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Question 371

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Isobars of elements have same:

  1. AOption (a)

    Atomic numbers.

  2. BOption (b)

    Number of electrons.

  3. COption (c)

    Mass numbers.

  4. DOption (d)

    Number of neutrons.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Mass numbers.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Mass numbers.

Key Points

  • Isobars are atoms of different elements that have the same mass numbers but different atomic numbers.
  • Mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
  • Because they are different elements, isobars have different chemical properties but share the same mass.
  • An example of isobars includes Carbon-14 (₆C¹⁴) and Nitrogen-14 (₇N¹⁴), both of which have a mass number of 14 but differ in the number of protons and neutrons.
  • The term "isobar" comes from the Greek words "iso" (equal) and "baros" (weight).

Additional Information

  • Atomic Number:
  • It is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and determines the element's identity.
  • Isobars have different atomic numbers, meaning they belong to different elements.
  • Neutrons:
  • Isobars differ in the number of neutrons, which balances the difference in the number of protons to maintain the same mass number.
  • Isotopes:
  • In contrast to isobars, isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to a varying number of neutrons.
  • Example: Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14 are isotopes of Carbon.
  • Applications of Isobars:
  • Isobars like Carbon-14 are used in radiocarbon dating to estimate the age of archaeological artifacts.
  • Isobars also find applications in nuclear medicine and research.

Question 372

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Which one of the following could not be explained by Rutherford's nuclear model?

  1. AOption (a)

    Stability of the atom

  2. BOption (b)

    Presence of nucleus in the centre of an atom

  3. COption (c)

    Comparison of sizes of atom and nucleus

  4. DOption (d)

    Nucleus is positively charged

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Stability of the atom

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Stability of the atom.

Key Points

  • Rutherford's nuclear model proposed that the atom consists of a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons in orbits.
  • While it accurately described the presence of a nucleus and its positive charge, it failed to explain why electrons, continuously accelerating in circular orbits, do not lose energy and spiral into the nucleus.
  • The model could not account for the stability of the atom, as classical electrodynamics predicted that accelerating electrons should emit electromagnetic radiation and lose energy.
  • The inability to explain the atom's stability led to the development of Bohr's model, which introduced quantized orbits to resolve this issue.
  • Other aspects of the atom, such as the size comparison between the nucleus and the atom or the nucleus being positively charged, were successfully explained by Rutherford's model.

Additional Information

  • Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment:
  • Rutherford directed alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold foil and observed their scattering pattern.
  • Most alpha particles passed through, but some were deflected at large angles, suggesting a dense, positively charged nucleus.
  • This experiment disproved J.J. Thomson's "plum pudding model" of the atom.
  • Limitations of Rutherford's Model:
  • It could not explain the stability of atoms as per classical physics.
  • It failed to describe the discrete spectral lines observed in atomic emission spectra.
  • Bohr's Model as an Improvement:
  • Bohr introduced the concept of quantized energy levels for electrons, addressing the stability issue.
  • Electrons could only occupy specific orbits without radiating energy.
  • Key Terminology:
  • Electromagnetic Radiation: Energy emitted by accelerating charged particles in the form of waves.
  • Quantization: The concept that certain physical properties, like energy, can only take discrete values.

Question 373

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

If atomic number of an element is 11, the correct name, symbol and valency are:

  1. AOption (a)

    Lithium, Li, 1

  2. BOption (b)

    Magnesium, Mg, 2

  3. COption (c)

    Boron, B, 3

  4. DOption (d)

    Sodium, Na, 1

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Sodium, Na, 1

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Sodium, Na, 1.

Key Points

  • The element with atomic number 11 is Sodium (Na), as per the periodic table.
  • Sodium is an alkali metal and belongs to Group 1 in the periodic table.
  • Sodium has a valency of 1 because it loses one electron to form a stable Na+ ion.
  • The symbol for Sodium is Na, derived from its Latin name "Natrium."
  • It is highly reactive and is commonly found in nature as compounds like sodium chloride (table salt).

