Top 10 Essential Q&A for ‘Class 10 Science Chapter 4 – Carbon and Its Compounds Part – 2

11. What is the process of hydrogenation? How is it useful in the food industry?

Answer:
Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst, usually nickel or platinum, to convert them into saturated hydrocarbons. In this process, the double or triple bonds of alkenes or alkynes are broken, and hydrogen atoms are added across the bonds, converting them into single bonds. For example, ethene (C₂H₄) can be hydrogenated to form ethane (C₂H₆). This reaction is important in the food industry, especially for converting liquid vegetable oils (which are unsaturated) into semi-solid or solid fats, such as margarine. This process helps to increase the shelf life and stability of oils by reducing their susceptibility to oxidation. Hydrogenated fats are commonly used in the production of processed foods like snacks and baked goods. However, partially hydrogenated oils can result in the formation of trans fats, which are associated with negative health effects, such as increased risk of heart disease. The use of hydrogenation allows manufacturers to control the consistency and melting point of fats used in food products.

12. What are alcohols? Describe the properties and uses of ethanol.

Answer:
Alcohols are organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is a simple alcohol and is commonly known as ethyl alcohol. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor and is soluble in water. Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast or through chemical synthesis using ethene. It is used as an alcoholic beverage, but also has various industrial uses. Ethanol is an excellent solvent, widely used in the manufacture of perfumes, medicines, and tinctures. It is also used as a fuel or fuel additive in the form of bioethanol, a renewable energy source. Ethanol is also an antiseptic and disinfectant, used in hand sanitizers and medical applications. It can cause intoxication when consumed in large quantities and is toxic in higher concentrations. The ability of ethanol to mix with water makes it useful in various chemical processes and in the food industry as a preservative.

13. What are carboxylic acids? Discuss the properties and uses of acetic acid.

Answer:
Carboxylic acids are organic compounds containing the carboxyl functional group (-COOH). Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), also known as ethanoic acid, is a simple carboxylic acid. It is a colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor and a sour taste. Acetic acid is widely known as the main component of vinegar, where it is present in a concentration of about 5-8%. In its pure form, acetic acid is called glacial acetic acid and can solidify at low temperatures. Acetic acid is weakly acidic and dissociates partially in water to produce hydrogen ions. It reacts with alcohols to form esters, a process known as esterification, which is widely used in the manufacture of perfumes and flavorings. Acetic acid is used in the production of various chemicals, including synthetic fibers, plastics (like cellulose acetate), and as a food preservative. It is also a key ingredient in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyes. The acidity of acetic acid makes it useful in household cleaning agents and in descaling products.

14. What are esters? How are esters formed, and what are their uses?

Answer:
Esters are organic compounds that are typically formed from the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. This reaction is called esterification and occurs in the presence of a catalyst, usually concentrated sulfuric acid. In an ester, the hydrogen atom of the carboxyl group (-COOH) is replaced by an alkyl group from the alcohol. A simple example of an ester is ethyl ethanoate (CH₃COOC₂H₅), which is formed from ethanol and acetic acid. Esters have distinctive fruity smells and are used extensively in the food and perfume industries to impart fragrance and flavor. They are also used as solvents for paints, varnishes, and adhesives because of their ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. Esters play an important role in the production of synthetic fibers such as polyester and are used as plasticizers in plastics to make them more flexible. In the biological world, esters are found in fats and oils, which are esters of glycerol and fatty acids. Their pleasant odors make them ideal for use in artificial flavorings and fragrances.

15. What is the difference between soaps and detergents in terms of their chemical composition and behavior in hard water?

Answer:
Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids, while detergents are synthetic compounds, typically sulfonates or sulfates, derived from petroleum. The key difference in their chemical composition is that soaps are made from natural fats and oils, while detergents are produced chemically. In terms of behavior in hard water, soaps are less effective than detergents. When soap is used in hard water, which contains calcium and magnesium ions, these ions react with the soap to form insoluble salts called soap scum. This reduces the cleaning ability of soap and leaves residues on fabrics and surfaces. Detergents, on the other hand, do not form scum in hard water because their sulfonate or sulfate groups do not react with calcium and magnesium ions. This makes detergents more effective in hard water and suitable for use in a wide range of washing conditions. Detergents are preferred in household and industrial cleaning because they work well even in cold or hard water.

