First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers

CHAPTER

4 LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS

1. Define intermolecular forces.
Ans: Molecules in the neighbourhood attract each other, but these forces of attraction are weak, these forces
are called intermolecular forces. These forces are believed to exist between all kinds of atoms and molecules
when they are sufficiently close to each other. Such intermolecular forces are called van der Waals forces.
2. Write names of different types of intermolecular forces?
Ans: Four types of such forces are mentioned here.
1. Dipole-dipole forces
2. Ion-dipole forces
3. Dipole-induced dipole forces
4. Instantaneous dipole-induced dipole forces or London dispersion forces
3. What is dipole-dipole forces?
Ans: The attractive forces between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another
polar molecule are called dipole-dipole forces.
For example, in HCl molecule, the positive end of one molecule attracts the negative end of the other molecule.
H Cl H Cl H Cl
Dipole-dipole forces between CHCl3 (chloroform) molecules

Cl Cl

Cl C H Cl C H

Cl Cl
4. Write down the factors affecting strength of dipole-dipole forces.
Ans: The strength of these forces depends upon:
(i) The electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms.
(ii) The distance between the molecules. The distances between molecules in the gaseous phase are greater
so these forces are very weak in this phase. In liquids these forces are reasonably strong.
5. What are dipole-induced dipole/ Debye forces?
Ans: In a mixture of substances containing polar and non-polar molecules, the positive end of the polar
molecule attracts the mobile electrons of the nearby non-polar molecule. In this way polarity is induced in
non-polar molecule, and both molecules become dipoles. These forces are called dipole-induced dipole
forces or as Debye forces.

Dipole-induced dipole interactions

6. What are London dispersion forces?

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Ans: The momentary force of attraction created between instantaneous dipole and the induced dipole
is called instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interaction or London force.
• London forces are present in all types of molecules whether polar or non-polar, but they are very
significant for non-polar molecules like Cl2, H2 and noble gases (helium, neon, etc.)
• London forces are weaker than dipole-dipole interactions.
7. Name the factors affecting London dispersion forces?
Ans: The strength of these forces depend upon:
(i) The size of the electronic cloud of the atom or molecules.
(ii) Polarizability
(iii)The number of atoms in a non-polar molecule.
8. Define polarizability?
Ans: Polarizability is the quantitative measurement of the extent to which the electronic cloud can be polarized
or distorted.
9. Boiling points of noble gases (group VIIIA) increases down the group. Why?
Ans: Noble gases are all mono-atomic gases. Their boiling points increase down the group from helium to
radon. The atomic number increases down the group and the outermost electrons move away from the nuclei.
The dispersion of the electronic clouds becomes more and more easy. So the polarizability of these atoms go
on increasing. This increased distortion of electronic cloud creates stronger London forces and hence the
boiling points are increased down the group.
10. Boiling points of halogens (group VIIA) increases down the group. Why?
Ans: The boiling points of halogens in group VIIA increase from fluorine to iodine. The polarizability of
iodine molecule is much greater than that of fluorine. This increased polarizability creates stronger London
forces and hence the boiling points are increased down the group.
11. Why there is a big difference in physical states of halogens at room temperature?
Ans: All the halogens are nonpolar diatomic molecules, but there is a big difference in their physical states at
room temperature. Fluorine is a gas and boils at -188.1°C, while iodine is a solid at room temperature which
boils at +184.4°C. The polarizability of iodine molecule is much greater than that of fluorine. This increased
polarizability creates stronger London forces and hence the boiling points are increased down the group and
there is a big difference in their physical states at room temperature.
12. Boiling point of ethane (C2H6) is higher than that of hexane (C6H14). Why?
Ans: The number of atoms in a non-polar molecule affects the strength of London forces. Greater the number
of atoms in a molecule, greater is its polarizability.
The saturated hydrocarbons have chain of carbon atoms linked with hydrogen atoms. Compare the length of
the chain for C2H6 and C6H14. They have the boiling points -88.6°C and 68.7oC, respectively. This means that
the molecule with a large chain length experiences stronger attractive forces. The reason is that longer
molecules have more places along its length where they can be attracted to other molecules.
13. Define hydrogen bonding.
Ans: Hydrogen bonding is the electrostatic force of attraction between a highly electronegative atom and
partial positively charged hydrogen atom.
For example; hydrogen bonding in water molecules is shown below:

O O
H H H H
O
H H
H O O H
H H
14. Why is HF a weaker acid than HCl, HBr and HI?
Ans: The molecules of HF join with each other in a zigzag manner. The exceptional, low acidic strength of
HF molecule as compared to HCl, HBr and HI is due to the strong hydrogen bonding, because the partial
positively charged hydrogen is entrapped between two highly electronegative atoms.

