Chemical Reactions and Equations — Class 10 Science PYQs

Previous-year board questions (2026) with marking-scheme solutions, grouped by topic and marks.

Try each question first, then press (or tap Show Solution) to reveal the answer. Press again for the next question.

Marks:

Writing and balancing chemical equations

1 Mark Questions
11 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Directions : For question number 24, two statements are given, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Select the correct answer to this question from the codes (A), (B), (C) and (D) as given below :
(A) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(B) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Assertion (A): Carbon shares its valence electrons with other atoms of carbon or with atoms of other elements.
Reason (R): The shared electrons belong to the outermost shells of both the atoms and lead to both atoms attaining the noble gas configuration.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A) / Both, Assertion(A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A). (1 Mark)
21 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
In the following equation
$\text{x KI} + \ce{H2O2 -> I2} + \text{y KOH}$
x and y respectively are :
  • (a)2,2
  • (b)1,2
  • (c)2,1
  • (d)1,1
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A)/ 2,2
31 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Write balanced chemical equations for the reactions taking place when:
(i) Aluminium metal reacts with steam.
(ii) Magnesium reacts with dilute $\ce{HCl}$.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) $\ce{2Al(s) + 3H2O(g) -> Al2O3(s) + 3H2(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(ii) $\ce{Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) -> MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(Deduct $\frac{1}{2}$ mark for no/ incorrect balancing)
41 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Choose the correct option :
  • (a)Concave mirror and concave lens always form virtual image.
  • (b)Image formed by a plane mirror and a convex mirror has magnification $m = 1$.
  • (c)Concave lens and convex mirror always forms virtual image.
  • (d)Image formed by a plane mirror and a concave lens has magnification $m = 1$.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) / Concave lens and convex mirror always form virtual image. (1 Mark)
2 Marks Questions
52 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Answer the following :
(a) Why should chemical equations be balanced ?
(b) Name the oxidising and reducing agent in the following equation : $\ce{4Na + O2 -> 2Na2O}$
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a)To follow the law of conservation of mass
(b) Oxidising agent - $\ce{O2}$/Oxygen
Reducing agent - $\ce{Na}$/Sodium
3 Marks Questions
63 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Translate the following statements into chemical equation and then balance them :
(a) Water is added to quicklime
(b) Burning of natural gas
(c) Thermal decomposition of ferrous sulphate
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a) $\ce{CaO(s) + H2O(l) -> Ca(OH)2 + Heat}$ (1 Mark)
(b) $\ce{CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(c) $\ce{2FeSO4(s) ->[Heat] Fe2O3(s) + SO2(g) + SO3(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(deduct ½ mark for no / incorrect balancing)
5 Marks Questions
75 Marks · May 2026open ↗
Write chemical equations for the following when
(a) Silver bromide is exposed to sunlight.
(b) A piece of lead metal is dropped into copper (II) chloride solution.
(c) Hydrogen gas is passed over heated copper oxide.
(d) Methane gas is burnt in air.
(e) Quick lime is mixed with water.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a) $\ce{2AgBr(s) ->[Sunlight] 2Ag(s) + Br2(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(b) $\ce{Pb(s) + CuCl2(aq) -> PbCl2(aq) + Cu(s)}$ (1 Mark)
(c) $\ce{CuO(g) + H2(g) -> Cu(g) + H2O(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(d) $\ce{CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g) + Heat}$ (1 Mark)
(e) $\ce{CaO(s) + H2O(l) -> Ca(OH)2(aq) + Heat}$ (1 Mark)

Combination reactions

1 Mark Questions
81 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Which of the following are combination reactions ?
(i) $\ce{2KClO3 -> 2KCl + 3O2}$
(ii) $\ce{MgO + H2O -> Mg(OH)2}$
(iii) $\ce{4Al + 3O2 -> 2Al2O3}$
(iv) $\ce{Zn + FeSO4 -> ZnSO4 + Fe}$
Options:
  • (a)(i) and (iii)
  • (b)(iii) and (iv)
  • (c)(ii) and (iv)
  • (d)(ii) and (iii)
Show SolutionHide Solution
(D) / (ii)and (iii)

