Ssclumchloxe

Nay Cl Naci
Chemical Reactions CHAPTER

CHEMICAL REACTION
KEY CONCEPTS
f. abemical reaction is the change of a substance into a new
Chemical reaction
onethat has a different chemical identity. Evolution or absorption of
A.chemical reaction is usualy accompanied by heat
changes such as:
easily observed Formation of a precipitate
Evolution of agas
Evolution or absorption of heat Change of colour
Formation of a precipitate Change of state
Evolution of agas Types of chemical reactions
Change of colour Combination reaction
Change of state > (A) two elements
combine to give one
Let us explain one-by-one briefly. product
(B) two or more
Evolution or Absorption of Heat compounds combine
If heat is absorbed in a chemical reaction, + Heat' is written to give one product
on the reactant s1de. For example, () an element and a
Compound combine to
N9) Ozlg) Heat ’ 2NO(g)
give one product
nitrogen OXygen nitric oxide "Decomposition reaction
Thus, the reaction in which heat is absorbed is called an > By heating the
endothermic reaction. substance or thermal
decomposition
Let us do an activity based on endothermic reaction. By passing electricity
(electrolytic
NACTIVITY 1 decomposition)
Aim: To show the dissolution of NH,CI in water is an endothermic In the presence of
reaction sunlight or photolytic
decomposition
Materials Required: Alittle quantity of anmoniurn chloride, a beaker " Displacement reaction
and water
" Double displacement
Procedure and observation: The molecular formula of ammonium reaction
chloride is NH,CI. When this compound is placed in water kept in a Neutralisation reaction
beaker, it dissociates into NH and CI ions like any other compound. Redox reaction
In this process, water requires energy to break or dissociate this § Oxides
compound into twO separate ions. The energy taken or absorbed for Classification of oxides
this compound is characterised as an endothermic reaction.

If heat is evolved in achemical reaction, '+ Heat' is written on the product side. For example,
C(s) Ozlg) ’ CO,(g) + Heat
carbon OXYgen carbon dioxide
Thus, the reaction in which heat is evolved or released is called an exothermic reaction,
Formation of aPrecipitate
Aprecipitate is an insoluble compound formed as a result of a chemical reaction. The formation
of a precipitate can be indicated by using a downward arrow () after the precipitate formed
For example,
BaCl,(aq) + NazSOa{aq) BaSO4(4) + 2NaCl(aq)
barium sodium barium sulphate sodium
chloride (white) chloride
sulphate
AgNO,(aq) + HCI(aq) AgCl\s) + HNO3(aq)
silver nitrate hydrogen silver chloride hydrogen
chloride (white) nitrate

Evolution of aGas
This is done by using an upward arrow (‘) after the gas evolved. For example,
Zn(s) + 2HC\aq) ZnCl,(aq) + H,(1)
Zinc hydrochloric acid zinc chloride hydrogen
Na,S(s) + H,SO4aq) Na,SO4(aq) H,ST
sodium sulphurtic sodium hydrogen sulphide
sulphide acid sulphate (pungent smell)
Change of Colour
Few reactions are characterised by change in colour.
When red lead oxide gets heated, yellow lead monoxide is formed.
2Pb,0,(s) Heat, 6PbO(s) + Oz(g)‘
lead oxide lead monoxide OXygen
(red) (yellow)
Change of State
This is done by using symbols like 's' for solid, '> for liquid, 'g' for gas and 'aq' for
solution in brackets after the symbol or formula of the reactants and the
aqueous
products.
For example,
2Mg(s) O(9) 2MgO(s)
magnesium Oxygen magnesium oxide
For a chemical reaction to oCCur:
One or more substances are required to start a chemical reaction.
One or more new substances are formed.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Dependingupon the nature of the reaction taking place, various chemical reactions are broadly
classified as:
Combination reaction
Decomposition reaction
º Displacement reaction
76 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
º Double displacement reaction
Precipitation reaction
Redox reaction
Neutralisation reaction
Let us now discuss these reactions in detail.
Combination Reaction
combine together to form a single product is called
A reaction in which two or more reactants
a combinaion reacion. Such a reaction can be represented as follows:
X XY
-2 reactants single product
product.
Here, X and Y represent the two reactants and XY represents the single
Some combination reactions are discussed below.
(A) Two elements combine to give one product
of
Burning of magnesium ribbon: Magnesium ribbon burns in air to form a white ash
magnesium oxide. This reaction is represented as:
2Mg 2Mg0
magnesium oxide
magnesium OXygen
and the single product formed is
Here, magnesium and oxygen are the two reactants
magnesium oxide.
Let us show this equation with the help of an activity.

