NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9

Hydrogen

Q 9.1
Justify the position of hydrogen in the periodic table on the basis of its electronic configuration.
Ans:
The 1st element in the periodic table is hydrogen. Hydrogen exhibits dual behaviour because it has only 1
electron on its one ‘S’ shell.(i.e.,) hydrogen resembles both halogens and alkali metals.
Electronic configuration of hydrogen = [1s1]
Hydrogens resemblance with alkali metals:
Hydrogen has 1 valence electron on its valency shell like alkali metals.

[He] 2s 1 – Li

1s1 – H

[Ne] 3s1 – Na
Therefore, to form a uni positive ion, it can lose one of its electron.
To form halides, oxides and sulphides, it combines with electro –ve elements which is the same as alkali
metals.
Hydrogens resemblance with halogens:
Only 1 electron is required to complete their respective octets for both the halogen and hydrogen.
H : 1s 1
F : 1s 2 2s 2 2p 5
Cl : 1s 2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 5
It forms several covalent compounds and diatomic molecules like halogens. Even though hydrogen has a
certain similarities among both halogen and alkali metal, it differs from them. Hydrogen won’t possess
metallic characteristics; it possesses higher ionization enthalpy and reacts less than halogens.
Due to these reasons, hydrogen cant be replaced with alkali metal of 1st group or with the halogens of
2nd group. Therefore, it is best to place hydrogen separate in the periodic table.
Q 9.2
Write the names of isotopes of hydrogen. What is the mass ratio of these isotopes?
Ans:
3 isotopes:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Mass Ratio:
Tritium : Protium : deuterium = 1 : 2 : 3
Q 9.3
Why does hydrogen occur in a diatomic form rather than in a monoatomic form under normal conditions?
Ans:
The ionization enthalpy of hydrogen atom is higher. Therefore, it is harder to remove its electron. This
results its tendency to exist in the low monoatomic form. Instead of that, covalent bond is formed by
hydrogen with another hydrogen atom and exists as diatomic molecule.
Q 9.4
How can the production of dihydrogen, obtained from ‘coal gasification’, be increased?
Ans:
By the process of coal gasification, di hydrogen is produced as,

Reaction with carbon monoxide with steam in the presence of a catalyst (iron chromate) results in increase
in the yield of di hydrogen.

The above reaction is known as water- gas shift reaction. The carbon dioxide can be removed by scrubbing
it with sodium arsenite solution.
Q 9.5
Describe the bulk preparation of dihydrogen by electrolytic method. What is the role of an electrolyte in
this process ?
Ans:
The preparation of di hydrogen is by the electrolysis of acidified or alkaline water using platinum electrodes.
Generally, 15 – 20% of an acid (H2 SO 4) or a base (NaOH) is used.
At the cathode, reduction of water occurs as:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

At the anode, oxidation of OH– ions takes place as:

Net reaction is represented as

Due to the absence of ions, the electrical conductivity of pure water is too low. Hence, electrolysis of pure
water takes place at a low rate. The rate of electrolysis increases if an electrolyte such as an base or acid is
added to the process. The electrolyte is added which makes the ions available in the process for the
conduction of electricity and for electrolysis to take place.
Q 9.6
Complete the following reactions:

Ans :
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Q 9.7
Discuss the consequences of high enthalpy of H–H bond in terms of chemical reactivity of dihydrogen
Ans :
The ionization enthalpy of H–H bond is higher (1312 kJ mol–1 ) which shows that hydrogen has a low
tendency to form H+ ions. Its ionization enthalpy value is comparable to that of halogens. Hence, it forms
→ a large number of covalent bonds
→ diatomic molecules (H2)
→ hydrides with element
Hydrogen does not possess metallic characteristics (lustre, ductility, etc.) like metals because ionization
enthalpy is very high.
Q 9.8
What do you understand by (i) electron rich (ii) electron-precise, and (iii) electron-deficient? – compounds
of hydrogen, Provide justification with suitable examples.
Ans:
Molecular hydride is classified on the basis of the presence of the bonds and total number of electrons in
their Lewis structures as:

1. Electron-deficient hydrides
2. Electron-precise hydrides
3. Electron-rich hydrides

1. An electron-deficient hydride has very less electrons, less than that required for representing its
conventional Lewis structure.
E.g BH3 , AlH3 etc.
They exist in diameric forms such as B2H6 ,Al2H6 to they make up their deficiency.
In B2 H6, there are 6 bonds in all, out of which only 4 bonds are regular 2 centered-2 electron bonds. The
remaining 2 bonds are 3 centered-2 electron bonds i.e., 2 electrons are shared by 3 atoms.
2. An electron-precise hydride has a sufficient number of electrons to be represented to form covalent
bond.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

E.g. CH4, SiH4 etc.

In this compound 4 regular bonds are formed where 2 electrons are shared by 2 atoms.
3. An electron-rich hydride compounds contains excess valence electrons to form covalent bonds.
E.g. NH3, PH3
There are 3 regular bonds in all with a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom.
Q 9.9
What characteristics do you expect from an electron-deficient hydride with respect to its structure and
chemical reactions?
Ans:
Electron deficient compounds of hydrogen do not have sufficient number of electrons to form an octet.
Examples of group 13 hydrides such as BH3 AlH3 etc. act as electron deficient compounds.
They exist in polymeric forms such as B2H6, Al2H6 to overcome their deficiency.
These compounds act as Lewis acids. They form complex by accepting electron pair from Lewis bases.
B2H6 + 2NMe3 →2BH3.NMe3
B2H6 + 2CO→2BH3. CO
Q 9.10
Do you expect the carbon hydrides of the type (Cn H2n+2 ) to act as ‘Lewis’ base or acid? Justify.
Ans:
For carbon hydrides which belong to type (Cn H2n+2), the following hydrides are possible for
n = 1 → CH4
n = 2 → C2 H 6
n = 3 → C3 H 8
For a hydride to act as a Lewis acid, it should be electron deficient.
Lewis acid = electron accepting
Also, for a hydride to act as a Lewis base, it should be electron rich.
Lewis base = electron donating
Taking C2 H6 as an example, the total number of electrons are 14 and the total covalent bonds are 7. Hence,
the bonds are regular 2e– -2centered bonds.
Hence, hydride C2 H6 has sufficient electrons to be represented by a conventional Lewis structure. Therefore,
it is an electron-precise hydride, having all atoms with octets. Thus, it can neither accept nor donate
electrons to act as a Lewis base or Lewis acid.
Q 9.11
What do you understand by the term “non-stoichiometric hydrides”? Do you expect this type of the
hydrides to be formed by alkali metals? Justify your answer.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Ans:
Non-Stoichiometric hydrides are hydrogen-deficient compounds which is formed by the reaction of
dihydrogen with d- block and f- block elements. These hydrides do not follow the law of constant
composition.
Eg:
LaH2.87,
YbH2.55,
TiH 1.5 – 1.8 etc.
Alkali metals form stoichiometric hydrides which are naturally ionic. Hydride ions have comparable sizes
(208 pm) with alkali metal ion. This results in strong binding force between the constituting metal and
hydride ion. As a result, stoichiometric hydrides are formed.
Alkali metals will not form non-stoichiometric hydrides.
Q 9.12
How do you expect the metallic hydrides to be useful for hydrogen storage? Explain
Ans:
Metallic hydrides are hydrogen deficient. They don’t follow the law of constant composition.
It has been established that in the hydrides of Pd, Ac, Ni, and Ce, hydrogen occupies the interstitial position
in lattices which allow further absorption of hydrogen on these metals.
Metals like Pt and Pd have the capacity to accommodate a large volume of hydrogen. Hence, metallic
hydrides serve as a source of energy and used for the storage of hydrogen.
Q 9.13
How does the atomic hydrogen or oxy-hydrogen torch function for cutting and welding purposes ? Explain.
Ans:
The atomic hydrogen torch is also known as oxy- hydrogen torch. These atoms are produced through
dihydrogen dissociation with the help of an electric arc which results in huge amount of energy.
Energy released = 435.88 kJ mol-1
This energy is used in generation of 4000 K temperature which is used in cutting and welding of metals.
Therefore, atomic hydrogen torches are used for this purpose i.e., it allows to recombine on the particular
surface to be welded for the generation of particular temperature.
Q 9.14
Among NH3, H2O and HF, which would you expect to have highest magnitude of hydrogen bonding and
why?
Ans:
The extent of hydrogen bonding mainly depends on
(i) Electronegativity
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