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H H H
120o
F F

15. Explain the origin of the intermolecular forces in water.

Ans: A water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Oxygen is more electronegative
as compared to hydrogen, so water is a polar molecule. Hence there will be dipole-dipole interactions between
partial positively charged hydrogen atoms and partial negatively charged oxygen atoms.
Oxygen atom has two lone pairs and hydrogen has sufficient partial positive charge. Both the hydrogen atoms
of water molecule create strong electrical field due to their small sizes. The oxygen atom of the other molecule
links to form a coordinate covalent bond with hydrogen using one of its lone pairs of electrons. Thus loose
bond formed is definitely stronger than simple dipole-dipole interaction and this interaction is called hydrogen
bonding.
16. Hydrides of group IV-A have low boiling points as compared to those of group V-A, VI-A, VII-A.
Why?
Ans: Hydrides of group IV-A have low boiling points as compared to those of group V-A, VI-A, VII-A. The
reason is that these elements are least electronegative.
17. CH4 has the lowest boiling point as compared to other hydrides of group IV-A. Why?
Ans: CH4 has the lowest boiling point because it is a very small molecule and its polarizability is the least.
18. H2O is liquid while H2S and H2Se are gases. Why?
Ans: Water is liquid at room temperature, but H2S and H2Se are gases because there is strong hydrogen
bonding exists between water molecules which is absent in H2S and H2Se.
19. Boiling point of water is higher than that of HF and NH3. Why?
Ans: The reason is that the fluorine atom can make only one hydrogen bond with electropositive hydrogen of
a neighboring molecule. Water can form two hydrogen bonds per molecule, as it has two hydrogen atoms and
two lone pairs on oxygen atom. Ammonia can also form only one hydrogen bond per molecule as it has only
one lone pair.
20. The hydrides of fourth period show greater boiling points than those of third period. Why?
Ans: The hydrides of fourth period GeH4, AsH3, H2Se, HBr show greater boiling points than those of third
period due to greater size and enhanced polarizabilities.
21. Alcohols and carboxylic acids are soluble in water while hydrocarbons are not. Give reason?
Ans: Alcohols can readily dissolve in water if their sizes are small, because both can form hydrogen bonds
with each other. Similarly carboxylic acids are also soluble in water, if their sizes are small. Hydrocarbons are
not soluble in water at all, because they are non-polar compounds and there are no chances of hydrogen
bonding between water and hydrocarbon molecules.
22. Water and ethanol can mix easily and in all proportions. Give reason.
Ans. Water (H-OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH), both are polar solvents and having ―OH groups. So, they can
form the hydrogen bonding with each other. That is why they can mix with each other in all proportions.
23. Why does ice floats on the surface of water?
Ans: In the liquid state, water molecules are extensively associated with each other and these associations
break and are reformed because the molecules of water are mobile. When the temperature of water is decreased
and ice is formed then the molecules become more regular and this regularity extends throughout the whole
structure. Empty spaces are created in the structure. That is why when water freezes it occupies 9% more
space and its density decreases. The result is that ice floats on water.
24. In a very cold winter, the fish in garden ponds owe their lives to hydrogen bonding. Give reason.
Give significance of lower density of ice than water.
Ans: The lower density of ice than liquid water at 0°C causes water in ponds and lakes to freeze from surface
to the downward direction. Water attains the temperature of 4°C by the fall of temperature in the surrounding.
As the outer atmosphere becomes further cold, the water at the surface becomes less dense. This less dense
water below 4°C stays on the top of slightly warm water underneath. A stage reaches when it freezes. This
layer of ice insulates the water underneath for further heat loss. Fish and plants survive under this blanket of