ACTIVITY 2
Aim: To show the burning of magnesium ribbon
Materials Required: Magnesium ribbon, a pair of tongs, a burner,
a test tube, blue and red litmus papers and water
Procedure: Take a clean piece of magnesium ribbon. Hold it with
the help of apair of tongs and burn it over a flame of burner.
Now, take the ash of magnesium ribbon in a test tube and add
little water to it. Shake the test tube well. Now, test the solution
with blue and red itmus papers.
Observation and conclusion: Magnesium ribbon burns with a dazzling flame to form a white ash. The
white ash formed is magnesium oxide.
2Mg + 2MgO
magnesium OXygen magnesium oxide
The solution of magnesium oxide in water changes red litmus paper blue. However, the colour of blue
litmus paper remains unchanged. Hence, magnesium oxide is basic in nature.
Mgo + H,0 Mg(OH2
magnesium oxide water magnesium hydroxide

CHEMICAL REACTIONS 77
Burning of coal: Coal burns in air to form carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is represented a
C CO,
carbon OXygen carbon
(from coal) dioxide
Here, carbon present in coal and oxygen present in air are the two reactants which form .
single product, i.e.,carbon dioxide gas.
Reaction between iron filings and sulphur powder: Iron filings react with sulphur powder
to form iron sulphide. This reaction is represented as:
Fe + S FeS
iron
sulphur iron sulphide
Here, iron and sulphur are the two reactants and iron sulphide is the single product
formed.
Formation of ammonia: In Haber's process, nitrogen gas combines with hydrogen gas to form
ammonia gas.
N 3H, 2NH3
nitrogen hydrogen ammonia
Here, nitrogen and hydrogen gases are the two reactants and ammonia is the single product
formed.
Formation of water: Hydrogen gas combines with Oxygen gas to produce water.
2H, +
2H,0
hydrogen OXygen water
Here, hydrogen and oxygen gases are the twO reactants and water is the single
product formed.
(B) Two or more compounds combine to give one product
Reactiom between quicklime and water: Chemically, quicklime is calcium
water to quicklime, limewater (calcium hydroxide) is formed as the only
oxide. On adding
product.
CaO +
H,0
quicklime
Ca(OH),
water limewater
Let us do an activity to show this combination reaction.
ACTIVITY 3
Aim: To demonstrate a combination reaction
Procedure:
" Take small amount of calcium oxide (lime) in a beaker.
Slowly add some water to this. Beaker

Touch the beaker.

Observation: There is a vigorous reaction and the beaker feels
Water
warm when touched.
Conclusion: As heat is evolved on mixing calcium oxide and water, Calcium oxide
a chemical reaction has taken place.
Here, calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide.
CaO(s) + H,0)
Ca(OH)>laq) + Heat
calcium oxide water calcium hydroxide
Ca(OH)(aq) + CO,g) CaCO(s) +
calcium hydroxide calcium carboante

78 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
 Here, quicklime and water are the two reactants and linmewater isthe single product formed.
Reaction between ammonia gas and hydrochloric acid: Ammonia gas reacts with hydrochloric
acid to form ammonium chloride
NH3 HCI
ammonia NH,CI
hydrochloric acid ammonium chloride
Jere. ammonia and hydrochloric acid are the two reactants and ammonium chloride is the
single product formed.
O An element and a compound combine to give one
product
Gulbhur dioxide on dissolving in water produces sulphurous acid.
H,0 SO,
water
H,S03
sulphur dioxide sulphurous acid
Here. water and sulphur dioxide are the two reactants and suphurous acid is the single
product formed.
Decomposition Reaction
Areaction in which a single reactant decomposes (breaks down) to give two or more products
is called adecommposition reactçon. This reaction can be represented as:
XY X Y (and Z)
single reactant 2 or more products
Here, XY represents the single reactant which decomposes to produce two (or more) products,
i.e.,X, Y(and Z).]Decomposition of a substance can be brought about in any of the following
ways:
By heating the substance
By passing electricity through the substance
In the presence of sunlight
Let us now discuss some decomposition reactions.
By heating the substance or thermal decomposition
Here are given some thermal decomposition reactions.
Heating lead nitrate crystals: Let us explain this reaction with the help of Activity1.