(ii) Number of hydrogen atoms available for bonding.

Among oxygen, fluorine and nitrogen, the increasing order of their electro negativities are N < O < F.
Therefore, the expected order of the extent of hydrogen bonding is HF > H2O > NH3.
But, the actual order is H2O > HF > NH3.
Even though fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen, the extent of hydrogen bonding is high in water.
There is a shortage of hydrogens in HF, whereas there are exactly the right numbers of hydrogens in water.
As a result, only straight chain bonding takes place.
On the other hand, oxygen forms a huge ring-like structure through its high ability of hydrogen bonding.
The extent of hydrogen bonding is limited In case of ammonia, because nitrogen has only 1 lone pair.
Therefore, it cannot satisfy all hydrogens.
Q 9.15
Saline hydrides are known to react with water violently producing fire. Can CO2, a well known fire
extinguisher, be used in this case? Explain.
Ans:
Saline hydrides [i.e.,LiH, NaH etc.] react with water to form hydrogen gas
And a base. The chemical equation to represent this reaction is

This reaction behaves violent and also fire is produced from this.
Dioxygen weights lighter than CO2. CO2 is commonly used as fire extinguisher as it covers the fire like
blanket and inhibits the dioxygen supply, thereby dousing the fire.
It can be used in this scenario also. It weights higher than di hydrogen and effective in isolating the burning
surface from dioxygen and dihydrogen.
Q 9.16
Arrange the following
(i) CaH2, BeH2 and TiH2 in order of increasing electrical conductance.
(ii) LiH, NaH and CsH in order of increasing ionic character.
(iii) H–H, D–D and F–F in order of increasing bond dissociation enthalpy.
(iv) NaH, MgH2 and H2O in order of increasing reducing property.
Ans:
(i) The electrical conductance of a molecule mainly depends on its covalent or ionic nature. CaH2 is an ionic
hydride, which conducts electricity in the molten state. Titanium hydride, TiH2 is metallic in nature and
conducts electricity at room temperature. Covalent compounds do not conduct, whereas Ionic compounds
conduct. BeH2 is a covalent hydride. Hence, it does not conduct.
Hence, the increasing order of electrical conductance is as follows:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

BeH2 < CaH2 < TiH2

(ii) The ionic character of a bond is dependent on the electro negativities of the atoms involved. The higher
the difference between the electro negativities of atoms, the smaller is the ionic character. Electronegativity
decreases down the group from Lithium to Caesium. Hence, the ionic character of their hydrides will
increase (as shown below).
LiH < NaH < CsH
(iii) The bond pair in D–D bond is more strongly attracted by the nucleus than the bond pair in H–H bond.
This is because of the higher nuclear mass of D2. The stronger the attraction the greater will be the bond
strength and the higher is the bond dissociation enthalpy.
Bond dissociation energy depends upon the bond strength of a molecule, which in turn depends upon the
repulsive and attractive forces present in a molecule.
Hence, the bond dissociation enthalpy of D–D is higher than H–H. However, bond dissociation enthalpy is
the minimum in the case of F–F. The bond pair experiences strong repulsion from the lone pairs present on
each F-centre.
Therefore, the increasing order of bond dissociation enthalpy is as follows:
F–F < H–H < D–D
(iv) Ionic hydrides are strong reducing agents. NaH can easily donate its electrons. Hence, it is most
reducing in nature. Both, MgH2 and H2O are covalent hydrides. H2O is less reducing than MgH2 since the bond
dissociation energy of H2 O is higher than MgH2. Hence, the increasing order of the reducing property is H2O
< MgH2 < NaH.
Q 9.17
Compare the structures of H2O and H2 O2.
Ans:
The water molecule will be displayed with a bond angle of 104 .5o has a bent form in gaseous phase. The O-
H bond length is 95.7 pm.
Structure :
Hydrogen peroxide has a non- planar structure both in solid and gas phase.
The dihedral angle in gas and solid phase is 90.2o and 111.5o.
Q 9.18
What do you understand by the term ’auto-protolysis’ of water? What is its significance?
Ans:
Auto-protolysis (self-ionization) of water is a chemical reaction in which 2 water molecules react to produce
a hydroxide ion (OH–) and a hydronium ion (H3O+).
The reaction involved can be represented as:

Auto- protolysis of water indicates its amphoteric nature i.e., its ablity to act as an acid as well as a base.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

The acid- base reaction can be written as :

Q 9.19
Consider the reaction of water with F2 and suggest, in terms of oxidation and reduction, which species are
oxidized/reduced.
Ans:
The reaction between water and fluorine can be represented as:

This is an example of redox reaction

Water is getting oxidized to oxygen and fluorine is being reduced to fluoride ion.
The oxidation number of various species can be represented as:

Water is oxidized from (– 2) to zero oxidation state. An increase in oxidation state indicates oxidation of
water.
Fluorine is reduced from zero to (– 1) oxidation state. A decrease in oxidation state indicates the reduction
of fluorine.
Q 9.20
Complete the following chemical reactions.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Classify the above into (a) Hydrolysis, (b) Redox and (c) Hydration reactions.
Ans:
(i)

H2O2 is acting as an oxidizing agent in the reaction. Hence, it is a redox reaction

(ii)

is acting as a reducing agent in the acidic medium, thereby oxidizing

Hence, the given reaction is a redox reaction.
(iii)

The reactions in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds are called hydrolysis
reactions. The given reaction is hydrolysis.
(iv)

The reactions in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds are called hydrolysis
reactions. The given reaction represents hydrolysis of AlCl3.
(v)

The reactions in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds are called hydrolysis
reactions. The given reaction represents hydrolysis of Ca3N2.
Q 9.21
Describe the structure of the common form of ice.
Ans:
Generally, ice is the crystalline form of water. It visibles in a hexagonal form if it is crystallized at
atmospheric pressure. When the temperature is very low, it condenses to cubic form.
3 – D structure of ice:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

It has hydrogen bonding and highly ordered structure. Each of the oxygen atoms is surrounded tetrahedrally
by 4 other oxygen atoms at a distance of 276 pm. The structure of ice also contains wide holes that can
hold molecules of particular sizes.
Q 9.22
What causes the temporary and permanent hardness of water?
Ans:
Due to the presence of soluble salts of magnesium and calcium in the form of chlorides in water, hardness
remains permanent in water.
Due to the presence of soluble salts of calcium and magnesium in the form of hydrogen carbonates in
water, hardness remains temporary in water.
Q 9.23
Discuss the principle and method of softening of hard water by synthetic ion exchange resins.
Ans:
The process of treating permanent hardness of water using synthetic resins generally based on exchange of
anions and cations present in water by OH– and H+ ions, respectively.
Two types of synthetic resins are

1. Anion exchange resins

2. Cation exchange resins

Cation exchange resins are large organic molecules that contain the –SO3H group. Firstly the resin get
changed into RNa by treating it with NaCl. This resin exchanges Na+ ions with Ca2+ ions and Mg2+ ions,
thereby making the water soft.

There are cation exchange resins in H+ form. The resins exchange H+ ions for Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions.

Anion exchange resins exchange OH– ions for anions like Cl– , present in water.

