Class 10th chapter 4 Carbone and its Compounds | CBSE | important questions

 

Q1)  Why are covalent compounds generally poor conductors of electricity?

Ans:-

Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity due to their molecular structure and the nature of the chemical bonds that hold their atoms together.

 

In covalent compounds, atoms share electrons to form stable molecules. These shared electrons are localized between the bonded atoms, resulting in the formation of discrete molecules rather than a continuous lattice structure. This molecular structure gives rise to several factors that contribute to the poor conductivity of covalent compounds:

 

1. Lack of Free Electrons: Covalent compounds typically do not have free electrons that are mobile and can move through the material to carry an electric charge. In metals, which are good conductors of electricity, the presence of delocalized electrons allows for the easy flow of electric current.

 

2. No Ion Formation: Covalent compounds do not readily form ions in solution or in the molten state. In ionic compounds, such as salts, ions are present that can carry electric charges and facilitate the movement of charge through the material. In covalent compounds, the electrons are tightly shared between the atoms, and there are no readily available charged particles to conduct electricity.

 

3. Absence of Charged Particles: In covalent compounds, the individual molecules are electrically neutral, and there are no charged particles (ions) present within the material that can move to conduct an electric current. In contrast, in ionic compounds, the presence of positive and negative ions allows for the movement of charge.

 

4. Insulating Properties of Molecules: Covalent compounds are often composed of molecules with non-metallic elements, which tend to have high electronegativities. This results in strong covalent bonds and the absence of free mobile charge carriers. Consequently, covalent compounds have insulating properties and do not allow the flow of electric current.

 

5. Lack of Crystal Lattice: Unlike ionic and metallic compounds, covalent compounds do not form a regular three-dimensional crystal lattice structure. In metals, the crystal lattice provides a pathway for electrons to move freely throughout the material, facilitating electrical conductivity.

 

It's important to note that there are exceptions to the general rule. Some covalent compounds can conduct electricity under specific conditions. For example, covalent compounds that are composed of mobile ions or have delocalized electrons (as seen in some organic conductive polymers) can exhibit conductivity. Additionally, covalent compounds may conduct electricity when they undergo chemical reactions that result in the formation of ions, such as in acids.

 

In summary, the poor conductivity of covalent compounds is primarily attributed to their molecular structure, which lacks the presence of free electrons or mobile ions necessary for the efficient movement of electric charge.

 

 

Q2) Explain, by giving a reason, why is it very difficult to form (i)cation C4+, (ii) anion c4- .

Ans:-

 

(i) Formation of C4+ Cations:

Cations are formed when atoms lose electrons and become positively charged. Forming a C4+ cation, where an atom loses four electrons, is very difficult because of the following reasons:

 

1. Stability of Atoms: Atoms like to have a stable arrangement of electrons. When they lose electrons, they become positively charged. For carbon to lose four electrons, it would have to give up all its outer electrons, and this makes the atom very unstable.

 

2. Strong Attraction: The nucleus of an atom is positively charged, and electrons are negatively charged. When electrons are lost, the positive nucleus pulls on the remaining electrons very strongly. If we take away four electrons, the pull becomes even stronger, and it's hard for the atom to let go of more electrons.

 

3. Energy Required: Taking away four electrons requires a lot of energy. It's like trying to remove something that's stuck very tightly. The atom needs a huge amount of energy to do this, and it's not something that happens easily.

 

(ii) Formation of C4- Anions:

Anions are formed when atoms gain electrons and become negatively charged. Making a C4- anion, where an atom gains four electrons, is also very challenging:

 

1. Electron Cloud Repulsion: Electrons are negatively charged, and they repel each other. Adding four extra electrons around an atom would make their negative charges push against each other a lot, like trying to fit too many people in a small room. This makes the atom uncomfortable and unstable.

 

2. Size Increase: Adding electrons makes the atom bigger. It's like blowing up a balloon. When the atom becomes bigger, the positive nucleus has a harder time holding onto the extra electrons because they are farther away.

 

3. Energy Barrier: Just like with cations, gaining four electrons needs a lot of energy. It's like trying to catch something very fast and heavy. The atom has to work really hard to catch all these electrons and hold onto them.

 

In simple words, forming C4+ or C4- ions is tough because it goes against how atoms naturally like to arrange their electrons. It needs a lot of energy and can make the atom very unstable. Similarly in C4- it will be difficult to have 6 no of Protons and 10 nos. of (in valence shell 4+4=8) electrons. Nature prefers more balanced and stable ways of forming ions. So it will create a covalent bond.

Q3) Explain how a single covalent bond is formed between.

(i) Two atoms of hydrogen (ii) Two atoms of fluorine.