ACTIVITY 4
Aim: To study the decomposition of lead nitrate crystals
Materiais Required: Lead nitrate crystals, a test tube and a burner
Procedure: Put some lead nitrate crystals in a test tube and heat it with the help of a burner. Observe the
changes taking place.
Observation: You will observe that the white crystals of lead nitrate decompose to give a yellow-coloured
compound and a brown gas is evolved.
Conclusion: Lead nitrate decomposes to form three products, i.e., lead oxide, nitrogen dioxide gas and
Oxygen gas.
2Pb(NO3)2 Heat, 2PbO + 4N0, O
lead nitrate lead oxide nitrogen dioxide Oxygen
(white) (yellow) (brown fumes)

CHEMICAL REACTIONS 79
Here, the single reactant lead nitrate decomposes on heating to give
three products, i.e.. lead
Oxide, nitrogen dioxide gas and Oxygen gas.
Heating ferrous sulphate crystals: Ferrous sulphate crystals are green in
they decompose as follows: colour. On heating
2FeSO4 Heat,
ferrous sulphate
Fe,03 +
SO +
SO3
ferric oxide
sulphur dioxide sulphur
(green) trioxide
(reddish-brown) (smell of
burning sulphur)
Here, the single reactant ferrous sulphate crystals
decompose on heating to form three
products, i.e., ferric oxide, sulphur dioxide gas and sulphur
Heating limestone: Limestone (calcium
trioxide gas.
carbonate) on heating decomposes as folows:
.CaCO3 Heat, CaO
calcium carbonate calcium oxide carbon dioxide
Here, the single reactant calcium carbonate decomposes on
i.e., calcium oxide and carbon dioxide heating to produce two products,
gas.
All metal carbonates, except sodium carbonate and
potassium
heating to produce the corresponding oxides and carbon dioxide carbonate,
gas.
decompose on
For example, CuCO3 Cu + CO,
ZnCO3 Zno +
CO2
ACTIVITY 5
Aim: To study the decomposition of carbonate salt (calcium carbonate or lead
carbonate)
Materials Required; A test tube, carbonate salt, limewater, a Calcium corbonate
burner for heating and iron stand with clamp
Procedure: Take solid carbonate salt in the test tube. Heat
it first gently and then strongly. The gas produced is allowed
to pass through limewater taken in the other tube. What do
you observe?
Observation: You will observe that limewater turns milky.
Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that carbonate salt is Limewater

decomposed to produce carbon dioxide.

CaCO3 CaO + CO,

Metal nitrates when heated decompose to produce

corresponding oxides, brown-coloured
nitrogen dioxide gas and oxygen gas.
2Pb(NO;)(s) Heat, 2PbO(s) +
4NO2(9) Oz(g)
Brown gas
2Cu(NO3)2(s) 2CuO(s) +
4NOz(g) +
O2
Brown gas
80 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
Some sulphates when heated decompose on heating to produce corresponding oxides and
sulphur trioxide gas.
ZnSO4 Heat, ZnO + SO3
CuSO, Heat, Cu + SO;
Heating potassium chlorate: Potassium chlorate
on heating decomposes as follows: Why is manganese dioxide (MnO)
2KCIO; Heat added to this reaction?
2KC1 302
potassium MnO potassium
chlorate OXYgen
chloride
In this reaction, manganese dioxide
By passing electricity acts as a catalyst. A catalyst is a
(electrolytic decomposition) substance that changes the speed
Some decomposition reactions occur by passing ofundergoing
a chemical reaction without itself
any change.
electricity through aqueous solutions
of salts.
Decomposition of sodium chloride solution: On passing electric
current through sodium
chloride solution, it decomposes as
2NaCI
follows:
Electricity, 2Na Cl, +
sodium chloride sodium chlorine
Here, the single reactant sodium chloride decomposes to give two
chlorine. products, ie., sodium and
Decomposition of water: On passing electricity through water, it decomposes to give its
constituent elements, i.e., hydrogen and oxygen.
2H,0 Electricity, 2H)
water
hydrogen OXYgen
Here, the single reactant, i.e., water decomposes to give two
products, i.e., hydrogen and oxygen.
In the presence of sunlight or photolytic
Some chemical reactions related to photolytic
decomposition
decomposition are given below:
Decomposition of silver chloride: Silver chloride decomposes in the presence of sunlight into
its constituent elements, i.e., silver and chlorine.
2AgCl Sunlight, 2Ag Cl2
silver chloride(white) silver(grey) chlorine
Here, the single reactant, i.e., silver chloride, decomposes to give two
chlorine.
products, i.e., silver and
Decomposition of silver bromide: Silver bromide
Can we say that a combination
decomposes in the presence of sunlight into its reaction is opposite to a
constituent elements, i.e., silver and bromine. decomposition reaction?
2AgBr Sunlight, 2Ag + Br,
silver bromide(yellow) silver(grey) bromine Yes! In a combination reaction, two or
more reactants combine to give a single
Here, the single reactan, i.e., silver bromide, product; whereas in a decomposition
decomposes to give twoproducts, i.e., silver and reaction, asingle reactant decomposes
bromine. to qive two or more products.