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ice for months. Keeping the whole discussion in view we are forced to believe that the pattern of life for the
plants and animals would have been totally different in the absence of hydrogen bonding in water.
25. Explain cleansing action of soaps and detergents.
Ans: Soaps and detergents perform the cleansing action because the polar part of their molecules are water
soluble due to hydrogen-bonding and the non-polar parts remain outside water, because they are alkyl or
benzyl portions and are insoluble in water.
26. Explain hydrogen bonding in DNA.
Ans: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has two spiral chains. These are coiled about each other on a common
axis. In this way, they give a double helix. This is 18-20 Å in diameter. They are linked together by H-bonding
between their sub units.
27. Define Evaporation.
Ans: The spontaneous change of a liquid into its vapours is called evaporation and it continues at all
temperatures.
28. Why does evaporation cause cooling?
Ans: Evaporation causes cooling. The reason is that when high energy molecules leave the liquid and low
energy molecules are left behind, the temperature of the liquid falls and heat moves from the surrounding to
the liquid and then the temperature of the surrounding also falls.
29. Evaporation takes place at all temperatures. Give reason.
Ans: Rate of evaporation is directly proportional to temperature. At high temperature, the kinetic energy of
the molecules increases, so rate of evaporation also increases. At low temperature, the kinetic energy of the
molecules decreases, so rate of evaporation also decreases. Thus, evaporation continues at all temperatures
whether low or high.
30. Earthenware vessels keep water cool. Give reason.
Ans: Earthenware vessels are porous. Water rises through these pores by capillary action and evaporates at
the surface of the vessel. Remaining over water has low energy molecules so its temperature drops. Further,
these earthenware vessels are insulators and do not allow the heat to move in them and hence, water remains
cool in earthenware vessels.
31. One feels sense of cooling under the fan after bath. Give reason.
Ans: Evaporation is a cooling process and speed of air increases the rate of evaporation. After bath, a thin
layer of water is formed on body. When one sits under the fan, the water gets energy from the body and
evaporates rapidly due to more speed of air. As a result, one feels sense of cooling due to decrease in body
temperature.
32. Explain the factors affecting rate of evaporation.
Ans: Factors Affecting the Rate of Evaporation:
(i) Surface Area: Evaporation occurs from liquid surface, so if surface area is increased then more
molecules are able to escape and liquid evaporates more quickly.
(ii) Temperature: At high temperature, the molecules having greater energy increase and so rate of
evaporation increases.
(iii) Intermolecular Forces: If intermolecular forces are weak, the rate of evaporation is faster.
33. Why gasoline evaporate much faster than water?
Ans: Gasoline molecules experience weaker London forces of attraction, therefore evaporate much faster
than water.
34. Define Vapour Pressure.
Ans: The vapour pressure of a liquid is a pressure exerted by the vapours of the liquid in equilibrium with
the liquid at a given temperature.
35. Dynamic equilibrium is established during evaporation of a liquid in a closed vessel at constant
temperature. Give reason.
Ans: In a close vessel, liquid evaporates and the molecules start gathering above the surface. These molecules
collide with the walls of the container and the surface of the liquid. There are chances that these molecules
are recaptured by the surface of liquid. This process is called condensation. The two-processes i.e.,

