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Unit 01 • Physical Chemistry

Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 1 notes, in-text examples, NCERT exercises (1.1 to 1.36), revision formula sheets, and chapter tests.

1.1 Development of Chemistry

Chemistry developed from the search for the Philosopher’s stone (Paras), which was believed to turn base metals into gold, and the elixir of life to grant immortality. In ancient India, chemistry was known as Rasayan Shastra, Rastantra, Ras Kriya, or Rasvidya.

Historical & Archaeological Findings

  • Harappa & Mohenjodaro: Baked clay bricks, pottery, gypsum cement, and glazed ornaments (faience).
  • Metallurgy: Extraction and casting of copper, bronze, lead, silver, and gold. Hardening of copper with tin and arsenic.
  • Glassware: Colored glass objects found at Maski (1000900 BCE), Hastinapur, and Taxila, colored using metal oxides.
  • Northern Black Polished Ware: High-temperature kiln-fired pottery with a durable black gloss finish.
  • Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Describes salt extraction from seawater.

Scholars & Treatises

  • Acharya Kanada (600 BCE): In the Vaiseshika Sutras, proposed that all matter consists of indivisible, indestructible particles called Paramāṇu.
  • Nagarjuna (Rasratnakar): Documented mercury preparations and extraction of gold, silver, tin, and copper.
  • Rsarnavam (c. 800 CE): Describes furnace construction, crucibles, and identifying metals by their flame colors.
  • Chakrapani: Discovered mercury sulphide ($HgS$) and soap preparation from mustard oil and alkalies.
  • Charaka Samhita & Sushruta Samhita: Describes metal reduction to Bhasmas (fine powders/nanoparticles) for medicinal use.
  • Varahamihira’s Brihat Samhita (6th century CE): Formulations for cements, perfumes (Gandhayukli), and dyes from indigo and iron.

1.2 Importance of Chemistry

Chemistry plays a vital role in daily life, agriculture, healthcare, and advanced materials:

  • Medicines: Cisplatin and Taxol (cancer therapy); AZT (Azidothymidine) (used for AIDS patients).
  • Materials: Synthetic fibres, polymers, conducting polymers, superconductors, optical fibres, and alloys.
  • Environment: Developing alternatives to ozone-depleting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and studying greenhouse gases ($CO_2, CH_4$).

1.3 Nature & Classification of Matter

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

  • Solid: Definite volume and definite shape. Particles are closely packed in an orderly arrangement with minimal freedom of movement.
  • Liquid: Definite volume, but no definite shape (takes the shape of the container). Particles are close together but can flow.
  • Gas: Neither definite volume nor definite shape. Particles are far apart and move freely.
Classification of Matter
MATTER MIXTURES PURE SUBSTANCES Homogeneous (Sugar solution, Air) Heterogeneous (Salt + Sugar, Pulses) Elements ($Na, Cu, O_2$) Compounds ($H_2O, CO_2$)
Pure Substances: Elements vs Compounds

An element contains only one type of particle (atoms or molecules like $O_2$). A compound contains two or more different elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio. The properties of a compound differ completely from those of its constituent elements (for example, hydrogen is combustible and oxygen supports combustion, but their compound water is a fire extinguisher).

1.4 Properties of Matter and Measurement

Physical properties can be measured without changing the chemical identity of the substance (mass, volume, melting point, density). Chemical properties require a chemical change (acidity, combustibility, reactivity).

The International System of Units (SI) uses 7 base units:

Base Quantity Symbol SI Unit Name Symbol 2019 Definition Standard
Length $l$ metre $m$ Speed of light $c = 299,792,458\text{ m s}^{-1}$
Mass $m$ kilogram $kg$ Planck constant $h = 6.62607015 \times 10^{-34}\text{ J s}$
Time $t$ second $s$ Caesium frequency $\Delta \nu_{Cs} = 9,192,631,770\text{ Hz}$
Electric current $I$ ampere $A$ Elementary charge $e = 1.602176634 \times 10^{-19}\text{ C}$
Thermodynamic temperature $T$ kelvin $K$ Boltzmann constant $k = 1.380649 \times 10^{-23}\text{ J K}^{-1}$
Amount of substance $n$ mole $mol$ Avogadro constant $N_A = 6.02214076 \times 10^{23}\text{ mol}^{-1}$
Luminous intensity $I_v$ candela $cd$ Luminous efficacy $K_{cd} = 683\text{ lm W}^{-1}$

Temperature Scales

$$^\circ\text{F} = \frac{9}{5}(^\circ\text{C}) + 32, \quad K = ^\circ\text{C} + 273.15$$

Note: $-40^\circ\text{C} = -40^\circ\text{F}$. Negative values are not possible on the Kelvin scale ($0\text{ K}$ is absolute zero).

Mass vs Weight & Density

Mass: Quantity of matter in a body (constant).
Weight: Force exerted by gravity ($W = mg$).
Density: $\frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$ (SI: $kg\text{ m}^{-3}$, common: $g\text{ cm}^{-3}$).

1.5 Uncertainty in Measurement & Significant Figures

Scientific Notation: Numbers are written as $N \times 10^n$, where $1 \le N < 10$ and $n$ is an integer.

Significant Figures Rules
  • All non-zero digits are significant ($285\text{ cm} \to 3$ sig figs).
  • Zeros preceding the first non-zero digit are not significant ($0.03\text{ g} \to 1$ sig fig; $0.0052 \to 2$ sig figs).
  • Zeros between non-zero digits are significant ($2.005\text{ g} \to 4$ sig figs).
  • Zeros at the end or right of a number are significant if after a decimal point ($0.200\text{ g} \to 3$ sig figs; $100. \to 3$ sig figs).
  • Exact counts have infinite significant figures ($20\text{ balls} = 20.000...$).

Precision vs Accuracy

Precision: Closeness of multiple measurements of the same quantity to each other.
Accuracy: Agreement of a particular value to the true value of the result.

Calculations & Rounding

Addition/Subtraction: Result cannot have more digits to the right of the decimal point than any of the original numbers ($12.11 + 18.0 + 1.012 = 31.1$).
Multiplication/Division: Result cannot have more significant figures than the measurement with the fewest significant figures ($2.5 \times 1.25 = 3.1$).

Dimensional Analysis (Factor Label Method)

Ex 1
A piece of metal is 3 inch long. What is its length in cm?
$1\text{ in} = 2.54\text{ cm}$.
$$3\text{ in} = 3\text{ in} \times \frac{2.54\text{ cm}}{1\text{ in}} = \mathbf{7.62\text{ cm}}$$
Ex 2
A jug contains 2 L of milk. Calculate the volume of the milk in m³.
$1\text{ L} = 1000\text{ cm}^3$ and $1\text{ m} = 100\text{ cm} \implies 1\text{ m}^3 = 10^6\text{ cm}^3$.
$$2\text{ L} = 2 \times 1000\text{ cm}^3 \times \frac{1\text{ m}^3}{10^6\text{ cm}^3} = \mathbf{2 \times 10^{-3}\text{ m}^3}$$
Ex 3
How many seconds are there in 2 days?
$$2\text{ days} = 2\text{ days} \times \frac{24\text{ h}}{1\text{ day}} \times \frac{60\text{ min}}{1\text{ h}} \times \frac{60\text{ s}}{1\text{ min}} = \mathbf{1.728 \times 10^5\text{ s}}$$

1.6 Laws of Chemical Combinations & Dalton's Atomic Theory

Law Proposed By Statement Example
Conservation of Mass Antoine Lavoisier (1789) Matter can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Combustion experiments showing mass of reactants = mass of products.
Definite Proportions Joseph Proust (1799) A given compound always contains exactly the same proportion of elements by weight. Natural and synthetic cupric carbonate both contain 51.35% Cu, 9.74% C, 38.91% O.
Multiple Proportions John Dalton (1803) If two elements can combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in small whole-number ratios. $H_2 + O_2 \to H_2O$ (16 g O) and $H_2O_2$ (32 g O). Ratio of O masses with 2 g H is $16:32 = 1:2$.
Gay Lussac's Law Gay Lussac (1808) Gases combine or are produced in a simple ratio by volume provided all gases are at the same temperature and pressure. $100\text{ mL } H_2 + 50\text{ mL } O_2 \to 100\text{ mL } H_2O\text{ vapour}$ (Ratio $2:1:2$).
Avogadro's Law Amedeo Avogadro (1811) Equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules. Distinguished between atoms and diatomic molecules ($H_2, O_2$).
Reciprocal (Equivalent) Proportions Jeremias Richter (1792) When two different elements combine separately with a fixed mass of a third element, the ratio in which they do so is either the same or a simple whole-number multiple of the ratio in which they combine with each other. $C$ combines with $H$ to form $CH_4$ ($12\text{ g C}:4\text{ g H}$ or $3:1$). $O$ combines with $H$ to form $H_2O$ ($16\text{ g O}:2\text{ g H}$ or $32\text{ g O}:4\text{ g H}$). Ratio of $C:O$ combining with fixed $4\text{ g H}$ is $12:32 = 3:8$. When $C$ and $O$ combine directly to form $CO_2$, the ratio is $12:32 = 3:8$ (ratio of ratios is $1:1$).

