Chapter – 1

SOME BASIC CONCEPTS OF CHEMISTRY

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1 BASIC CONCEPT ON CHEMISTRY

“Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, properties and interaction
of matter”.
While going through this package, if you have a glance at your surroundings you would
observe various substances that have different forms and appearances. Some substances are gases,
some are liquids while the others are solids. Some of them are hard and shinning but others are soft
and dull. You would also observe that different substances behave differently: Iron rusts but gold
does not, copper conducts electricity but sulphur does not. The question now arises is how can these
and a vast number of other observations be explained? Chemistry tries to answer to all these queries
through experiments and formulation of an interpretation or hypothesis that explains the results.
The hypothesis, in turn, can be used to make more predictions and to suggest more experiments
until a consistent explanation or theory of known observation is finally arrived at.
It is important to keep in mind that scientific theories are not laws of nature. All they do is to
represent the best explanations of experimental results that we can come up with at the present
time. Some currently accepted theories will eventually be modified and others may be replaced
altogether if new experiments uncover results that present theories can’t explain.

2 MATTER

Anything which has mass and occupies space

is known as matter. Water, gold, rocks, buildings,
plants, animals and people are matter.
Matter having specific use is termed as
DO YOU
KNOW material. For example cement, glass, wood, paper etc.
are matter but are also termed as material on account
of their specific use.
Solid, liquid and gaseous states represent the
three different states of aggregation and provide a
basis of the physical classification of matter.
Gaseous state of matter at very high
temperatures containing gaseous ions and free
Description of matter merely in terms of aggregation does not suffice and it becomes necessary to
make use of another property to obtain a more useful classification of matter. One such useful way
studied by you at the secondary stage, is to classify matter into the following categories: pure
substances (elements, compounds) and mixtures. An element consists of only one kind of atoms.
Molecules are identifiable units of matter consisting of two atoms of the same element or of different
elements combined in a definite ratio. Mono, di or polyatomic molecules or extended structures with
the same kind of atoms constitute elements while in a compound two or more than two different
types of atoms are present. Thus a sample of pure hydrogen or oxygen gas is an example of element
whereas water is a compound. Another point of distinction between
an element and a compound is that when two or more elements combine to give a compound they
loose their individual chemical characteristics. Hence, hydrogen and oxygen which are gases at room
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
temperature lose their chemical identity when they form water whose properties are different from
its constituents. In a mixture, each of the constituents retains its characteristic properties. For
example sugar retains its characteristic sweetness even in its aqueous solution. Mixture may be
homogenous or heterogeneous. Heterogeneous mixtures are those in which the mixing is not
uniform and which therefore have regions of different compositions. Sand with sugar, water with
gasoline and dust with air are all heterogeneous mixtures. Homogenous mixtures are those in which
the mixing is uniform and which, therefore, have a constant composition throughout. Air is a gaseous
mixture of primarily oxygen and nitrogen, sea water is a liquid mixture of primarily sodium chloride
dissolved in water and brass is a solid mixture of copper and zinc.

A substance is a distinct type of matter. All samples of a substance have the same properties
throughout. There are two kinds of substances, elements and compounds. Thus pure water is a
familiar example of a substance. All samples of pure water have the same melting and boiling point
whereas sea water is not a substance; it contains both salt and other dissolved substances and water.
3 THE CONCEPTS OF ATOMS AND MOLECULES
THE ATOMS
The fact that all substances obeyed the laws of chemical combination by mass (explained later)
made the scientists to speculate about the ultimate particles of matter. The most famous of these
speculations is due to John Dalton.

DALTON’S ATOMIC THEORY

The main postulates of this atomic theory are
● Matter is discrete (i.e., discontinuous) and is made up of atoms. An atom is the smallest
(chemically) indivisible particle of an element, which can take part in a
chemical change.
● Atoms of the same element are identical in all respects, size, shape, structure etc. and
especially mass.
● Atoms of different elements have different properties and different masses.

● Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed. So a chemical reaction is nothing but a
rearrangement of atoms and the same number of atoms must be present before and after the
reaction.
● A compound is formed by the union of atoms of one element with atoms of another in a fixed
ratio of small whole numbers (1 : 1, 1 : 2, 2 : 3 etc).
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
All the postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory have been proved to be
incorrect.
(i) An atom is divisible in the sense that it has got sub−atomic particles.
(ii) The existence of isotopes for most elements shows that atoms of the same element need not
have the same mass. The atomic mass of an element is, in fact, a mean of the atomic masses of
the different isotopes of the element.
(iii) Part of atomic mass can be destroyed and an equivalent amount of energy is released
during nuclear fission.
(iv) Atoms combine in fixed integral ratios; however, there are instances where atoms combine in
non−integral ratios. e.g., in zinc oxide, zinc and oxygen have not combined in exactly
an integral ratio. The atomic ratio of Zn : O = (1 + x) : 1, where x is a very small fraction.
Compounds of this kind are called non−stoichiometric compounds or Berthollide
compounds as against compounds whose formulae are in accordance with atomic theory and
Proust’s law of definite proportions.
However, these aspects have not affected the basic philosophy of Dalton.