CHEMICAL REATIONS 81
Displacement Reaction
Areaction in which a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive nmetal from its salt solution
is called a displacement reaction. A
displacement reaction can be represented as:
Z displaces X from its
compound or salt solution
XY +
ZY X
|Z is more reactive than X|
products
reactants
Here, Z is more reactive than X.
Let us discuss some
displacement reactions as follows:
Reaction between copper sulphate soluton and iron nail: Iron displaces
Suipnate solution. This reaction occurs because iron is more reactivecoPper from copper
than copper and.
therefore, it displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.
CuSO4 Fe FeSO4 Cu
copper sulphate iron ferrous sulphate Copper
(blue) (green)
Reaction between copper sulphate solution and zinc metal: Zinc, being more reactive than
copper, displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.
CuSO4 Zn ZnSO4 Cut
copper sulphate zinc zinc sulphate copper
(blue) (red)
Let us show this equation with the help of an activity as
follows:
. AcTIVITY
Aim: To show displacement of copper (Cu) from copper sulphate
solution (CuSO4) by zinc (Zn) Zinc
plate
Materials Required: Copper sulphate solution, test tubes, zinc plate
and aglass rod
Procedure: Take 5 mL of dil. copper sulphate
which is blue in colour. Put a thin plate of zinc solution
in a test tube
metal in this
Stir this solution thoroughly using a glass rod. What do you solution. Blue
observe? colour
Observation: Youwill observe that blue copper sulphate solution fades fades

away and ared precipitate of copper settles down. Red

Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that zinc displaces copper trom copper blue CuSO4(aq) precipitate of
sulphate solution. solution metallic copper

Reaction between silver nitrate and copper: When a piece of copper is

placed in silver nitrate
solution, the solution slowly turns blue. The following reaction takes place:
2AgNO; Cu Cu(NO,)2 2Ag
silver nitrate Copper Copper nitrate silver
(colourless)(reddish-brown) (blue) (grey)
The reaction occurs because copper is more reactive than silver. As a result,copper displaces
silver from silver nitrate solution.
82 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
Reaction between lead and copper chloride: Lead reacts with copper chloride to form iead
chloride and copper.
Pb CuCl, PbCl, + Cu
lead copper chloride lead chloride copper
The reaction takes place because lead is more reactive than copper and, therefore, it displaces
copper from copper chloride solution.
Let us do an activity to understand
displacement reactions.,
Reaction between sodium metal and water: In Activity 7. you observed that sodium metal
reacts vigorously with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen.
2Na 2H,0’ 2NaOH + H,
sodium water sodium hydroxide
hydrogen
Thisreaction occurs because sodium is more reactive than hydrogen and therefore, it displaces
hydrogen from water.
Metals react at different rates. On the basis of their reactivities, metals are arranged in a
series as given in Table 6.1. The most reactive metal is placed on the top of the series whereas
the least reactive metal is placed at the bottom of the series. This series is called the reactivity
series.
Table 6.1 Reactivity Series of Metals
Potassium K (Most reactive)
Sodium Na
Calcium Ca

Magnesium Mg reactivity
Increasing
Decreasing
reactivity
Aluminium A

Zinc Zn
Iron Fe
Tin Sn
Lead Pb

Hydrogen [H)
Copper Cu

Mercury Hg
Silver Ag
Gold Au (Least reactive)
*Hydrogen is a nonmetal and is given here for comparison only.

