Chemistry 1st Year Chapter 1 Basic Concepts Notes

Welcome to the exciting world of chemistry! In this first chapter, we will embark on a journey to explore the fundamental principles that underlie the fascinating science of chemistry. Whether you’re a novice, a curious student, or someone seeking to refresh your knowledge, this chapter on Basic Concepts is the cornerstone of your chemistry education. Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformations, and understanding its basic concepts is essential for unraveling the mysteries of the natural world. So, let’s dive in and lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of the elements, compounds, and the marvelous interactions that govern the behavior of matter all around us.

Chemistry 1st Year Chapter 1 Basic Concepts Notes Short Answer Questions

What did Greek philosophers call the indivisible particles of matter, and why?
Greek philosophers called them “atomos” because they believed these particles were indivisible and the basic units of matter.

Who is credited with developing the atomic theory in the 19th century, and what were its main postulates?
John Dalton is credited with developing the atomic theory. Its main postulate is that all matter is composed of atoms of different elements, which differ in their properties.

What are the fundamental particles of an atom?
The fundamental particles of an atom are electron, proton, and neutron.

How can the size of an atom be observed, and what is its approximate diameter?
The size of an atom can be observed using an electron microscope, and its approximate diameter is about 0.2 nanometers (2×10^-10 meters).

How are the masses of atoms expressed, and what is the typical range of atom masses?
The masses of atoms are often expressed in atomic mass units (amu), where 1 amu is equal to 1.661 x 10^-27 kilograms. The typical range of atom masses is from 10^-27 to 10^-25 kilograms.

How many atoms can be present in a full stop (period or dot at the end of a sentence)?
A full stop may have two million atoms present in it.

What is a molecule, and how does its atomicity determine its composition?
A molecule is the smallest particle of a pure substance that can exist independently. Its atomicity is determined by the number of atoms it contains. Molecules can be monoatomic (one atom), diatomic (two atoms), triatomic (three atoms), and so on.

Give examples of molecules of elements and compounds.
Molecules of elements can contain one or more atoms of the same type, such as He, Cl2, O3, P4, and S8. Molecules of compounds consist of different kinds of atoms, like HCl, NH3, H2SO4, and C6H12O6.

How does the size of a molecule compare to that of an atom?
Molecules are definitely larger than atoms, and their size depends on the number of atoms they contain and their shapes. Some molecules, like macromolecules such as haemoglobin, are exceptionally large.

What is a cation, and how is it formed?
A cation is a positively charged ion. It is formed when an atom of an element loses one or more electrons. This process requires energy and is called ionization. The number of charges on a cation depends on the number of electrons lost by the atom.

Provide examples of common cations.
Common cations are formed by metal atoms and include Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Sn4+, and others.

What is an anion, and how is it formed?
An anion is a negatively charged ion. It is formed when a neutral atom gains one or more electrons. This process typically releases energy and is exothermic.

Give examples of common negative ions.
Common negative ions include F-, Cl-, Br-, S2-, OH-, CO32-, SO42-, PO43-, MnO4-, and Cr2O72-.

How do cations and anions differ from their corresponding neutral atoms?
Cations and anions have different properties from their corresponding neutral atoms due to their charge. They exhibit varied chemical behavior and reactivity.

Can ions consist of groups of atoms, and if so, provide examples.
Yes, ions can consist of groups of atoms. Examples of negative ions with groups of atoms include OH-, CO32-, SO42-, PO43-, MnO4-, and Cr2O72-. Positive ions with groups of atoms are less common, such as NH4+ and certain carbocations in organic chemistry.

What is a molecular ion?
A molecular ion is formed when a molecule loses or gains an electron, resulting in a charged species.

How can molecular ions be generated?
Molecular ions can be generated by passing high-energy electron beams, alpha particles, or X-rays through a gas.

Are cationic molecular ions more abundant than anionic ones?
Yes, cationic molecular ions are generally more abundant than anionic ones.

What important information can be obtained from the breakdown of molecular ions obtained from natural products?
The breakdown of molecular ions from natural products can provide important information about their structure.