ATOMIC MASS
Dalton gave the idea of atomic mass in relative terms, that is, the average mass of one atom
relative to the average mass of the other. The relative atomic masses were referred to as the atomic
masses. It was found that 1.00 g of hydrogen combines with 8.0 g of oxygen to form water. In order
to find out atomic mass of oxygen (relative to hydrogen) it is required to know the relative numbers
of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water. However during Dalton’s time it was not known how many
hydrogen and oxygen atoms are present in a water molecule. Now we know that a water molecule
has two hydrogen and one oxygen atom. So, atomic mass of oxygen on the hydrogen scale is given by
Re lative mass of one atom of oxygen
Re lative mass of one atom of hydrogen = 16.
Thus, the atomic mass of oxygen relative to hydrogen is 16.
A scale based on oxygen, as it was considered more reactive forming a large number of
compounds, eventually replaced Dalton’s hydrogen based scale. Hence,
mass of 1 atom of the element
1
× mass of 1 atom of oxygen
Atomic mass of an element = 16
For a universally accepted atomic mass unit in 1961, Carbon−12 isotope was selected as
standard. This scale depends on measurements of atomic mass by a mass spectrometer.
We can make accurate measurements of mass on this instrument by comparing mass of an atom with
the mass of a particular atom chosen as the standard and is arbitrarily assigned a mass of exactly 12
atomic mass unit.
mass of 1 atom of the element
1
× mass of 1 atom of carbon−12
Atomic mass of an element = 12
One atomic mass unit (amu) is therefore, a mass unit equal to exactly one twelfth the mass of
a carbon−12 atom. However, the new symbol ‘u’ (unified mass) is used now a days in place of amu.
Before moving forward, certain facts about atomic mass are summarized below:
● Atomic mass is not a mass but a number.

● Atomic mass is not absolute but relative to the mass of the standard reference
element (C12).
● Gram atomic mass is atomic mass expressed in grams, but it has a special significance with
reference to a mole (which is discussed later).
AVERAGE ATOMIC MASS
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
A particular element may consist of several isotopes with different atomic masses. For such
species the atomic mass calculated is the average relative atomic mass. The average relative atomic
mass depends upon the isotopic composition or fractional abundance i.e. fraction of the total number
of atoms that is composed of that particular isotope evaluated through mass spectrometer. Thus, the
average relative atomic mass of Neon, whose fractional abundance is known can be evaluated as
Σ ( Isotopic molar mass × percentage abundance)
Average atomic mass = 100
Isotope Fractional Abundance
20
Ne 0.9051
21
Ne 0.0027
22
Ne 0.0922
Average atomic mass of Ne = (20 × 0.9051) + (21 × 0.0027) + (22 × 0.0922) = 20.1871 u.
THE MOLECULE
Avogadro suggested that the fundamental chemical unit is not an atom but a molecule, which
may be a cluster of atoms held together in some manner causing them to exist as a unit. The term
molecule means the smallest particle of an element or a compound that can
exist free and retain all its properties.
Consider a molecule of sulphur dioxide. It has been established that it contains one atom of
sulphur and two atoms of oxygen. This molecule can be split up into atoms of sulphur and oxygen. So
the smallest particle of sulphur dioxide that can exist free and retain all its properties is the molecule
of sulphur dioxide. A compound molecule should contain at least 2 different atoms.
The term molecule is also applied to describe the smallest particle of an element which can
exist free. Thus a hydrogen molecule is proved to contain 2 atoms; when it is split up into atoms,
a change in properties is observed (You may know that nascent hydrogen which may be thought of
as atomic hydrogen is a more powerful reducing agent than ordinary hydrogen).
Molecules of elementary gases like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, etc., contain
2 atoms in a molecule; they are diatomic. Molecules of noble gases like helium, neon, argon, krypton
and xenon are monoatomic. Molecules of phosphorus contain 4 atoms (tetratomic) while those of
sulphur contain 8 atoms.
The number of atoms of an element in a molecule of the element is called its atomicity.

MOLECULAR MASS
1
It is the number of times a molecule is heavier than 12 th the mass of an atom of C−12.
mass of one molecule
1
× mass of one C−12 atom
Molecular mass = 12
● Molecular mass is not a mass but a number.

● Molecular mass is relative and not absolute.

● Molecular mass expressed in grams is called gram −molecular mass.

● Molecular mass is calculated by adding all the atomic masses of all the atoms
in
a molecule. Thus, the molecular mass of oxygen which contains 2 atoms in a
molecule
would be (2 × 16) = 32. The molecular mass of carbon dioxide, which contains
1 atom of carbon and 2 atoms of oxygen would be [12 + (2 × 16)] = 44.
Molecular mass of sulphuric acid, which contains 2 atoms of hydrogen, 1 atom
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
of sulphur and 4 atoms of oxygen is
[(2 × 1) + (1 × 32) + (4 × 16)] = 98.
● Molecular mass is now called relative molecular mass.

The formula mass of a substance is the sum of

Not the atomic masses of all atoms in a formula unit of the
e compound. Sodium chloride, NaCl is an ionic substance and
we do not talk about its molecular mass. Formula mass of
NaCl = 58.5 u (for Na = 23.0 u and Cl = 35.5 u).

Key Points
1. Dalton’s atomic theory considers the matter to be made up of atoms.
2. 1 amu is defined as of the mass of a C12 atom.
3. Average atomic mass =
4. Molecule is the smallest particle of an element or a compound that can exist free and
retain all its properties.
5. The number of atoms of an element in a molecule is called its atomicity.

4 LAWS OF CHEMICAL COMBINATION

One of the most important aspects of the subject of chemistry is the study of chemical
reactions. These chemical reactions take place according to certain laws which are known as laws of
chemical combination. These are as follows:
1. Law of conservation of mass.
2. Law of definite proportion.
3. Law of multiple proportion.
4. Gay Lussac’s law of gaseous volumes.
5. Avogadro’s law.
LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MASS
The great French chemist, Antoine Laurent Lavoisier established that when combustion is
carried out in a closed container ,the mass of the combustion products was exactly equal to the mass
of the consumed reactants. For example, when hydrogen gas burns and combines with oxygen to
yield water (H2O ), the mass of the water formed is equal to the mass of the hydrogen and oxygen
consumed. In other words, mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reaction.

Question: When 4.2 g of NaHCO3 is added to a solution of acetic acid (CH 3COOH) weighing 3 g, it is
observed that 2.2 g of CO2 is released into the atmosphere. The mass of CH 3COOH and
H2O left behind is found to weigh 5g. Show that these observations are in agreement
with the law of conservation of mass, assuming the reactants are completely consumed.
Solution: The reaction can be expressed by
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 ⎯→ CH3COONa + H2O + CO2 ↑
Residue
Net weight of reactants = weight of CH3COOH + weight of NaHCO3
= 3 g + 4.2 g = 7.2 g
Net weight of products = weight of residue + weight of CO2
= 5 g + 2.2 g = 7.2 g
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
Thus, the net weight of reactants = weight of products.
Hence, the law of conservation of mass holds good.