Dalton's Atomic Theory (1808)

  1. Matter consists of indivisible atoms.
  2. All atoms of a given element have identical mass and chemical properties. Atoms of different elements differ in mass.
  3. Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combine in fixed ratios.
  4. Chemical reactions involve reorganization of atoms. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

1.7 Atomic, Molecular & Formula Masses

Atomic mass is defined relative to the carbon-12 isotope ($^{12}C$), assigned a mass of exactly 12 atomic mass units ($u$):

$$1\text{ u} = \frac{1}{12} \times \text{Mass of one }^{12}C\text{ atom} = 1.66056 \times 10^{-24}\text{ g}$$

Average Atomic Mass

Calculated taking into account the fractional abundance of isotopes:

$$\bar{A} = \sum (A_i \times x_i)$$

Molecular & Formula Mass

Molecular Mass: Sum of atomic masses of the elements in a molecule ($CH_4 = 12.011 + 4(1.008) = 16.043\text{ u}$).
Formula Mass: Used for ionic compounds such as $NaCl$ where discrete molecules do not exist: $Na^+ (23.0) + Cl^- (35.5) = 58.5\text{ u}$.

Equivalent Mass (Equivalent Weight, $E$)

The equivalent mass of a substance is the number of parts by mass of it which combines with or displaces directly or indirectly $1.008\text{ parts by mass of H}$, $8\text{ parts by mass of O}$, or $35.5\text{ parts by mass of Cl}$.

$$\text{Equivalent Mass } (E) = \frac{\text{Atomic Mass or Molar Mass}}{n\text{-factor (Valency Factor)}}$$
  • For Elements: $E = \frac{\text{Atomic Mass}}{\text{Valency}}$ (e.g., for $Mg$, $E = \frac{24}{2} = 12$; for $Al$, $E = \frac{27}{3} = 9$).
  • For Acids: $E = \frac{\text{Molar Mass}}{\text{Basicity (number of replaceable } H^+ \text{ ions)}}$.
    - For $HCl$: $E = \frac{36.5}{1} = 36.5$
    - For $H_2SO_4$: $E = \frac{98}{2} = 49$
    - For $H_3PO_4$ (basicity 3): $E = \frac{98}{3} = 32.67$; For $H_3PO_3$ (basicity 2): $E = \frac{82}{2} = 41$; For $H_3PO_2$ (basicity 1): $E = \frac{66}{1} = 66$.
  • For Bases: $E = \frac{\text{Molar Mass}}{\text{Acidity (number of replaceable } OH^- \text{ ions)}}$ (e.g., $NaOH \to \frac{40}{1} = 40$; $Ca(OH)_2 \to \frac{74}{2} = 37$).
  • For Salts: $E = \frac{\text{Formula Mass}}{\text{Total positive or negative charge}}$ (e.g., for $Na_2CO_3$, charge $= 2 \implies E = \frac{106}{2} = 53$; for $Al_2(SO_4)_3$, total charge $= 6 \implies E = \frac{M}{6}$).
  • Relationship with Normality: $\text{Normality } (N) = \text{Molarity } (M) \times n\text{-factor}$.
1.1
Calculate the molecular mass of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) molecule.
$$\text{Molecular mass of } C_6H_{12}O_6 = 6(12.011\text{ u}) + 12(1.008\text{ u}) + 6(16.00\text{ u}) = \mathbf{180.162\text{ u}}$$

1.8 Mole Concept & Empirical Formula

1 mole is the amount of substance that contains as many entities as there are atoms in exactly $12\text{ g}$ ($0.012\text{ kg}$) of $^{12}C$.

$$1\text{ mole} = 6.02214076 \times 10^{23}\text{ entities} \quad (N_A)$$
Steps for Empirical & Molecular Formula
  1. Convert mass percent of each element into grams (assuming a 100 g sample).
  2. Divide mass by atomic mass to get number of moles.
  3. Divide each mole value by the smallest number of moles to obtain the simplest whole-number molar ratio.
  4. Multiply by integer $n = \frac{\text{Molar Mass}}{\text{Empirical Formula Mass}}$ to obtain the molecular formula.
1.2
A compound contains 4.07% hydrogen, 24.27% carbon and 71.65% chlorine. Its molar mass is 98.96 g. What are its empirical and molecular formulas?
Moles: $H = \frac{4.07}{1.008} = 4.04$, $C = \frac{24.27}{12.01} = 2.021$, $Cl = \frac{71.65}{35.453} = 2.021$.
Simplest ratio: $H = 2, C = 1, Cl = 1 \implies$ Empirical Formula: $\mathbf{CH_2Cl}$.
Empirical formula mass $= 12.01 + 2(1.008) + 35.453 = 49.48\text{ g}$.
$$n = \frac{98.96}{49.48} = 2 \implies \text{Molecular Formula} = \mathbf{C_2H_4Cl_2}$$

1.9 Stoichiometry & Balanced Chemical Reactions

Stoichiometry deals with calculations of masses (and volumes) of reactants and products in a balanced chemical reaction.

$$CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) \to CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(g)$$
1.3
Calculate the amount of water (g) produced by the combustion of 16 g of methane.
$16\text{ g } CH_4 = 1\text{ mol } CH_4$. From equation, $1\text{ mol } CH_4$ yields $2\text{ mol } H_2O$.
$$\text{Mass of water} = 2\text{ mol} \times 18\text{ g mol}^{-1} = \mathbf{36\text{ g}}$$
1.4
How many moles of methane are required to produce 22 g CO₂(g) after combustion?
Moles of $CO_2 = \frac{22\text{ g}}{44\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 0.5\text{ mol}$.
Since $1\text{ mol } CH_4$ yields $1\text{ mol } CO_2$, required methane $= \mathbf{0.5\text{ mol}}$.

Limiting Reagent

The reactant which gets completely consumed first in a reaction is called the limiting reagent. It limits the amount of product formed.

1.5
50.0 kg of N₂(g) and 10.0 kg of H₂(g) are mixed to produce NH₃(g). Calculate the amount of NH₃(g) formed. Identify the limiting reagent.
Reaction: $N_2(g) + 3H_2(g) \to 2NH_3(g)$.
Moles: $n(N_2) = \frac{50000}{28} = 1786\text{ mol}$; $n(H_2) = \frac{10000}{2.016} = 4960\text{ mol}$.
$1786\text{ mol } N_2$ requires $3 \times 1786 = 5358\text{ mol } H_2$. Only $4960\text{ mol } H_2$ is available.
Hence, $H_2$ is the limiting reagent.
$$n(NH_3) = \frac{2}{3} \times 4960 = 3307\text{ mol} \implies \text{Mass} = 3307 \times 17 = \mathbf{56.1\text{ kg } NH_3}$$

1.10 Reactions in Solutions

Molarity ($M$)

Number of moles of solute in 1 Litre of solution:

$$M = \frac{\text{Moles of solute}}{\text{Volume of solution in Litres}} = \frac{w_B \times 1000}{M_B \times V_{\text{mL}}}$$

Note: Molarity depends on temperature because volume changes with temperature.

Molality ($m$)

Number of moles of solute present in 1 kg of solvent:

$$m = \frac{\text{Moles of solute}}{\text{Mass of solvent in kg}} = \frac{w_B \times 1000}{M_B \times W_A\text{ (in g)}}$$

Note: Molality does not change with temperature since mass is temperature-independent.

Mole Fraction ($\chi$)

Ratio of moles of one component to total moles of all components in the mixture:

$$\chi_A = \frac{n_A}{n_A + n_B}, \quad \chi_B = \frac{n_B}{n_A + n_B}, \quad \sum \chi_i = 1$$

Note: Dimensionless, unitless, and independent of temperature.