Support your answer by drawing dot diagrams and structural diagrams.

Ans:-

 

(i) Formation of a Single Covalent Bond in Hydrogen (H2):

 




1. Starting Atoms: Imagine two hydrogen atoms, each with one electron. These electrons are in their own orbits, and the atoms want to be more stable. Making 2 electrons in the valence shell.

 

2. Sharing Electrons: The two hydrogen atoms come close to each other. It has 1 ecotones in their valence shell, it need 1 more electrons to fill its octant and become stable. They decide to share their electrons to become stable. Each hydrogen atom contributes one electron to the shared pair.

 

3. Bond Formation: This sharing creates a bond between the two hydrogen atoms. Now, both atoms have two electrons around them, which is the same as helium, a stable gas.

 

4. Hydrogen Molecule: The two hydrogen atoms are now connected by a single covalent bond. They form a molecule called hydrogen gas (H2).

 

(ii) Formation of a Single Covalent Bond in Fluorine (F2):

 




1. Starting Atoms: Imagine two fluorine atoms, each with seven electrons. These electrons are in different orbits, and the atoms want to achieve stability.

 

2. Sharing Electrons: The two fluorine atoms come close to each other. It has 7 ecotones in their valence shell, it need 1 more electrons to fill its octant and become stable. They share one electron from each atom's outer orbit, creating a shared pair of electrons.

 

3. Bond Formation: This sharing of electrons creates a bond between the two fluorine atoms. Each atom now has eight electrons, which is the same as a noble gas called neon.

 

4. Fluorine Molecule: The two fluorine atoms are now connected by a single covalent bond. They form a molecule called fluorine gas (F2).

 

[ In both cases, the atoms come together to share electrons and become more stable. This sharing of electrons forms a single covalent bond between the atoms. This bond helps the atoms stick together to create molecules. Single covalent bonds are important in holding many different elements and compounds together. ]

 

Q4) By drawing dot diagrams explain the formation of

(i) a molecule of oxygen        (ii) a molecule of nitrogen.

Ans:-

 

(i) Formation of a Molecule of Oxygen (O2):

 




1. Oxygen Atoms: We imagine two oxygen atoms (O). Each oxygen atom has six electrons in its outermost shell.

 

2. Sharing Electrons: The two oxygen atoms come close to each other. It has 6 ecotones in their valence shell, it need 2 more electrons to fill its octant and become stable. They decide to share two pairs of electrons to become more stable.

 

3. Formation of  Oxygen Molecule (O2): When the electrons are shared, it creates a bond between the two oxygen atoms. This bond holds the atoms together in a molecule. Now, each oxygen atom has a total of eight electrons around it, which is the same as the noble gas neon (Ne) in its valence shell. Hence this becomes stable now.

 

Importance of Molecules: 
The oxygen molecule (O2) is very important for us to breathe. It's the oxygen that our cells need to work properly, and it's also what we breathe in from the air.

 

(ii) Formation of a Molecule of Nitrogen (N2):




 

1. Nitrogen Atoms: We imagine two nitrogen atoms (N). Each nitrogen atom has seven electrons in its outermost shell.

 

2. Sharing Electrons: The two nitrogen atoms come close to each other. It has 5 ecotones in their valence shell, it need 3 more electrons to fill its octant and become stable. They decide to share three pairs of electrons to become more stable.

 

3. Formation of Nitrogen Molecule (N2): Sharing these electrons creates a bond between the two nitrogen atoms, making a molecule. Now, each nitrogen atom has a total of eight electrons around it, which is again similar to the noble gas neon (Ne).

 

Common Gas in the Air: 
Nitrogen gas (N2) is a big part of the air we breathe. It makes up about 78% of the air. Even though we don't use nitrogen for breathing like oxygen, it's still important for the environment.

 

[ In both cases, the atoms come together and share electrons to become more stable. This sharing creates bonds that hold the atoms in a molecule. These molecules play important roles in the air we breathe and the environment around us. ]

 

Q5) In electrons dot structure, the valence shell electrons are presented by crosses or dots.

(a) The atomic number of chlorine is 17. Write its electronic configuration.

Ans:-

The atomic number of chlorine is 17, which means it has 17 electrons. The electronic configuration of chlorine can be represented as follows:

 

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵

Also we can write as 2.8.7

 







Let's break down what this means:

 

- The first energy level (closest to the nucleus) can hold up to 2 electrons, and it is filled in this case with 1s², meaning there are two electrons in the 1s sublevel.

 

- The second energy level can also hold up to 8 electrons. It is filled with 2s² (two electrons in the 2s sublevel) and 2p⁶ (six electrons in the 2p sublevel).