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evaporation and condensation continue till a stage reaches when the rate of evaporation becomes equal to the
rate of condensation. This is called the state of dynamic equilibrium.
36. Explain the factors affecting vapour pressure.
Ans: The values of vapour pressures of various liquids depend upon:
(i) The nature of liquids i.e. on the sizes and polarity of molecules.
(ii) Intermolecular forces. The stronger the intermolecular forces the lower the vapour pressure.
(iii) Temperature. At an elevated temperature, the kinetic energy of molecules increases. It causes the
increase of vapour pressure.
37. Define Boiling Point.
Ans: The temperature at which the vapour pressure of the liquid becomes equal to the external or atmospheric
pressure is called the boiling point of the liquid.
38. Boiling needs a constant supply of heat. Give reason.
Ans: At the boiling point, the kinetic energy of the molecules becomes maximum, and any further heating at
this stage will not increase the temperature. This heat is utilized to break the intermolecular forces and convert
the liquid into its vapours and to compensate the heat loss due to vaporization. Thus, boiling needs a constant
supply of heat.
39. What is relationship between boiling point and external pressure?
Ans: When external pressure is changed, boiling point of a liquid will also be changed. A liquid can be made
to boil at any temperature by changing the external pressure. When the external pressure is high the liquid
requires greater amount of heat to equalize its vapour pressure to external pressure. In this way boiling point
is raised. Similarly, at a lower external pressure a liquid absorbs less amount of heat and it boils at a lower
temperature.
40. The boiling point of water is different at Murree hills and at Mount Everest. Give reason.
Ans: When external pressure is changed, boiling point of a liquid will also be changed. Boiling point of a
liquid decreases when the external pressure is low. It increases when external pressure is high. Water boils at
98°C at Murree hills due to external pressure of 700 torr while at the top of Mount Everest water boils at only
69oC because external pressure is reduced to 323 torr.
41. What is the working principle of Pressure Cooker?
Ans: The external pressure can be increased artificially on the surface of boiling water by using a pressure
cooker. Pressure cooker is a closed container. The vapours of water formed are not allowed to escape. In this
way, they develop more pressure in the cooker and the boiling temperature increases. As more heat is absorbed
in water, so food is cooked quickly under increased pressure.
42. What is vacuum distillation. Give its advantages.
Ans: Vacuum Distillation: Liquids can be made to boil at low temperatures, by reducing external pressure,
where they can be distilled easily. This process is called vacuum distillation.
Importance/Advantages of Vacuum Distillation:
(i) It decreases the time for the distillation process.
(ii) It is economical because less fuel is required.
(iii)The decomposition of many compounds can be avoided.
43. Vacuum distillation can be used to avoid decomposition of a sensitive liquid. Give reason.
Ans: Vacuum distillation can be used to avoid decomposition of a sensitive liquid, because boiling point of
sensitive liquid decreases due to decrease in external pressure. For example, glycerin boils at 290°C at 760
torr pressure but decomposes at this temperature. Hence, glycerin cannot be distilled at 290°C. Under vacuum,
the boiling temperature of glycerin decreases to 210oC at 50 torr. It is distilled at this temperature without
decomposition and hence can be purified easily.
44. What is enthalpy change?
Ans: If a physical or a chemical change takes place at a constant pressure, then the heat change during
this process is also called enthalpy change. This is denoted by ΔH.
45. Define Molar Heat of Fusion (ΔHf).
Ans: It is the amount of heat absorbed by one mole of a solid when it melts into liquid form at its melting
point. The pressure, during the change is kept one atmosphere.