What is the relative atomic mass, and how is it expressed?
Relative atomic mass is the mass of an atom of an element compared to the mass of an atom of carbon-12. It is expressed in atomic mass units (amu), where 1 amu is 1/12th the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

What is the relative atomic mass of carbon-12 and hydrogen-1?
The relative atomic mass of carbon-12 is 12.0000 amu, and the relative atomic mass of hydrogen-1 is 1.008 amu.

What are isotopes?
Isotopes are different kinds of atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different atomic masses. They have the same number of protons and electrons but differ in the number of neutrons in their nuclei.

How many isotopes does carbon have, and what are they called?
Carbon has three isotopes: carbon-12 (C-12), carbon-13 (C-13), and carbon-14 (C-14).

What is the relative abundance of isotopes?
The relative abundance of isotopes refers to the natural occurrence of different isotopes of an element. It can be determined by mass spectrometry.

How many isotopes occur in nature, and how many are radioactive?
There are over 280 different isotopes that occur in nature, including 40 radioactive isotopes. Additionally, about 300 unstable radioactive isotopes have been produced artificially.

Which elements are considered mono-isotopic elements?
Elements like arsenic, fluorine, iodine, and gold have only a single isotope and are referred to as mono-isotopic elements.

Do elements of odd atomic number typically have many stable isotopes?
No, elements of odd atomic number usually have fewer stable isotopes, often not more than two.

What type of isotopes are particularly abundant among elements of even atomic number?
Elements of even atomic number often have isotopes whose mass numbers are multiples of four, and these isotopes are particularly abundant. Examples include l6O, 24Mg, 28Si, 40Ca, and 56Fe.

What is the purpose of a mass spectrometer?
A mass spectrometer is used to measure the exact masses of different isotopes of an element.

How are gaseous positive ions generated in a mass spectrometer?
Gaseous positive ions are generated by ionizing a vaporized substance with a high-energy beam of electrons.

How are the positive ions separated in a mass spectrometer?
Positive ions are separated in a mass spectrometer based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/e) using a combination of electric and magnetic fields.

What mathematical relationship describes the (m/e) value in a mass spectrometer?
The mathematical relationship for (m/e) is m/e = H^2r/2E, where H is the strength of the magnetic field, E is the strength of the electric field, and r is the radius of the circular path.

How is the relative abundance of isotopes determined in a mass spectrometer?
The relative abundance of isotopes is determined by measuring the strength of the electrical current produced when ions of specific m/e values strike an ion collector (electrometer).

What does a computer-plotted graph in a mass spectrometer show?
A computer-plotted graph in a mass spectrometer shows the relative abundance of isotopes plotted against their mass numbers.

What are some methods for the separation of isotopes based on their properties?
Some methods for the separation of isotopes based on their properties include gaseous diffusion, thermal diffusion, distillation, ultracentrifuge, electromagnetic separation, and laser separation.

What is the average atomic mass of neon?
The average atomic mass of neon is 20.18 amu.

How do you calculate the average atomic mass of an element from its isotopes’ natural abundances?
To calculate the average atomic mass, multiply the atomic mass of each isotope by its natural abundance (expressed as a decimal) and then sum these values.

What is the percentage composition of a compound, and how is it calculated?
Percentage composition of a compound is the relative mass percentage of each element in the compound. It is calculated by dividing the mass of each element by the total mass of the compound and multiplying by 100%.

In example (2), what is the percentage composition of the compound given the masses of its elements (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen)?
The percentage composition of the compound is:
Carbon: 60.28%
Hydrogen: 11.11%
Oxygen: 28.62%

What is an empirical formula, and how is it determined?
An empirical formula is the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of different elements in a compound. It is determined by following these steps:

What is the empirical formula of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) given its percentage composition (40.92% carbon, 4.58% hydrogen, and 54.5% oxygen)?
The empirical formula of ascorbic acid is C3H4O3.