 

- The third energy level can hold up to 8 electrons as well, but it will fill with the rest of the 7 elctrons. It is filled with 3s² (two electrons in the 3s sublevel) and 3p⁵ (five electrons in the 3p sublevel).

 

So, the electronic configuration of chlorine is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵.

 

This arrangement of electrons helps us understand the structure of the chlorine atom and how its electrons are distributed in different energy levels and sublevels.


In short, The atomic number of chlorine is 17, which means it has 17 electrons. The electronic configuration of chlorine 2.8.7




 

(b) Draw the electron dot structure of chlorine molecule. A

Ans:-




 

Q6) Name a molecule of an element that has:

(i) One covalent bond       (ii) Two covalent bonds        (iii) Three covalent bonds

Ans:-

Certainly, here are examples of molecules of different elements that have the specified number of covalent bonds:

 

(i) One Covalent Bond:

1. Hydrogen Molecule (H2): In a hydrogen molecule, two hydrogen atoms share a single covalent bond, forming a diatomic molecule.

 

(ii) Two Covalent Bonds:

1. Oxygen Molecule (O2):  In an oxygen molecule, two oxygen atoms share a double covalent bond, resulting in a stable diatomic molecule.

 

(iii) Three Covalent Bonds:

1. Nitrogen Molecule (N2):  In a nitrogen molecule, two nitrogen atoms are connected by a triple covalent bond, forming a diatomic molecule.

 

[ These examples illustrate the concept of covalent bonding, where atoms share electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration. Each covalent bond involves the sharing of one, two, or three pairs of electrons, which corresponds to single, double, and triple covalent bonds, respectively. ]

 

Q7)

(i)    Why do covalent compounds occur in the form of gases or liquids?

Ans:-

Covalent compounds tend to occur in the form of gases or liquids at room temperature and standard pressure due to the nature of their molecular interactions and the strength of their intermolecular forces. These factors play a significant role in determining the physical state of covalent compounds. Here's why covalent compounds often exist as gases or liquids:

 

1. Intermolecular Forces: In covalent compounds, molecules are held together by covalent bonds, which are strong intramolecular forces. However, the intermolecular forces between covalent molecules are generally weaker. These intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces (London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces, and hydrogen bonding), become more significant as molecules come closer but are relatively weaker than ionic or metallic bonds.

 

2. Weak Intermolecular Attraction: The relatively weak intermolecular forces in covalent compounds result in low forces of attraction between molecules. As a result, it takes less energy to overcome these forces and convert the compound into a liquid or gas state.

 

3. Molecular Size and Shape: The size and shape of covalent molecules can influence the strength of intermolecular forces. Larger molecules with more electrons have stronger London dispersion forces. Additionally, molecules with polar covalent bonds can exhibit dipole-dipole interactions.

 

4. Electronegativity: The electronegativity difference between atoms in covalent compounds can influence the polarity of the molecule. Polar molecules experience stronger dipole-dipole interactions, which can affect their physical state.

 

5. Temperature and Pressure: Covalent compounds typically have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds due to the weaker forces between molecules. This makes it easier for covalent compounds to exist as gases or liquids at room temperature and standard pressure.

 

6. Examples: Many simple covalent compounds, such as diatomic gases (e.g., H2, O2, N2) and small molecular compounds (e.g., CH4, CO2, H2O), exist as gases or liquids at room temperature and standard pressure due to the factors mentioned above.

 

It's important to note that while many covalent compounds exist as gases or liquids, there are exceptions. Some covalent compounds can have higher molecular weights, complex structures, or strong intermolecular forces that lead to them being solids at room temperature, and standard pressure (e.g., wax, polymers). Additionally, if the molecules has less intermolecular force and weights, then it will be liquid and if it has very small intermolecular force and weights then that will be the gasses.

 

(ii) Why do covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points?

Ans:-

Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds or metals. This characteristic can be attributed to the nature of covalent bonding and the interactions between molecules in covalent compounds. Here are the main reasons why covalent compounds tend to have low melting and boiling points:

 

1. Weak Intermolecular Forces: Covalent compounds are held together by strong covalent bonds within molecules, where atoms share electrons. However, the forces of attraction between individual molecules (intermolecular forces) are weaker than the forces between ions in ionic compounds or the metallic bonds in metals. These weak intermolecular forces make it easier to break apart the molecules and convert the compound from solid to liquid or from liquid to gas.

 

2. Dispersion Forces: The dominant intermolecular force in nonpolar covalent compounds is the London dispersion force, also known as van der Waals forces. These forces arise from temporary fluctuations in electron density that create temporary dipoles in molecules. Since dispersion forces are generally weaker for smaller molecules, covalent compounds with smaller molecular sizes tend to have lower melting and boiling points.

