Chemical Reactions and Equations explain how substances change into new substances with different properties.
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 1 connect this chapter with balanced chemical equations, types of chemical reactions, oxidation, reduction, corrosion and rancidity.
Chapter 1 Chemical Reactions and Equations begins with everyday changes such as milk turning sour, iron rusting, food being cooked and respiration. These examples help students understand how chemical reactions form new substances.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 1 - All Exercise Questions
Q.
Which of the statements about the reaction below are incorrect?
2PbO(s) + C(s) →2Pb(s) + CO2(g)
(a) Lead is getting reduced.
(b) Carbon dioxide is getting oxidised.
(c) Carbon is getting oxidised.
(d) Lead oxide is getting reduced.
(i) (a) and (b)
(ii) (a) and (c)
(iii) (a), (b) and (c)
(iv) all
Q.
Write one equation each for decomposition reactions where energy is supplied in the form of heat, light or electricity.
Q.
Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen. Why?
Q.
Why do we apply paint on iron articles?
Q.
A shiny brown coloured element ‘X’ on heating in air becomes black in colour.
Name the element ‘X’ and the black coloured compound formed.
Q.
Explain the following in terms of gain or loss of oxygen with two examples each.
(a) Oxidation
(b) Reduction
Q.
What do you mean by a precipitation reaction? Explain by giving examples.
Q.
In the refining of silver, the recovery of silver from silver nitrate solution involved displacement by copper metal. Write down the reaction involved.
Q.
What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write equations for these reactions.
Q.
Why are decomposition reactions called the opposite of combination reactions? Write equations for these reactions.
Q.
Fe2O3+ 2Al →Al2O3+ 2Fe
The above reaction is an example of a
(a) combination reaction.
(b) double displacement reaction
(c) decomposition reaction.
(d) displacement reaction.
Q.
Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction? Explain.
Q.
What does one mean by exothermic and endothermic reactions? Give examples.
Q.
Write the balanced chemical equation for the following and identify the type of reaction in each case.
(a) Potassium bromide(aq) + Barium iodide(aq) → Potassium iodide(aq) + Barium bromide(s)
(b) Zinc carbonate(s) → Zinc oxide(s) + Carbon dioxide(g)
(c) Hydrogen(g) + Chlorine(g) → Hydrogen chloride(g)
(d) Magnesium(s) + Hydrochloric acid(aq) → Magnesium chloride(aq) + Hydrogen(g)
Q.
Write the balanced chemical equations for the following reactions.
(a) Calcium hydroxide + Carbon dioxide → Calcium carbonate + Water
(b) Zinc + Silver nitrate → Zinc nitrate + Silver
(c) Aluminium + Copper chloride → Aluminium chloride + Copper
(d) Barium chloride + Potassium sulphate → Barium sulphate + Potassium chloride
Q.
Balance the following chemical equations.
(a) HNO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2+ H2O
(b) NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4+ H2O
(c) NaCl + AgNO3 → AgCl + NaNO3
(d) BaCl2+ H2SO4 → BaSO4+ HCl
Q.
Translate the following statements into chemical equations and then balance them.
(a) Hydrogen gas combines with nitrogen to form ammonia.
(b) Hydrogen sulphide gas burns in air to give water and sulpur dioxide.
(c) Barium chloride reacts with aluminium sulphate to give aluminium chloride and a precipitate of barium sulphate.
(d) Potassium metal reacts with water to give potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Q.
What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?
Q.
What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings? Tick the correct answer.
(a) Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced.
(b) Chlorine gas and iron hydroxide are produced.
(c) No reaction takes place.
(d) Iron salt and water are produced.
Q.
Explain the following terms with one example each.
(a) Corrosion
(b) Rancidity
Download the PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 1-Chemical Reactions and Equations
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 1 cover all exercise questions in textbook order, including balanced chemical equation Class 10, types of chemical reactions Class 10, oxidation and reduction Class 10, corrosion and rancidity Class 10, and Class 10 Science chemical reactions solutions for revision. The textbook explains that chemical reactions can be identified through changes such as change in state, change in colour, evolution of gas and change in temperature.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Equation: A short symbolic representation of a chemical reaction.
- Balanced Equation: Reactant and product sides have the same number of atoms of each element.
- Reaction Types: Combination, decomposition, displacement, double displacement and redox reactions are major types.
- Oxidation Effects: Corrosion and rancidity are everyday effects of oxidation.
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 1 Structure 2026
| Section |
Main Topic |
Question Focus |
| 1.1 |
Chemical equations |
Word equations, skeletal equations, balancing |
| 1.2 |
Types of chemical reactions |
Combination, decomposition, displacement, double displacement, redox |
| 1.3 |
Oxidation in daily life |
Corrosion and rancidity |
| Exercises |
NCERT questions |
20 textbook questions |
NCERT Class 10 Science Chapter 1 Exercise Solutions
The exercise questions in Chapter 1 test whether students can balance chemical equations, identify reaction types, explain oxidation and reduction, and connect chemical reactions with everyday examples.