What is combustion analysis used for in chemistry?
Combustion analysis is used to determine the elemental composition of organic compounds, specifically the percentages of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

What are the products of combustion in organic compounds?
The products of combustion in organic compounds are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

How are the products of combustion collected during combustion analysis?
The products of combustion, CO2 and H2O, are separately collected using absorbents such as magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2) for CO2 and 50% potassium hydroxide (KOH) for H2O.

How is the percentage of oxygen in an organic compound determined during combustion analysis?
The percentage of oxygen is determined by subtracting the percentages of carbon and hydrogen from 100%.
Percentage of Oxygen = 100% – (Percentage of Carbon + Percentage of Hydrogen)

What is the empirical formula of a compound?
The empirical formula of a compound gives the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of different elements present in the compound.

How is the empirical formula of a compound determined from combustion analysis data?
To determine the empirical formula, divide the number of gram atoms of each element by the smallest number of gram atoms obtained. This will give the ratio of the elements in the compound.

What is the relationship between empirical and molecular formulas?
The molecular formula is a multiple of the empirical formula. The molecular formula can be obtained by multiplying the subscripts in the empirical formula by a simple integer, denoted as ‘n’.

How can you calculate the molecular formula from the empirical formula?
To calculate the molecular formula, you need to know the molar mass of the compound. Divide the molar mass by the empirical formula mass to find ‘n’, then multiply all the subscripts in the empirical formula by ‘n’ to obtain the molecular formula.

What is the purpose of using the atomic mass unit (amu) to express atomic masses?
The atomic mass unit (amu) is used to express atomic masses because individual atoms are too small to be weighed directly.

Define a gram atom and give an example.
A gram atom is the atomic mass of an element expressed in grams. For example, 1 gram atom of hydrogen is equal to 1.008 grams.

How is the number of gram atoms or moles of an element calculated?
Number of gram atoms or moles of an element = Mass of an element in grams / Molar mass of the element

What is a gram molecule, and provide an example.
A gram molecule is the molecular mass of a substance expressed in grams. For example, 1 gram molecule of water is equal to 18.0 grams.

How do you calculate the number of gram molecules or moles of a molecular substance?
Number of gram molecules or moles of a molecular substance = Mass of molecular substance in grams / Molar mass of the substance

Define gram formula for ionic compounds and give an example.
Gram formula for ionic compounds is the formula unit mass of the substance expressed in grams. For example, 1 gram formula of NaCl is equal to 58.50 grams.

What is Avogadro’s number, and how is it related to the mole?
Avogadro’s number (NA) is the number of atoms, molecules, or ions in one mole of a substance. It is approximately 6.02 x 10^23.

How is the number of atoms in an element calculated using Avogadro’s number?
Number of atoms of an element = (Mass of the element in grams * Avogadro’s number) / Atomic mass

How do you calculate the number of molecules in a given mass of a compound?
Number of molecules of a compound = (Mass of the compound in grams * Avogadro’s number) / Molecular mass

What is the relationship between the number of positive and negative charges in ionic compounds?
The number of positive charges in ionic compounds is equal to the number of negative charges, ensuring electrical neutrality.

What is the molar volume of a gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP)?
The molar volume of a gas at STP is 22.414 dm^3 per mole.

What does the molar volume represent for gases?
The molar volume represents the volume occupied by one mole of a gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions.

How is molar volume related to the ideality of gases?
Molar volume is true only for ideal gases, as described in the concept of ideality of gases.

What is the significance of molar volume in converting mass to volume for gases?
Molar volume allows us to convert the mass of a gas at STP into its volume and vice versa.

Why do different gases have different masses but the same number of molecules in 22.414 dm^3 at STP?
The masses and sizes of gas molecules do not affect the volume they occupy at STP because the distance between gas molecules in the gaseous state is much greater than their diameters.

How can you calculate the molar mass of a gas when given its volume and mass at STP?
You can calculate the molar mass of a gas by dividing the mass of the gas by the number of moles, which can be obtained from the given volume at STP. Molar mass = (Mass of the gas) / (Number of moles of the gas)

What is stoichiometry in chemistry, and how does it relate to molar volume?
Stoichiometry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Molar volume is one of the factors used in stoichiometric calculations.