During the whole process, first the water passes through the cation exchange process. The water which is
obtained after this process is free from mineral cations and naturally acidic. This acidic water is then
passed through the anion exchange process where OH– ions neutralize the H+ ions and de-ionize the water
obtained.
Q 9.24
Write chemical reactions to show the amphoteric nature of water
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Ans:
The amphoteric nature of water can be described on the basis of the following reactions:
1) Reaction with H2S
The reaction takes place as:

In the forward reaction, H2O (l) accepts a proton from H2S (aq). Therefore, it acts as a Bronsted base.
2) Reaction with NH3
The reaction takes place as:

In the forward reaction, H2O (l) denotes its proton to NH3(aq). Therefore, it acts as Bronsted acid.
3) Self-ionization of water
2 water molecules reacts in this reaction as,

Q 9.25
Write chemical reactions to justify that hydrogen peroxide can function as an oxidising as well as reducing
agent.
Ans:
Hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent as well as reducing agent in both alkaline medium and acidic
medium.
The reaction which are involved in oxidizing actions are:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

The reaction which are involved in reduction actions are:

Q 9.26
What is meant by ‘demineralised’ water and how can it be obtained ?
Ans:
This water is free from all the soluble mineral salts and it doesn’t contain any cation or anion. It is obtained
successively by passing the water through anion exchange and cation exchange resin.
During the cation exchange process, H+ exchanges for
→ Ca2+
→ Na+
→ Mg2+
and other cations present in the water.
Q 9.27
Is demineralised or distilled water useful for drinking purposes? If not, how can it be made useful?
Ans:
Water is very essential for our life. It consists of many dissolved nutrients that are required for us and also
for plants and animals. Demineralised water is free from all soluble minerals and so it cannot be used for
drinking purpose.
After adding desired minerals in specific amounts that are required for growth, this water can be made
useful.
Q 9.28
Describe the usefulness of water in biosphere and biological systems.
Ans:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Water is very necessary for all forms of life which constitute 65% of human body and 95% of plants.it plays a
vital role in the biosphere due to its
→ Thermal conductivity
→ Dipole moment
→ Specific heat
→ Dielectric constant and
→ Surface tension.
For moderating the human body temperature of all the living beings and the atmospheric climate,
(i) The heat of capacity and
(ii) The heat of vapourization helps a lot.
It acts as a carrier of different nutrients which are required by animals and plants for various metabolic
reactions.
Q 9.29
What properties of water make it useful as a solvent? What types of compound can it (i) dissolve, and (ii)
hydrolyse?
Ans:
A high value of dipole moment and dielectric constants (78.39 C2 /Nm2 ) makes water a universal solvent.
Water is able to dissolve most covalent and ionic compounds. Owing to the ion-dipole interaction, Ionic
compounds dissolve in water, whereas covalent compounds form hydrogen bonding and dissolve in water.
Water can hydrolyze
→ metallic and non-metallic oxides
→, nitrides
→ phosphides
→ carbides
→ hydrides
and various other salts. During hydrolysis, H+ and OH– ions of water interact with the reacting molecule.
Certain reactions are:

Q 9.30
Knowing the properties of H2O and D2O, do you think that D2O can be used for drinking purposes?
Ans:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

D2O is known as heavy water which acts as a moderator (slows down the rate of reaction). Due to this
property, it cannot be used for drinking purpose because it slows down
(i) catabolic reaction and
(ii) anabolic reaction
That takes place in the body which leads to casualty.
Q 9.31
What is the difference between the terms ‘hydrolysis’ and ‘hydration’?
Ans:
Hydration:
The addition of 1 or more molecules to a molecule or ion which results in formation of hydrated compounds
is known as hydration.

Hydrolysis:
Chemical reaction in which hydroxide ions and hydrogen of water molecules react with a compound to form
products is called hydrolysis.