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46. Define Molar Heat of Vapourization (ΔHv).
Ans: It is the amount of heat absorbed when one mole of a liquid is changed into vapours at its boiling point.
The pressure, during the change is kept one atmosphere.
47. Define Molar Heat of Sublimation (ΔHs).
Ans: It is the amount of heat absorbed when one mole of a solid sublimes to give one mole of vapours at a
particular temperature and one atmospheric pressure.
48. Heat of vaporization of a substance is greater than its heat of fusion. Give reason.
Ans: When a solid substance melts then atoms, molecules or ions undergo relatively small changes in
intermolecular distances and the potential energy also undergoes a small change. But when a liquid
evaporates, then larger changes in intermolecular distances and in potential energy takes place. So, ΔH of
vapourization of a substance is greater than ΔH of fusion.
49. Heat of sublimation of a substance is greater than its heat of vaporization. Give reason.
Ans: Heat of sublimation of a substance is greater than its heat of vaporization because attractive forces in
solids are stronger than those in liquids and also when a solid directly converted into vapours then particles
undergo larger change in intermolecular distances and potential energy.
50. Heat of sublimation of iodine is very high. Give reason.
Ans: Iodine is a non-polar molecule. Due to its large size, it has greater polarizability. Hence, London
dispersion forces are sufficiently stronger in iodine. As a result, a large amount of energy is required to sublime
iodine.
51. What are liquid crystals?
Ans: A liquid crystalline state exists between two temperatures i.e. melting temperature and clearing
temperature is called liquid crystal.
In 1888, Frederick Reinitzer, an Austrian botanist discovered that an organic compound cholesteryl benzoate
turns milky liquid at 145°C and becomes a clear liquid at 179°C. When the substance is cooled, the reverse
process occurs. This turbid liquid phase was called liquid crystal.
Crystal ⇌ Liquid crystal ⇌ Liquid
52. Write down the properties of liquid crystals.
Ans: Liquid like properties:
(i) They have the fluidity of the liquids.
(ii) They have surface tension, viscosity, etc.
Solid like properties:
(i) The molecules of liquid crystals have some degree of order as well.
(ii) They have crystals like optical properties.
53. Give name of different types of liquid crystals.
Ans: Depending upon the nature of ordering, liquid crystals can be divided into three types:
Nematic, Smectic and Cholesteric
54. Write three uses of liquid crystals?
Ans: (i) Liquid crystals are used to find the point of potential failure in electrical circuits.
(ii) In chromatographic separations, liquid crystals are used as solvents.
(iii)Oscillographic and TV displays also use liquid crystal screens.
55. What are solids?
Ans: Solids are those substances which are rigid, hard, have definite shape and definite volume. The atoms,
ions and molecules that make up a solid are closely packed. They are held together by strong cohesive forces.
The constituent atoms, ions or molecules of solids cannot move at random.
56. What are crystalline solids?
Ans: Those solids in which atoms, ions or molecules are arranged in a definite three dimensional pattern
are called crystalline solids.
For example: NaCl, Diamond etc.
57. What are amorphous solids?

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Ans: The word amorphous means shapeless. Amorphous substances are those whose constituent atoms,
ions, or molecules do not possess a regular orderly arrangement.
The best examples are glass, plastics, rubber, glue, etc.
58. What are crystallites?
