Hey, Class 10 students! Welcome to your go-to guide for Chapter 4: Carbon and Its Compounds from the NCERT Science book. This chapter is all about carbon—the superhero element that’s in everything from your pencil to your pizza! It’s a big deal in Class 10 Science, and we’ll break down the key questions and answers in a simple, fun way. Whether you’re studying for exams or just curious, let’s explore carbon together!
Why Is Carbon So Special?
Carbon is everywhere—it’s in fuels, food, clothes, and even you! Why? Because it can bond with itself and other elements in tons of ways, forming millions of compounds. This chapter dives into how carbon works and why it’s so cool. Let’s get started with the questions!
Key Questions and Answers from Chapter 4
Here are the most important questions from Carbon and Its Compounds with clear, easy answers:
Q1: What makes carbon unique?
Answer:
Carbon has two superpowers:
- Tetravalency: It has 4 valence electrons, so it can form 4 bonds with other atoms (including itself).
- Catenation: It can link with other carbon atoms to make long chains, rings, or branches.
Example: Methane (CH₄) is simple, but carbon can also form huge chains like in plastics!
Q2: What are covalent bonds? How does carbon form them?
Answer:
Covalent bonds happen when atoms share electrons instead of giving them away. Carbon forms covalent bonds because it doesn’t easily lose or gain 4 electrons—it shares them!
Example: In CH₄, carbon shares 1 electron with each of 4 hydrogens.
Fact: These bonds are strong, so carbon compounds are stable.
Q3: What are hydrocarbons? Name their types.
Answer:
Hydrocarbons are compounds made of only carbon and hydrogen. They’re split into two groups:
- Saturated: Single bonds between carbons (e.g., methane, CH₄; ethane, C₂H₆).
- Unsaturated: Double or triple bonds (e.g., ethene, C₂H₄; ethyne, C₂H₂).
Tip: Saturated = “full” of hydrogen; unsaturated = “room for more.”
Q4: What is the difference between alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes?
Answer:
- Alkanes: Single bonds, formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ (e.g., propane, C₃H₈).
- Alkenes: Double bonds, formula CₙH₂ₙ (e.g., propene, C₃H₆).
- Alkynes: Triple bonds, formula CₙH₂ₙ₋₂ (e.g., propyne, C₃H₄).
Memory Trick: “Alkane = single, Alkene = double, Alkyne = triple.”
Q5: What is a homologous series? Give an example.
Answer:
A homologous series is a family of compounds with the same general formula and similar properties, differing by a CH₂ unit.
Example: Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆), Propane (C₃H₈)—all alkanes, each adding CH₂.
Cool Part: Their boiling points increase as they get bigger!
Q6: What are functional groups? Name a few.
Answer:
Functional groups are special atoms or groups that give carbon compounds unique properties.
Examples:
- -OH (Alcohol): Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)—makes it a liquid you can drink (in small amounts!).
- -COOH (Carboxylic Acid): Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)—sour like vinegar.
- -CHO (Aldehyde): Formaldehyde (HCHO)—used in preservatives.
- -C=O (Ketone): Acetone (CH₃COCH₃)—nail polish remover.
Tip: Learn these—they’re key for naming compounds!
Q7: What is isomerism? Give an example.
Answer:
Isomerism is when compounds have the same molecular formula but different structures.
Example: Butane (C₄H₁₀) can be:
- Straight chain: CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃.
- Branched: CH₃-CH(CH₃)-CH₃ (isobutane).
Why?: Carbon’s catenation lets it arrange in different ways.
Q8: How do you name carbon compounds?
Answer:
Use IUPAC rules:
- Count the longest carbon chain (e.g., 3 carbons = “prop-”).
- Identify the type: “-ane” (single), “-ene” (double), “-yne” (triple).
- Add functional groups (e.g., “-ol” for alcohol).
Example: CH₃CH₂OH = Ethanol (2 carbons = “eth-,” alcohol = “-ol”).
Practice: Name CH₃CH=CH₂ (Propene!).
Q9: What happens when carbon compounds burn?
Answer:
They react with oxygen (combustion) to form CO₂ and H₂O.
Example: Methane + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water.
Equation: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.
- Complete combustion needs plenty of O₂; incomplete makes CO or soot.
Q10: What is the reaction of ethanol with sodium?
Answer:
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with sodium to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.
Equation: 2C₂H₅OH + 2Na → 2C₂H₅ONa + H₂.
- You’ll see bubbles of H₂—similar to metals with acids!
Q11: What is esterification? Write a reaction.
Answer:
Esterification is when an acid and alcohol react to form an ester and water.
Example: Acetic Acid + Ethanol → Ethyl Acetate + Water.
Equation: CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O.
- Esters smell sweet, like fruits!
Q12: What is saponification? Explain with an example.
Answer:
Saponification is the reverse—esters react with a base to make soap and alcohol.
Example: Ethyl Acetate + Sodium Hydroxide → Sodium Acetate + Ethanol.
Equation: CH₃COOC₂H₅ + NaOH → CH₃COONa + C₂H₅OH.
- Soap is made this way from fats!
Q13: What are the uses of ethanol and acetic acid?
Answer:
- Ethanol: In drinks (small amounts), fuels (bioethanol), sanitizers.
- Acetic Acid: In vinegar, food preservatives, making chemicals.
Fact: Ethanol’s in your hand sanitizer—kills germs!
Q14: Why does carbon form so many compounds?
Answer:
Thanks to:
- Tetravalency (4 bonds).
- Catenation (long chains/rings).
- Ability to bond with elements like H, O, N, S.
Example: From CH₄ to DNA—carbon does it all!
Q15: What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
Answer:
- Saturated Fats: Single bonds, solid at room temp (e.g., butter).
- Unsaturated Fats: Double bonds, liquid (e.g., olive oil).
Health Tip: Unsaturated fats are better for your heart!
Extra Questions from NCERT Exercises
- Why does ethanoic acid smell pungent?
Answer: It’s acetic acid (CH₃COOH)—the sour, sharp smell comes from its -COOH group. - What happens when ethene reacts with bromine water?
Answer: Ethene (C₂H₄) turns orange bromine water colorless by adding Br atoms.
Equation: C₂H₄ + Br₂ → C₂H₄Br₂. - Why is graphite a conductor but diamond isn’t?
Answer: Graphite has free electrons in its layers; diamond’s electrons are all bonded tight.
Tips to Ace Chapter 4
- Learn Structures: Draw CH₄, C₂H₅OH, etc.—practice makes perfect!
- Memorize Functional Groups: -OH, -COOH, etc.—they’re exam favorites.
- Practice Naming: Use IUPAC rules for 5-10 compounds daily.
- Understand Reactions: Combustion, esterification—write them out.
- Link to Life: Relate ethanol to sanitizer, acetic acid to vinegar.
Chapter 4: Carbon and Its Compounds is like a chemistry superpower—it’s in fuels, foods, and even your body! With these questions and answers, you’re ready to tackle your Class 10 exams with confidence. Keep practicing, stay curious, and you’ll ace it! Need more help? Drop a comment—I’m here for you. Happy studying, carbon champs!
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