LAW OF DEFINITE PROPORTION OR CONSTANT COMPOSITION

Further investigations in the decades following Lavoisier led the French chemist Joseph
Proust formulate a second fundamental chemical principle that we now call the law of definite
proportion, which states that a sample of pure compound, always consists of the same elements
combined together in the same proportions by mass. For example one molecule of ammonia NH3
always contains one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of hydrogen or 14.0 grams of nitrogen and 3.0
grams of hydrogen.

Question: 6.488 g lead combines directly with 1.002 g of oxygen to form lead dioxide (PbO 2). Lead dioxide
is also produced by heating lead nitrate and it was found that the percentage of oxygen present
in lead dioxide is 13.38 percent. Use these data to illustrate the law of constant composition.
Solution: To verify the law of constant composition the percentage of oxygen or lead in the lead dioxide
obtained from both the experiments should be constant. So, moving stepwise, lets evaluate
the percentage of oxygen in experiment 1.
In experiment 1,
Weight of lead = 6.488 g
Weight of lead dioxide = mass of lead + mass of oxygen = 6.488 + 1.002 = 7.490 g (In
accordance with the law of conservation of mass)
∴ Percentage of oxygen in the dioxide thus formed
weight of oxygen 1 .002
×100 ×100
= weight of lead dioxide = 7 . 490 =13.38%
Now, the percentage of oxygen present in lead dioxide obtained from experiment 2 is 13.38 %
(given).
Since, the percentage composition of oxygen in both the samples of PbO2 is identical, the
above data illustrates the law of constant composition.

LAW OF MULTIPLE PROPORTIONS

This law was studied by Dalton and may be defined as
when two elements combine to form two or more
chemical compounds, then the ratio of the mass of one of
these elements, which combine with a fixed mass of the
other bears a simple ratio to one another.
For example, carbon combines with oxygen to form two compounds, namely, carbon dioxide and
carbon monoxide.
1
C + 2 O2 ⎯→ CO
12g 16g 28g
C + O2 ⎯→ CO2
12g 32g 44g
In carbon dioxide, 12 parts by weight of carbon combine with 32 parts by weight of oxygen
while in carbon monoxide, 12 parts by weight of carbon combine with 16 parts by weight of oxygen.
Therefore, the weights of oxygen which combine with a fixed weight of carbon (12 parts) in carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide are 16 and 32 respectively. These weights of oxygen bear a simple
ratio of 16 : 32 or 1 : 2 to each other.
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry

Question: Two oxides of a certain metal were separately heated in a current of hydrogen until constant
weights were obtained. The water produced in each case was carefully collected and weighed.
2 grams of each oxide gave respectively, 0.2517 gram and 0.4526 gram of water. Show that
these results establish the law of multiple proportion.
Solution: To verify the law of multiple proportion in each case. The weight of oxygen combining with
the fixed weight of the metal in the two different oxides should bear a simple ratio to one
another. So, to prove this, we move stepwise as follows:
Step 1. Calculate the weight of oxygen in each oxide.
Here, we are given :
Weight of each oxide = 2.0 g
Weight of water produced in case I = 0.2517 g
Weight of water produced in case II = 0.4526 g
18 g of H2O ≡ 16 g of oxygen
i.e. 18 g of water contain oxygen = 16 g
16
×0 . 2517
∴ 0.2517 g of water contains oxygen = 18 g = 0.2237 g
16
×0 . 4526
and 0.4526 g of water contains oxygen = 18 g = 0.4023 g
Step 2. Calculate the weight of oxygen which would combine with 1 g of metal in each oxide.
In case I, Weight of metal oxide = 2g and weight of oxygen = 0.2237 g
∴ Weight of metal = 2 – 0.2237 = 1.7763 g
∴ Weight of oxygen which combines with 1.7763 g of metal = 0.2237 g
0 .2237
∴ Weight of oxygen which combines with 1 g of metal = 1 .7763 g = 0.1259 g
In case II, Weight of metal oxide = 2g and weight of oxygen = 0.4023 g
∴ Weight of metal = 2 – 0.4023 = 1.5977 g
Weight of oxygen which combines with 1.5977 g of metal = 0.4023 g
0 . 4023
∴ Weight of oxygen which combines with 1 g of metal = 1 .5977 g = 0.2518 g
Step 3. Compare the weights of oxygen which combine with the same weight of metal in the
two oxides.
The weights of oxygen which combine with 1 g of metal in the two oxides are respectively
0.1259 g and 0.2518 g. These weights are in the ratio 0.1259 : 0.2518 or 1 : 2.
Since this is a simple ratio, so the above results establish the law of multiple proportions.

GAY LUSSAC’S LAW OF COMBINING VOLUMES

Gay Lussac investigated a large number of chemical

reactions occurring in gases and as a result of his
experiments ,Gay Lussac found that there exists a definite
relationship among the volumes of gaseous reactants and
products. Hence, he put forward a generalization known as the
Gay Lussac’s Law of combining volumes. This may be stated as
follows when gases react they do so in volumes which bear
a simple ratio to one another and to the volumes of
products, if these are also gases, provided all
measurements are done under similar conditions of
temperature and pressure.
Example: One volume of hydrogen and one volume of chlorine always combine to form two volumes
of hydrogenchloride.
H2(g) + Cl2 (g) 2HCl(g)
1vol 1vol 2vol
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
The ratio between the volumes of the reactants and the products in this reaction is simple i.e. 1:1:2.
Hence, it illustrates the law of combining volumes.