Ans: Amorphous solids can possess small regions of orderly arrangements. These crystalline parts of
otherwise amorphous solids are known as crystallites.
59. Amorphous solid like glass is also called super cooled liquid. What?
Ans: Amorphous solids are those whose constituent particles do not possess regular orderly arrangement.
Many crystalline solids can be changed into amorphous solids by melting them and then cooling the molten
mass rapidly. In this way the constituent particles do not find time to arrange themselves. These substances
have solid state properties and virtually complete maintenance of shape and volume. But they are in fact
liquids cooled below their freezing point without crystallization. Therefore, amorphous solid like glass is also
called super cooled liquid.
60. What are cleavage planes?
Ans: Whenever the crystalline solids are broken they do so along definite planes. These planes are called the
cleavage planes and they are inclined to one another at a particular angle for a given crystalline solid.
61. Cleavage of the crystals is itself anisotropic behaviour. Give reason?
Ans: Cleavage is the breakage of a crystal along definite planes. In crystal, the arrangement of particles is
different in different planes and cleavage occurs differently in different directions. Since cleavage of the
crystals can take place only in particular directions, so it is anisotropic behaviour.
62. What is anisotropy?
Ans: Some of the crystals show variation in physical properties depending upon the direction. Such properties
are called anisotropic properties and the phenomenon is referred to as anisotropy.
The physical properties of crystalline solids like refractive index, coefficient of thermal expansion, electrical
and thermal conductivities are sometimes anisotropic in nature for some crystals.
63. Graphite is uni-directional in electrical conductivity. Why?
Ans: Actually, electrons in graphite are mobile for electrical conduction parallel to the layers only. Therefore,
its conductivity in this direction is far better than perpendicular to the other direction.
64. What is symmetry?
Ans: The repetition of faces, angles or edges when a crystal is rotated by 360° along its axis is called
symmetry. There are various types of symmetry elements found in crystals like, center of symmetry, plane of
symmetry and axis of symmetry, etc.
65. What is habit of a crystal?
Ans: The shape of a crystal in which it usually grows is called habit of a crystal.
Crystals are usually obtained by cooling the saturated solution or by slow cooling of the liquid substance.
These are formed by growing in various directions. If the conditions for growing a crystal are maintained, then
the shape of the crystal always remains the same. If the conditions are changed the shape of the crystal may
change.
For example, a cubic crystal of NaCl becomes needle like when 10% urea is present in its solution as an
impurity.
66. Define isomorphism. Give two examples.
Ans: Isomorphism is the phenomenon in which two different substances exist in the same crystalline form.
These different substances are called isomorphs of each other.
Isomorphs Crystalline form Atomic ratio
NaNO3, KNO3 Rhombohedral [Link]
Cu, Ag Cubic 1:1
67. The crystals showing isomorphism mostly have the same atomic ratios. Explain with reason?
Ans: The crystals which show isomorphism have same crystalline form and depend upon the number of atoms
and their way of combination. Isomorphic substances have equal number of atoms linked with each other in
similar ways. Different crystals can show isomorphism only when they have same atomic ratios, e.g. NaNO 3
and KNO3 are isomorphs. They have rhombohedral crystalline form and they have same atomic ratio that is
[Link].
68. Define polymorphism. Give two examples.