Double Displacement Reaction

Areaction in which aqueous solutions of two compounds react by exchange of their ions to
form two new compounds is called a double displacement reaction. A double displacement
reaction can be represented as:
CHEMICAL REACIIONS 83
 WX YZ ’ WY + ZX

|ions are exchanged products

reactants

Some double displacement reactions are discussed as follows:

Reaction between barium chloride and sodium sulphate: In Activity 14, you observed
that when aqueous solutions of barium chloride and sodium sulphate react, barium
sulphate (white precipitate) and sodium chloride are formed. The reaction is represented as:
BaCl,(aq) + NazSO4(aq) BaSO4(4) + 2NaCl(aq)
barium chloride sodium sulphate barium sulphate sodium chloride
(white precipitate)
Reaction between silver nitrate and sodium chloride: Aqueous solutions of silver nitrate
and sodium chloride react to form a white precipitate of silver chloride and sodium nitrate.
AgNO;laq) + NaCl(aq) AgC\l) NaNO3(aq)
silver nitrate sodium chloride silver chloride sodium nitrate
(white precipitate)
Let us do on activity to show this equation as follows:

. ACTIVITY 7
Aim: To study a double displacement reaciton
Materials Required: Silver nitrate solution, sodium chloride solution and two test tubes
Procedure: First, place 5 mL of silver nitrate solution in one test tube and 5 mL of sodium chloride solution
in another test tube. Mix both these solutions. What do youobserve?
Observation: You will observe that a white substance, insoluble in water, is formed. This substance is silver
chloride.
Conclusion: It is a double displacement reaction.
Such reactions in which two compounds react to form an insoluble precipitate are called
precipitation reactions.
Reaction between an acid and a base: A double displacement reaction can also take place
between an acid and a base.
Hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium chloride and water.
HCI + NaOH NaCl H,0
hydrochloric sodium sodium water
acid hydroxide chloride

Neutralisation Reaction
Areaction in which an acid reacts with abase to produce salt and water is called neutralisation
reaction.
Acid + Base Salt Water
(Metal hydroxides and metal oxides are called bases.)
84 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
 hydrochloric acid reacts (salt)
For
example, with sodium hydroxide to form sodium chloride
and water.
HCI NaOH
acid
NaCl H,0
base salt water
Toshowthis reaction, let us do an activity.

$ACTIVITY 8
reaction
Aim: To study neutralisation
Materials Required: Atest tube, hydrochloric acid, phenolphthalein, droppers and sodium hydroxide
Procedure: Take a test tube and add 10 mL dilute hydrochloric acid to it. Observe its colour. NoW,
add
add two drops phenolphthalein to it. Shake gently. Notice, if there is any colour change. Now,
of
sodium hydroxide solution the help of a dropper and shake gently. Notice, if any colour
a drop ofin the solution. Keep addingwith
appears sodium hydroxide solution dropwise and keep shaking till the
lour of the solution becomes pink. Add one drop of dilute hydrochloric acid to this solution. Note
your observation. Touch the bottom of the test tube and observe if there is any change in temperature.
Observation: No colour change occurs when phenolphthalein is added to dilute hydrochloric acid. The
enltion remains colourless. Pink colour appears when sodium hydroxide is added to this solution. On
adding adrop of dilute hydrochloric acid to this solution, the solution becomes colourless. The solution
becomes pink again on adding a drop of sodium hydroxide. The test tube becomes warm.
Conclusion: When dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are mixed in just right amounts, the acid
and the base neutralise each other and the resulting liquid is neutral.
Similarly, sulphuric acid reacts with zinc hydroxide to produce zinc sulphate (salt) and water.
H,S04 + Zn(OH)2 ZnSO4 2H,0
acid base salt water

Hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium oxide to produce magnesium chloride (salt) and water.
2HCI + MgO MgCl, + H,0
acid base salt water

