Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry

1. Differentiate
a) Compound and mixture Answer: A compound is a pure substance formed by the
chemical combination of two or more elements in a fixed ratio by mass, and it exhibits
properties different from its constituent elements (e.g., water, H₂O). It cannot be separated
into its components by physical methods and has a definite composition. A mixture, on the
other hand, is formed by the physical combination of two or more substances in any ratio,
retaining the properties of its components (e.g., air). It can be separated by physical methods
and has variable composition.
b) Homogeneous and heterogeneous mixture Answer: A homogeneous mixture has
uniform composition throughout, with no visible boundaries between components (e.g., salt
solution in water), and its properties are the same in all parts. A heterogeneous mixture has
non-uniform composition, with visible boundaries between components (e.g., sand in water),
and its properties vary from one part to another.
2. State a) Law of conservation of mass Answer: The law of conservation of mass, proposed
by Antoine Lavoisier, states that in a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants is
equal to the total mass of the products. Matter can neither be created nor destroyed in a
chemical process. For example, in the reaction 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, the mass before and
after remains the same.
b) Law of constant composition Answer: The law of constant (or definite) proportions,
proposed by Joseph Proust, states that a given compound always contains the same elements
combined in the same fixed ratio by mass, irrespective of the source or method of
preparation. For example, water always has hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio 1:8 by mass.
c) Law of multiple proportion Answer: The law of multiple proportions, proposed by John
Dalton, states that when two elements combine to form more than one compound, the
masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in the ratio of
small whole numbers. For example, in CO and CO₂, the masses of oxygen combining with
12 g of carbon are 16 g and 32 g, respectively, in the ratio 1:2.
3. State postulates of Dalton's atomic theory Answer: John Dalton's atomic theory (1808)
includes the following postulates:
• All matter is composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.
• Atoms of the same element are identical in mass, size, and properties, while atoms of
different elements differ.
• Atoms cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions.
• Atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms.
4. Define mole Answer: A mole is defined as the amount of substance that contains as many
elementary entities (atoms, molecules, ions, etc.) as there are atoms in exactly 12 grams of
carbon-12 isotope. It is equal to 6.022 × 10²³ particles, known as Avogadro's number (N_A).
The mole represents a bridge between the microscopic (atomic) and macroscopic
(measurable) scales in chemistry.
5. Calculate number of molecules present in 22 g of CO₂
Answer: Molar mass of CO₂ = 12 + 2×16 = 44 g/mol. Number of moles in 22 g of CO₂ =
mass / molar mass = 22 / 44 = 0.5 mol. Number of molecules = number of moles ×
Avogadro's number = 0.5 × 6.022 × 10²³ = 3.011 × 10²³ molecules.
Explanation: First, determine the molar mass by adding atomic masses (C=12, O=16).
Then, use the formula for moles (n = m/M). Finally, multiply by N_A for the number of
molecules, ensuring unit consistency.
6. Calculate the percentage of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in ethanol
Answer: Ethanol's molecular formula is C₂H₅OH (or C₂H₆O). Molar mass = 2×12 + 6×1 +
16 = 46 g/mol.
• Percentage of carbon = (mass of C / molar mass) × 100 = (24 / 46) × 100 ≈ 52.17%.
• Percentage of hydrogen = (6 / 46) × 100 ≈ 13.04%.
• Percentage of oxygen = (16 / 46) × 100 ≈ 34.78%.
Explanation: Identify the formula and calculate molar mass. For each element,
divide its total atomic mass in the molecule by the molar mass, then multiply by 100
for percentage composition.
7. Define molality, molarity. Which of the two is temperature dependent. Why
Answer: Molarity (M) is defined as the number of moles of solute dissolved per liter (dm³)
of solution. Molality (m) is defined as the number of moles of solute dissolved per kilogram
of solvent. Molarity is temperature dependent because it involves volume of the solution,
which changes with temperature due to expansion or contraction. Molality is temperature
independent as it depends on mass of the solvent, which remains constant with temperature
changes.
8. What is limiting reagent
Answer: The limiting reagent is the reactant in a chemical reaction that is completely
consumed first, thereby limiting the amount of product formed. It determines the maximum
yield of the reaction, while the other reactants are in excess. To identify it, compare the mole
ratios of reactants with the stoichiometric coefficients in the balanced equation.
9. Express following number in scientific notation
• 232.508 Answer: 2.32508 × 10².
• 0.0048 Answer: 4.8 × 10⁻³.
Explanation: In scientific notation, express as a × 10^b where 1 ≤ |a| < 10. For
232.508, move the decimal two places left (10²). For 0.0048, move it three places
right (10⁻³).
10.An organic compound contains 40% carbon 6.66% Hydrogen and rest oxygen, molar
mass is 180 g/mol. Find the empirical and molecular formula
Answer: Percentage of oxygen = 100 - 40 - 6.66 = 53.34%. Assume 100 g sample: C = 40 g,
H = 6.66 g, O = 53.34 g. Moles: C = 40/12 ≈ 3.33, H = 6.66/1 ≈ 6.66, O = 53.34/16 ≈ 3.33.
Ratio: Divide by 3.33 → C:H:O = 1:2:1. Empirical formula = CH₂O (empirical mass = 30
g/mol). n = molar mass / empirical mass = 180/30 = 6. Molecular formula = (CH₂O)₆ =
C₆H₁₂O₆.
 Explanation: Calculate moles by dividing mass by atomic mass. Find simplest ratio by
dividing by smallest moles. Multiply by n (molar/empirical mass) for molecular formula.
11.Calculate the molarity of NaOH in the solution prepared by dissolving 4 g in water to
form 250 ml of solution
Answer: Molar mass of NaOH = 23 + 16 + 1 = 40 g/mol. Moles of NaOH = 4 / 40 = 0.1
mol. Volume of solution = 250 ml = 0.25 L. Molarity (M) = moles / volume (L) = 0.1 / 0.25
= 0.4 M.
Explanation: Compute moles (mass/molar mass). Convert volume to liters. Apply M = n/V
formula.
12.What volume of oxygen at STP is required for the complete combustion of 200 cc of
acetylene and what would be the volume of carbon dioxide formed.
Answer: Balanced equation: 2C₂H₂ + 5O₂ → 4CO₂ + 2H₂O. At STP, volumes are
proportional to moles (Avogadro's law). For 2 volumes C₂H₂, 5 volumes O₂ are needed,
and 4 volumes CO₂ are produced. For 200 cc C₂H₂ (1 volume equivalent = 100 cc), O₂
required = (5/2) × 200 = 500 cc. CO₂ formed = (4/2) × 200 = 400 cc.
Explanation: Balance the combustion equation. Use stoichiometric ratios for volumes at
STP, as 1 mole gas = 22.4 L, but ratios simplify for same conditions.
13.State postulates of Dalton's atomic theory
Answer: (Same as question 3) John Dalton's atomic theory (1808) includes the following
postulates:
• All matter is composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.
• Atoms of the same element are identical in mass, size, and properties, while atoms of
different elements differ.
• Atoms cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions.
• Atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms.
14.Convert 25°C in Fahrenheit
Answer: Fahrenheit (°F) = (25 × 9/5) + 32 = 45 + 32 = 77°F.
Explanation: Use the conversion formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. Multiply by 1.8, then add
32.