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Ans: Polymorphism is a phenomenon in which a compound exists in more than one crystalline forms. That
compound which exists in more than one crystalline forms is called a polymorphic, and these forms are called
polymorphs of each other.
Substance Crystalline Forms
AgNO3 Rhombohedral, Orthorhombic
CaCO3 Rhombohedral/ Trigonal, Orthorhombic
69. What is allotropy? Give two examples.
Ans: The existence of an element in more than one crystalline form is known as allotropy and these forms
of the element are called allotropes or allotropic forms.
Element Crystalline Forms
Sulphur (S) Rhombic, Monoclinic
Carbon (C) Cubic (diamond), Hexagonal (graphite)
70. What is Transition Temperature? Give two examples.
Ans: It is that temperature at which two crystalline forms of the same substance can co-exist in equilibrium
with each other. At this temperature, one crystalline form of a substance changes to another.
Above and below this temperature, only one form exists.
13.2 oC
Grey tin (cubic) White tin (tetragonal)
95.5 oC
Sulphur S8 (rhombic) Sulphur S8 (monoclinic)
71. The transition temperature is shown by elements having allotropic forms and by compounds
showing polymorphism. Give reason?
Ans: The elements which show allotropy have different crystalline forms, similarly the compounds which
shows polymorphism have different crystalline forms. Each crystalline form is stable over a particular range
of temperature. On heating one crystalline form can be changed into another. The temperature at which one
crystalline form changes into another is called transition temperature. Those substances which exist in single
crystalline form do not have transition temperature. Hence, transition temperature is shown by elements and
compounds having allotropic or polymorphic forms.
95.5 oC
Sulphur S8 (rhombic) Sulphur S8 (monoclinic)
o
123 C
KNO3 (orthorhombic) KNO3 (rhombohedral)
72. Define crystal lattice?
Ans: A crystal lattice is an array of points representing atoms, ions or molecules of a crystal, arranged at
different sites in three dimensional space.
73. Define unit cell?
Ans: The smallest part of the crystal lattice has all the characteristic features of the entire crystal and
is called a unit cell.
A unit cell of a crystal lattice is the smallest block or geometrical figure, from which the entire crystal can be
built up by repeating it in three dimensions. It shows the structural properties of a given crystal.
74. What are unit cell dimensions or crystallographic elements?
Ans: There are three unit cell lengths a, b, c and three unit cell angles α, β and γ. These six parameters of the
unit cell are called unit cell dimensions or crystallographic elements.
75. One of the unit cell angles of hexagonal crystal is 120°. Explain it?
Ans: Two faces of a hexagonal crystal system are regular hexagons. The interior angles of a regular polygon
𝑛−2
are always equal. The angle between sides of regular polygon of ‘n’ sides = 180 [ ] degrees. Regular
𝑛
hexagon has 6 sides, so n=6
6−2
angle = 180 [ ]
6
4
angle = 180 [ ] = 120𝑜
6
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76. What are ionic solids? Give reason.
Ans: Crystalline solids in which the particles forming the crystal are positively and negatively charged ions
are called ionic solids.
These ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction. These attractive forces are also called
ionic bonds.
The crystals of NaCl, KBr, etc. are ionic solids.
77. Sodium chloride and caesium chloride have different structures. Give reason.
Ans: The structure of ionic crystals depends upon the radius ratio of cations and anions. If two ionic crystals
have same radius ratio of cations and anions, then their structure will be same. The radius ratio of cations and
anions in sodium chloride and cesium chloride is different because size of cesium ion is greater than that of
sodium ion. Hence, they have different structure.
78. Ionic crystals don’t conduct electricity in the solid state. Give reason.
Ans: Ionic crystals do not conduct electricity in the solid state, because of electrostatic force existing between
them the cations and anions remain tightly held together and hence occupy fixed positions.
79. Ionic crystals are highly brittle. Give reason.
Ans: Ionic crystals are highly brittle because ionic solids are composed of parallel layers which contain cations
and anions in alternate positions, so that the opposite ions in the various parallel layers lie over each other.
When an external force is applied, one layer of the ions slides a bit over the other layer along a plane. In this
way the like ions come in front of each other and hence begin to repel. So, the application of a little external
force develops repulsion between two layers causing brittleness.
80. The number of positive ions surrounding the negative ion in the ionic crystal lattice depends upon
the sizes of the two ions. Give reason.
Ans: In ionic compounds, negative ions are surrounded by positive ions or vice versa. The number of ions
surrounding a particular ion depends upon radius ratio.
Radius of cation
Radius ratio =
Radius of anion
Greater the radius ratio, greater is the coordination number. Thus, the number of positive ions surrounding the
negative ion in the ionic crystal lattice depends upon the sizes of the two ions.
81. What are covalent solids?
Ans: Covalent solids are also called atomic solids, because they are composed of neutral atoms of the same
or of different elements. These atoms are held together by covalent bonds.
82. Describe different types of covalent solids.
Ans: Covalent solids are of two types.
(i) When the covalent bonds join to form giant molecules like diamond, silicon carbide or aluminium
nitride.
(ii) When atoms join to form the covalent bonds and separate layers are produced like that of graphite,
cadmium iodide and boron nitride.
83. Diamond is hard and an electrical insulator. Give reason.
Ans: Diamond is hard because C-C single bonds are very strong. A diamond crystal is composed of a network
of carbon atoms extending uniformly throughout the entire crystal. The network of atoms joined by strong
tetrahedrally oriented covalent bonds is responsible for the hardness of diamond. In diamond each carbon is
sp3 hybridized. No free electron is available to conduct electricity. That’s why a diamond is a bad conductor.
84. What are molecular solids?
Ans: Those solid substances in which the particles forming the crystals are polar or non-polar molecules
or atoms, of a substance are called molecular solids.
For example: Ice and sugar
Two types of intermolecular forces hold them together.
(i) Dipole-dipole interactions.
(ii) van der Waals forces.
85. Describe structure of iodine.
Ans: In the solid state the molecules of iodine align in the form of layer lattice. I‒I bond distance is 271.5 pm
and it is appreciably longer than in gaseous iodine (266.6 pm). As expected from its structure, iodine is a poor
conductor of electricity.