Redox Reaction
Areaction in which reduction and oxidation take place simultaneously is called a redox
reaction.
Let us first understand about oxidation.
Oxidation: Oxidation is defined as:
addition of oxygen to a substance, or
removal of hydrogen from asubstance.
Addition of oxygen: Look at the reaction given below:
addition of oxygen

C + CO,
carbon OXygen carbon dioxide

Here, carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. Oxygen is being added to carbon,
therefore, we sav, carbon is being oxidised to carbon dioxide.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS 85
For example, hydrOChloric acid reacts with sodium hvdrovide to form sodium chloride (salt)
and water.
HCI NaOH NaCl + H,0
acid base salt water

To show this reaction, let us do an activity.

N ACTIVITY 8
Aim: To study neutralisation reaction
Materials Required: Atest tube, hydrochloric acid, phenolphthalein, droppers and sodium hydroxide
Drocedure: Take a test tube and add 10 mL dilute hydrochloric acid to it. Observe its colour. Now,
add two drops of phenolphthalein to it. Shake genthy. Notice, if there is any colour change. Now, add
adrop of sodium hydroxide solution with the help of adropper and shake gently. Notice, if any colour
appears in the solution. Keep adding sodium hydroxide solution dropwise and keep shaking till the
colour of the solution becomes pink. Add one drop of dilute hydrochloric acid to this solution. Note
vOur obsevation. Touch the bottom of the test tube and observe if there is any change in temperature.
Observation: No colour change occurs when phenolphthalein is added to dlute hydrochloric acid. The
solution remains colourless. Pink colour appears when sodium hydroxide is added to this solution. On
addina a drop of dilute hydrochloric acid to this solution, the solution becomes colourless. The solution
becomes pink again on adding a drop of sodium hydroxide. The test tube becomes warm.
Conclusion: When dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are mixed in just right amounts, the acid
and the base neutralise each other and the resulting liquid is neutral.

Similarly, sulphuric acid reacts with zinchydroxide to produce zincsulphate (salt) and water.
H,SO4 + Zn(OH), ZnSO4 + 2H,0
acid base salt water

Hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium oxide to produce magnesium chloride (salt) and water.
2HCI Mg0 MgCl, + H,0
acid base salt water

Redox Reaction
A reaction in which reduction and oxidation take place simultaneously is called a redox
reaction.
Let us first understand about oxidation.
Oxidation: Oxidation is defined as:
addition of oxygen to a substance, or
removal of hydrogen from a substance.
Addition of oxygen: Look at the reaction given below:
addition of oxygen

C CO,
carbon OXygen carbon dioxide

Here, carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. Oxygen is being added to carbon,
therefore, we say, carbon is being oxidised to carbon dioxide.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS 85
Let us take an another example.
Look at the chemical equation given below:
addition of oxygen
2H, 2H,0
hydrogen OXygen water

Here, oxygen is being added to hydrogen, so, we say, hydrogen is being oxidised to water.
Now, study the following chemical reaction given below:
addition of oxygen
2Mg + 2MgO
magnesium oxide
magnesium OXygen
Here, oxygen is being added to magnesium, so, we say, magnesium is being oxIdised to
magnesium oxide.
Removal of hydrogen: Look at the following reaction shown below:
removal of hydrogen
Zn + 2HCI ZnCl, H,
zinc hydrochloric acid zinc chloride hydrogen
Here, hydrogen is being removed from hydrochloric acid, so, we say, hydrochloric acid is being
Oxidised to hydrogen.
Similarly, in the following reaction,
Mg + H,SO4 MgSO4 + H2
magnesium sulphuricacid magnesium hydrogen
sulphate
Here, sulphuric acid is losing hydrogen, so, we say, sulphuric acid is being oxidised.
Reduction: Reduction is defined as:
addition of hydrogen to a substance, or
removal of oxygen from a substance.
Addition of hydrogen: Study the following reaction shown below:
addition of hydrogen
H, Cl, 2HCI
hydrogen chlorine hydrogen chloride
Here, hydrogen is being added to chlorine, so, we say, chlorine is being reduced to hydrogen
chloride.
Removal of hydrogen: Study the following reaction shown below:
removal of oxygen (reduction)
CuO + H, Cu H,0
copper Oxide hydrogen Copper Water

addition of oxygen (oxidation)

