or 1000 g solvent), then convert to moles and calculate concentration.
Q.30: What is the mass of one 12C atom in grams (g)?
Answer
✅ Mass of one 12C atom ≈ 1.99 × 10−23 g
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Known fact
Molar mass of 12C = 12 g mol−1
This means:
6.022 × 1023 atoms of 12C have a mass of 12 g.

Step 2: Mass of one atom (unitary method)
Mass (g) Number of atoms
12 6.022×1023
x 1
So,
x = 12 / (6.022×1023) g
x ≈ 1.99 × 10−23 g
Did You Know?
👉 Atomic masses are often expressed in atomic mass unit (u). By definition, 12C has a mass of exactly 12 u.
Q.31: How many significant figures should be present in the answers of the following calculations?
(i) (0.02856 × 298.15 × 0.112) / 0.5785
(ii) 5 × 5.364
(iii) 0.0125 + 0.7864 + 0.0215
Answer
✅ (i) 3 significant figures
✅ (ii) 4 significant figures (as typically treated in this textbook pattern)
✅ (iii) 4 decimal places in the final answer
Explanation – Step by Step
(i) (0.02856 × 298.15 × 0.112) / 0.5785
This is multiplication/division.
Rule: final answer should have as many significant figures as the term with the least significant figures.

Number Significant figures
0.02856 4
298.15 5
0.112 3
0.5785 4
Least = 3
✅ Final answer should have 3 significant figures.

(ii) 5 × 5.364
For this textbook-style question, 5 is generally treated as an exact counting factor, so it does not limit significant figures.
5.364 has 4 significant figures.
✅ Final answer: 4 significant figures.

(iii) 0.0125 + 0.7864 + 0.0215
This is addition.
Rule: final answer should have the same number of decimal places as the term with the least decimal places.

All terms have 4 decimal places.
✅ Final answer should be reported to 4 decimal places.
Did You Know?
👉 Multiplication/division uses significant figures, while addition/subtraction uses decimal places for rounding.
Q.32: Use the following isotopic data to calculate the molar mass of naturally occurring argon (Ar):
Isotope Isotopic molar mass (g mol−1) Abundance (%)
36Ar 35.96755 0.337
38Ar 37.96272 0.063
40Ar 39.9624 99.600
Answer
✅ Average molar mass of naturally occurring argon ≈ 39.948 g mol−1
Explanation – Step by Step
Formula:
Average molar mass = [Σ (abundance % × isotopic molar mass)] / 100

Substitute values:
M = [(0.337×35.96755) + (0.063×37.96272) + (99.600×39.9624)] / 100

Product terms:
0.337 × 35.96755 = 12.120 (approx)
0.063 × 37.96272 = 2.392 (approx)
99.600 × 39.9624 = 3980.255 (approx)

Sum = 12.120 + 2.392 + 3980.255 = 3994.767 (approx)

Divide by 100:
M = 3994.767 / 100 = 39.94767 g mol−1

✅ Therefore, molar mass of natural argon ≈ 39.948 g mol−1.
Did You Know?
👉 Since 40Ar has 99.600% abundance, the average atomic/molar mass of argon is very close to 40.
Q.33: Calculate the number of atoms in each of the following:
(i) 52 moles of Ar
(ii) 52 u of He
(iii) 52 g of He
Answer
✅ (i) Number of atoms in 52 mol Ar = 3.13144 × 1025
✅ (ii) Number of atoms in 52 u He = 13 atoms
✅ (iii) Number of atoms in 52 g He = 7.8286 × 1024
Explanation – Step by Step
(i) 52 moles of Ar
1 mole contains Avogadro number of atoms:
NA = 6.022 × 1023 atoms mol−1
So, atoms in 52 mol = 52 × 6.022 × 1023
= 3.13144 × 1025 atoms

(ii) 52 u of He
Atomic mass of He = 4 u per atom
Number of He atoms = 52 u ÷ 4 u = 13
✅ Therefore, 13 atoms

(iii) 52 g of He
Molar mass of He = 4 g mol−1
Moles of He = 52 ÷ 4 = 13 mol
Number of atoms = 13 × 6.022 × 1023
= 7.8286 × 1024 atoms
Did You Know?
👉 “u” (atomic mass unit) is used for mass of a single atom, while “mole” is used for counting a huge number of particles.
Q.34: A welding fuel gas contains carbon and hydrogen only. Burning a small sample of it in oxygen gives 3.38 g carbon dioxide, 0.690 g of water and no other products. A volume of 10.0 L (measured at STP) of this welding gas is found to weigh 11.6 g. Calculate (i) empirical formula, (ii) molar mass of the gas, and (iii) molecular formula.
Answer
✅ (i) Empirical formula = CH
✅ (ii) Molar mass ≈ 26 g mol−1
✅ (iii) Molecular formula = C₂H₂
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Calculate mass of carbon (C) from CO₂
Fraction of C in CO₂ = 12/44
Mass of C = (12/44) × 3.38 g = 0.9218 g