Chemical Reactions and Equations Class 10: Exercise Questions and Answers
Q1. Which of the statements about the reaction below are incorrect?
2PbO(s) + C(s) → 2Pb(s) + CO₂(g)
Statements:
(a) Lead is getting reduced.
(b) Carbon dioxide is getting oxidised.
(c) Carbon is getting oxidised.
(d) Lead oxide is getting reduced.
Correct option:
(i) (a) and (b)
Explanation:
In this reaction, lead oxide loses oxygen and forms lead.
So:
PbO is reduced to Pb
Carbon gains oxygen and forms carbon dioxide.
So:
C is oxidised to CO₂
Statement (a) says lead is getting reduced, while the correct idea is that lead oxide is getting reduced.
Statement (b) says carbon dioxide is getting oxidised, while carbon is getting oxidised.
Answer:
Incorrect statements are (a) and (b).
Class 10 Science Chapter 1 Solutions for Reaction Types
Q2. Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe. The above reaction is an example of which type of reaction?
Correct option:
(d) displacement reaction
Explanation:
Aluminium displaces iron from iron oxide because aluminium is more reactive than iron.
Reaction:
Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe
Answer:
This is a displacement reaction.
Q3. What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron filings?
Correct option:
(a) Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced.
Chemical reaction:
Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) → FeCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Explanation:
Iron reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form iron chloride and hydrogen gas.
Answer:
Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced.
Balanced Chemical Equation Class 10
Q4. What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?
A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on the reactant side and product side.
Example:
Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂
Here, the number of Zn, H, S and O atoms is equal on both sides.
Chemical equations should be balanced because of the law of conservation of mass. Mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. So, the number of atoms of each element must remain the same before and after the reaction.
Answer:
A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides. It is balanced to satisfy the law of conservation of mass.
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 1: Translating Statements into Equations
Q5. Translate the following statements into chemical equations and then balance them.
Q5(a). Hydrogen gas combines with nitrogen to form ammonia.
Word equation:
Hydrogen + Nitrogen → Ammonia
Balanced chemical equation:
N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g)
Answer:
N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃
Q5(b). Hydrogen sulphide gas burns in air to give water and sulphur dioxide.
Word equation:
Hydrogen sulphide + Oxygen → Water + Sulphur dioxide
Balanced chemical equation:
2H₂S(g) + 3O₂(g) → 2H₂O(l) + 2SO₂(g)
Answer:
2H₂S + 3O₂ → 2H₂O + 2SO₂
Q5(c). Barium chloride reacts with aluminium sulphate to give aluminium chloride and a precipitate of barium sulphate.
Word equation:
Barium chloride + Aluminium sulphate → Aluminium chloride + Barium sulphate
Balanced chemical equation:
3BaCl₂(aq) + Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq) → 2AlCl₃(aq) + 3BaSO₄(s)
Answer:
3BaCl₂ + Al₂(SO₄)₃ → 2AlCl₃ + 3BaSO₄
Q5(d). Potassium metal reacts with water to give potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Word equation:
Potassium + Water → Potassium hydroxide + Hydrogen
Balanced chemical equation:
2K(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H₂(g)
Answer:
2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂
NCERT Class 10 Science Chapter 1 Exercise Solutions for Balancing Equations
Q6. Balance the following chemical equations.
Q6(a). HNO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + H₂O
Balanced equation:
2HNO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O
Answer:
2HNO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O
Q6(b). NaOH + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O
Balanced equation:
2NaOH + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
Answer:
2NaOH + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
Q6(c). NaCl + AgNO₃ → AgCl + NaNO₃
Balanced equation:
NaCl + AgNO₃ → AgCl + NaNO₃
Answer:
NaCl + AgNO₃ → AgCl + NaNO₃
Q6(d). BaCl₂ + H₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + HCl
Balanced equation:
BaCl₂ + H₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2HCl
Answer:
BaCl₂ + H₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2HCl
Class 10 Science Chemical Reactions Solutions: Balanced Equations
Q7. Write balanced chemical equations for the following reactions.