Additional Information

  • Atomic Number:
  • The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus.
  • For Sodium (Na), the atomic number is 11, meaning it has 11 protons and 11 electrons in its neutral state.
  • Electron Configuration of Sodium:
  • The electronic configuration of Sodium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1.
  • The single electron in the outermost shell (3s) is responsible for its valency of 1.
  • Sodium's Reactivity:
  • Sodium is a highly reactive metal, reacting vigorously with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
  • To prevent unwanted reactions, Sodium is stored in inert substances like oil.
  • Role in Biological Systems:
  • Sodium ions (Na+) play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and nerve signal transmission in the human body.
  • Excess or deficiency of sodium in the body can lead to health issues such as hypernatremia or hyponatremia.
  • Common Compounds of Sodium:
  • Sodium forms various compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda).
  • Sodium chloride is essential for human consumption and is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food.

Question 374

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Which one of the following gas is used in making soft drinks?

  1. AOption (a)

    NH3

  2. BOption (b)

    PH3

  3. COption (c)

    COCl2

  4. DOption (d)

    CO2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

CO2

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is CO2.

Key Points

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary gas used in the production of soft drinks to create carbonation.
  • Carbonation occurs when CO2 is dissolved in water under high pressure, forming carbonic acid, which gives the soft drink its fizzy texture and tangy taste.
  • The release of CO2 from a soft drink upon opening the bottle or can creates the characteristic bubbles and effervescence.
  • CO2 is non-toxic, colorless, and odorless, making it safe for use in beverages.
  • It also acts as a mild preservative by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms in soft drinks.

Additional Information

  • Carbonation Process
  • Carbonation is the process of dissolving CO2 into water under high pressure.
  • When the pressure is released (e.g., opening a bottle), CO2 escapes, creating bubbles.
  • History of Carbonated Beverages
  • The concept of carbonated water was first introduced by Joseph Priestley in 1767.
  • Soft drinks gained popularity in the 19th century as flavored carbonated beverages became commercially available.
  • Other Gases and Their Uses
  • NH3 (Ammonia): Used in refrigeration systems and fertilizers, not in beverages.
  • PH3 (Phosphine): A toxic gas used in pest control, not related to food or drinks.
  • COCl2 (Phosgene): A highly toxic gas used in chemical manufacturing, not safe for consumption.
  • Health Considerations
  • Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks can lead to health issues like dental erosion and obesity.
  • Moderation is key to enjoying soft drinks without adverse health effects.

Question 375

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Which one of the following is considered as a compound?

  1. AOption (a)

    Silicon

  2. BOption (b)

    Tin

  3. COption (c)

    Sugar solution

  4. DOption (d)

    Calcium carbonate

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Calcium carbonate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Calcium carbonate.

Key Points

  • Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is classified as a compound because it consists of chemically bonded elements—calcium (Ca), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).
  • A compound is defined as a substance made up of two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
  • Calcium carbonate is widely found in nature in materials such as limestone, marble, and chalk.
  • It has diverse applications, including its use in construction materials, industrial fillers, and as an ingredient in antacids.
  • Unlike mixtures (e.g., sugar solution), compounds have uniform chemical properties and cannot be separated by physical means.

Additional Information

  • Compound:
  • A compound is a pure substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in fixed proportions.
  • Compounds exhibit unique properties different from the individual elements that compose them.
  • Examples include water (H₂O), sodium chloride (NaCl), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
  • Calcium Carbonate in Nature:
  • Calcium carbonate is abundant in nature, forming essential geological structures such as limestone caves and coral reefs.
  • It also plays a role in the carbon cycle, interacting with atmospheric CO₂ during weathering processes.
  • Difference Between Compound and Mixture:
  • Compounds are chemically bonded substances, while mixtures are physical combinations of substances.
  • Mixtures can be separated by physical methods (e.g., filtration), whereas compounds require chemical reactions for separation.
  • Applications of Calcium Carbonate:
  • Used as a dietary calcium supplement and antacid in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Serves as a filler in paper, plastics, and paints, enhancing product quality and durability.
  • Widely utilized in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils and improve fertility.

Question 376

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Rutherford's a-particle scattering experiment on gold foil is responsible for the discovery of:

  1. AOption (a)

    Neutron

  2. BOption (b)

    Electron

  3. COption (c)

    Proton

  4. DOption (d)

    Atomic nucleus

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Atomic nucleus

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Atomic nucleus.