16. How does the structure of ethyne differ from that of ethene? Discuss their properties and uses.

Answer:
Ethyne (C₂H₂), also known as acetylene, is an alkyne with a triple bond between the two carbon atoms, while ethene (C₂H₄) is an alkene with a double bond between its carbon atoms. The presence of a triple bond in ethyne means that the molecule is linear, with bond angles of 180°, whereas ethene has a planar structure with bond angles of 120° around the double bond. The triple bond in ethyne makes it more reactive than the double bond in ethene. Both ethyne and ethene undergo addition reactions, but ethyne is more reactive due to the higher energy stored in its triple bond. Ethene is commonly used in the production of polymers, such as polyethylene, which is used in packaging materials, bottles, and toys. Ethyne, on the other hand, is used as a fuel in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting torches due to its high flame temperature when burned with oxygen. Ethene is also a plant hormone, responsible for fruit ripening, while ethyne has limited uses due to its instability and explosive nature under certain conditions.

17. What are the harmful effects of burning carbon compounds? Explain with examples.

Answer:
Burning carbon compounds, especially fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, releases harmful substances into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental pollution and health problems. The primary harmful effects include the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Incomplete combustion of carbon compounds can also produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas that interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Sulfur-containing carbon compounds can release sulfur dioxide (SO₂) upon combustion, which leads to acid rain and respiratory problems. Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) formed during the burning of fossil fuels can also contribute to smog formation and acid rain. The release of particulate matter, such as soot, can cause respiratory issues and worsen air quality. The combustion of carbon compounds also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can harm crops, ecosystems, and human health. Overall, the burning of carbon compounds has serious environmental and health implications.

18. Describe the process of fermentation and its significance in the production of ethanol.

Answer:
Fermentation is a biochemical process in which sugars, such as glucose, are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide by the action of yeast or other microorganisms. The process occurs under anaerobic conditions, meaning in the absence of oxygen. In the case of ethanol production, yeast cells secrete enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The reaction can be represented as follows:
C6H12O6→2C2H5OH+2CO2C₆H₁₂O₆ \rightarrow 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂C6​H12​O6​→2C2​H5​OH+2CO2​
Fermentation is widely used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. It is also important in the industrial production of ethanol, where sugarcane, corn, or other carbohydrate-rich plants are fermented to produce bioethanol, a renewable energy source. The ethanol produced by fermentation is used as a fuel additive, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Fermentation is a relatively simple and cost-effective process, making it a key method for ethanol production in both small-scale and large-scale industries. The carbon dioxide released during fermentation is often collected for use in the food and beverage industry, such as in carbonated drinks.

19. What is the role of concentrated sulfuric acid in the esterification reaction?

Answer:
In the esterification reaction, concentrated sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst and a dehydrating agent. Esterification involves the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol to form an ester and water. For example, acetic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid to form ethyl acetate and water. The equation for the reaction is:
CH3COOH+C2H5OH→CH3COOC2H5+H2OCH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH \rightarrow CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂OCH3​COOH+C2​H5​OH→CH3​COOC2​H5​+H2​O
Concentrated sulfuric acid speeds up the reaction by donating protons (H⁺) to the reactants, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction. Additionally, sulfuric acid absorbs the water produced during the reaction, shifting the equilibrium towards the formation of more ester, according to Le Chatelier’s principle. This helps in maximizing the yield of the ester. The dehydrating property of sulfuric acid makes it a crucial component in the esterification process, especially in industrial applications where high yields are desired. Without sulfuric acid, the reaction would be slow, and the yield of the ester would be lower.

20. Explain the process of saponification. What are the products of this reaction?

Answer:
Saponification is the process by which fats or oils (which are esters of fatty acids) react with an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), to produce soap and glycerol. The reaction can be represented as follows:
Fat/Oil+NaOH→Soap+GlycerolFat/Oil + NaOH \rightarrow Soap + GlycerolFat/Oil+NaOH→Soap+Glycerol
In this process, the ester bonds in the fat or oil are broken, releasing fatty acid salts (soap) and glycerol (a type of alcohol). The soap formed in this reaction is typically a sodium or potassium salt of a long-chain fatty acid. The fatty acid salt molecules have a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head, which enables them to emulsify and wash away grease and dirt. Glycerol, a by-product of the reaction, is a valuable compound used in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Saponification is a key process in the manufacture of soaps, both on an industrial scale and in traditional soap-making. The quality and properties of the soap, such as its hardness and lathering ability, depend on the type of fat or oil and alkali used in the reaction.

Read Also: https://studysuccessor.com/top-10-essential-qa-for-class-10-science-chapter-4-carbon-and-its-compounds-part-1/

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