Decomposition reactions

1 Mark Questions
91 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
The gases evolved on heating lead (II) nitrate crystals are :
  • (a)$\ce{NO}$ and $\ce{O2}$
  • (b)$\ce{N2}$ and $\ce{NO2}$
  • (c)$\ce{NO2}$ and $\ce{H2}$
  • (d)$\ce{NO2}$ and $\ce{O2}$
Show SolutionHide Solution
(D) / $\ce{NO2}$ and $\ce{O2}$
1
1
101 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
When ferrous sulphate crystals are heated in a test tube, we observe that:
  • (a)A colourless gas with no smell is evolved.
  • (b)A brown gas is evolved.
  • (c)The green colour of the salt fades and a gas with the smell of burning sulphur is evolved.
  • (d)The green colour of the salt fades and no gas is evolved.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) / The green colour of the salt fades and a gas with the smell of burning sulphur is evolved. (1 Mark)
111 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Which of the following are decomposition reactions ?
(i) $\ce{2KClO3 -> 2KCl + 3O2}$
(ii) $\ce{MgO + H2O -> Mg(OH)2}$
(iii) $\ce{2H2O -> H2 + O2}$
(iv) $\ce{Zn + CuSO4 -> ZnSO4 + Cu}$
  • (a)(i) and (ii)
  • (b)(iii) and (iv)
  • (c)(i) and (iii)
  • (d)(ii) and (iv)
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) / (i) and (iii) (1 Mark)
121 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Give reasons :
(i) Potato chips manufacturers fill the packet of chips with nitrogen gas.
(ii) Respiration is an exothermic reaction.
(iii) Silver chloride is stored in dark coloured bottles.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) To prevent the chips from getting oxidised/rancid.
(ii) During respiration, glucose combines with oxygen in the cells of our body and gives energy.
(iii) To prevent the decomposition of silver chloride into silver and chlorine by sunlight.
131 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
The volume ratio of hydrogen and oxygen gases liberated during electrolysis of water is
  • (a)1:1
  • (b)2:1
  • (c)4:1
  • (d)1:2
Show SolutionHide Solution
(B)/ 2 : 1 (1 Mark)
141 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
When lead nitrate is heated in a boiling tube, we observe :
  • (a)brown fumes of $\ce{O2}$ gas
  • (b)white fumes of $\ce{NO2}$ gas
  • (c)yellow fumes of lead oxide
  • (d)brown fumes of $\ce{NO2}$ gas
Show SolutionHide Solution
(D)/ Brown fumes of $\ce{NO2}$ (1 Mark)
151 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Electrolysis of water is an example of :
  • (a)thermal decomposition reaction
  • (b)photochemical decomposition reaction
  • (c)double-displacement reaction
  • (d)electrolytic decomposition reaction
Show SolutionHide Solution
(D)/ Electrolytic decomposition reaction (1 Mark)
161 Mark · May 2026open ↗
On heating ferrous sulphate crystals, one would get :
  • (a)Sweet smell
  • (b)Rotten egg smell
  • (c)Characteristic smell of burning sulphur
  • (d)No smell
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) Characteristic smell of burning sulphur (1)
171 Mark · May 2026open ↗
On heating lead nitrate crystals, one would get :
  • (a)yellow fumes
  • (b)rotten egg smell
  • (c)burning smell of sulphur
  • (d)brown fumes
Show SolutionHide Solution
(D) Brown fumes
1
181 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Which of the following compounds is formed on heating limestone with the release of $\ce{CO2}$ gas?
  • (a)$\ce{Ca(OH)2}$
  • (b)$\ce{CaCO3}$
  • (c)$\ce{CaO}$
  • (d)$\ce{CaCl2}$
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) $\ce{CaO}$ (1)
3 Marks Questions
193 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
(a) Name the substance oxidised and reduced in the following reaction : $\ce{ZnO + C -> Zn + CO}$
(b) Balance the following chemical reaction : $\ce{Pb(NO3)2 + KI -> PbI2 + KNO3}$
(c) Give one example each of electrolytic decomposition and decomposition by sunlight.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a)
• Substance oxidised - $\ce{C}$ (½)
• Substance reduced - $\ce{ZnO}$ (½)
(b) $\ce{Pb(NO3)2 + 2 KI -> PbI2 + 2 KNO3}$ (1)
(c)
• $\ce{2H2O ->[electricity] 2H2 + O2}$ (½)
• $\ce{2AgCl ->[sunlight] 2Ag + Cl2}$ (½)
(any other example in each case)
203 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
What happens when :
(a) silver chloride is kept in sunlight ?