Key Points

  • The discovery of the atomic nucleus was a result of Rutherford's famous alpha-particle scattering experiment conducted in 1911.
  • Rutherford observed that a small fraction of alpha particles were deflected at large angles, while most passed through the gold foil, indicating the presence of a dense, positively charged core.
  • This dense core was named the nucleus, which contains most of the atom's mass and is positively charged due to the presence of protons.
  • The experiment disproved the earlier "plum pudding model" proposed by J.J. Thomson, leading to the development of the nuclear model of the atom.
  • This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for modern atomic theory and nuclear physics.

Additional Information

  • Alpha particles:
  • Alpha particles are helium nuclei consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
  • In Rutherford's experiment, alpha particles were used as projectiles to study atomic structure.
  • Gold foil experiment:
  • In this experiment, a thin sheet of gold foil was bombarded with alpha particles.
  • Most particles passed through the foil undeflected, while some were scattered at large angles, leading to the conclusion of a dense nucleus.
  • Nuclear model of the atom:
  • Rutherford proposed that an atom consists of a small, dense nucleus surrounded by electrons in empty space.
  • This model replaced the "plum pudding model" and introduced the concept of a central nucleus.
  • Limitations of Rutherford's model:
  • While the nuclear model explained the presence of the nucleus, it could not explain the stability of electrons in orbit.
  • This limitation was later addressed by Niels Bohr in his atomic model.
  • Impact on modern science:
  • The discovery of the nucleus was pivotal in advancing fields like nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and chemistry.
  • It also led to the discovery of protons and neutrons as subatomic particles within the nucleus.

Question 377

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Which one of the following is a metalloid ?

  1. AOption (a)

    Germanium

  2. BOption (b)

    Coke

  3. COption (c)

    Iodine

  4. DOption (d)

    Sugar

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Germanium

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Germanium.

Key Points

  • Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32.
  • It is classified as a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and non-metals.
  • Germanium is primarily used in semiconductor technology for making transistors and diodes.
  • It is a brittle, grayish-white element and is found in small amounts in ores such as zinc and copper.
  • Germanium shares chemical similarities with silicon, another important semiconductor material.

Additional Information

  • Metalloids:
  • Metalloids are elements that have properties intermediate between metals and non-metals.
  • Examples of metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
  • Metalloids are often semiconductors, meaning they can conduct electricity under certain conditions.
  • They are typically used in electronics and other specialized applications.
  • Semiconductors:
  • Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between conductors (like metals) and insulators (like ceramics).
  • Germanium and silicon are commonly used as semiconductors in electronic devices.
  • Semiconductors are crucial in manufacturing transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.
  • Chemical Properties of Germanium:
  • Germanium is chemically stable and does not react with water or air under normal conditions.
  • It forms compounds such as germanium dioxide (GeO2), which is used in optical fibers and infrared optics.
  • Applications of Germanium:
  • Used in electronics, fiber optics, and infrared devices.
  • Germanium is also used as a catalyst in polymerization reactions.

Question 378

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Which one of the following is not explained by the Dalton's atomic theory?

  1. AOption (a)

    Law of conservation of mass

  2. BOption (b)

    Law of constant composition

  3. COption (c)

    Presence of different kind of sub-atomic particles in an atom

  4. DOption (d)

    Law of multiple proportion

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Presence of different kind of sub-atomic particles in an atom

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Presence of different kind of sub-atomic particles in an atom.

Key Points

  • Dalton's atomic theory was proposed by John Dalton in 1808 and is one of the earliest scientific theories to describe the nature of matter.
  • It explains fundamental concepts such as the law of conservation of mass and the law of constant composition.
  • The theory assumes atoms are indivisible and indestructible, which does not account for the existence of sub-atomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons).
  • The discovery of sub-atomic particles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the electron by J.J. Thomson, revealed limitations in Dalton's atomic model.
  • While Dalton's theory was a significant milestone, it does not explain the presence of sub-atomic particles or the internal structure of atoms.

