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Chapter 2 · Class 10 Science

Carbon and Its Compounds — Important Questions

46 questions With answers CBSE format

SUMMARY: This chapter explores the versatile nature of carbon, its compounds, and their significance in daily life.
KEY TOPICS: Covalent bonding, hydrocarbons, homologous series, functional groups, nomenclature of carbon compounds, chemical properties of carbon compounds, ethanol, ethanoic acid, soaps and detergents.

Q1 1 Mark

What type of bond is primarily formed between carbon atoms in organic compounds?

AIonic bond
BCovalent bond
CMetallic bond
DHydrogen bond
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Covalent bond
Q2 1 Mark

Which of the following is an example of a hydrocarbon?

AEthanol
BEthanoic acid
CMethane
DSodium acetate
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Methane
Q3 1 Mark

What is the functional group present in alcohols?

ACarboxyl group
BHydroxyl group
CAmino group
DCarbonyl group
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Hydroxyl group
Q4 1 Mark

Ethanol can be classified as which type of compound?

AAldehyde
BAlcohol
CKetone
DCarboxylic acid
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Alcohol
Q5 1 Mark

Which of the following compounds is known as acetic acid?

AEthanol
BEthanoic acid
CButanoic acid
DPropanoic acid
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Ethanoic acid
Q6 1 Mark

What is the general formula for alkanes?

AC_nH_(2n)
BC_nH_(2n+2)
CC_nH_(2n-2)
DC_nH_(2n+1)OH
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Correct answer: Option 2 — C_nH_(2n+2)
Q7 1 Mark

Which of the following is a characteristic property of carbon compounds?

AHigh melting and boiling points
BInsolubility in water
CGood electrical conductivity
DFormation of ionic bonds
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Insolubility in water
Q8 1 Mark

What is the IUPAC name for the compound CH3COOH?

AMethanoic acid
BEthanol
CEthanoic acid
DPropanoic acid
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Ethanoic acid
Q9 1 Mark

Which of the following statements about homologous series is true?

AThey have different functional groups.
BThey have the same general formula.
CThey differ by two carbon atoms.
DThey have identical physical properties.
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Correct answer: Option 2 — They have the same general formula.
Q10 1 Mark

Which of the following is a property of soaps?

AThey are insoluble in water.
BThey can emulsify oils and fats.
CThey are acidic in nature.
DThey are made from synthetic materials only.
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Correct answer: Option 2 — They can emulsify oils and fats.
Q11 1 Mark

What type of reaction occurs when ethanol is oxidized to form ethanoic acid?

AReduction
BDehydration
CHydrolysis
DOxidation
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Correct answer: Option 4 — Oxidation
Q12 1 Mark

Which of the following compounds is used as a solvent in the preparation of perfumes?

AEthanol
BEthanoic acid
CMethane
DButane
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Correct answer: Option 1 — Ethanol
Q13 1 Mark

What is the main difference between soaps and detergents?

ASoaps are made from synthetic materials.
BDetergents can work in hard water.
CSoaps are more effective than detergents.
DDetergents are biodegradable.
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Detergents can work in hard water.
Q14 1 Mark

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of carbon compounds?

AThey can form long chains.
BThey can form rings.
CThey are all gaseous at room temperature.
DThey can exhibit isomerism.
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Correct answer: Option 3 — They are all gaseous at room temperature.
Q15 3 Marks

What is a homologous series in the context of carbon compounds?

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A homologous series is a group of organic compounds that have the same functional group and similar chemical properties, but differ by a CH2 unit in their molecular formula. For example, the alkanes form a homologous series with the general formula CnH2n+2.
Q16 3 Marks

Explain the significance of functional groups in carbon compounds.

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Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties and reactivity of carbon compounds, such as alcohols and acids.
Q17 3 Marks

What is the IUPAC name for the compound with the formula C3H8?

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The IUPAC name for the compound with the formula C3H8 is propane. It is an alkane with three carbon atoms.
Q18 3 Marks

Describe the chemical properties of ethanol.

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Ethanol (C2H5OH) can undergo combustion to produce carbon dioxide and water. It also reacts with sodium to produce sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas, and can undergo dehydration to form ethene.
Q19 3 Marks

How is ethanoic acid produced and what are its uses?

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Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is produced through the fermentation of sugars or by the oxidation of ethanol. It is commonly used as a preservative, in food production, and in the manufacture of vinegar.
Q20 3 Marks

What is the role of soaps in cleaning?

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Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids that act as surfactants. They help to emulsify oils and grease, allowing them to be washed away with water, thus aiding in cleaning.
Q21 3 Marks

Differentiate between soaps and detergents.

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Soaps are made from natural fats and oils, while detergents are synthetic surfactants. Detergents are more effective in hard water and can work in a wider range of temperatures compared to soaps.
Q22 3 Marks

What is the general formula for alkenes and how do they differ from alkanes?

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The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n, which indicates that they contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. In contrast, alkanes follow the formula CnH2n+2 and contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.
Q23 3 Marks

Explain the process of saponification.

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Saponification is the chemical reaction between a fat or oil and a strong base, typically sodium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of soap and glycerol. This process is essential in soap-making.
Q24 3 Marks

What are isomers? Provide an example related to carbon compounds.

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Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. An example is butane (C4H10), which has two isomers: n-butane and isobutane.
Q25 6 Marks

Explain the concept of covalent bonding in carbon compounds and how it contributes to the versatility of carbon. Provide examples of different types of covalent bonds formed by carbon.