Normality ($N$) & Dilution Formula

Number of gram equivalents of solute per litre of solution:

$$N = \frac{\text{Gram equivalents of solute}}{\text{Volume of solution in L}} = M \times n\text{-factor}$$

Dilution Law: $M_1 V_1 = M_2 V_2$ or $N_1 V_1 = N_2 V_2$
Mixing Solutions: $M_{\text{mix}} = \frac{M_1 V_1 + M_2 V_2}{V_1 + V_2}$

1.6
A solution is prepared by adding 2 g of a substance A to 18 g of water. Calculate the mass per cent of the solute.
$$\text{Mass \% of A} = \frac{2\text{ g}}{2\text{ g} + 18\text{ g}} \times 100 = \mathbf{10\%}$$
1.7
Calculate the molarity of NaOH in the solution prepared by dissolving its 4 g in enough water to form 250 mL of the solution.
Moles of $NaOH = \frac{4\text{ g}}{40\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 0.1\text{ mol}$. Volume $= 0.250\text{ L}$.
$$\text{Molarity} = \frac{0.1\text{ mol}}{0.250\text{ L}} = \mathbf{0.4\text{ M}}$$
1.8
The density of 3 M solution of NaCl is 1.25 g mL⁻¹. Calculate the molality of the solution.
$3\text{ M} \implies 3\text{ moles } NaCl$ in $1\text{ L solution}$.
Mass of $NaCl = 3 \times 58.5 = 175.5\text{ g}$.
Mass of $1\text{ L solution} = 1000 \times 1.25 = 1250\text{ g}$.
Mass of water $= 1250 - 175.5 = 1074.5\text{ g} = 1.0745\text{ kg}$.
$$\text{Molality} = \frac{3\text{ mol}}{1.0745\text{ kg}} = \mathbf{2.79\text{ m}}$$

Practice Quiz (25 Questions)

Q01 Which state of matter exhibits the highest compressibility and possesses neither a definite volume nor a definite shape?
Incorrect: Solids have constituent particles packed closely with rigid bonds, giving them definite volume and shape with negligible compressibility.
Incorrect: Liquids have definite volume and take the shape of the container; they have very low compressibility.
Correct Answer: Gas particles are far apart with negligible intermolecular forces and high kinetic energy, resulting in maximum compressibility and neither definite volume nor shape.
Incorrect: Ordinary gases at standard room conditions exhibit this behavior without requiring ionization at extreme temperatures.
Q02 Why is pure water (H₂O) classified as a chemical compound rather than a mixture?
Incorrect: Physical state at room temperature does not define whether a substance is an element, compound, or mixture.
Correct Answer: In water, hydrogen and oxygen are chemically combined in a strict 1:8 mass ratio (2:16), producing a substance with unique chemical properties entirely distinct from H₂ and O₂.
Incorrect: Water readily freezes into solid ice at 0 °C (273.15 K).
Incorrect: Water is a pure chemical compound; its constituent elements cannot be separated by physical methods like filtration.
Q03 The ancient Indian philosopher who formulated that all matter consists of eternal, spherical, suprasensible particles called Paramāṇu in 600 BCE was:
Incorrect: Nagarjuna was an eminent alchemist of the 8th9th century CE (author of Rasratnakar), not the 6th century BCE philosopher.
Correct Answer: Acharya Kanada authored the Vaiseshika Sutras in 600 BCE, propounding the concept of eternal, indivisible building blocks called Paramāṇu.
Incorrect: Chakrapani lived in the 11th century CE and is famed for discovering mercury sulphide and soap-making.
Incorrect: Varahamihira (6th century CE) was an astronomer and polymath who authored the Brihat Samhita.
Q04 Which ancient Indian alchemical text (c. 800 CE) first systematically documented furnace construction and identification of metals by their flame test colors?
Incorrect: Charaka Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic medical treatise detailing therapeutics and Bhasmas, not systematic furnace flame tests.
Incorrect: Sushruta Samhita focuses on surgical methods and instruments.
Correct Answer: Rsarnavam (c. 800 CE) explicitly describes furnace construction, crucibles, and identifying metals by the color of their flames.
Incorrect: Brihat Samhita focuses on architecture, perfumes, and agricultural sciences.
Q05 Which pair of pharmaceuticals represents groundbreaking life-saving drugs used extensively in cancer chemotherapy?
Incorrect: Aspirin and paracetamol are analgesics and antipyretics used for pain and fever relief.
Correct Answer: Cisplatin and Taxol are prominent life-saving chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer.
Incorrect: AZT is an antiretroviral drug for HIV/AIDS and penicillin is an antibacterial antibiotic.
Incorrect: Chloroquine and quinine are antimalarial drugs.
Q06 The SI base units for 'amount of substance' and 'luminous intensity' are respectively:
Incorrect: The SI base unit for mass is the kilogram (not gram), and lumen is the derived unit of luminous flux.
Correct Answer: The mole (mol) is the SI base unit for amount of substance, and candela (cd) is the SI base unit for luminous intensity.
Incorrect: Dalton is an accepted non-SI unit of mass, and lux is the derived unit of illuminance.
Incorrect: Kilogram is mass and watt is the derived unit of power.
Q07 Under the revised 2019 CGPM SI definitions, the kilogram is anchored to the exact fixed numerical value of:
Incorrect: The Pt-Ir cylinder in Sèvres was retired in the 2019 CGPM revision to eliminate drift.
Correct Answer: In the 2019 CGPM redefinition, the kilogram is anchored to the exact fixed value of the Planck constant h.
Incorrect: The speed of light is used to define the metre, not the kilogram.
Incorrect: Caesium-133 hyperfine transition frequency defines the second.
Q08 What are the correct numerical multiples for the metric prefixes pico (p), femto (f), and micro (μ)?
Incorrect: 10⁻⁹ is nano, 10⁻¹² is pico, and 10⁻³ is milli.
Correct Answer: pico = 10⁻¹², femto = 10⁻¹⁵, and micro = 10⁻⁶.
Incorrect: These are micro, nano, and pico respectively.
Incorrect: Femto is 10⁻¹⁵, not 10⁻¹².
Q09 Why does an object's mass remain constant on the Moon while its weight decreases to ~1/6th of its Earth value?
Incorrect: Mass is conserved and cannot be destroyed by changes in location.
Correct Answer: Mass measures the amount of matter and is constant everywhere; weight W = mg depends on the local gravitational acceleration g, which is ~1/6th on the Moon.
Incorrect: The Moon has virtually no atmosphere.
Incorrect: Volume of a solid or liquid remains virtually unchanged in different gravitational fields.
Q10 Normal human body temperature is 37.0 °C. What is its equivalent on the Fahrenheit scale?
Incorrect: 95.0 °F corresponds to (95 - 32) × (5/9) = 35.0 °C.
Correct Answer: °F = (9/5)(°C) + 32 = (9/5)(37.0) + 32 = 66.6 + 32 = 98.6 °F.
Incorrect: 100.4 °F corresponds to 38.0 °C (a fever temperature).
Incorrect: 102.0 °F corresponds to 38.9 °C.
Q11 At what numerical value do both Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometer scales coincide?
Incorrect: At 0 °C, °F is (9/5)(0) + 32 = 32 °F.
Correct Answer: Setting x = (9/5)x + 32 gives x - (9/5)x = 32 => -(4/5)x = 32 => x = -40. Thus -40 °C = -40 °F.
Incorrect: At 32 °C, °F is (9/5)(32) + 32 = 89.6 °F.
Incorrect: -273.15 °C is absolute zero, corresponding to -459.67 °F.
Q12 Why is a temperature reading of -10 K physically meaningless?
Incorrect: Mercury freezes at 234.3 K (-38.8 °C), far above absolute zero.
Correct Answer: 0 K is the lowest theoretically possible temperature (absolute zero). No temperature can be below 0 K.
Incorrect: While nitrogen and oxygen solidify at cryogenic temperatures, that does not define the absolute thermodynamic zero.
Incorrect: Specialized cryogenic resistance thermometers work well down into the millikelvin range.
Q13 According to the Atlantic-Pacific Rule, how many significant figures are in 0.005080?
Incorrect: The trailing zero after the decimal point is significant.
Correct Answer: Leading zeros (0.00) are placeholders. In 0.005080, digits 5, 0, 8, 0 are all significant, giving 4 significant figures.
Incorrect: The leading zeros before the digit 5 are not significant.
Incorrect: Includes all zeros regardless of significance rules.
Q14 Report the result of 12.11 + 18.0 + 1.012 to the correct number of significant figures:
Incorrect: Has 3 decimal places; the measurement 18.0 limits the result to 1 decimal place.
Incorrect: Has 2 decimal places instead of 1.
Correct Answer: In addition, the result must have the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places (18.0 has 1 decimal place; 31.122 rounds to 31.1).
Incorrect: Rounded to whole number, losing significant precision.
Q15 In an experiment with true mass 2.000 g, Student C reports two trials: 2.001 g and 1.999 g. These results are:
Incorrect: The average is 2.000 g, which matches the true value, so it is accurate.
Incorrect: The two values differ by only 0.002 g, so they are also precise.
Correct Answer: The values 2.001 g and 1.999 g are close to each other (precise) and their average (2.000 g) agrees with the true mass (accurate).
Incorrect: Both criteria for precision and accuracy are satisfied.
Q16 When 12 g of carbon is burnt in 32 g of oxygen in a sealed vessel, exactly 44 g of CO₂ is produced. This verifies:
Incorrect: Multiple proportions applies when two elements form more than one compound.
Correct Answer: Total mass of reactants (12 g + 32 g = 44 g) equals total mass of products (44 g CO₂), verifying conservation of mass.
Incorrect: Gay Lussac's law applies to reacting gaseous volumes.
Incorrect: Avogadro's law relates gas volume to number of molecules.
Q17 Proust demonstrated that natural and synthetic cupric carbonate both contain 51.35% Cu, 9.74% C, and 38.91% O. This proves:
Incorrect: Relates total reactant mass to product mass.
Correct Answer: Proust showed that cupric carbonate has the exact same elemental composition by mass regardless of whether it is natural or synthetic.
Incorrect: Concerns different compounds formed by the same elements.
Incorrect: Concerns ratios of three different elements combining with each other.
Q18 Carbon forms two oxides: CO (12 g C + 16 g O) and CO₂ (12 g C + 32 g O). The mass ratio of oxygen combining with fixed 12 g C is 16:32 = 1:2. This demonstrates:
Incorrect: Does not describe ratios between two distinct oxides.
Correct Answer: The masses of oxygen (16 g and 32 g) combining with fixed 12 g of carbon are in the simple whole-number ratio 1:2.
Incorrect: Concerns a single compound having fixed composition.
Incorrect: Deals with gaseous volumes, not solid/gas mass ratios.
Q19 Gay Lussac found that 100 mL of H₂ gas reacts with 50 mL of O₂ gas to yield 100 mL of water vapour. The volume ratio 2:1:2 illustrates:
Incorrect: Avogadro's law deals with number of molecules in equal gas volumes.
Correct Answer: 2 volumes of H₂ combine with 1 volume of O₂ to produce 2 volumes of water vapour at constant T and P (ratio 2:1:2).
Incorrect: Dalton's theory could not explain Gay Lussac's volumetric observations.
Incorrect: Boyle's law relates pressure and volume of a fixed mass of gas.
Q20 Equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal number of molecules. This principle is:
Incorrect: Dalton believed atoms of the same element could not combine with each other (opposing diatomic gases).
Correct Answer: Avogadro proposed in 1811 that equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules.
Incorrect: Graham's law relates rates of gas effusion/diffusion.
Incorrect: Charles's law relates volume and absolute temperature at constant pressure.
Q21 One unified atomic mass unit (1 u) is defined as exactly:
Incorrect: Hydrogen was used as an early reference, but replaced by carbon-12 in 1961.
Correct Answer: 1 atomic mass unit (1 u) is defined as exactly 1/12th the mass of an unbound neutral carbon-12 atom.
Incorrect: Electron mass is ~1/1836th of an atomic mass unit.
Incorrect: Oxygen-16 was used prior to 1961 but superseded by carbon-12.
Q22 Which of the following 1.0 g samples contains the greatest number of atoms?
Incorrect: High molar mass yields only 1/197 mol of atoms (~3.06 × 10²¹ atoms).
Incorrect: Gives 1/23 mol (~2.62 × 10²² atoms).
Correct Answer: Lowest atomic mass yields the highest number of moles (1/7 mol) and atoms: (1/7) × 6.022 × 10²³ = 8.60 × 10²² atoms.
Incorrect: Gives (1/71) × 2 mol of Cl atoms = 1/35.5 mol (~1.70 × 10²² atoms).
Q23 A compound has empirical formula CH₂O and molar mass 180 g mol⁻¹. Its molecular formula is:
Incorrect: Has molar mass 60 g/mol, not 180 g/mol.
Incorrect: Has molar mass 90 g/mol, not 180 g/mol.
Correct Answer: Empirical mass of CH₂O = 12 + 2(1) + 16 = 30. Integer n = 180 / 30 = 6. Molecular formula = (CH₂O)₆ = C₆H₁₂O₆.
Incorrect: Sucrose has molar mass 342 g/mol.
Q24 For N₂ + 3H₂ -> 2NH₃, if 2.0 mol N₂ and 3.0 mol H₂ are mixed, what is the limiting reagent and moles of NH₃ formed?
Incorrect: N₂ is present in excess.
Correct Answer: Index(N₂) = 2/1 = 2; Index(H₂) = 3/3 = 1. Smallest index is H₂, so H₂ is limiting. Moles NH₃ = 3 × (2/3) = 2.0 mol.
Incorrect: 3 mol H₂ yields 2 mol NH₃, not 3 mol.
Incorrect: Reactants are not present in exact stoichiometric proportions (1:3).
Q25 Which of the following solution concentration terms remains strictly independent of temperature?
Incorrect: Molarity is moles per litre of solution; volume changes with temperature, making molarity temperature-dependent.
Incorrect: Normality depends on solution volume, hence changes with temperature.
Correct Answer: Molality (moles solute / kg solvent) and mole fraction involve only masses and moles, which are independent of temperature.
Incorrect: Liquid volumes expand with temperature, altering volume percentages.