What type of relationships can be studied using stoichiometry and molar volume?
Stoichiometry, along with molar volume, allows the study of relationships such as mass-mass, mass-mole, mole-mass, and mass-volume relationships in chemical reactions.

How can you calculate the number of grams of a specific compound produced in a reaction using stoichiometry and molar volume?
To calculate the number of grams of a specific compound produced in a reaction, you can use stoichiometry to compare the moles of the reactants and products and then use molar volume to relate moles to volume or mass.

How can you calculate the number of molecules of a substance produced in a reaction using stoichiometry and molar volume?
To calculate the number of molecules of a substance produced in a reaction, you can use stoichiometry to determine the moles of the substance and then use Avogadro’s number (6.02 x 10^23 molecules per mole) to find the number of molecules.

What is a limiting reactant in a chemical reaction?
A limiting reactant is the reactant that controls the amount of product formed in a chemical reaction due to its smaller amount. Once the limiting reactant is consumed, the reaction stops, and no additional product is formed.

How is the concept of limiting reactant analogous to making sandwiches?
The concept of limiting reactant is analogous to the relationship between the number of “kababs” and the “slices” needed to prepare “sandwiches.” If you have a certain number of “kababs” and a limited number of “slices,” you can only make as many sandwiches as the available “slices.” The extra “kababs” represent the excess reactant, while the “slices” are the limiting reactant.

What are the steps to identify a limiting reactant in a chemical reaction?
To identify a limiting reactant, follow these three steps:

Calculate the number of moles from the given amount of reactant.
Find out the number of moles of product using a balanced chemical equation.
Identify the reactant that produces the least amount of product as the limiting reactant.

What is the percentage yield in a chemical reaction?
The percentage yield in a chemical reaction is a measure of the efficiency of the reaction. It is calculated by dividing the actual yield (the amount of product obtained in the experiment) by the theoretical yield (the maximum possible amount of product calculated from the balanced chemical equation) and multiplying by 100%. The formula is:
Percentage Yield (%) = (Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield) x 100

Chemistry 1st Year Chapter 1 Basic Concepts Notes Long Questions

Question: What are ions? Under what conditions are they produced?
Ions are electrically charged particles that can be formed when atoms or molecules gain or lose electrons. These charged particles can be either positively charged, known as cations, or negatively charged, known as anions. The process of ion formation typically occurs under specific conditions:

Chemical Reactions: Ions are often produced during chemical reactions. When atoms or molecules interact with one another, they may transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of ions. For example:

Cation Formation: When an atom loses one or more electrons, it becomes positively charged. For instance, sodium (Na) can lose one electron to form a sodium ion (Na+).
Anion Formation: When an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes negatively charged. Chlorine (Cl) can gain one electron to form a chloride ion (Cl-).

Dissolution: Ions can also be formed when certain substances dissolve in solvents like water. When an ionic compound dissolves, its constituent ions separate and disperse in the solution. For instance, when table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) dissolves in water, it forms sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) in the solution.

Electrical Processes: Ions can be generated through electrical processes, such as electrolysis. In electrolysis, an electric current is used to drive chemical reactions that result in the formation of ions. For example, electrolysis of water produces hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) from the dissociation of water molecules.

High-Energy Environments: In high-energy environments, such as those found in stars or during certain types of radiation, atoms can be stripped of their electrons, leading to the formation of ions. This is common in astrophysical phenomena and particle accelerators.

Plasma: In a plasma state, which is often created at very high temperatures, atoms are stripped of their electrons, producing a mixture of positively charged ions and free electrons. Plasmas are commonly found in stars, lightning, and some man-made devices like fluorescent lights and plasma televisions.

Ions play crucial roles in various chemical, biological, and physical processes. They are fundamental to the behavior of electrolytes in solutions, nerve impulses in biological systems, and the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields, among many other phenomena.