Q7(a). Calcium hydroxide + Carbon dioxide → Calcium carbonate + Water
Balanced equation:
Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
Answer:
Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
Q7(b). Zinc + Silver nitrate → Zinc nitrate + Silver
Balanced equation:
Zn + 2AgNO₃ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag
Answer:
Zn + 2AgNO₃ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag
Q7(c). Aluminium + Copper chloride → Aluminium chloride + Copper
Balanced equation:
2Al + 3CuCl₂ → 2AlCl₃ + 3Cu
Answer:
2Al + 3CuCl₂ → 2AlCl₃ + 3Cu
Q7(d). Barium chloride + Potassium sulphate → Barium sulphate + Potassium chloride
Balanced equation:
BaCl₂ + K₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2KCl
Answer:
BaCl₂ + K₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2KCl
Types of Chemical Reactions Class 10
The textbook explains that chemical reactions involve the breaking and making of bonds between atoms to produce new substances. Major types include combination, decomposition, displacement, double displacement and oxidation-reduction reactions.
Q8. Write the balanced chemical equation and identify the type of reaction.
Q8(a). Potassium bromide(aq) + Barium iodide(aq) → Potassium iodide(aq) + Barium bromide(s)
Balanced equation:
2KBr(aq) + BaI₂(aq) → 2KI(aq) + BaBr₂(s)
Type of reaction:
Double displacement reaction
Answer:
2KBr + BaI₂ → 2KI + BaBr₂
Type: Double displacement reaction
Q8(b). Zinc carbonate(s) → Zinc oxide(s) + Carbon dioxide(g)
Balanced equation:
ZnCO₃(s) → ZnO(s) + CO₂(g)
Type of reaction:
Decomposition reaction
Answer:
ZnCO₃ → ZnO + CO₂
Type: Decomposition reaction
Q8(c). Hydrogen(g) + Chlorine(g) → Hydrogen chloride(g)
Balanced equation:
H₂(g) + Cl₂(g) → 2HCl(g)
Type of reaction:
Combination reaction
Answer:
H₂ + Cl₂ → 2HCl
Type: Combination reaction
Q8(d). Magnesium(s) + Hydrochloric acid(aq) → Magnesium chloride(aq) + Hydrogen(g)
Balanced equation:
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Type of reaction:
Displacement reaction
Answer:
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
Type: Displacement reaction
Combination Reaction Class 10 and Decomposition Reaction Class 10
Q9. What does one mean by exothermic and endothermic reactions? Give examples.
An exothermic reaction is a reaction in which heat is released along with the formation of products.
Example:
CaO(s) + H₂O(l) → Ca(OH)₂(aq) + Heat
This reaction forms slaked lime and releases heat.
An endothermic reaction is a reaction in which energy is absorbed.
Example:
2AgCl(s) → 2Ag(s) + Cl₂(g)
Condition:
Sunlight
This reaction absorbs light energy.
Answer:
Exothermic reactions release heat, while endothermic reactions absorb energy.
Q10. Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction? Explain.
Respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because glucose combines with oxygen in the cells and releases energy.
Balanced equation:
C₆H₁₂O₆(aq) + 6O₂(aq) → 6CO₂(aq) + 6H₂O(l) + Energy
During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. This glucose reacts with oxygen in body cells and gives energy needed for life processes.
Answer:
Respiration is exothermic because energy is released when glucose is oxidised in the body.
Q11. Why are decomposition reactions called the opposite of combination reactions? Write equations for these reactions.
A combination reaction forms one product from two or more reactants.
Example:
CaO(s) + H₂O(l) → Ca(OH)₂(aq)
A decomposition reaction breaks one reactant into two or more products.
Example:
CaCO₃(s) → CaO(s) + CO₂(g)
Condition:
Heat
So, decomposition reactions are called the opposite of combination reactions because combination joins substances, while decomposition breaks a substance into simpler products.
Answer:
Combination reaction:
CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂
Decomposition reaction:
CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
Decomposition Reaction Class 10: Heat, Light and Electricity
Q12. Write one equation each for decomposition reactions where energy is supplied in the form of heat, light or electricity.
Decomposition by heat
2FeSO₄(s) → Fe₂O₃(s) + SO₂(g) + SO₃(g)
Condition:
Heat
Decomposition by light
2AgCl(s) → 2Ag(s) + Cl₂(g)
Condition:
Sunlight
Decomposition by electricity
2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g)
Condition:
Electric current
Answer:
Heat:
2FeSO₄ → Fe₂O₃ + SO₂ + SO₃
Light:
2AgCl → 2Ag + Cl₂
Electricity:
2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
Displacement Reaction Class 10 and Double Displacement Reaction Class 10
Q13. What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write equations for these reactions.
A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.
Example:
Fe(s) + CuSO₄(aq) → FeSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)
Here, iron displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.
A double displacement reaction occurs when two compounds exchange ions to form new compounds.
Example:
Na₂SO₄(aq) + BaCl₂(aq) → BaSO₄(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
Here, barium sulphate is formed as a white precipitate.
Answer:
Displacement reaction:
Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu
Double displacement reaction:
Na₂SO₄ + BaCl₂ → BaSO₄ + 2NaCl
Q14. In the refining of silver, silver is recovered from silver nitrate solution by displacement using copper metal. Write the reaction involved.