NCERT Exercises (1.1 1.36)

1.1
Calculate the molar mass of the following: (i) H₂O, (ii) CO₂, (iii) CH₄
Step 1: Formula & Atomic Masses Atomic masses: $H = 1.008\text{ u}$, $C = 12.011\text{ u}$, $O = 16.00\text{ u}$.

Step 2: Calculations
(i) Molar mass of $H_2O = 2(1.008) + 1(16.00) = 2.016 + 16.00 = 18.016\text{ g mol}^{-1} \approx \mathbf{18.02\text{ g mol}^{-1}}$
(ii) Molar mass of $CO_2 = 1(12.011) + 2(16.00) = 12.011 + 32.00 = \mathbf{44.01\text{ g mol}^{-1}}$
(iii) Molar mass of $CH_4 = 1(12.011) + 4(1.008) = 12.011 + 4.032 = \mathbf{16.043\text{ g mol}^{-1}}$
1.2
Calculate the mass per cent of different elements present in sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄).
Step 1: Molar Mass of Sodium Sulphate $M(Na_2SO_4) = 2(22.99) + 1(32.06) + 4(16.00) = 45.98 + 32.06 + 64.00 = 142.04\text{ g mol}^{-1}$

Step 2: Mass % Calculation
$$\text{Mass % of an element} = \frac{\text{Total mass of that element in 1 mol}}{\text{Molar mass of compound}} \times 100$$
• $\text{Mass % of } Na = \frac{45.98}{142.04} \times 100 = \mathbf{32.37\%}$
• $\text{Mass % of } S = \frac{32.06}{142.04} \times 100 = \mathbf{22.57\%}$
• $\text{Mass % of } O = \frac{64.00}{142.04} \times 100 = \mathbf{45.06\%}$
Check: $32.37 + 22.57 + 45.06 = 100.0\%$
1.3
Determine the empirical formula of an oxide of iron, which has 69.9% iron and 30.1% dioxygen by mass.
Step 1: Convert Mass % to Grams (in 100 g sample)
Mass of $Fe = 69.9\text{ g}$, Mass of $O = 30.1\text{ g}$.

Step 2: Calculate Moles
• $\text{Moles of } Fe = \frac{69.9\text{ g}}{55.85\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 1.2516\text{ mol}$
• $\text{Moles of } O = \frac{30.1\text{ g}}{16.00\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 1.8813\text{ mol}$

Step 3: Simplest Molar Ratio (Divide by smallest, 1.2516)
• $Fe = \frac{1.2516}{1.2516} = 1.00$
• $O = \frac{1.8813}{1.2516} = 1.50$

Step 4: Multiply by 2 for whole numbers
$Fe : O = 1 \times 2 : 1.5 \times 2 = 2 : 3$
Empirical Formula: $\mathbf{Fe_2O_3}$ (Iron(III) oxide)
1.4
Calculate the amount of carbon dioxide that could be produced when: (i) 1 mole of carbon is burnt in air. (ii) 1 mole of carbon is burnt in 16 g of dioxygen. (iii) 2 moles of carbon are burnt in 16 g of dioxygen.
Balanced Equation $$C(s) + O_2(g) \to CO_2(g)$$ $1\text{ mol } C (12\text{ g}) + 1\text{ mol } O_2 (32\text{ g}) \to 1\text{ mol } CO_2 (44\text{ g})$.

(i) 1 mole C burnt in excess air
Since air is in excess, all $1\text{ mol of } C$ forms $1\text{ mol of } CO_2 = \mathbf{44\text{ g } CO_2}$.

(ii) 1 mole C burnt in 16 g O₂
Moles of $O_2 = \frac{16\text{ g}}{32\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 0.5\text{ mol}$.
$1\text{ mol } C$ requires $1\text{ mol } O_2$. Here only $0.5\text{ mol } O_2$ is present $\to$ $O_2$ is the limiting reagent.
$\text{Moles of } CO_2 = 0.5\text{ mol} \implies 0.5 \times 44\text{ g} = \mathbf{22\text{ g } CO_2}$.

(iii) 2 moles C burnt in 16 g O₂
Again, $O_2 = 0.5\text{ mol}$ is the limiting reagent (only $0.5\text{ mol } C$ reacts, $1.5\text{ mol } C$ remains unreacted).
$\text{Mass of } CO_2\text{ produced} = 0.5 \times 44\text{ g} = \mathbf{22\text{ g } CO_2}$.
1.5
Calculate the mass of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) required to make 500 mL of 0.375 molar aqueous solution. Molar mass of sodium acetate is 82.0245 g mol⁻¹.
Step 1: Given Data
$M = 0.375\text{ mol L}^{-1}$, $V = 500\text{ mL} = 0.500\text{ L}$, $\text{Molar mass } M_w = 82.0245\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.