Question: What are isotopes? How do you deduce the fractional atomic masses of elements from the relative isotopic abundance? Give two examples in support of your answer.
Isotopes are variants of an element that have the same number of protons (and therefore the same chemical properties) but different numbers of neutrons in their atomic nuclei. This difference in neutron count leads to variations in the atomic mass of the isotope. Isotopes of an element are identified by their atomic symbol, which includes the element’s chemical symbol followed by the mass number, representing the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. For example, carbon has two common isotopes: carbon-12 (12C) and carbon-13 (13C).

To deduce the fractional atomic masses of elements from the relative isotopic abundances, you can follow these steps:

Determine the Mass of Each Isotope: Find the atomic mass of each isotope of the element by considering the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. The atomic mass of an isotope is usually expressed in atomic mass units (u) or unified atomic mass units (amu).

Calculate the Weighted Average: Multiply the atomic mass of each isotope by its relative abundance (expressed as a decimal) and sum these values to calculate the weighted average atomic mass of the element.

Here are two examples to illustrate this concept:

Example 1: Carbon (C)

Carbon has two stable isotopes: carbon-12 (12C) and carbon-13 (13C), with approximate relative abundances of 98.89% and 1.11%, respectively.

Calculate the weighted average atomic mass of carbon:
M=(12×0.9889)+(13×0.0111)=11.87+0.1443≈12.01

So, the fractional atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 atomic mass units (amu).

Example 2: Oxygen (O)

Oxygen has three stable isotopes: oxygen-16 (16O), oxygen-17 (17O), and oxygen-18 (18O), with approximate relative abundances of 99.76%, 0.04%, and 0.20%, respectively.

Calculate the weighted average atomic mass of oxygen:
M=(16×0.9976)+(17×0.0004)+(18×0.0020)=15.84+0.0068+0.0360≈15.89

So, the fractional atomic mass of oxygen is approximately 15.89 amu.

In both examples, the fractional atomic masses were calculated using the weighted average formula, taking into account the relative isotopic abundances of the isotopes of each element. This approach allows for a more precise representation of an element’s atomic mass, considering the presence of multiple isotopes.

Question: What is stoichiometry? Give its assumptions? Mention two important laws, which help to perform the stoichiometric calculations?
Stoichiometry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It involves the calculation of the amounts of substances involved in a chemical reaction, such as the masses, moles, and volumes of reactants and products. Stoichiometry is essential for understanding and predicting the outcomes of chemical reactions and is widely used in laboratory work, industry, and research.

Assumptions of Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry is based on several key assumptions:

Conservation of Mass: This fundamental assumption states that mass is conserved in a chemical reaction. In other words, the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products. This principle is embodied in Antoine Lavoisier’s Law of Conservation of Mass.

Definite Proportions: Stoichiometry assumes that compounds are formed in fixed, definite proportions by mass. This means that the ratio of the masses of the elements in a compound is always the same. This concept is associated with Joseph Proust’s Law of Definite Proportions.

Two Important Laws in Stoichiometry

Law of Conservation of Mass:

Proposed by Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century.
It states that the total mass of substances in a closed system remains constant during a chemical reaction. In other words, matter is neither created nor destroyed; it is only rearranged.
This law forms the basis for stoichiometric calculations, as it ensures that the mass of reactants equals the mass of products.
Law of Definite Proportions:

Proposed by Joseph Proust in the late 18th century.
It states that a chemical compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by mass, regardless of the source of the compound or the method of its preparation.
This law is crucial for stoichiometry because it allows chemists to determine the relative proportions of elements in compounds and to make precise predictions about chemical reactions based on these proportions.

Stoichiometry involves applying these laws to perform various types of calculations, including determining the stoichiometric coefficients in a balanced chemical equation, calculating the masses and moles of reactants and products, and predicting the limiting reactant or excess reactant in a reaction. It is a fundamental tool for understanding and quantifying chemical reactions in both theoretical and practical contexts.