86 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
 Here, copper OXlde 1s 10sing oxygen, so, we sav. conner oxide is
being reduced to cOPPel
Similarly, oxYgen 1S being added to hydrogen. so. we say hydrogen is being oxidised to
In this reaction, both reduction and oxidation are Watel:
example of aredox reaction. taking place simultaneously. 1us o
Let us study another redox reaction shown below:
removal of oxygen (reduction)
ZnO +
zinc oxide Zn + CO
carbon zinc carbon monoxide

addition of oxygen (oxidation)

Here,
Zinc oxide (ZnO) loses oXygen to form zinc (Zn), so, we say, zinc
oxide is being reduced to
zinc.
Oxygen is being added to carbon (C) to form carbon monoxide (CO), so, we say,
carbon is
being oxidised to carbon monoxide.
Pxidising agent: We can define an oxidising agent as asubstance:
which provides its oxygen for oxidation of another substance.
which removes hydrogen from another substance for its oxidation.
In the given above example, zinc oxide (ZnO) is providing its Oxygen to carbon (C) to
form
carbon monoxide (CO). Thus, zinc Oxide is acting as an oxidising agent.
Reducing agent: A reducing agent is defined as a substance:
which removes oxygen from another substance for its reduction.
which provides its hydrogen for the reduction of another substance.
In the given above example, carbon (C) is removing oxygen from zinc oxide (ZnO). Thus,
carbon is acting as a reducing agent.
Let us understand this with the help of another example.
removal of hydrogen (oxidation)
H,S Clh 2HCI +

hydrogen sulphide chlorine hydrogen chloride sulphur

addition of hydrogen (reduction)
Here,
Hydrogen sulphide (H,S)loses hydrogen to form sulphur (S). Therefore, hydrogen sulphide
is being oxidised.
Chlorine (Cl,) has gained hydrogen to form hydrogen chloride (HCI). Therefore, chlorine is
being reduced.
Hydrogen sulphide (H,S) is providing its hydrogen to chlorine. Thus, hydrogen sulphide is
acting as a reducing agent.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS 87
 Chlorine is removing hydrogen from hydrogen sulphide to form hydrogen chloride. Thus
chlorine is acting as an oxidising agent.
Let us study another chemical reaction as follows:
2Mg + 2Mg)
magnesium OXygen magnesium oxide

Here, magnesium is oxidised to magnesium oxide. Even this reaction is a redox reaction,
Oxidation and reduction can bedefined in terms of loss and gain of electrons.
Aprocess which involves loss of electrons is called oxidation.
Aprocess which involves gainof electrons is called reduction.
Let us understand this with the help of an example.
loses electrons to form a magnesium ion

2Mg 2MgO + Mg*)2

magnesium ONygen magnesium oxide

gains electrons to form

an oxide ion
In magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium ions
and oxide ions are present. Here, magnesium Iremember that if an atom loses
atom loses electrons to form positively an electron (or electrons), it forms a
charged magnesium ion. Thus, we say, positively charged ion. The positively
charged ion is called acation.
magnesium is being oxidised. Also, if an atom gains an electron (or
Also, oxygen atom gains electrons to form electrons), it forms a negatively charged
negatively charged oxide ion. Thus, we say, ion. The negatively charged ion is called
an anon.
Oxygen is .being reduced.

CHECK Point SOMETHING MORE

Answer these questions. It is interesting to know that some of the
1. Namne the type of reactions represented below: physical changes are also exothermic or
endothermic in nature. For example, mixing
(a) XY + WZ XZ + WY of sulphuric acid and water is an exothermic
Decie (b) XY X + Y process.
myin (c) X + Y XY Adding water to solid ammonium chloride
a) XY + XZ
is an endothermic
process.
2. Give an example of acombination reaction.
3. Give an example of a double displacement reaction.
4. Name the substance oxidised, substance reduced, oxidising and reducing agents in
each of the
following reactions:
(a) Zn + CuSO4 ZnSO4 + Cu
(b) 4Na + O, 2Na,O