Copper displaces silver from silver nitrate solution.
Balanced equation:
Cu(s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Answer:
Cu + 2AgNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag
Q15. What do you mean by a precipitation reaction? Explain by giving examples.
A precipitation reaction is a reaction in which an insoluble solid is formed from solutions of reactants. The insoluble solid is called a precipitate.
Example:
Na₂SO₄(aq) + BaCl₂(aq) → BaSO₄(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
Here, BaSO₄ is a white precipitate.
Another example:
Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2KI(aq) → PbI₂(s) + 2KNO₃(aq)
Here, PbI₂ is a yellow precipitate.
Answer:
A precipitation reaction produces an insoluble solid called a precipitate.
Oxidation and Reduction Class 10
Q16. Explain oxidation and reduction in terms of gain or loss of oxygen with two examples each.
Oxidation
Oxidation means gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.
Example 1:
2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO
Here, copper gains oxygen and forms copper oxide.
Example 2:
2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO
Here, magnesium gains oxygen and forms magnesium oxide.
Reduction
Reduction means loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen.
Example 1:
CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O
Here, copper oxide loses oxygen and is reduced to copper.
Example 2:
ZnO + C → Zn + CO
Here, zinc oxide loses oxygen and is reduced to zinc.
Answer:
Oxidation is gain of oxygen. Reduction is loss of oxygen.
Q17. A shiny brown coloured element X on heating in air becomes black in colour. Name X and the black coloured compound formed.
The shiny brown coloured element is copper.
When copper is heated in air, it reacts with oxygen to form black copper(II) oxide.
Equation:
2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO
Answer:
Element X = Copper
Black compound = Copper(II) oxide, CuO
Corrosion and Rancidity Class 10
The textbook describes corrosion as the process in which a metal is attacked by substances around it, such as moisture and acids. It also explains that fats and oils become rancid when oxidised, changing their smell and taste.
Q18. Why do we apply paint on iron articles?
Paint forms a protective layer on iron articles.
This layer prevents iron from coming in direct contact with air and moisture. Since air and moisture cause rusting, painting helps prevent corrosion.
Answer:
We apply paint on iron articles to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Q19. Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen. Why?
Oils and fats become rancid when they are oxidised by oxygen in air. Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not support oxidation.
Food packets such as chips are flushed with nitrogen to remove oxygen and slow down rancidity.
Answer:
Oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen to prevent oxidation and rancidity.
Q20. Explain the following terms with one example each.
Q20(a). Corrosion
Corrosion is the process in which a metal is attacked by substances such as air, moisture or acids present in the surroundings.
Example:
Iron rusts when exposed to moist air and forms reddish-brown rust.
Answer:
Rusting of iron is an example of corrosion.
Q20(b). Rancidity
Rancidity is the oxidation of oils and fats, causing unpleasant smell and taste.
Example:
Fried food kept open for a long time may smell bad due to rancidity.
Answer:
Spoiling of oily food due to oxidation is an example of rancidity.
Chemical Reactions and Equations Class 10: Concepts Used in Chapter 1
Chapter 1 builds from basic chemical changes to symbolic equations and reaction types. Students should revise these concepts before solving the exercise.
Balanced Chemical Equation Class 10
A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both sides.
Example:
3Fe + 4H₂O → Fe₃O₄ + 4H₂
The textbook balances this equation step by step using the hit-and-trial method.
Combination Reaction Class 10
A combination reaction forms one product from two or more reactants.
Example:
CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂
Decomposition Reaction Class 10
A decomposition reaction breaks one reactant into two or more products.
Example:
2FeSO₄ → Fe₂O₃ + SO₂ + SO₃
Displacement Reaction Class 10
A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.
Example:
Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu
Double Displacement Reaction Class 10
A double displacement reaction involves exchange of ions between two compounds.
Example:
Na₂SO₄ + BaCl₂ → BaSO₄ + 2NaCl
Oxidation and Reduction Class 10
Oxidation:
Gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen
Reduction:
Loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen
Example:
CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O
Here:
CuO is reduced
H₂ is oxidised
Quick Formula Table for NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 1
| Concept |
Copy-Friendly Result |
Example |
| Balanced equation |
Atoms equal on both sides |
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O |
| Combination reaction |
A + B → AB |
CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ |
| Decomposition reaction |
AB → A + B |
CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂ |
| Displacement reaction |
A + BC → AC + B |
Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu |
| Double displacement |
AB + CD → AD + CB |
Na₂SO₄ + BaCl₂ → BaSO₄ + 2NaCl |
| Oxidation |
Gain of oxygen |
2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO |
| Reduction |
Loss of oxygen |
CuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O |
Useful Links for Class 10 Science NCERT Solutions