Step 2: Calculate Required Moles
$$\text{Moles of solute } (n) = M \times V = 0.375\text{ mol L}^{-1} \times 0.500\text{ L} = 0.1875\text{ mol}$$
Step 3: Calculate Mass
$$\text{Mass } (m) = n \times M_w = 0.1875\text{ mol} \times 82.0245\text{ g mol}^{-1} = \mathbf{15.380\text{ g}}$$
Mass required: $\mathbf{15.38\text{ g}}$ of $CH_3COONa$.
1.6
Calculate the concentration of nitric acid in moles per litre in a sample which has a density, 1.41 g mL⁻¹ and the mass per cent of nitric acid in it being 69%.
Step 1: Understand 69% by Mass
In $100\text{ g}$ of nitric acid solution, there are $69\text{ g}$ of pure $HNO_3$.

Step 2: Molar mass of HNO₃
$M(HNO_3) = 1(1.008) + 14.007 + 3(16.00) = 63.015\text{ g mol}^{-1} \approx 63.02\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.
$\text{Moles of } HNO_3 = \frac{69\text{ g}}{63.02\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 1.0949\text{ mol}$.

Step 3: Volume of 100 g Solution
$$\text{Volume } V = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Density}} = \frac{100\text{ g}}{1.41\text{ g mL}^{-1}} = 70.922\text{ mL} = 0.07092\text{ L}$$
Step 4: Molarity
$$\text{Molarity } (M) = \frac{\text{Moles}}{\text{Volume in L}} = \frac{1.0949\text{ mol}}{0.07092\text{ L}} = \mathbf{15.44\text{ M}}$$
Concentration $= \mathbf{15.44\text{ mol L}^{-1}}$
1.7
How much copper can be obtained from 100 g of copper sulphate (CuSO₄)?
Step 1: Molar Mass of CuSO₄
$M(CuSO_4) = 63.55 + 32.06 + 4(16.00) = 63.55 + 32.06 + 64.00 = 159.61\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.

Step 2: Proportional Copper Content
$1\text{ mole of } CuSO_4 (159.61\text{ g})$ contains $1\text{ mole of } Cu (63.55\text{ g})$.

$$\text{Mass of } Cu\text{ in } 100\text{ g } CuSO_4 = \frac{63.55\text{ g}}{159.61\text{ g}} \times 100\text{ g} = \mathbf{39.81\text{ g}}$$
Amount of Copper obtained $= \mathbf{39.81\text{ g}}$
1.8
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 = 159.69 g mol⁻¹)
Step 1: From Problem 1.3
Empirical formula was determined to be $\mathbf{Fe_2O_3}$.

Step 2: Empirical Formula Mass
$\text{Empirical mass of } Fe_2O_3 = 2(55.85) + 3(16.00) = 111.70 + 48.00 = 159.70\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.

Step 3: Factor n
$$n = \frac{\text{Molar mass}}{\text{Empirical formula mass}} = \frac{159.69}{159.70} \approx 1$$
Molecular Formula $= (Fe_2O_3)_1 = \mathbf{Fe_2O_3}$
1.9
Calculate the atomic mass (average) of chlorine using the following data: ³⁵Cl: 75.77% (34.9689 u), ³⁷Cl: 24.23% (36.9659 u).
Calculation using Weighted Average Formula
$$\bar{A} = \frac{\sum (\% \text{ abundance} \times \text{atomic mass})}{100}$$
$$\bar{A} = \frac{(75.77 \times 34.9689) + (24.23 \times 36.9659)}{100}$$
$$\bar{A} = \frac{2649.59 + 895.68}{100} = \frac{3545.27}{100} = \mathbf{35.45\text{ u}}$$
Average atomic mass of Chlorine $= \mathbf{35.45\text{ u}}$
1.10
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.
Step-by-Step Analysis
$1\text{ mole of } C_2H_6$ contains $2\text{ moles of } C$ atoms and $6\text{ moles of } H$ atoms.

(i) $\text{Moles of } C = 3 \times 2 = \mathbf{6\text{ moles of Carbon}}$
(ii) $\text{Moles of } H = 3 \times 6 = \mathbf{18\text{ moles of Hydrogen}}$
(iii) $\text{Molecules of ethane} = 3 \times N_A = 3 \times 6.022 \times 10^{23} = \mathbf{1.807 \times 10^{24}\text{ molecules}}$
1.11
What is the concentration of sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁) in mol L⁻¹ if its 20 g are dissolved in enough water to make a final volume up to 2 L?
Step 1: Molar Mass of Cane Sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁)
$M = 12(12.011) + 22(1.008) + 11(16.00) = 144.13 + 22.18 + 176.00 = 342.31\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.

Step 2: Moles of Sugar
$$n = \frac{20\text{ g}}{342.31\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 0.0584\text{ mol}$$
Step 3: Molarity in 2 L
$$\text{Molarity } (M) = \frac{0.0584\text{ mol}}{2\text{ L}} = \mathbf{0.0292\text{ mol L}^{-1}} = \mathbf{0.0292\text{ M}}$$
1.12
If the density of methanol is 0.793 kg L⁻¹, what is its volume needed for making 2.5 L of its 0.25 M solution?
Step 1: Molar Mass of Methanol (CH₃OH)
$M(CH_3OH) = 12.011 + 4(1.008) + 16.00 = 32.04\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.

Step 2: Moles Required for 2.5 L of 0.25 M Solution
$$n = M \times V = 0.25\text{ mol L}^{-1} \times 2.5\text{ L} = 0.625\text{ mol}$$
Step 3: Mass of Methanol Required
$$m = 0.625\text{ mol} \times 32.04\text{ g mol}^{-1} = 20.025\text{ g} = 0.020025\text{ kg}$$
Step 4: Volume Needed (V = m / d)
$$V = \frac{0.020025\text{ kg}}{0.793\text{ kg L}^{-1}} = 0.02525\text{ L} = \mathbf{25.25\text{ mL}}$$
1.13
Pressure is determined as force per unit area of the surface. The SI unit of pressure, pascal is: 1 Pa = 1 N m⁻². If mass of air at sea level is 1034 g cm⁻², calculate the pressure in pascal.
Step 1: Conversion of Units to SI
Mass per unit area $= 1034\text{ g cm}^{-2} = \frac{1034 \times 10^{-3}\text{ kg}}{10^{-4}\text{ m}^2} = 10340\text{ kg m}^{-2}$.

Step 2: Force = Mass × Acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m s⁻²)
$$\text{Force per } m^2 = m \times g = 10340\text{ kg m}^{-2} \times 9.8\text{ m s}^{-2} = 101332\text{ N m}^{-2}$$
$$\text{Pressure} = 101332\text{ Pa} = \mathbf{1.01332 \times 10^5\text{ Pa}}$$
1.14
What is the SI unit of mass? How is it defined?
SI Unit: The SI base unit of mass is the kilogram (symbol: $kg$).
Official 2019 CGPM Definition:
The kilogram is defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant $h$ to be $6.62607015 \times 10^{-34}$ when expressed in the unit $\text{J s}$, which is equal to $\text{kg m}^2\text{ s}^{-1}$, where the metre and the second are defined in terms of $c$ (speed of light) and $\Delta \nu_{Cs}$ (hyperfine transition frequency of Caesium-133).
1.15
Match the following prefixes with their multiples: (i) micro, (ii) deca, (iii) mega, (iv) giga, (v) femto.
PrefixSymbolMultiple
(i) micro$\mu$$10^{-6}$
(ii) deca$da$$10^1$ (or 10)
(iii) mega$M$$10^6$
(iv) giga$G$$10^9$
(v) femto$f$$10^{-15}$
1.16
What do you mean by significant figures?
Definition: Significant figures are the total number of digits in a measured quantity that are known with certainty plus one last digit that is estimated or uncertain.
For instance, in a measurement reported as $11.2\text{ mL}$, the digits '11' are certain while '2' is uncertain with an inherent uncertainty of $\pm 1$ in the last digit.
1.17
A sample of drinking water was found to be severely contaminated with chloroform, CHCl₃, supposed to be carcinogenic. The level of contamination was 15 ppm (by mass). (i) Express this in per cent by mass. (ii) Determine the molality of chloroform in the water sample.
(i) Percent by Mass
$15\text{ ppm} = 15\text{ parts per } 10^6\text{ parts by mass}$.
$$\text{Mass \%} = \frac{15}{10^6} \times 100 = 15 \times 10^{-4}\% = \mathbf{1.5 \times 10^{-3}\%}$$
(ii) Molality Calculation
In $10^6\text{ g}$ of solution, mass of solute $CHCl_3 = 15\text{ g}$.
Mass of solvent $\approx 10^6\text{ g} = 1000\text{ kg}$.
Molar mass of $CHCl_3 = 12.01 + 1.008 + 3(35.45) = 119.36\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.
$$\text{Moles of } CHCl_3 = \frac{15\text{ g}}{119.36\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 0.1257\text{ mol}$$
$$\text{Molality } (m) = \frac{0.1257\text{ mol}}{1000\text{ kg}} = \mathbf{1.26 \times 10^{-4}\text{ m}}$$
1.18
Express the following in scientific notation: (i) 0.0048, (ii) 234,000, (iii) 8008, (iv) 500.0, (v) 6.0012.
(i) $0.0048 = \mathbf{4.8 \times 10^{-3}}$
(ii) $234,000 = \mathbf{2.34 \times 10^5}$
(iii) $8008 = \mathbf{8.008 \times 10^3}$
(iv) $500.0 = \mathbf{5.000 \times 10^2}$ (retaining all 4 sig figs!)
(v) $6.0012 = \mathbf{6.0012 \times 10^0}$
1.19
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.
(i) $0.0025 \to$ 2 (leading zeros non-significant)
(ii) $208 \to$ 3 (captive zero significant)
(iii) $5005 \to$ 4 (captive zeros significant)
(iv) $126,000 \to$ 3 (trailing zeros without decimal are non-significant)
(v) $500.0 \to$ 4 (trailing zeros after decimal are significant)
(vi) $2.0034 \to$ 5 (all digits between non-zeros significant)
1.20
Round up the following upto three significant figures: (i) 34.216, (ii) 10.4107, (iii) 0.04597, (iv) 2808.
(i) $34.216 \to \mathbf{34.2}$ (next digit 1 is $<5$)
(ii) $10.4107 \to \mathbf{10.4}$ (next digit 1 is $<5$)
(iii) $0.04597 \to \mathbf{0.0460}$ (next digit 7 is $>5$, 9 rounds up to 10)
(iv) $2808 \to \mathbf{2810}$ or $\mathbf{2.81 \times 10^3}$ (next digit 8 is $>5$)
1.21
The following data are obtained when dinitrogen and dioxygen react together: (i) 14 g N₂ + 16 g O₂, (ii) 14 g N₂ + 32 g O₂, (iii) 28 g N₂ + 32 g O₂, (iv) 28 g N₂ + 80 g O₂. (a) Which law is obeyed? (b) Fill in the conversion blanks.
(a) Law of Chemical Combination
Fix the mass of dinitrogen to $28\text{ g}$ across all cases:
• Case (i): $14\text{ g } N_2 + 16\text{ g } O_2 \implies 28\text{ g } N_2$ combines with $32\text{ g } O_2$
• Case (ii): $14\text{ g } N_2 + 32\text{ g } O_2 \implies 28\text{ g } N_2$ combines with $64\text{ g } O_2$
• Case (iii): $28\text{ g } N_2$ combines with $32\text{ g } O_2$
• Case (iv): $28\text{ g } N_2$ combines with $80\text{ g } O_2$
Masses of oxygen combining with fixed $28\text{ g } N_2$ are: $32 : 64 : 32 : 80$, which simplifies to $2 : 4 : 2 : 5$ (or $1 : 2 : 1 : 2.5$).
These are small whole numbers $\to$ obeys the Law of Multiple Proportions.