Question: What is a limiting reactant? How does it control the quantity of the product formed? Explain with three examples?
A limiting reactant, also known as the limiting reagent, is a reactant in a chemical reaction that is completely consumed or “used up” first, thus limiting the amount of product that can be formed. It determines the maximum amount of product that can be produced in a reaction. Once the limiting reactant is completely consumed, the reaction stops, and no more product can be formed, even if there are excess quantities of other reactants remaining.

The concept of a limiting reactant is essential for stoichiometry, as it allows chemists to predict the quantity of product that will be obtained in a chemical reaction and to optimize reaction conditions for maximum yield. To identify the limiting reactant, you typically follow these steps:

Write and balance the chemical equation for the reaction.
Determine the moles or masses of each reactant you have available.
Calculate the stoichiometric coefficients (mole ratios) of the reactants based on the balanced equation.
Compare the actual mole ratio of the reactants to the stoichiometric mole ratio.
The reactant that gives the smaller amount of product, based on the mole ratio, is the limiting reactant.

Here are three examples to illustrate the concept of a limiting reactant:

Example 1: Formation of Water (H2O) from Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2)

Balanced Equation:
2H2(g)+O2(g)→2H2O(g)
Suppose you have 4 moles of H2 and 2 moles of O2. To determine the limiting reactant, you calculate the moles of H2O each reactant can produce based on the balanced equation:

Moles of H2O from H2 = 4 moles H2 × (2 moles H2O / 2 moles H2) = 4 moles H2O
Moles of H2O from O2 = 2 moles O2 × (2 moles H2O / 1 mole O2) = 4 moles H2O
Both reactants can theoretically produce 4 moles of H2O. Since they yield the same amount of product, neither is in excess, and both are the limiting reactants.

Example 2: Formation of Ammonia (NH3) from Nitrogen (N2) and Hydrogen (H2)

Balanced Equation:
N2(g)+3H2(g)→2NH3(g)
Suppose you have 4 moles of N2 and 6 moles of H2. To determine the limiting reactant, you calculate the moles of NH3 each reactant can produce based on the balanced equation:

Moles of NH3 from N2 = 4 moles N2 × (2 moles NH3 / 1 mole N2) = 8 moles NH3
Moles of NH3 from H2 = 6 moles H2 × (2 moles NH3 / 3 moles H2) = 4 moles NH3
In this case, H2 is the limiting reactant because it can produce only 4 moles of NH3, whereas N2 can produce 8 moles of NH3.

Example 3: Combustion of Hydrocarbons

Balanced Equation for Combustion of Ethane (C2H6):
2C2H6(g)+7O2(g)→4CO2(g)+6H2O(g)
Suppose you have 5 moles of C2H6 and 15 moles of O2. To determine the limiting reactant, you calculate the moles of CO2 each reactant can produce based on the balanced equation:

Moles of CO2 from C2H6 = 5 moles C2H6 × (4 moles CO2 / 2 moles C2H6) = 10 moles CO2
Moles of CO2 from O2 = 15 moles O2 × (4 moles CO2 / 7 moles O2) = 8.57 moles CO2 (approximately)
In this case, O2 is the limiting reactant because it can produce only about 8.57 moles of CO2, whereas C2H6 can produce 10 moles of CO2. Therefore, the quantity of product formed will be limited by the availability of O2, and not all of the C2H6 will be consumed.

In all these examples, the limiting reactant determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed, and the other reactants are left in excess once the limiting reactant is consumed. This concept is crucial for controlling reactions and maximizing product yield in various chemical processes.

Question: Deine yield. How do we calculate the percentage yield of a chemical reaction?
Yield in the context of a chemical reaction refers to the actual amount of product obtained in a laboratory or industrial setting compared to the theoretically calculated amount of product that could be obtained based on stoichiometric calculations. It’s a measure of how efficiently a chemical reaction has proceeded. The percentage yield is a way to express this efficiency as a percentage and is calculated using the following formula:

Percentage Yield (%) = (Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield) × 100

Where:

Actual Yield is the quantity of product obtained from the reaction in the laboratory or industry.
Theoretical Yield is the maximum quantity of product that could be obtained based on stoichiometric calculations from the given amounts of reactants.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to calculate the percentage yield of a chemical reaction:

Balance the Chemical Equation: Ensure that the chemical equation for the reaction is correctly balanced.