Additional Information

  • Law of Conservation of Mass: This law states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Dalton's atomic theory supports this by stating that atoms are indivisible during chemical processes.
  • Law of Constant Composition: This law states that a given compound always contains the same proportion of elements by mass, which aligns with Dalton’s idea of fixed atom ratios in compounds.
  • Law of Multiple Proportions: This law, formulated by Dalton, states that when two elements combine to form multiple compounds, the mass ratios of the second element to a fixed mass of the first element are in simple whole numbers.
  • Sub-atomic Particles: Protons (positive charge), neutrons (neutral charge), and electrons (negative charge) are the fundamental particles that make up an atom. Their discovery refined the atomic model.
  • Limitations of Dalton's Theory: It does not explain isotopes (atoms of the same element with different masses) or atomic structure, and it assumes atoms are the smallest indivisible units of matter.

Question 379

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Which one of the following contains all Lewis acids ?

  1. AOption (a)

    AlCl3, Co3+, BF3

  2. BOption (b)

    BCl3, NH3, OH-

  3. COption (c)

    Mg2+, H2O, F-

  4. DOption (d)

    BF3, NH3, H2O

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

AlCl3, Co3+, BF3

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

  • Lewis acids are chemical species that can accept an electron pair due to their electron-deficient nature.
  • Option 1 includes AlCl3, Co3+, and BF3, which are well-known Lewis acids:
  • AlCl3: Aluminum chloride acts as a Lewis acid due to its incomplete octet and ability to accept electrons.
  • Co3+: The cobalt ion (Co3+) is electron-deficient and readily accepts electron pairs.
  • BF3: Boron trifluoride is a classical Lewis acid due to the electron deficiency of boron.
  • Other options contain species like NH3 and OH-, which are Lewis bases, or species like F- that are electron-rich and unable to act as Lewis acids.
  • Lewis acids play a critical role in many chemical reactions, such as catalysis and coordination chemistry.

Additional Information

  • Lewis Acid Definition:
  • Named after G.N. Lewis, a Lewis acid is a chemical species that can accept a pair of electrons.
  • This definition contrasts with Bronsted-Lowry acids, which are proton donors.
  • Examples of Lewis Acids:
  • Common examples include BF3, AlCl3, Fe3+, and other electron-deficient compounds or metal ions.
  • Transition metals in high oxidation states (e.g., Co3+) often act as Lewis acids.
  • Lewis Base:
  • A Lewis base is the opposite of a Lewis acid—it donates an electron pair.
  • Examples include NH3, OH-, and F-.
  • Applications of Lewis Acids:
  • Used in catalysis, such as Friedel-Crafts reactions.
  • Important in the formation of coordination complexes in inorganic chemistry.

Question 380

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Number of electrons present in the species H2+, He, H2 and O2+ respectively are:

  1. AOption (a)

    1, 2, 2, 15

  2. BOption (b)

    1, 2, 1, 14

  3. COption (c)

    2, 2, 2, 16

  4. DOption (d)

    0, 2, 1, 14

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1, 2, 2, 15

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

  • The number of electrons in a species is determined by the atomic number of the element and its charge (if it is an ion).
  • For H2+, the molecule has lost one electron, leaving it with 1 electron.
  • Helium (He) is a neutral atom with an atomic number of 2, so it has 2 electrons.
  • For H2, each hydrogen atom contributes 1 electron, making a total of 2 electrons.
  • O2+ is an ion where one electron has been removed from the neutral O2 molecule (16 electrons in total), leaving it with 15 electrons.

Additional Information

  • Electron Counting in Ions:
  • In a positively charged ion, electrons are subtracted from the neutral atom’s count.
  • For a negatively charged ion, electrons are added to the neutral atom’s count.
  • Atomic Number:
  • The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus.
  • In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons.
  • Molecular Electron Count:
  • For diatomic molecules like H2 and O2, the total number of electrons is the sum of the electrons from each atom.
  • For charged molecules (e.g., H2+ or O2+), adjust the electron count based on the charge.
  • General Case:
  • H2+: 2 electrons in H2 minus 1 (due to the +1 charge) = 1 electron.
  • He: Atomic number 2 = 2 electrons (neutral atom).
  • H2: 1 electron from each H atom = 2 electrons (neutral molecule).
  • O2+: 16 electrons in O2 minus 1 (due to the +1 charge) = 15 electrons.