 

3. Dipole-Dipole Interactions: Polar covalent compounds have dipole-dipole interactions, where the positive end of one molecule attracts the negative end of another molecule. While these interactions are stronger than dispersion forces, they are still relatively weak, contributing to the low melting and boiling points of covalent compounds.

 

4. Hydrogen Bonding: Some covalent compounds, particularly those containing hydrogen bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine, can exhibit hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding is a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction. However, even with hydrogen bonding, the overall intermolecular forces in covalent compounds are weaker than the strong electrostatic forces in ionic compounds.

 

5. Molecular Size and Shape: Larger covalent molecules have more electrons, leading to stronger London dispersion forces. Additionally, the shape of the molecules can affect the strength of intermolecular forces. However, in most cases, the intermolecular forces in covalent compounds remain weaker than those in ionic compounds or metals.

 

6. Energy Required: Since covalent compounds have weak intermolecular forces, relatively low amounts of energy are needed to overcome these forces and convert the compound from one phase to another (solid to liquid or liquid to gas). This results in low melting and boiling points.

 

Overall, the combination of weak intermolecular forces, dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and the absence of strong metallic or ionic bonds contributes to the low melting and boiling points of covalent compounds, because it needs very less energy to break the bonds.

 

(iii) Why are covalent compounds either bad or poor conductors of electricity?

Ans:-

Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity due to their molecular structure and the nature of the electrons involved in covalent bonding. The key factors that contribute to this lack of conductivity include:

 

1. Lack of Free Electrons: In covalent compounds, atoms share electrons to form stable molecules. However, these shared electrons are localized between the bonded atoms and are not free to move throughout the entire material. Unlike in metals, where there are free electrons that can easily move and carry electric charge, covalent compounds lack a "sea" of mobile electrons.

 

2. Non-Ionization: Covalent compounds do not readily dissociate into ions when they are dissolved in water or melted. Conductivity in solutions or melts is often facilitated by the presence of ions that can move and carry electric charge. In covalent compounds, the strong covalent bonds between atoms prevent easy ionization.

 

3. Insulating Nature: Covalent compounds are typically composed of molecules with tightly held electrons. This makes them insulators rather than conductors. The electrons within covalent molecules are involved in strong covalent bonds and are not easily available to participate in the conduction of electric current.

 

4. Electronegativity Differences: Covalent compounds often involve atoms with similar or identical electronegativities. This means that the shared electrons are held relatively evenly between the atoms, leading to non-polar covalent bonds. Non-polar covalent compounds do not have charged regions that can facilitate the movement of electrons.

 

5. Exception of Ionic-Covalent Mixtures: While most pure covalent compounds are poor conductors, there are exceptions. Some covalent compounds can conduct electricity if they are chemically modified to become ionized or if they are mixed with ionic compounds to create a conducting solution.

 

It's important to note that there are instances where covalent compounds can conduct electricity, but these situations usually involve complex factors such as the presence of mobile ions, the formation of charged species through chemical reactions, or the introduction of specific impurities.


Overall, the absence of free-moving electrons and the strong covalent bonds characteristic of these compounds are the primary reasons for their poor or non-existent conductivity.

Q8)  Choose form the list below, the substances that have

(i)single covalent bond only        (ii)double covalent bond only         (iii)single and  double covalent bonds     (iv) triple covalent bond only      (v) single and triple covalent bonds.

Ans:-

Here's the classification of the given substances based on the types of covalent bonds they have:

 

(i) Single Covalent Bond Only:

1. H2O (water)

2. C2H6 (ethane)

3. O2 (oxygen)

4. N2 (nitrogen)

5. C2H2 (acetylene)

 

(ii) Double Covalent Bond Only:

1. C2H4 (ethylene)

 

(iii) Single and Double Covalent Bonds:

1. Cl2 (chlorine) - Has a single covalent bond in the Cl2 molecule, but it can also form double and triple bonds in other compounds.

2. C2H2 (acetylene) - Contains both single and triple covalent bonds.

 

(iv) Triple Covalent Bond Only:

1. C2H2 (acetylene)

 

(v) Single and Triple Covalent Bonds:

1. C2H2 (acetylene) - Contains both single and triple covalent bonds.

 

Q9) Classify the following as ionic or covalent compounds:

(i) Hydrogen chloride,      (ii) Sodium chloride,      (iii) Ammonia       (iv) Carbon tetrachloride      (v) Methane       (vi) Water.

Ans:-

 

Ionic bond

Covalent bond

Sodium chloride,

Hydrogen chloride, Ammonia, Carbon tetrachloride, Methane, Water.