88 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8
OXIDES
the binary up
Oxides are are the compounds which are made
compounds of oxygen, i.e., oxides
oxygen and one more element. For example, oXVgen and sodium, oxygen and zinc, OXYgen
of
Oxygen and sulphur, etc.
and caarbon,
Classification of Oxides
(a) Nonmetallic oxides
(b) Metallic oxides
(c) Amphoteric oxides (d) Neutral oxides
Nonmetallic Oxides: Oxides of nonmetals are called nonmetallíc oxides,)e.g., CCO2, SO2, NO2, etc.
Nonmetallic Oxides react with water to produce an acid which turns blue litmus red. Hence,
nonmetallic oxides are also called acidic oxides.
Nonmetallicoxide + Water Acid
H,0 H,CO,
SO, +
H,0 H,S03
2NO, + H,0
HNO, HNO3
Metallic oxides: Oxides of metals are called metallic oxides, e.g., Na,O, K0, CaO, etc.
Metallic oxides react with water to produce a base which turns red litmus to blue. Hence,
metallicoxides are also called basic oxides.
Metallic Oxide Water Base
SOMETHING MORE
Na,0 + H,0 2NaOH
K,0 H,0 2KOH Acids are the compounds
CaO
which produce hydrogen
H,0 ’ Ca(OH), ions (H*) when they are
Amphoteric oxides: Oxides which show the properties of acidic dissolved in water. They
Oxides as well as of basic oxides are called amphoteric oxides, e.g., turn blue litmus red.

ZnO, Al,03, etc. Bases are compounds

which produce hydroxyl
Neutraloxides: Oxides which show neither the properties of acidic ions (OH) when they are
oxides nor the basic oxides are called neutral oxides,e.g., H,0, CO dissolved in water. They
(carbon monoxide), etc. turn red litmus blue.

ACTIVITY 9
Aim: Toshow the colour of red litmus paper when dipped in the solution
Materials Required: Apiece of magnesium ribbon, water, a strip of red litmus paper and china dish
Procedure: Take a smallpiece of magnesium ribbon and burn it. White powder called magnesium oxide is
formed. It is taken in a chinadish. Alitle amount of water is added to the china dish, contents are mixed.
Astrip of red litmus paper is dipped in it. What do you observe?
Observation: The colour of red litmus gets turned blue.
Heat,
Explanation: 2Mg + 2Mg0
(White powder)
(Metallic Oxide)

MgO + H,0 ’ Mg(OH)2

Base

CHEMICAL REACTIONS 89
 Why does a pure substance melt or Idetermined the boiling point of tap
boil at a fixed temperature? water and found it to be above 100C
Why is it so?
This is because tap water contains Some
A pure substance contains only one dissolved salts. These tend to raise the
type of material and one particular
boiling point of water above 100°C.
substance. Therefore, all the materials Soluble impurities in water increase its
boil or melt at the same temperature.
boiling point.

WRAPPING IT UP
Areaction in which a single reactant decomposes (breaks down) to give two or more products
is called a decomposition reaction.
Areaction in which a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution,
is called adisplacement reaction.
" Areaction in which aqueous solutions of two compounds react by exchange of their ions to
form two new compounds is called a double displacement reaction.
Areaction in which reduction and oxidation take place simultaneously is called a redox reaction.
Oxidation is defined as addition of oxygen to a substance or removal of hydrogen from a substance.
Reduction is defined as addition of hydrogen to asubstance or removal of oxygen from asubstance.

KNOW THESE TERMS

Combination reaction :Areaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product
Decomposition reaction :A reaction which asingle reactant breaks up into two or more products
Displacement reaction :A reaction in which amore reactive metal displaces aless reactive metal form its salt solution
Endothermic reaction :A reaction in which heat is absorbed
Exothermic reaction :A reaction in which heat is evolved

TEST Yourself
A. Fillin the blanks with suitable words. 4. On mixing aqueous solutions of silver nitrate
1. Whn lead nitrate crystals are heated, and sodium chloride, a white precipitate of
are SiJen chiy d£s formed along with sodium,
formed. nitrate. This is an example of Jouble Pisplao
2. In the reaction, 2Mg + O2 reaction.
’ 2MgO,
r ante is getting oxidised. B. Define these terms. boscibation
3. The reaction between copper sulphate solution 1. Oxides 2. Neutral oxides
and an iron nail is an example of c 3. Oxidising agent 4. Reducing agent
reaction. 5. Chemical reaction 6. Reduction reaction
90 ICSE CHEMISTRY 8