(b) lead nitrate solution is added to potassium iodide solution?
(c) food materials containing fats and oils are left for a long time?
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a)Silver chloride decomposes to form silver / white silver chloride turns grey in sunlight / (1 Mark)
$\ce{2AgCl ->[Sunlight] 2Ag + Cl2}$
(b)A precipitate of lead (II) iodide is formed / yellow ppt of lead iodide is formed / (1 Mark)
$\ce{2Pb(NO3)2(s) ->[heat] 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)}$
Lead nitrate Colourless Lead monoxide Yellow Nitrogen dioxide Reddish brown Oxygen
(c)Fats and oils are oxidized, they become rancid, and their smell and taste change. (1 Mark)
213 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Answer the following :
(a) Write two observations when green coloured crystals of ferrous sulphate are heated in a boiling tube.
(b) Why brown coloured copper powder turns black on heating ?
(c) What happens when limestone is heated strongly ?
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a) • Green colour of the crystal changes brown. (½ Mark)
• Colourless gases with odour of burning sulphur. (½ Mark)
(any other observation)
(b) Copper changes to copper (II) oxide which is black in colour. /
$\ce{2Cu(s) + O2(g) ->[Heat] 2CuO(s)}$ (Brown to Black) (1 Mark)
(Award full marks if chemical equation with colour changes is written)
(c) Calcium oxide (quick lime) and colourless gas ($\ce{CO2}$) is evolved /
$\ce{CaCO3(s) ->[Heat] CaO(s) + CO2(g)}$ (1 Mark)
223 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
2 g of green coloured crystals of ferrous sulphate are heated in a dry boiling tube. Name the type of chemical reaction taking place. Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction. Is this an exothermic or an endothermic reaction ?
Show SolutionHide Solution
• Thermal decomposition reaction
• $\ce{2FeSO4(s) ->[heat] Fe2O3(s) + SO2(g) + SO3(g)}$
(deduct ½ mark if no / incorrect balancing)
• Endothermic reaction
233 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Account for the following :
(a) White silver chloride turns grey when exposed to sunlight.
(b) Lead (II) nitrate on heating releases brown fumes.
(c) Bags of oil and fat containing food items are flushed with nitrogen gas.
Show SolutionHide Solution
• $\ce{CaSO4.1/2H2O}$
u2022 373K / 100°C
Decomposition of silver chloride (AgCl) to form silver (Ag)
$\ce{2AgCl(s) ->[Sunlight] 2Ag(s) + Cl2(g)}$
Decomposition of lead nitrate releases $\ce{NO2}$ / Nitrogen dioxide
$\ce{2Pb(NO3)2(s) ->[Heat] 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)}$
(Lead nitrate) (Lead oxide) (Nitrogen dioxide) (Oxygen)
To prevent the oxidation of fats in food items.
243 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
What happens when
(i) lead (II) nitrate is heated ?
(ii) iron (II) sulphate is heated ?
(iii) silver chloride is exposed to sunlight ?
Write balanced chemical equations of the reactions involved in support of your answer.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) Brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide are formed. (½ Mark)
$\ce{2Pb(NO3)2(s) ->[Heat] 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)}$ (½ Mark)
(ii) Smell of burning sulphur is observed/ Colour of crystal changes. (½ Mark)
$\ce{2FeSO4(s) ->[Heat] Fe2O3(s) + SO2(g) + SO3(g)}$ (½ Mark)
(iii) White silver chloride turns grey. (½ Mark)
$\ce{2AgCl(s) ->[Sunlight] 2Ag(s) + Cl2(g)}$ (½ Mark)
(Note: Award full marks if balanced chemical equation is written)
253 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
What happens when
(i) Calcium carbonate is heated ?
(ii) Silver bromide is exposed to sunlight ?
(iii) Lead is added to copper (II) chloride solution ?
Write balanced chemical equations of the reactions involved in support of your answer.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) Calcium carbonate decomposes to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. (½ Mark)
$\ce{CaCO3(s) ->[Heat] CaO(s) + CO2(g)}$ (½ Mark)
(ii) Silver bromide decomposes to silver and bromine by light. (½ Mark)
$\ce{2AgBr(s) ->[Sunlight] 2Ag(s) + Br2(g)}$ (½ Mark)
(iii) Lead displaces copper from copper chloride solution. (½ Mark)
$\ce{Pb(s) + CuCl2(aq) -> PbCl2(aq) + Cu(s)}$ (½ Mark)
(Note: Award full marks if balanced chemical equation is written)