(b) Conversions
(i) $1\text{ km} = \mathbf{10^6\text{ mm}} = \mathbf{10^{15}\text{ pm}}$
(ii) $1\text{ mg} = \mathbf{10^{-6}\text{ kg}} = \mathbf{10^6\text{ ng}}$
(iii) $1\text{ mL} = \mathbf{10^{-3}\text{ L}} = \mathbf{10^{-3}\text{ dm}^3}$
1.22
If the speed of light is 3.0 × 10⁸ m s⁻¹, calculate the distance covered by light in 2.00 ns.
Calculation
Time $t = 2.00\text{ ns} = 2.00 \times 10^{-9}\text{ s}$.
Speed $c = 3.0 \times 10^8\text{ m s}^{-1}$.
$$\text{Distance } d = c \times t = (3.0 \times 10^8\text{ m s}^{-1}) \times (2.00 \times 10^{-9}\text{ s}) = \mathbf{0.600\text{ m}} = \mathbf{6.00 \times 10^{-1}\text{ m}}$$
1.23
In a reaction: A + B₂ → AB₂, identify the limiting reagent, if any: (i) 300 atoms A + 200 molecules B₂, (ii) 2 mol A + 3 mol B₂, (iii) 100 atoms A + 100 molecules B₂, (iv) 5 mol A + 2.5 mol B₂, (v) 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B₂.
According to balanced reaction: $1\text{ atom } A$ reacts with $1\text{ molecule } B_2$.

(i) 300 atoms A + 200 molecules B₂ $\to$ B₂ is limiting (only 200 atoms of A will react, 100 remain).
(ii) 2 mol A + 3 mol B₂ $\to$ A is limiting (needs 2 mol B₂, 1 mol B₂ in excess).
(iii) 100 atoms A + 100 molecules B₂ $\to$ No limiting reagent (stoichiometrically equal).
(iv) 5 mol A + 2.5 mol B₂ $\to$ B₂ is limiting (needs 5 mol B₂, only 2.5 mol available).
(v) 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B₂ $\to$ A is limiting (needs 2.5 mol B₂, 2.5 mol B₂ in excess).
1.24
Dinitrogen and dihydrogen react according to: N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g). (i) Calculate mass of NH₃ produced from 2.00 × 10³ g N₂ and 1.00 × 10³ g H₂. (ii) Will any reactant remain unreacted? (iii) If yes, which one and what mass?
Step 1: Calculate Moles of Reactants
• $\text{Moles of } N_2 = \frac{2000\text{ g}}{28.02\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 71.38\text{ mol}$
• $\text{Moles of } H_2 = \frac{1000\text{ g}}{2.016\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 496.03\text{ mol}$

Step 2: 5-Second Limiting Reagent Test
• $\text{Index}(N_2) = \frac{71.38}{1} = 71.38$
• $\text{Index}(H_2) = \frac{496.03}{3} = 165.34$
Since $71.38 < 165.34$, $N_2$ is the LIMITING REAGENT!

Step 3: Mass of NH₃ Formed
$1\text{ mol } N_2 \to 2\text{ mol } NH_3$.
$\text{Moles of } NH_3 = 2 \times 71.38 = 142.76\text{ mol}$.
$$\text{Mass of } NH_3 = 142.76\text{ mol} \times 17.03\text{ g mol}^{-1} = \mathbf{2431\text{ g}} = \mathbf{2.43 \times 10^3\text{ g}}$$
Step 4: Unreacted Reactant
$H_2$ remains unreacted.
Moles of $H_2$ consumed $= 3 \times 71.38 = 214.14\text{ mol}$.
Moles of $H_2$ remaining $= 496.03 - 214.14 = 281.89\text{ mol}$.
$$\text{Mass of } H_2\text{ remaining} = 281.89\text{ mol} \times 2.016\text{ g mol}^{-1} = \mathbf{568.3\text{ g}} \approx \mathbf{568\text{ g}}$$
1.25
How are 0.50 mol Na₂CO₃ and 0.50 M Na₂CO₃ different?

0.50 mol Na₂CO₃

Represents an amount of substance (mass).
Molar mass of $Na_2CO_3 = 106\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.
$$\text{Mass} = 0.50\text{ mol} \times 106\text{ g mol}^{-1} = \mathbf{53\text{ g}}$$

0.50 M Na₂CO₃

Represents a molar concentration.
It means $0.50\text{ mol}$ ($53\text{ g}$) of $Na_2CO_3$ is dissolved in $1\text{ Litre of solution}$.
1.26
If 10 volumes of dihydrogen gas react with five volumes of dioxygen gas, how many volumes of water vapour would be produced?
Gay Lussac's Volume Ratios
$$2H_2(g) + O_2(g) \to 2H_2O(g)$$ $$2\text{ volumes } H_2 + 1\text{ volume } O_2 \to 2\text{ volumes } H_2O(g)$$
Given: $10\text{ volumes } H_2$ and $5\text{ volumes } O_2$.
Ratio of given volumes is $10:5 = 2:1$, which matches the stoichiometric ratio exactly.
Volume of water vapour produced $= \mathbf{10\text{ volumes}}$
1.27
Convert the following into basic units: (i) 28.7 pm, (ii) 15.15 pm, (iii) 25365 mg.
Basic SI units are metre ($m$) for length and kilogram ($kg$) for mass.

(i) $28.7\text{ pm} = 28.7 \times 10^{-12}\text{ m} = \mathbf{2.87 \times 10^{-11}\text{ m}}$
(ii) $15.15\text{ pm} = 15.15 \times 10^{-12}\text{ m} = \mathbf{1.515 \times 10^{-11}\text{ m}}$
(iii) $25365\text{ mg} = 25365 \times 10^{-6}\text{ kg} = \mathbf{2.5365 \times 10^{-2}\text{ kg}}$
1.28
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).
Formula: Number of atoms = (m / M) × N_A × atomicity
(i) $1\text{ g } Au = \frac{1}{197} \times N_A = 0.00507\, N_A$
(ii) $1\text{ g } Na = \frac{1}{23} \times N_A = 0.04348\, N_A$
(iii) $1\text{ g } Li = \frac{1}{7} \times N_A = \mathbf{0.14286\, N_A}$
(iv) $1\text{ g } Cl_2 = \frac{1}{71} \times 2 \times N_A = \frac{1}{35.5} \times N_A = 0.02817\, N_A$
$$\mathbf{1\text{ g of } Li(s)}$$ has the largest number of atoms because Lithium has the smallest atomic mass!
1.29
Calculate the molarity of a solution of ethanol in water, in which the mole fraction of ethanol is 0.040 (assume the density of water to be 1.0 g mL⁻¹).
Step 1: Understand Mole Fraction
$\chi_{\text{ethanol}} = 0.040 \implies \chi_{\text{water}} = 1 - 0.040 = 0.960$.
In a mixture of $1\text{ mole}$, there is $0.040\text{ mol}$ ethanol and $0.960\text{ mol}$ water.