Determine the Theoretical Yield: Calculate the theoretical yield of the product using stoichiometry. This involves finding the stoichiometric coefficients in the balanced equation, determining the molar masses of reactants and products, and using these values to calculate the theoretical quantity of the product.

Perform the Reaction: Carry out the chemical reaction in the laboratory or industrial setting under specific conditions.

Isolate and Measure the Product: After the reaction is complete, isolate and measure the actual amount of product obtained. This is the actual yield.

Calculate the Percentage Yield: Use the formula mentioned above to calculate the percentage yield. Divide the actual yield by the theoretical yield and multiply by 100 to express the result as a percentage.

The percentage yield can be used to assess the efficiency of a chemical process. A percentage yield greater than 100% suggests that more product was obtained than predicted, which could be due to impurities, incomplete reactions, or other factors. A percentage yield less than 100% indicates that the reaction did not proceed to completion or that there were losses during the process, such as through evaporation, incomplete reactions, or side reactions.

In practical applications, chemists and chemical engineers strive to maximize the percentage yield to ensure that chemical processes are as efficient as possible and to minimize waste. It also helps in quality control and ensuring that products meet desired specifications in manufacturing processes.

Question: What are the factors which are mostly responsible for the low yield of the products in chemical reactions?
Low yields of products in chemical reactions can be attributed to several factors, and identifying and addressing these factors is essential for optimizing reactions and improving product yields. Here are some common factors responsible for low product yields:

Incomplete Reaction: If a chemical reaction does not proceed to completion, it can result in a low yield. This might happen if the reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, catalysts) are not suitable for driving the reaction to its endpoint.

Side Reactions: Unwanted side reactions can occur in addition to the desired reaction, leading to the formation of byproducts instead of the main product. These side reactions can consume reactants and reduce the yield of the desired product.

Impurities: The presence of impurities in reactants or reagents can hinder the progress of the reaction or lead to the formation of impure products, reducing the overall yield.

Reversible Reactions: Some reactions are reversible, meaning they can proceed in both the forward and reverse directions. Low yields can occur if the reverse reaction is favored under certain conditions.

Losses During Handling and Isolation: Product losses can occur during the handling and isolation steps of a reaction. This includes losses due to spillage, incomplete transfer of materials, or difficulties in separating the product from the reaction mixture.

Inefficient Catalysts: Catalysts are substances that can increase the rate of a reaction, but if the catalyst is not effective or is used in insufficient quantities, it can lead to low yields.

Inadequate Mixing or Agitation: Inhomogeneous mixing or inadequate agitation in the reaction vessel can result in uneven distribution of reactants, leading to incomplete reactions and low yields.

Question: Law of conservation of mass has to be obeyed during stoichiometric calculations.

Law of conservation of mass has to be obeyed during stoichiometric calculations
The Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; it is conserved. This law must be obeyed during stoichiometric calculations because it forms the foundation of stoichiometry. In chemical reactions, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products. Stoichiometric calculations involve determining the quantities of reactants and products, and these calculations rely on the assumption that mass is conserved. Without the conservation of mass, stoichiometric calculations would not accurately reflect the real-world behavior of chemical reactions.

Question: Many chemical reactions taking place in our surrounding involve the limiting reactants.

Many chemical reactions taking place in our surrounding involve the limiting reactants
Limiting reactants are common in chemical reactions because reactants are often not present in the exact stoichiometric ratios required by the balanced chemical equation. When reactants are mixed in non-stoichiometric proportions, one of them will be completely consumed before the others. This reactant is the limiting reactant, and its quantity determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed. Limiting reactants are encountered frequently in everyday chemistry, whether it’s in cooking, industrial processes, or environmental reactions.