Displacement reactions

1 Mark Questions
261 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Which of the following is an example of a displacement reaction ?
  • (a)The combustion of natural gas
  • (b)The reaction of a reactive metal with dilute acid
  • (c)The electrolysis of water
  • (d)The reaction of quick lime with water
Show SolutionHide Solution
(B)/ The reaction of a reactive metal with dilute acid.
271 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Write chemical equations for the reactions taking place when :
(i) Manganese dioxide is heated with aluminium powder.
(ii) Steam is passed over red hot iron.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) $\ce{3MnO2(s) + 4Al(s) -> 3Mn(l) + 2Al2O3(s) + Heat}$ (1 Mark)
(ii) $\ce{3Fe(s) + 4 H2O(g) -> Fe3O4(s) + 4H2(g)}$ (1 Mark)
(Balancing is optional)
281 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Write chemical equations for the reactions taking place when :
(A) $\ce{Fe2O3}$ is heated with aluminium powder.
(B) Sodium metal reacts with water.
Show SolutionHide Solution
$\ce{Fe2O3(s) + 2Al(s) -> 2 Fe(l) + Al2O3(s) + Heat}$ (1 Mark)
$\ce{2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) -> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g) + Heat}$ (1 Mark)
(Balancing is optional)
291 Mark · May 2026open ↗
If an iron nail is kept in an aqueous solution of copper sulphate :
  • (a)Iron gets precipitated in the solution.
  • (b)Displacement reaction takes place.
  • (c)Double-displacement reaction takes place.
  • (d)No chemical reaction occurs.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(B) Displacement reaction takes place (1 Mark)

Double displacement and precipitation reactions

1 Mark Questions
301 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
(i) $\ce{AgNO3 + NaCl -> NaNO3 + AgCl}$
(ii) $\ce{K2SO4 + BaCl2 -> BaSO4 + 2KCl}$
Which of the following options clearly describes both the reactions ?
  • (a)(i) is double displacement, (ii) is displacement reaction.
  • (b)Both, (i) and (ii) are double displacement reactions and precipitation reactions.
  • (c)Both, (i) and (ii) are double displacement reactions and precipitation reactions.
  • (d)(i) is displacement, (ii) is double displacement reaction.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) / Both, (i) and (ii) are double displacement reactions and precipitation reactions. (1 Mark)
3 Marks Questions
313 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
What happens when
(i) potassium iodide solution is added to lead (II) nitrate solution ?
(ii) zinc is added to copper (II) chloride solution ?
(iii) hydrogen gas is passed over hot copper (II) oxide ?
Write balanced chemical equations of the reactions involved in support of your answer.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) Yellow precipitate of potassium iodide is formed. (1/2)
$\ce{2KI + Pb(NO3)2->PbI2 + 2KNO3}$ (1/2)
(ii) Zinc will displace copper from copper chloride. (1/2)
$\ce{Zn + CuCl2 -> ZnCl2 + Cu}$ (1/2)
(iii) The black coating of copper oxide will turn brown. (1/2)
$\ce{CuO + H2 -> Cu + H2O}$ (1/2)
(Note: Award full marks if balanced chemical equation is written)