Step 2: Volume of Solution
Mass of $0.960\text{ mol } H_2O = 0.960 \times 18.02\text{ g} = 17.30\text{ g}$.
With density of water $= 1.0\text{ g mL}^{-1}$, Volume $\approx 17.30\text{ mL} = 0.01730\text{ L}$.

Step 3: Molarity Calculation
$$M = \frac{\text{Moles of ethanol}}{\text{Volume in L}} = \frac{0.040\text{ mol}}{0.01730\text{ L}} = \mathbf{2.31\text{ M}}$$
Molarity $= \mathbf{2.31\text{ mol L}^{-1}}$
1.30
What will be the mass of one ¹²C atom in g?
Calculation
$1\text{ mole of }{}^{12}C\text{ atoms} = 12\text{ g}$ and contains $6.022 \times 10^{23}\text{ atoms}$.
$$\text{Mass of 1 atom} = \frac{12\text{ g}}{6.02214 \times 10^{23}} = \mathbf{1.992648 \times 10^{-23}\text{ g}}$$
1.31
How many significant figures should be present in the answer of the following calculations? (i) (0.02856 × 298.15 × 0.112) / 0.5785, (ii) 5 × 5.364, (iii) 0.0125 + 0.7864 + 0.0215.
(i) In multiplication/division, the term with least sig figs governs the result. $0.112$ has 3 sig figs $\to$ 3 significant figures.
(ii) 5 is an exact counting number (infinite sig figs). $5.364$ has 4 sig figs $\to$ 4 significant figures.
(iii) In addition, decimal places govern. All three numbers have 4 decimal places $\to$ 4 decimal places (4 significant figures).
1.32
Use the data given in the table to calculate the molar mass of naturally occurring argon: ³⁶Ar: 35.96755 (0.337%), ³⁸Ar: 37.96272 (0.063%), ⁴⁰Ar: 39.9624 (99.600%).
Weighted Average Calculation
$$\bar{M} = \frac{(35.96755 \times 0.337) + (37.96272 \times 0.063) + (39.9624 \times 99.600)}{100}$$
$$\bar{M} = \frac{12.121 + 2.392 + 3980.255}{100} = \frac{3994.768}{100} = \mathbf{39.948\text{ g mol}^{-1}}$$
Molar mass of Argon $= \mathbf{39.95\text{ g mol}^{-1}}$
1.33
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.
(i) $52\text{ moles of } Ar = 52 \times 6.022 \times 10^{23} = \mathbf{3.131 \times 10^{25}\text{ atoms of Ar}}$.

(ii) $1\text{ atom of } He = 4\text{ u}$.
$$\text{Number of atoms} = \frac{52\text{ u}}{4\text{ u/atom}} = \mathbf{13\text{ atoms of He}}$$
(iii) $1\text{ mole of } He = 4\text{ g}$.
$$\text{Moles of } He = \frac{52\text{ g}}{4\text{ g mol}^{-1}} = 13\text{ mol}$$
$$\text{Number of atoms} = 13 \times 6.022 \times 10^{23} = \mathbf{7.828 \times 10^{24}\text{ atoms of He}}$$
1.34
A welding fuel gas contains carbon and hydrogen only. Burning a small sample of it gives 3.38 g CO₂, 0.690 g H₂O. A volume of 10.0 L (measured at STP) weighs 11.6 g. Calculate: (i) empirical formula, (ii) molar mass, and (iii) molecular formula.
Step 1: Find Masses of C and H
• $\text{Mass of } C = 3.38\text{ g } CO_2 \times \frac{12.011}{44.01} = 0.9224\text{ g } C$
• $\text{Mass of } H = 0.690\text{ g } H_2O \times \frac{2.016}{18.02} = 0.0772\text{ g } H$
Total mass of sample $= 0.9224 + 0.0772 = 0.9996\text{ g} \approx 1.00\text{ g}$.

Step 2: Moles of C and H
• $\text{Moles of } C = \frac{0.9224}{12.011} = 0.0768\text{ mol}$
• $\text{Moles of } H = \frac{0.0772}{1.008} = 0.0766\text{ mol}$
Molar ratio $C : H = 1 : 1$.
(i) Empirical Formula: $\mathbf{CH}$ (Empirical mass $= 13.02\text{ g mol}^{-1}$)

Step 3: Molar Mass from STP Data
$10.0\text{ L}$ at STP weighs $11.6\text{ g}$.
$$\text{Molar mass } (22.4\text{ L}) = \frac{11.6\text{ g}}{10.0\text{ L}} \times 22.4\text{ L} = \mathbf{25.98\text{ g mol}^{-1}} \approx \mathbf{26.0\text{ g mol}^{-1}}$$
Step 4: Molecular Formula
$$n = \frac{\text{Molar mass}}{\text{Empirical mass}} = \frac{26.0}{13.02} = 2$$
(iii) Molecular Formula: $(CH)_2 = \mathbf{C_2H_2}$ (Acetylene / Ethyne)
1.35
Calcium carbonate reacts with aqueous HCl to give CaCl₂ and CO₂: CaCO₃(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl₂(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l). What mass of CaCO₃ is required to react completely with 25 mL of 0.75 M HCl?
Step 1: Calculate Moles of HCl
$$n(HCl) = M \times V = 0.75\text{ mol L}^{-1} \times 0.025\text{ L} = 0.01875\text{ mol}$$
Step 2: Stoichiometric Ratio
$2\text{ moles of } HCl$ react with $1\text{ mole of } CaCO_3$.
$$\text{Moles of } CaCO_3\text{ required} = \frac{0.01875}{2} = 0.009375\text{ mol}$$
Step 3: Mass of CaCO₃
$M(CaCO_3) = 40.08 + 12.01 + 3(16.00) = 100.09\text{ g mol}^{-1}$.
$$\text{Mass} = 0.009375\text{ mol} \times 100.09\text{ g mol}^{-1} = \mathbf{0.938\text{ g}}$$
Mass of $CaCO_3$ required $= \mathbf{0.94\text{ g}}$ (or $0.938\text{ g}$)
1.36
Chlorine is prepared in the laboratory by treating manganese dioxide (MnO₂) with aqueous hydrochloric acid: 4HCl(aq) + MnO₂(s) → 2H₂O(l) + MnCl₂(aq) + Cl₂(g). How many grams of HCl react with 5.0 g of manganese dioxide?
Step 1: Molar Masses
• $M(MnO_2) = 54.94 + 2(16.00) = 86.94\text{ g mol}^{-1}$
• $M(HCl) = 1.008 + 35.45 = 36.46\text{ g mol}^{-1}$

Step 2: Stoichiometry from Balanced Equation
$1\text{ mole of } MnO_2 (86.94\text{ g})$ reacts with $4\text{ moles of } HCl (4 \times 36.46 = 145.84\text{ g})$.

Step 3: Calculation for 5.0 g MnO₂
$$\text{Mass of } HCl = 5.0\text{ g } MnO_2 \times \frac{145.84\text{ g } HCl}{86.94\text{ g } MnO_2} = \mathbf{8.387\text{ g}}$$
Mass of $HCl$ required $= \mathbf{8.4\text{ g}}$

Mole Concept Conversions

Mole Conversion Map
MOLES (n) Central Unit MASS (grams) $m = n \times M$ PARTICLES $N = n \times N_A$ VOLUME AT STP $V = n \times 22.7\text{ L}$ $\times M$ $\div M$ $\times N_A$ $\div N_A$ $\times 22.7$ $\div 22.7$

Key Formulas

Concept Formula Units
Number of Moles ($n$) $n = \frac{m}{M} = \frac{N}{N_A} = \frac{V_{\text{STP}}}{22.7\text{ L}}$ $mol$
Average Atomic Mass $\bar{A} = \frac{\sum (A_i \times x_i)}{100}$ $u$
Mass Percentage $\text{Mass } \% = \frac{\text{Mass of element}}{\text{Molar mass}} \times 100$ $\%$
Molecular Formula Factor $n = \frac{\text{Molar Mass}}{\text{Empirical Formula Mass}}$ Integer
Molarity ($M$) $M = \frac{n_{\text{solute}}}{V_{\text{solution (L)}}} = \frac{w \times 1000}{M_w \times V_{\text{mL}}}$ $mol\text{ L}^{-1}$
Molality ($m$) $m = \frac{n_{\text{solute}}}{W_{\text{solvent (kg)}}} = \frac{w \times 1000}{M_w \times W_{\text{solvent (g)}}}$ $mol\text{ kg}^{-1}$
Mole Fraction ($\chi$) $\chi_A = \frac{n_A}{n_A + n_B}, \quad \sum \chi_i = 1$ Unitless
Equivalent Mass ($E$) $E = \frac{\text{Molar Mass}}{n\text{-factor}} = \frac{\text{Atomic Mass}}{\text{Valency}}$ $g\text{ eq}^{-1}$
Normality ($N$) $N = \frac{\text{Gram equivalents}}{V_{\text{L}}} = M \times n\text{-factor}$ $eq\text{ L}^{-1}$ ($N$)
Dilution Formula $M_1 V_1 = M_2 V_2, \quad N_1 V_1 = N_2 V_2$ -
Temperature Conversion $K = ^\circ\text{C} + 273.15, \quad ^\circ\text{F} = \frac{9}{5}(^\circ\text{C}) + 32$ $K, ^\circ\text{C}, ^\circ\text{F}$