AVOGADRO’S LAW
It states that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and
pressure contain equal number of molecules. It means that 1 ml of hydrogen, oxygen,
ammonia, or a mixture of gases taken at the same temperature and pressure contains the same
number of molecules. Avogadro’s law can prove that simple elementary gas molecules like hydrogen
and oxygen are diatomic.
Consider the experimental result,
1 volume of hydrogen + 1 volume of chlorine ⎯→ 2 volumes of hydrogen chloride at the
same temperature and pressure.
Let 1 volume contains ‘n’ molecules. Then ‘n’ molecules of hydrogen and ‘n’ molecules of
chlorine gives ‘2n’ molecules of hydrogen chloride.
Canceling the common ‘n’, we have 1 molecule of hydrogen and 1 molecule of chlorine gives 2
molecules of hydrogen chloride.
A molecule of hydrogen chloride should contain at least 1 atom of hydrogen and
1 atom of chlorine. Two molecules of hydrogen chloride should contain at least
2 atoms of hydrogen and 2 atoms of chlorine and these should have come from
1 molecule of hydrogen and 1 molecule of chlorine respectively. Thus Avogadro’s hypothesis
enables us to establish that hydrogen and chlorine molecules must contain at least 2 atoms.

1. Law of conservation of mass: Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a

chemical reaction.
2. Law of definite proportion: A sample of pure compound always consists of
the same elements combined together in the same proportions by mass.
Key 3. Law of multiple proportion: When two elements combine to form two or more
Point chemical compounds, then the ratio of mass of one of these elements which
combine with a fixed mass of the other bears a simple ratio to one another.
4. Gay Lussac’s law of gaseous volumes: When gases react they do so in
volumes which bear a simple ratio to one another and to the volumes of
products, if these are also gases, provided all measurements are done under
similar conditions of temperature and pressure.
5. Avogadro’s law: Equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and
pressure contain equal number of molecules.

5 PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION AND MOLECULAR FORMULA

A formula is a symbolic representation of a molecule of a substance, which tells us the
number and kinds of atoms of various elements present in its molecule. e.g. formula of sulphuric acid
is H2SO4 i.e. each molecule of sulphuric acid consists of two atoms of hydrogen, one atom of sulphur
and four atoms of oxygen.
CALCULATION OF PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION FROM FORMULA
The percentage of any element or constituent in a compound is the number of parts by mass
of that element or constituent present in 100 parts by mass of the compound. It can be determined
by the following two steps

1. Calculation of the molecular mass

 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
Calculate the molecular weight of the compound from its formula by adding the atomic
masses of the elements present.
2. Calculation of the percentage composition of the constituents
The percentage can be calculated by using the following relation:
No . of parts by mass of the element ×100
% of the element = Molecular weight of the compound
Question: Fe2(SO4)3 is used in water and sewage treatment to aid the removal of suspended impurities.
Calculate the mass percentage of iron, sulphur and oxygen in this compound.
Solution: Step 1:
Molecular weight of Fe2(SO4)3 = (56 × 2) + (32 × 3) + (16 × 12) = 400
Step 2:
Numer of parts by weight of Fe
×100
% of Fe =
Molecular weight of Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3
56×2
×100
= 400 = 28%.
Numer of parts by weight of S
×100
% of S =
Molecular weight of Fe 2 (SO 4 )3
32×3
×100
= 400 = 24%.
Numer of parts by weight of O
×100
% of O =
Molecular weight of Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3
16×12
×100
= 400 = 48%.

EMPIRICAL AND MOLECULAR FORMULA

Whereas, molecular formula of the compound represents the true formula of a compound;
the empirical formula of a compound is the simplest formula that shows the ratio of the
number of atoms of each kind in the compound. For example, the molecular formula of
hydrogen peroxide is H2O2, showing that a molecule of hydrogen peroxide consists of two
hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms or the ratio of number of hydrogen atoms to that of
oxygen atoms is 2 : 2 or 1 : 1. Therefore, the simplest or empirical formula for hydrogen
peroxide is HO.

Calculation of the empirical formula

The empirical formula of a chemical compound can be deduced from a knowledge of the
(a) percentage composition of different elements.
(b) atomic masses of the elements.
1. Calculation of the relative number of atoms or atomic ratio
Divide the percentage of each element by its atomic mass. This gives the relative number
of atoms or the atomic ratio of the various elements present in one molecule of the
compound.
Percentage of an element
Atomic ratio = Atomic mass of the same element .
2. Evaluating the simplest atomic ratio
Divide the atomic ratio obtained in step 1 by the smallest quotient or the least value from
amongst the values obtained for each element. This gives the simplest atomic ratio.
3. Calculate the simplest whole number ratio
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
The simplest atomic ratios as calculated in step 2 are generally whole numbers.
If they are not, then
(a) round off the values to the nearest whole number.
(b) multiply all the simplest atomic ratios by a suitable integer.
4. Deducing the empirical formula
Write the symbols of the various elements side by side. Now insert the numerical value of
the simplest whole number ratio of each element as obtained in step 3 at the lower right
hand corner of each symbol. This gives the empirical formula of the compound.

Question: An inorganic salt gave the following percentage composition: Na = 29.11%,

S = 40.51% and O = 30.38%. Calculate the empirical formula of the salt.

Solution: Calculation of empirical formula.

Relative no. of
At. mass atoms =
Simplest Simplest whole number
Element Symbol % of element of Percentage atomic ratio atomic ratio
element
Atomic mass
Sodium Na 29.11 23 29.11 1.266 2
23 = 1.266 1.266 = 1
Sulphur S 40.51 32 40.51 1.266 2
32 = 1.266 1.266 = 1
Oxygen O 30.38 16 30.38 1.898 3
16 = 1.898 1.266 = 1.49

1.5

Thus, the empirical formula is Na2S2O3.

Calculation of the Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound can be deduced from its
(a) empirical formula
(b) molecular mass
The determination of molecular formula involves the following steps :
(i) Calculation of the empirical formula from its percentage composition.
(ii) Calculation of empirical formula mass by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms
present in the empirical formula.
(iii)Determination of the molecular mass of the compound from the given data.
(iv)Determination of the value of ‘n’ by using the relation,
Molecular mass
n = Empirical formula mass , where n is any integer such as 1,2,3…… etc.
(v) Determination of the molecular formula by using the relation
Molecular formula = n × empirical formula.