Question: No individual neon atom in the sample of the element has a mass of 20.18 amu.

No individual neon atom in the sample of the element has a mass of 20.18 amu: The atomic mass of an element, as given on the periodic table, is not the mass of an individual atom. Instead, it is the weighted average of the masses of all the naturally occurring isotopes of that element, taking into account their relative abundances. Neon (Ne) has several isotopes, primarily neon-20 (20Ne) and neon-22 (22Ne). The atomic mass of neon on the periodic table is approximately 20.18 amu. This value reflects the weighted average of the masses of all neon isotopes and their respective abundances. Individual neon atoms do not have a mass of exactly 20.18 amu because most of them are neon-20, while some are neon-22.

Question: One mole of H2SO4 should completely react with two moles of NaOH. How does Avogadro’s number help to explain it.

One mole of H2SO4 should completely react with two moles of NaOH. How does Avogadro’s number help to explain it: Avogadro’s number (6.022 x 10^23) is the number of particles (atoms, molecules, ions, etc.) in one mole of a substance. In the reaction between H2SO4 and NaOH, the balanced chemical equation is:

H2SO4+2NaOH→Na2SO4+2H2O

This equation shows that one mole of H2SO4 reacts with two moles of NaOH. Avogadro’s number helps explain this by indicating that one mole of any substance contains the same number of particles, whether it’s atoms, molecules, or ions. Therefore, when we say one mole of H2SO4 reacts with two moles of NaOH, we are actually referring to the fact that the same number of H2SO4 molecules (moles) will react with twice the number of NaOH molecules (moles), ensuring that the reaction follows the stoichiometry defined by the balanced equation.

Question: One mole of H2O has two moles of bonds, three moles of atoms, ten moles of electrons and twenty eight moles of the total fundamental particles present in it.

One mole of H2O has two moles of bonds, three moles of atoms, ten moles of electrons, and twenty-eight moles of the total fundamental particles present in it: In a molecule of H2O, there are two hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O) bonded together. This leads to the following:

Two moles of bonds (H-O-H) because there are two chemical bonds.
Three moles of atoms (two moles of hydrogen atoms and one mole of oxygen atom).
Ten moles of electrons since each atom contributes its own electrons (two for each hydrogen and eight for oxygen).

Twenty-eight moles of the total fundamental particles (nucleons, which include protons and neutrons, and electrons) because you have 2 moles × (2 protons + 2 neutrons + 2 electrons for hydrogen) + 1 mole × (8 protons + 8 neutrons + 8 electrons for oxygen) = 28 moles of fundamental particles.

Question: N2 and CO have the same number of electrons, protons and neutrons?
N2 and CO have the same number of electrons, protons, and neutrons: This statement is not accurate. Nitrogen gas (N2) and carbon monoxide (CO) have different numbers of electrons, protons, and neutrons because they are different molecules with different atomic compositions.

For N2 (nitrogen gas):

Each nitrogen atom (N) has 7 protons and 7 electrons.
Nitrogen-14 (14N) is the most common isotope and has 7 neutrons.
So, N2 has a total of 14 protons, 14 electrons, and 28 neutrons.

For CO (carbon monoxide):

Each carbon atom (C) has 6 protons and 6 electrons.
Carbon-12 (12C) is the most common isotope and has 6 neutrons.
Oxygen (O) has 8 protons and 8 electrons.
Oxygen-16 (16O) is the most common isotope and has 8 neutrons.
So, CO has a total of 6 protons + 8 protons, 6 electrons + 8 electrons, and 6 neutrons + 8 neutrons.
Therefore, N2 and CO have different numbers of protons, electrons, and neutrons due to their distinct atomic compositions.

Chemistry 1st Year Chapter 1 Basic Concepts Formulas and Numericals Solution

Chemistry 1st Year Chapter 1 Basic Concepts MCQ’s

3 thoughts on “Chemistry 1st Year Chapter 1 Basic Concepts Notes”

Leave a Comment