SI Multiples and Submultiples

MultiplePrefixSymbol MultiplePrefixSymbol
$10^{-24}$yocto$y$$10^1$deca$da$
$10^{-21}$zepto$z$$10^2$hecto$h$
$10^{-18}$atto$a$$10^3$kilo$k$
$10^{-15}$femto$f$$10^6$mega$M$
$10^{-12}$pico$p$$10^9$giga$G$
$10^{-9}$nano$n$$10^{12}$tera$T$
$10^{-6}$micro$\mu$$10^{15}$peta$P$
$10^{-3}$milli$m$$10^{18}$exa$E$
$10^{-2}$centi$c$$10^{21}$zeta$Z$
$10^{-1}$deci$d$$10^{24}$yotta$Y$

Limiting Reagent Steps

1. Balance the Equation

Write the balanced reaction: $aA + bB \to cC$.

2. Calculate Moles

Convert given quantities of reactants into moles.

3. Identify Limiting Reactant

Calculate $\frac{\text{Moles}}{\text{Coefficient}}$ for each reactant. The smallest value is the limiting reagent.

4. Calculate Product

Determine product moles based on the limiting reagent.

Chapter Tests

L1.1 The SI unit of thermodynamic temperature is:
Incorrect: Celsius is a metric scale, but not the SI base unit.
Correct Answer: Kelvin (K) is the SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature.
Incorrect: Fahrenheit is an imperial temperature scale.
Incorrect: Joule is the SI unit of energy/work.
L1.2 Which of the following contains exactly 1 mole of helium atoms?
Incorrect: 2 g is 0.5 mole of helium.
Correct Answer: Molar mass of He is 4 g/mol. Hence 4 g He = 1 mole = 6.022 × 10²³ atoms.
Incorrect: 4 u is the mass of a single helium atom, not 1 mole.
Incorrect: 8 g is 2 moles of helium.
L1.3 How many significant figures are in the measured quantity 0.02030 g?
Incorrect: The trailing zero is significant.
Correct Answer: The leading zeros (0.0) are placeholders; digits 2, 0, 3, 0 give 4 significant figures.
Incorrect: Leading zeros do not count.
Incorrect: Leading zeros are not significant.
L1.4 Which law states that a chemical compound always contains elements in fixed proportion by weight?
Correct Answer: Proposed by Joseph Proust in 1799.
Incorrect: Refers to different compounds formed by two elements.
Incorrect: Relates gas volume and molecules.
Incorrect: Relates reacting gaseous volumes.
L1.5 One atomic mass unit (1 u) is defined as:
Incorrect: 1 u is a fraction of the mass of ¹²C, not the whole atom.
Correct Answer: 1 u = 1/12th the mass of an unbound neutral carbon-12 atom at ground state (1.66056 × 10⁻²⁴ g).
Incorrect: Early hydrogen standard was replaced in 1961.
Incorrect: Oxygen scale was superseded by carbon-12.

Result

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L2.1 What is the mass of 0.5 moles of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)?
Incorrect: 106 g is the mass of 1 full mole.
Correct Answer: Molar mass = 2(23) + 12 + 3(16) = 106 g/mol. Mass = 0.5 × 106 = 53 g.
Incorrect: 26.5 g is 0.25 mole.
Incorrect: 84 g is the molar mass of NaHCO₃.
L2.2 In the reaction: N₂ + 3H₂ -> 2NH₃, if 28 g of N₂ reacts with 12 g of H₂, which reactant is in excess and by what mass?
Incorrect: N₂ is the limiting reactant.
Correct Answer: Moles N₂ = 28/28 = 1 mol. Moles H₂ = 12/2 = 6 mol. 1 mol N₂ requires 3 mol H₂ (6 g). Remaining H₂ = 6 - 3 = 3 mol = 6 g.
Incorrect: 3 moles of H₂ are in excess, which equals 6 grams.
Incorrect: The reaction is not in stoichiometric balance.
L2.3 Calculate the molarity of a solution obtained by dissolving 9.8 g of H₂SO₄ in water to make 250 mL of solution.
Incorrect: Check volume conversion to litres (0.25 L).
Correct Answer: Molar mass H₂SO₄ = 98 g/mol. Moles = 9.8/98 = 0.1 mol. Molarity = 0.1 / 0.25 = 0.40 M.
Incorrect: 0.10 is the number of moles, not the molarity.
Incorrect: Arithmetic error in denominator.
L2.4 The empirical formula of a compound is CH₂O and its vapor density is 30. Its molecular formula is:
Incorrect: Vapor density 30 corresponds to molar mass 60 g/mol.
Correct Answer: Molar mass = 2 × VD = 60 g/mol. Empirical mass of CH₂O = 30. n = 60/30 = 2. Molecular formula = C₂H₄O₂ (Acetic acid).
Incorrect: Molar mass would be 90 g/mol.
Incorrect: Molar mass would be 180 g/mol.
L2.5 What volume of 2 M HCl is required to prepare 500 mL of 0.5 M HCl?
Incorrect: Would give 1 M solution.
Correct Answer: M₁V₁ = M₂V₂ => 2 × V₁ = 0.5 × 500 => V₁ = 250 / 2 = 125 mL.
Incorrect: Gives 0.4 M solution.
Incorrect: Gives 0.2 M solution.

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L3.1 Naturally occurring boron consists of two isotopes: ¹⁰B (atomic mass = 10.01 u) and ¹¹B (atomic mass = 11.01 u). If the average atomic mass of boron is 10.81 u, the percentage abundance of ¹⁰B is:
Incorrect: Average would be 10.91 u.
Correct Answer: 10.81 = [10.01x + 11.01(100 - x)] / 100 => 1081 = 10.01x + 1101 - 11.01x => -x = -20 => x = 20%.
Incorrect: 80% is the abundance of ¹¹B.
Incorrect: Average would be 10.76 u.
L3.2 A 3.0 M aqueous solution of NaCl has a density of 1.25 g mL⁻¹. The molality of the solution is approximately:
Incorrect: Underestimated solvent mass.
Correct Answer: 1 L solution mass = 1250 g. Solute mass = 3 × 58.5 = 175.5 g. Solvent mass = 1250 - 175.5 = 1074.5 g = 1.0745 kg. Molality = 3 / 1.0745 = 2.79 m.
Incorrect: Molality equals molarity only when density is ~1 g/mL with negligible solute volume.
Incorrect: Overestimated molality.
L3.3 Equal masses of methane (CH₄) and oxygen (O₂) are mixed in an empty container at 25 °C. The fraction of total pressure exerted by oxygen is:
Incorrect: Assumes equal moles, but molar masses differ (16 vs 32).
Correct Answer: Let mass = w. Moles CH₄ = w/16 = 2w/32. Moles O₂ = w/32. Total moles = 3w/32. Mole fraction O₂ = (w/32) / (3w/32) = 1/3. Hence PO₂ = (1/3) Ptotal.
Incorrect: 2/3 is the fraction of pressure exerted by methane.
Incorrect: Ratio of masses was mistaken.
L3.4 If Avogadro's number NA is changed from 6.022 × 10²³ mol⁻¹ to 6.022 × 10²⁰ mol⁻¹, this would change:
Incorrect: Stoichiometric ratios remain identical.
Correct Answer: Mass of 1 mole of carbon would become 0.012 g (12 mg) because 1 mole now contains 1000 times fewer atoms.
Incorrect: Chemical composition is independent of NA.
Incorrect: The standard definition of gram remains invariant.
L3.5 When 100 mL of 0.1 M AgNO₃ is mixed with 100 mL of 0.1 M NaCl, what is the concentration of nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) in the resulting mixture?
Incorrect: Does not account for volume dilution from 100 mL to 200 mL.
Correct Answer: NO₃⁻ is a spectator ion. Moles NO₃⁻ = 0.1 × 0.1 = 0.01 mol. Total volume = 200 mL = 0.2 L. [NO₃⁻] = 0.01 / 0.2 = 0.05 M.
Incorrect: Overestimated dilution.
Incorrect: AgCl precipitates, but NO₃⁻ remains completely dissolved in solution.

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