Oxidation and reduction (redox)

1 Mark Questions
321 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
$\ce{C6H12O6(aq) + 6O2(g) -> 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l)}$
The above reaction is an example of -
  • (a)Displacement Reaction
  • (b)Endothermic Reaction
  • (c)Exothermic Reaction
  • (d)Neutralisation Reaction
Show SolutionHide Solution
(C) / Exothermic Reaction (1 Mark)
331 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Which of the following statements about the given reaction are correct ?
$\ce{MnO2 + 4HCl -> MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O}$
(i) $\ce{MnO2}$ is getting reduced.
(ii) $\ce{HCl}$ is getting oxidised.
(iii) $\ce{MnO2}$ acts as an oxidising agent.
(iv) $\ce{MnO2}$ acts as a reducing agent.
  • (a)(i), (ii) and (iii)
  • (b)(iii) and (iv)
  • (c)(i), (ii) and (iv)
  • (d)(ii) and (iv)
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A)/ (i), (ii) and (iii) (1 Mark)

Corrosion and rancidity

1 Mark Questions
341 Mark · May 2026open ↗
What is corrosion ?
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A) The slow and gradual degradation of metals due to their reaction with moisture, acids etc. present in the atmosphere is called corrosion. (1 Mark)
(B) Silver articles react with sulphur in the air to form a coating of silver sulphide, which is black in colour. (1 Mark)
(C)
$\bullet$ A – Carbon dioxide/ $\ce{CO2}$ (1 Mark)
$\bullet$ Green coating is of copper carbonate/ $\ce{CuCO3}$ (1 Mark)
351 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Why do silver articles turn black after some time?
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A) The slow and gradual degradation of metals due to their reaction with moisture, acids etc. present in the atmosphere is called corrosion. (1 Mark)
(B) Silver articles react with sulphur in the air to form a coating of silver sulphide, which is black in colour. (1 Mark)
(C)
$\bullet$ A – Carbon dioxide/ $\ce{CO2}$ (1 Mark)
$\bullet$ Green coating is of copper carbonate/ $\ce{CuCO3}$ (1 Mark)
3 Marks Questions
363 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Define the following terms :
(a) Corrosion
(b) Rancidity
(c) Double displacement reaction
Show SolutionHide Solution
(a) The process in which a metal is attacked by substances around it such as moisture, acids etc. (1 Mark)
(b) Oxidation of fats and oils present in food resulting in change of its smell and taste. (1 Mark)
(c) The reaction in which there is an exchange of ions takes place between the reactants. (1 Mark)
373 Marks · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Define the following terms :
(i) Corrosion
(ii) Rancidity
(iii) Exothermic reaction
Show SolutionHide Solution
(i) The process in which a metal is attacked by substances around it such as moisture, acids etc.
(1)
(ii) Oxidation of fats and oils present in food resulting in change of its smell and taste.
(1)
(iii) Reaction in which heat/energy is released along with the formation of products.
(1)

Exothermic and endothermic reactions

1 Mark Questions
381 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Assertion (A) : Reaction of quick lime with water is an exothermic reaction.
Reason (R) : A large amount of heat is evolved on the reaction of quick lime and water.
  • (a)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (b)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (c)Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (d)Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A)/ Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (1 Mark)
391 Mark · March 2026 · Standardopen ↗
Which of the following is $\textit{not}$ an exothermic reaction ?
  • (a)Decomposition of vegetable matter into compost
  • (b)Reaction of water with quick lime
  • (c)Respiration process taking place in the cells of our body
  • (d)Decomposition of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide
Show SolutionHide Solution
(D)/ Decomposition of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. (1 Mark)
401 Mark · May 2026open ↗
Which of the following are exothermic processes ?
I. The decomposition of vegetable matter into compost
II. Dilution of an acid
III. Evaporation of water
IV. Sublimation of camphor
Options:
  • (a)I and II
  • (b)II and III
  • (c)I and IV
  • (d)III and IV
Show SolutionHide Solution
(A) I and II (1)