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86. Iodine dissolves readily in tetrachloromethane. Give reason.

Ans: Solubility principle is “like dissolves like”. Iodine is a non-polar substance. So, it dissolves readily in
non-polar solvent CCl4.
87. Define metallic bond.
Ans: The force, which binds a metal cation to a number of electrons within its sphere of influence, is known
as metallic bond.
88. Describe Electron Pool or Electron Gas Theory.
Ans: According to this theory, each atom in a metal crystal loses all of its valence electrons. These valence
electrons form a pool or a gas. The positively charged metal ions are believed to be held together by electron
pool or gas. These positively charged ions occupy definite positions at measurable distances from each other
in the crystal lattice. Valence electrons are not attached to any individual ion or a pair of ions rather belong to
the crystal as a whole. These electrons are free to move about from one part of the crystal to the other. The
force, which binds a metal cation to a number of electrons within its sphere of influence, is known as metallic
bond.
89. Describe Valence Bond Theory for metallic bonding.
Ans: L. Pauling has tried to explain the metallic bond according to valence bond theory. According to this
theory, the metallic bond is treated essentially as covalent in character. However, it is assumed that the
covalent bonds are not localized but are highly delocalized in metal structure.
90. Describe Molecular Orbital Theory for metallic solids?
Ans: According to this theory, it is assumed that the electrons in the completely filled orbitals are essentially
localized, while atomic orbitals containing the valence electrons interact or overlap to form a set of delocalized
orbitals. These delocalized orbitals are the molecular orbitals which extend over the entire crystal lattice. Such
a combination of atomic orbitals produces as a large number of closely spaced states. These states of energy
are also known as bands of energy. That is why it is also called a band theory. The energy gap between two
bands determines the properties of the metallic solids.
91. Why are metals good conductor of electricity?
Ans: Metals are good conductor of electricity. When electric field is applied between two ends of a metal then
the mobile electrons begin to move towards the positive pole and the new electrons from the negative pole
take their place.
92. The electrical conductivity of the metals decreases by increasing temperature. Give reason.
Ans: The electrical conductivity of metals decreases with the increase in temperature. The reason is that with
the increase in temperature the positive metal ions also begin to oscillate and the motion hinders the free
movement of mobile electrons between the positive ions. This hindrance decreases the electrical conductivity.
93. Why are metals good conductor of heat?
Ans: When a piece of metal is heated at one end, the mobile electrons at this end absorb heat energy and move
very rapidly through the metallic lattice towards the cooler end. During the process they collide with adjacent
electrons and transfer their heat energy to them.
94. Why freshly cut metals possess metallic luster?
Ans: Whenever the metals are freshly cut, most of them possess metallic luster which means that they have a
shining surface. When light falls on the metallic surface, the incident light collides with the mobile electrons
and they are excited. These electrons when de-excited give of some energy in the form of light. This light
appears to be reflected from the surface of the metal which gives a shining look.
95. Why are metals malleable and ductile?
Ans: Metals are malleable and ductile whenever stress is applied on them. Their layers slip pass each other.
The structure of the metal changes without fracturing.
96. What is cubic close packing in the structure of metals?

M. USMAN AKRAM 10
 First Year Chemistry Short Questions Answers
Ans: When the atoms of the third layer are arranged in such a way that they occupy the depressions created
by the first layer i.e., in the ‘b’ type crevices then the atoms of the third layer will not lie directly above those
of the atoms of first layer. This pattern of arrangement is called ABC ABC ----- or 123 123 ----. It is named
as face centred cubic arrangement. The balls of fourth, seventh and tenth layers will be in front of each other.
97. What is hexagonal close packing in the structure of metals?
Ans: When the atoms of the third layer are arranged in such a way that they occupy the depressions created
by the second layer i.e., in the ‘a’ type crevices then these atoms will directly lie above the atoms of first layer.
This pattern of arrangement is usually written as ABAB ---- or 1212 ----. This pattern has been named as
hexagonal close packing. The balls of third, fifth, seventh layers will be in front of each other.
98. In the closest packing of atoms of metals, only 74% space is occupied. Give reason.
Ans: In the closest packing of atoms of metals, certain vacant spaces are left behind due to regular arrangement
of atoms. These vacant spaces constitute 26% of the crystal structure and 74% is occupied by the atoms.
99. Sodium is softer than copper, but both are very good electrical conductors. Why?
Ans: Sodium has one electron in the outermost orbital, which is loosely held. Copper has ten electrons in 3d
orbitals. According to molecular orbital theory of metals, there are greater chances of overlapping of orbitals
in copper and strong metallic bond is formed between copper atoms as compared to sodium atoms. Therefore,
copper is harder than sodium.
Both sodium and copper have free electrons to conduct electricity, hence both are good electrical conductor.
100. The vapour pressures of solids are far less than those of liquids. Give reason.
Ans: The magnitude of vapour pressure is inversely proportional to the strength of intermolecular attractive
forces. These forces are stronger in solids as compared to the liquids. Hence, vapour pressure of solids is far
less than liquids.

M. USMAN AKRAM 11