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Covalent bonding in carbon compounds occurs when carbon atoms share electrons with other atoms, allowing for the formation of stable molecules. Carbon has four valence electrons, enabling it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms, including other carbon atoms. This ability to bond with itself leads to the formation of long chains and complex structures, such as hydrocarbons. For example, in methane (CH4), carbon forms four single covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms, while in ethylene (C2H4), it forms a double bond between two carbon atoms. This versatility allows carbon to form a wide variety of compounds, including simple hydrocarbons and complex organic molecules.
Q26 6 Marks

Define hydrocarbons and classify them into different types. Provide examples for each type and discuss their significance in daily life.

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Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into two main types: aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. Aliphatic hydrocarbons are further divided into alkanes (e.g., methane, ethane), alkenes (e.g., ethylene, propylene), and alkynes (e.g., acetylene). Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, contain a ring structure with delocalized pi electrons. Hydrocarbons are significant in daily life as they are the primary components of fuels, such as gasoline and natural gas, and are also used in the production of plastics, solvents, and various chemicals.
Q27 6 Marks

What is a homologous series? Describe its characteristics and provide an example using alkanes.

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A homologous series is a group of organic compounds that share a common functional group and exhibit a gradual change in physical properties as the molecular size increases. The members of a homologous series differ from each other by a constant unit, typically a -CH2- group. For example, the alkane series (C_nH_(2n+2)) includes methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10). Each successive member has one additional carbon atom and two additional hydrogen atoms compared to the previous one. Characteristics of a homologous series include similar chemical properties and a gradual increase in boiling and melting points due to increased molecular weight.
Q28 6 Marks

Discuss the importance of functional groups in organic chemistry. Provide examples of common functional groups found in carbon compounds.

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Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They play a crucial role in determining the properties and reactivity of organic compounds. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH) in alcohols, carboxyl (-COOH) in carboxylic acids, and amino (-NH2) in amines. For instance, ethanol (C2H5OH) contains a hydroxyl group, making it an alcohol, while ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) contains a carboxyl group, classifying it as a carboxylic acid. The presence of functional groups allows chemists to predict how a compound will behave in chemical reactions and to design new compounds with desired properties.
Q29 6 Marks

Explain the nomenclature of carbon compounds according to the IUPAC system. Provide examples for different types of carbon compounds.

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The nomenclature of carbon compounds follows the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) guidelines, which provide a systematic way to name organic compounds based on their structure. The name typically consists of a prefix indicating the number of carbon atoms, a suffix indicating the functional group, and sometimes infixes to denote the type of bonds. For example, the alkane with three carbon atoms is named propane (C3H8), while the alcohol with two carbon atoms is named ethanol (C2H5OH). The IUPAC system ensures that each compound has a unique name that reflects its molecular structure, making communication in the scientific community more efficient.
Q30 6 Marks

Describe the chemical properties of carbon compounds. Discuss how these properties vary among different classes of compounds, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alcohols.

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The chemical properties of carbon compounds vary significantly among different classes. Alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons, generally undergo substitution reactions, such as halogenation, due to their single bonds. Alkenes, being unsaturated, are more reactive and can participate in addition reactions, such as hydrogenation and halogenation, due to the presence of double bonds. Alcohols, containing hydroxyl groups, can undergo dehydration to form alkenes and oxidation to form aldehydes or ketones. These variations in chemical properties are largely due to the presence and type of functional groups, as well as the saturation of the carbon chain, influencing the reactivity and types of reactions that carbon compounds can undergo.
Q31 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Carbon forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms.

Reason (R): Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q32 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Ethanol is an example of a hydrocarbon.

Reason (R): Hydrocarbons are compounds made only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — A is true, but R is false.
Q33 1 Mark

Assertion (A): The functional group in ethanoic acid is -COOH.

Reason (R): Functional groups determine the chemical properties of organic compounds.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q34 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Soaps are effective in hard water due to their ionic nature.

Reason (R): Soaps form insoluble salts with calcium and magnesium ions in hard water.

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Correct answer: Option 4 — A is false, but R is true.
Q35 1 Mark

Assertion (A): The homologous series of alkanes has a general formula of CnH2n+2.

Reason (R): Each successive compound in the series differs by a CH2 unit.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q36 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Ethanol can be used as a fuel.

Reason (R): Ethanol burns to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q37 1 Mark

Assertion (A): The process of saponification produces alcohol and glycerol.

Reason (R): Saponification is the hydrolysis of fats in the presence of a base.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — A is true, but R is false.
Q38 1 Mark

Assertion (A): All carbon compounds are organic in nature.

Reason (R): Organic compounds contain carbon and are derived from living organisms.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — A is true, but R is false.
Q39 1 Mark

Statement 1: Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Statement 2: Hydrocarbons are compounds that contain only carbon and oxygen atoms.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.
Q40 1 Mark

Statement 1: Ethanol is a type of alcohol that can be used as a solvent.

Statement 2: Ethanoic acid is commonly known as vinegar and has a pungent smell.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q41 1 Mark

Statement 1: The homologous series of hydrocarbons have the same functional group and similar chemical properties.

Statement 2: Soaps are made from long-chain fatty acids and are effective in hard water.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q42 1 Mark

Statement 1: The functional group of alcohols is -OH.

Statement 2: Detergents are less effective than soaps in hard water.

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Correct answer: Option 4 — Both statements are false.
Q43 1 Mark

Statement 1: Covalent bonding occurs primarily between metals.

Statement 2: Hydrocarbons can be classified as saturated and unsaturated based on their bonding.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.
Q44 1 Mark

Statement 1: Ethanol can be produced through fermentation of sugars.

Statement 2: Ethanoic acid is a strong acid that completely dissociates in water.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — Only Statement 2 is true.
Q45 1 Mark

Statement 1: Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids.

Statement 2: The molecular formula of a compound does not provide information about its structure.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.
Q46 1 Mark

Statement 1: The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2.

Statement 2: Homologous series differ by a constant -CH2- unit.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.

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