6 STOICHIOMETRY
Chemical stoichiometry deals with the determination of quantities of reactants or products of
a chemical reaction. The word “stoichiometry” is derived from greek word “stoicheion” meaning
element and “metron” meaning measure.
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry

THE MOLE
The concept of amount of a substance is confined to the chemical measurements. The amount
of substance of a system is proportional to the number of elementary entities (which may be atoms
or molecules or ions or specified group of such particles) of that substance present in the system.
Let us take elements Ag, Mg and Hg with masses equal to their atomic masses in grams, and
then to our surprise, each element contains equal number of atoms. This is not only limited to atoms
but also applicable to the molecules. For example, if we have molecules like CO 2, NO2 and SO2 with
masses equal to their molecular masses in grams, then they would also contain equal number of
molecules. This specified number of atoms or molecules is referred to as a “mole”.
Thus, a system containing a specified number (6.023 × 1023) of elementary entities is said to
contain 1 mole of the entities. Thus 1 mole of an iron sample means that the sample contains 6.023 ×
1023 atoms of iron. Similarly, 1 mole of NaCl crystal contains 6.023 × 1023 ion pairs (Na+Cl−).
This specific number 6.023 × 1023 elementary entities is called Avogadro number (NAV). The
SI unit for amount of substance is the mole.

One mole is defined as the amount of a substance that contains as many

entities (atoms, molecules or other particles) as there are in exactly 12 g of
12
C isotope.

No . of atoms /molecules of that species

Number of moles of species = Avogadro Number
The mass of specific number (6.023 × 1023) of elementary entities is equal to atomic mass for
atoms and molecular mass for molecules.
Let ‘M’ g/mole be the molecular mass of a species. Thus ‘M’ g be the mass of 1 mole
(equal to the mass of 6.023 × 1023 molecules) of the species. Then, ‘x’ g of the species contain

( 1
M
×x ) mass taken (grams )
mole. Hence, Number of moles of a species = Atomic or molecular mass (g/mole) M
=
w

It is also known that one mole of a gas at STP occupies a volume of 22.4 litres. Thus, if a gas
occupies ‘x’ L at STP, then the number of moles of the gas can be calculated by dividing the actual
volume occupied by the gas at STP with the volume occupied by 1 mole of the gas at STP.
Volume occupied by gas at STP
Thus, number of moles of a gas = Volume occupied by 1 mole of the gas at STP .
The volume of gas and the number of moles of gas at temperature and pressure other than
the STP can be related by ideal gas equation, PV = nRT.

Question: Calculate the number of atoms in each of the following

(i) 52 moles of Ar
(ii) 52 u of He
(iii) 52 g of He
Solution: (i) 1 mole of Ar contains 6.023 × 1023 atoms
∴ 52 mole of Ar contains atoms
= 52 × 6.023 × 1023
= 3.132 × 1025 atoms.
(ii) 1 atom of He contains 4 u
52
×1
∴ 52 u of He contains = 4 = 13 atoms.
(iii) 1 mol of He ≡ 4 g = 6.023 × 1023 atoms
52 g
×6. 023×1023
∴ 52 g of He contains atoms = 4 g = 7.8299 × 1024 atoms.
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry

BALANCING A CHEMICAL EQUATION

According to the law of conservation of mass, a balanced chemical equation has the same
number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Many chemical equations can be
balanced by trial and error. Let us take the reactions of a few metals and non−metals with oxygen to
give oxides
4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) ⎯→ 2Fe2O3(s) (a) balanced equation
2Mg(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2MgO(s) (b) balanced equation
P4(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ P4O10(s) (c) unbalanced equation
Equations (a) and (b) are balanced since there are same number of metal and oxygen atoms
on each side of equations. However, equation (c) is not balanced. In this equation, phosphorus atoms
are balanced but not the oxygen atoms. To balance it, we must place the coefficient 5 on the left of
oxygen on the left side of the equation to balance the oxygen atoms appearing on the right side of the
equation.
P4(s) + 5O2(g) ⎯→ P4O10(s) balanced equation
Now let us take combustion of propane, C3H8. This equation can be balanced in steps.
Step 1. Write down the correct formulae of reactants and products. Here propane and
oxygen are reactants and carbon dioxide and water are products.
C3H8(g) + O2(g) ⎯→ CO2(g) + H2O(l) unbalanced equation
Step 2. Balance the number of C atoms: Since 3 carbon atoms are in the reactant, therefore,
three CO2 molecules are required on the right side.
C3H8(g) + O2(g) ⎯→ 3CO2(g) + H2O(l) unbalanced equation
Step 3. Balance the number of H atoms: Since on the left there are 8 hydrogen atoms in the
reactants however, each molecule of water has two hydrogen atoms, so four molecules of water will
be required for eight hydrogen atoms on the right side.
C3H8(g) + O2(g) ⎯→ 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(l) unbalanced equation
Step 4. Balance the number of O atoms: There are ten oxygen atoms on the right side
(3 × 2 = 6 in CO2 and 4 × 1 = 4 in H2O). Therefore, five O2 molecules are needed to supply the required
ten oxygen atoms.
C3H8(g) + 5O2(g) ⎯→ 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(l)
Step 5. Verify that the number of atoms of each element is balanced in the final equation. The
equation shows three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms and ten oxygen atoms on each side.
All equations that have correct formulae for all reactants and products can be balanced.
Always remember that subscripts in formulae of reactants and products cannot be changed to
balance an equation.

QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION FROM A BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATION

Let us now consider a balanced chemical equation as
MnO2 + 4HCl ⎯→ MnCl2 + 2H2O + Cl2
The quantitative information drawn from this balanced chemical equation is
(a) The molar ratio in which the two reactants (MnO2 and HCl) are reacting is 1 : 4.
(b) The molar ratio between any two products can also be known i.e. moles of H 2O
produced would be double the moles of MnCl2 produced.
(c) The initial moles of MnO2 and HCl to be taken in vessel for the reaction to occur not
necessarily be 1 and 4 respectively (or in the molar ratio of 1 : 4).
(d) We can start reaction with MnO2 and HCl taken in any molar ratio, but moles of the two
reacting will always be in the molar ratio of 1 : 4.
(e) The balanced chemical equation should follow the law of conservation of mass.

STOICHIOMETRIC CALCULATIONS
Let us consider the same chemical system as considered above with initial composition
n∘MnO , n∘HCl , n∘MnCl , n∘H O , and n∘Cl . n ∘ n∘MnO .
(in terms of mole) as 2 2 2 2 Let the HCl is four times that of 2
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
When the reaction occurs, these mole numbers change as the reaction progresses. The mole
numbers of the various species do not change independently but the changes are related by the
stoichiometric coefficients in the chemical equation. Let after time ‘t’ from the commencement of the
reaction, the moles of MnO2 reacting be ‘x’, then the moles of HCl reacting in the same time interval
be ‘4x’ since MnO2 and HCl react in the molar ratio of 1 : 4.
Thus, after time t, the composition of the system would be
∘
n MnO n MnO
2 = 2 −x
nHCl
n∘
= HCl − 4x
∘
n MnCl n MnCl
2 = 2 +x
∘
nH n
2O = H 2 O + 2x
∘
nCl nCl
2= 2+ x

The algebric signs, − and + indicates that the reactants are consumed and the products are
produced.
In general, mole numbers of various species at any time would be given as
nt = n∘i + ν∘i x
n∘ ν
where i is the initial amount, x is the degree of advancement and i is the stoichiometric
coefficient which will be given a negative sign for the reactants and a positive sign for the products.
After long time interval from the commencement of reaction i.e. after infinite time, i.e., when
the reaction is 100% complete, the composition of the system would be
n MnO n
2 = o, HCl = 0
∘ ∘ ∘
n∘HCl
n MnCl n MnCl n MnO n MnCl
2 = 2 + 2 = 2 + 4

∘ ∘ ∘
n∘HCl
nH n 2 n MnO n H O 2
2O = H2O + 2= 2 +

∘ ∘ ∘
n∘HCl
nCl n n n
2 = Cl 2 + MnO 2 = Cl 2 + 4

THE LIMITING REAGENT

n∘MnO n∘ n∘
∘
4 n MnO .
Let the initial moles of MnO 2 and HCl be 2 and HCl respectively and HCl ≠ 2

Thus, in the given chemical reaction, after infinite time, one of the reactant will be completely
consumed while the other would be left in excess. Thus, the reactant which is completely consumed
when a reaction goes to completion and which decides the yield of the product is called the limiting
reagent.
∘
n∘ 4 n MnO ,
For example, if in the given case HCl > 2 and there is no MnCl2 and H2O in the

beginning, then
MnO2 + 4HCl ⎯→ MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O
∘
n MnO n∘HCl
Initially, t = 0 2 0 0 0
n∘HCl
∘
4 n MnO ∘
n MnO ∘
n MnO 2 n∘MnO
At t = ∞ 0 − 2 2 2 2

Thus, MnO2 is the limiting reagent and the yield of all the products is governed by the amount
of MnO2 taken initially.
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
∘
n∘ 4 n MnO
Similarly, if in the given case HCl < 2 and no MnCl2, Cl2 and H2O are present initially, then

MnO2 + 4HCl ⎯→ MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O

∘
n MnO n∘HCl
Initially, t = 0 2 0 0 0
n∘HCl n∘HCl n∘HCl n∘HCl
n∘MnO
4 4 4 2
t=∞ 2− 0
Here, HCl would become the limiting reagent and the products yield are decided by the
amount of HCl taken initially.
ANALYSIS BASED ON MASS AND VOLUME RELATIONSHIPS
This analysis section is broadly classified into three heads.
(a) Mass−mass relationship
(b) Mass−volume relationship and
(c) Volume−volume relationship
Mass−mass Relationship
This relates the mass of a species (reactant or product) with the mass of another species
(reactant or product) involved in a chemical reaction.
Let us consider a chemical reaction,
CaCO3(s) ⃗Δ CaO(s) + CO2(g).
Let the mass of CaCO3 taken be ‘x’ g and we want to calculate the mass of CaO obtained by
x
M
heating ‘x’ g CaCO3. Then the moles of CaCO3 taken would be 1 (where M1 represents the molar
mass of CaCO3). According to the balanced reaction, the molar ratio of CaCO3 and CaO is 1 : 1, so same

number of moles
( )
x
M1
of CaO would be formed. Now for converting the moles of CaO into mass of
CaO obtained, we need to multiply the moles of CaO with the molar mass of CaO.
Let the molar mass of CaO be M2, so the mass of CaO obtained by heating ‘x’ g of CaCO3 would

be
( x
M1 )
×M 2 g .

Mass−volume Relationship
This establishes the relationship between the mass of a species (reactant or product) and the
volume of a gaseous species (reactant or product) involved in a chemical reaction.
Let us take ‘x’ g of CaCO3 in a vessel of capacity ‘V’ L and the vessel is heated so that CaCO3
decomposes as
CaCO3(s) ⃗ Δ CaO(s) + CO2(g)
We want to find out the volume of CO2 evolved at STP by heating ‘x’ g of CaCO3. Then
x
M
Moles of CaCO3 = 1
x
M
Moles of CO2 evolved = 1 (since molar ratio of CaCO3 and CO2 is 1 : 1)

∴ Volume of CO2 evolved at STP =

x
M1
×22 . 4 L
( )
But, if the volume of CO2 evolved is to be calculated at pressure ‘P’ atm and temperature ‘T’ K.
x RT
×
Then, Volume of CO2 evolved at pressure ‘P’ and temperature ‘T’ =
M 1 P (Using PV = nRT)
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
Question: Oxygen is prepared by catalytic decomposition of potassium chlorate (KClO3). Decomposition of
potassium chlorate gives potassium chloride (KCl) and oxygen (O2). How many moles and how
many grams of KClO3 are required to produce
(M
KClO 3 =122 .5 g/mole )
2.4 mole O2?
Solution: Decomposition of KClO3 takes place as
2KClO3(s) ⎯→ 2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)
2 mole KClO3 gives 3 mole of O2
∴ 3 mole O2 is formed by 2 mole of KClO3.