Step 2: Calculate mass of hydrogen (H) from H₂O
Fraction of H in H₂O = 2/18
Mass of H = (2/18) × 0.690 g = 0.0767 g

Since the fuel gas contains only C and H,
Total mass = 0.9218 + 0.0767 = 0.9985 g

(i) Calculation of Empirical Formula
Now calculate moles:
Moles of C = 0.9218/12 = 0.07682 mol
Moles of H = 0.0767/1 = 0.07670 mol

Simplest ratio:
C : H = 0.07682 : 0.07670 ≈ 1 : 1
✅ Therefore, empirical formula = CH


(ii) Molar Mass of the gas
At STP, 22.4 L gas = 1 mole
Given: mass of 10.0 L = 11.6 g
So, mass of 22.4 L:
(11.6/10.0) × 22.4 = 25.984 g

✅ Molar mass ≈ 26 g mol−1 (approximately)


(iii) Molecular Formula
Empirical formula mass of CH = 12 + 1 = 13 g mol−1

n = (Molar mass) / (Empirical formula mass)
n = 26/13 = 2

Molecular formula = (CH) × 2 = C₂H₂
Did You Know?
👉 Gases containing only carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons.
👉 C₂H₂ is called acetylene and is widely used in welding.
Q.35: CaCO3 reacts with aqueous HCl according to the following reaction to form CaCl2 and CO2:
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

What amount of CaCO3 is required to react completely with 25 mL of 0.75 M HCl?
Answer
✅ Required mass of CaCO3 = 0.938 g (approximately)
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Calculate the amount of HCl in 25 mL of 0.75 M HCl

0.75 M HCl means that 1 liter (1000 mL) of solution contains 0.75 mol of HCl.

We know:
mass = moles × molar mass

Amount of HCl in 1000 mL:
= 0.75 mol × 36.5 g/mol = 27.37 g

Now, amount of HCl in 25 mL solution (Unitary method):
Volume (in mL) Amount (in g)
1000 27.37
25 x
On solving for x:
x = (27.37 g × 25 mL) ÷ 1000 mL
x = 0.6845 g

Step 2: Stoichiometric ratio from the reaction
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

2 mol HCl (73 g) reacts with 1 mol CaCO3 (100 g).

Step 3: Calculate mass of CaCO3
For 73 g HCl, CaCO3 required = 100 g
For 0.6845 g HCl, CaCO3 required = (100/73) × 0.6845
= 0.938 g (approximately)

✅ Therefore, the mass of CaCO3 required to react completely with 25 mL of 0.75 M HCl is 0.938 g.
Did You Know?
👉 In these questions, the easiest method is: first find moles using molarity, then use the balanced equation ratio to get moles of the required substance, and finally convert to mass.
Q.36: Chlorine is prepared in the laboratory by treating manganese dioxide (MnO₂) with aqueous hydrochloric acid according to the reaction:
4HCl(aq) + MnO₂(s) → 2H₂O(l) + MnCl₂(aq) + Cl₂(g)

How many grams of HCl react with 5.0 g of manganese dioxide (MnO₂)?
Answer
✅ Mass of HCl required = 8.4 g (calculated value = 8.39 g)
Explanation – Step by Step
Step 1: Find molar masses

Molar mass of HCl = (1 + 35.5) = 36.5 g mol-1
So, mass of 4 mol HCl = 4 × 36.5 = 146 g

Molar mass of MnO₂ = 55 + (2 × 16) = 55 + 32 = 87 g mol-1
So, mass of 1 mol MnO₂ = 87 g

Step 2: Use stoichiometric ratio from balanced equation
4HCl + MnO₂ → ...
Therefore, 1 mol MnO₂ reacts with 4 mol HCl

Hence, by mass:
87 g MnO₂ reacts with 146 g HCl

Step 3: Apply unitary method for 5.0 g MnO₂
MnO₂ (g) HCl (g)
87 146
5.0 x
x = (146 × 5.0) / 87
x = 8.39 g

Reporting with correct significant figures (from 5.0 g):
HCl required = 8.4 g
Did You Know?
👉 In stoichiometry, always start with a balanced equation, then use mole ratio, and finally convert to mass.
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