Q 9.32
How can saline hydrides remove traces of water from organic compounds?
Ans:
Naturally, saline hydrides are ionic. Saline hydrides react with water which results in the formation of metal
hydroxide along with hydrogen gas liberation. It is represented as,

When added to an organic solvent, they react with water present in it. Hydrogen escapes into the
atmosphere leaving behind the metallic hydroxide. The dry organic solvent distils over.
Q 9.33
What do you expect the nature of hydrides is, if formed by elements of atomic numbers 15, 19, 23 and
44 with dihydrogen? Compare their behaviour with water.
Ans:
The elements of atomic numbers 15 is phosphorus, 19 potassium, 23 is vanadium and 44 is ruthenium.
Hydride of Phosphorus
Hydride of phosphorus (PH3) is covalent in nature. Due to the presence of excess electrons as a lone pair on
Phosphorus, it is electron rich.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Hydride of potassium
Due to high electropositive nature of potassium, the dihydrogen forms ionic hydrides along with potassium.
Naturally it is non – volatile and crystalline.
Hydrides of Vanadium
Vanadium belongs to d- block in the periodic table. The metals of d- block forms non-stoichiometric or
metallic hydrides. Hydrides of vanadium are naturally metallic and have deficiency of hydrogen.
Hydrides of Ruthenium
Ruthenium belongs to d- block in the periodic table.
Ruthenium do not form hydrides on account of low affinity for hydrogen in their normal oxidation states.
Behaviour of hydrides towards water
Potassium hydride is ionic compound reacts violently with water produce H2 gas.

Q 9.34
Do you expect different products in solution when aluminium (III) chloride and potassium chloride treated
separately with (i) alkaline water (ii) acidified water, and (iii) normal water. Write equations wherever
necessary.
Ans:
Potassium chloride (KCl) is the salt of a strong acid (HCl) and strong base (KOH). Hence, it is neutral in
nature and does not undergo hydrolysis in normal water. It dissociates into ions as follows:

In acidified and alkaline water, the ions do not react and remain as such. Aluminium (III) chloride is the salt
of a strong acid (HCl) and weak base [Al(OH)3]. Hence, it undergoes hydrolysis in normal water.

In acidified water, H+ ions react with Al(OH)3 forming water and giving Al3+ ions. Hence, in acidified water,

AlCl3 will exist as

In alkaline water, the following reaction takes place:
Al(OH)3 + OH– → [Al(OH)4]–
Q 9.35
How does H2 O2 behave as a bleaching agent?
Ans:
 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 9
Hydrogen

Hydrogen peroxide acts as a strong oxidizing agent both in basic and acidic media. When added to a cloth, it
breaks the chemical bonds of the chromophores (colour producing agents). Hence, the visible light is not
absorbed and the cloth gets whitened.
Q 9.36
What do you understand by the terms :
(i) Hydrogen economy (ii) Hydrogenation (iii) ‘syngas’ (iv) Water-gas shift reaction (v) Fuel cell?
Ans:
(i) Hydrogen economy
Dihydrogen releases more energy than petrol and is more eco–friendly. Hence, it can be used in fuel cells to
generate electric power. Hydrogen economy is a technique of using dihydrogen in an efficient way. It
involves transportation and storage of dihydrogen in the form of liquid or gas. It is about the transmission
of this energy in the form of dihydrogen.
(ii) Hydrogenation
The process of adding dihydrogen to another reactant is known as hydrogenation. It is used to reduce a
compound in the presence of suitable catalyst.
E.g. Hydrogenation of vegetable oil using nickel as a catalyst gives edible fats such as ghee and vanaspathi.
(iii) ‘syngas’
Syngas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and dihydrogen. Since the mixture of the two gases is used for the
synthesis of methanol, it is called syngas synthesis gas, or water gas
Syngas is produced on the action of steam with hydrocarbons or coke at a high temperature in the presence
of a catalyst.

(iv) Water-gas shift reaction

It is a reaction of carbon monoxide of syngas mixture with steam in the presence of a catalyst as:

This reaction is used to increase the yield of dihydrogen obtained from the coal gasification reaction as:

(v) Fuel cell

Fuel cells are devices for producing electricity from fuel in the presence of an electrolyte. Dihydrogen can be
used as a fuel in these cells. It is preferred over other fuels because it is eco-friendly and releases greater
energy per unit mass of fuel as compared to gasoline and other fuels.