∴ 2.4 mole O2 will be formed by

( 23 ×2 . 4)
mole KClO3 = 1.6 mole KClO3.
Mass of KClO3 = Number of moles × Molar mass = 1.6 × 122.5 = 196 g.

Question: If 20 g of CaCO3 is treated with 20 g of HCl, how many grams of CO2 can be generated according
to the following equation?
CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) ⎯→ CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
Solution: CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) ⎯→ CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
1 mol 2 mol 1 mol
100 g 73 g 44 g
Let CaCO3(s) be completely consumed in the reaction.
∴ 100 g CaCO3 gives 44 g CO2.
44
×20 g
∴ 20 g CaCO3 will give 100 CO2 = 8.8 g CO2.
Let HCl be completely consumed
 73 g HCl give 44 g CO2
44
×20 g CO 2
∴ 20 g HCl will give 73 = 12.054 g CO2.
Since, CaCO3 gives least amount of product CO2, hence CaCO3 is the limiting reactant.

Question: For the reaction,

CaO + 2HCl ⎯→ CaCl2 + H2O
1.23 g of CaO is reacted with excess of hydrochloric acid and 1.85 g of CaCl2 is formed. What is
the percent yield?

( % yield =
mass of the product produced actually
mass of the product produced theoretically
×100 )
Solution: The balanced equation is
CaO + 2HCl ⎯→ CaCl2 + H2O
1 mol 1 mol
56 g 111g
56 g of CaO produce CaCl2 = 111 g
111
×1 . 23
1.23 g of CaO produce CaCl2 = 56 = 2.438
Thus, theoretical yield = 2.438 g
Actual yield = 1.85 g
1. 85
×100
Percent yield = 2. 438 = 75.88%.

Volume−volume Relationship
This relationship deals with the volume of a gaseous species (reactant or product) with
the volume of another gaseous species (reactant or product) involved in a chemical reaction.
Let us consider the reaction, N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⎯→ 2NH3(g). We are given ‘x’ L of N2 at pressure
‘P’ atm and temperature ‘T’ K and we want to know the volume of H2 required to react with it at
another pressure P′ atm and temperature T′ K, then
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
Px
Moles of N2 = RT
3×P×x
Moles of H2 required = RT
∴ Volume of H2 required at pressure P′ atm and temperature T′ K

=
3 × P × x × RT ′
RT × P ′
= (
3 x × PT ′′
P′T
L )
Question: 1 litre mixture of CO and CO2 is taken. This is passed through a tube containing red hot charcoal.
The volume now becomes 1.6 litre. The volumes are measured under the same conditions. Find
the composition of mixture by volume.
Solution: Let there be ‘x’ ml of CO in the mixture. Hence there will be (1000 − x)ml CO2. The reaction of
CO2 with red hot charcoal may be given as,
CO2(g) + C(s) ⎯→ 2CO(g)
1000 − x
– 2000 − 2x
Total volume of the gas becomes = x + 2(1000 − x)
x + 2000 − 2x = 1600
x = 400 ml
∴ Volume of CO = 400 ml
and volume of CO2 = 600 ml.

7 CONCENTRATION OF SOLUTION

A solution is defined as a homogenous mixture of two or more chemically non-reacting

substances, the relative amount of which can be varied upto a certain limit. If a solution consists of
only two components it is called a binary solution. The component present in smaller amount is
called the solute while, the other present in larger amount is called the solvent.
The concentration of a solution can be expressed in a number of ways as follows:
1. Mass percent or weight percent (w / w%) 2. Mole fraction
3. Molarity 4. Molality

MASS PERCENT
Mass of solute
×100
It is obtained by using the following relation: Mass percent = Mass of solution
MOLE FRACTION
It is the ratio of number of moles of a particular component to the total
number of moles of the solution.
If a substance ‘A’ dissolves in substance ‘B’ and their number of moles are nA and nB
respectively; then the mole fractions of A and B are given as
Number of moles of A
Mole fraction of A = Number of moles of solution
nA
= n A +n B
Number of moles of B
Mole fraction of B = Number of moles of solution
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
nB
= n A +n B
MOLALITY (m)
It is defined as the number of moles of solute present in one litre of the solution.
number of moles of solute
Molarity (M) = Volume of solution (in litres)
Let the weight of solute be ‘w’ g, molar mass of solute be ‘M1’ g/mol and the volume of
solution be ‘V’ litre.
weight of solute w
M
Hence, number of moles of solute = Atomic or molar mass of solute = 1
w 1
×
M
∴ M= 1 V (in litres )
w
∴ Number of moles of solute = M 1 = M × V (in litres)
When a solution is diluted, the moles of solute donot change but molarity changes. On taking out a
small volume of solution from a larger volume, the molarity of solution do not change but moles
change proportionately.

MOLALITY (m)
It is defined as the number of moles of solute present in 1 kg of solvent. It is denoted
by ‘m’.
number of moles of solute
Molality (m) = mass of the solvent (in kg )

Question: A solution of oxalic acid C2H2O4.2H2O is prepared by dissolving 0.63 g of the acid in 250 cm3 of the
solution. Calculate molarity of the solution.
Solution: Molar mass of oxalic acid = 126 g/mol.
250
∴ 250 cm or 1000 L = 0.25 L of the solution contains 0.63 g oxalic acid.
3

0 .63 1
×
∴ Molarity of the solution = 126 0 . 25 = 0.02 M
Question: Calculate the molarity of H2O in pure water. (density H2O = 1 g/cm3)
Solution: 1 L of pure water = 1000 g (assuming density =1.0 g/cm3)
1000
∴ Number of moles in 1 L of pure water = 18 = 55.55.

Key Point
Adding a solvent to a solution, a process known as dilution, decreases the concentration
(molarity) of the solution without changing the total moles of solute present in the
solution.
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry

1.
Practice
A welding fuel gas contains carbon and hydrogen only. Burning a small sample of it in oxygen
gives 3.38 g of carbon dioxide, 0.690 g of water and no other products. A volume of 10.0 L
(measured at STP) of this welding gas is found to weight 11.6 g. Calculate
(i) empirical formula. (ii) molar mass of the gas (iii) molecular formula.
2. From the following reaction sequence,
CaC2 + H2O ⎯→ CaO + C2H2
C2H2 + H2 ⎯→ C2H4
nC2H4 ⎯→ (C2H4)n
Calculate the mass of polyethylene which can be produced from 10 kg of CaC2.
3. If 6.3 g of NaHCO3 are added to 15.0 g CH3COOH solution. What is the mass of CO2 released in the
atmosphere if the following reaction is known to take place?
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 ⎯→ CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
4. Three atoms of magnesium combine with 2 atoms of nitrogen. What will be the weight of
magnesium which combines with 1.86 g of nitrogen? The reaction occurring is as follows
3Mg + N2 ⎯→ Mg3N2
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
5. Calculate the total number of electrons present in 18 ml of water. Given: density of water =
1g/ml.
6. Find the ratio of the number of molecules contained in 1 g of NH3 and 1 g of N2?
7. Calculate the total number of atoms is 0.5 mole of K2Cr2O7.
8. A sample of potato starch was ground in a ball mill to give a starch like molecule of lower
molecular weight. The product analysed 0.086% phosphorus. If each molecule is assumed to
contain one atom of phosphorus, what is the molecular weight of the material?
9. Equal masses of Zn metal and iodine are mixed together and the iodine is converted to Zn I2. What
fraction by mass of the original zinc remains unreacted? (Mzn = 65, MI = 127)
10. 1.6 g of an oxide of iron, on heating in a stream of hydrogen gas, completely converted to 1.12 g
of iron. Find the empirical formula of the oxide. (Atomic mass: Fe = 56)
11. Calculate the number of oxalic acid molecules in 100 ml of 0.01 M oxalic acid solution.
12. How many milliliters of 0.5 M H 2SO4 are needed to dissolve 0.5 g of copper(II) carbonate? The
following reaction takes place: H2SO4 + CuCO3 ⎯→ CuSO4 + H2CO3.
13. Two acids H2SO4 and H3PO4 are neutralized separately by the same number of moles of an alkali
when sulphate and dihydrogen orthophosphate are formed respectively. Find the ratio of the
masses of H2SO4 and H3PO4 taken.
H2SO4 + 2NaOH ⎯→ Na2SO4 + 2H2O
H3PO4 + NaOH ⎯→ NaH2PO4 + H2O
14. 10 ml of HCl solution gave 0.1435 g of AgCl when treated with excess of AgNO 3. Find the molarity
of the acid solution.
15. Calculate the weight of FeO produced from 2 g VO and 5.75 g of Fe 2O3. Also report the limiting
reagent.
2VO + 3Fe2O3 ⎯→ 6FeO + V2O5
(Molecular mass of VO = 67, Fe2O3 = 160, FeO = 72)

16. 250 ml of x M solution and 500 ml of y M solution of a solute A are mixed and diluted to
2 litre to produce a final concentration of 1.6 M. If x : y = 5 : 4. Calculate x and y.
17. In a process for producing acetic acid, oxygen gas is bubbled into acetaldehyde under pressure at
60°C in presence of a catalyst.
2CH3CHO + O2 ⎯→ 2CH3COOH
In a laboratory test of this reaction, 20 g of CH 3CHO and 10 g of O2 were put into a reaction
vessel.
(a) How many grams of CH3COOH can be produced?
(b) How many grams of the excess reactant remain after the reaction is complete?
18. Find out the weight of calcium carbonate that must be decomposed to produce sufficient
quantity of carbon dioxide to convert 10.6 g of sodium carbonate completely into sodium
bicarbonate.
CaCO3 ⃗ Δ CaO + CO2
Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O ⎯→ 2NaHCO3
19. A mixture of aluminium and zinc weighing 1.67 g was completely dissolved in acid. 1.69 litre of
hydrogen measured at 00C and 1 atm pressure was evolved. What was the weight of aluminium in
the mixture.
3
Al + 3H ⎯→ Al + 2 H2
+ 3+

Zn + 2H+ ⎯→ Zn2+ + H2
(Atomic mass of Al = 27, Zn = 65.4)
20. Chlorine gas can be produced in the laboratory by the reaction,
K 2 Cr 2 O7 +14 HCl ⃗ 2 KCl+2 CrCl 3 +7 H 2 O+3 Cl 2 .
 Some basic Concept of Chemistry
If a 61.3 g sample that is 96% K 2Cr2O7 is allowed to react with 320 ml of hydrochloric acid solution
having a density 1.15 g mL–1 and containing 30% HCl by mass, what mass of Cl 2 is generated?
(Atomic masses: Cl = 35.5, K = 39, Cr = 52)
1.
Answers
Some basic Concept of Chemistry

CH, 26, C2H2

2 4375 g
3. 3.3 g
4. 4.78 g
5. 6.023 × 1024 electrons
6. 28 : 17
7. 3.31 × 1024
8. 3.6 × 104 amu / molecule
9. 0.744
10. Fe2O3
11. 6.023 × 1020 molecules
12. 8.1 ml
13. 1:2
14. 0.1 M
15. 5.17 g, Fe2O3
16. x = 4.9 and y = 3.9
17. 27.27 g, 2.73 g of O2
18. 10 g
19. 1.26 g
20. 42.6 g