Q35
1 markMCQSection B

As observed in the school laboratory, acetic acid is

Carbon and its Compounds
Properties of Carbon Compounds

Options

(A)blue in colour and has a fruity smell.
(B)colourless and smells like vinegar.
(C)colourless and has no odour.
(D)colourless and smells like rotten eggs.
Official Answer

Acetic acid is colourless and smells like vinegar.

colourlessvinegar smellacetic acidphysical properties

Marking Scheme

  • 11 mark for selecting the correct option (B).

Hint

Think of the main component of vinegar used in kitchens.

Quick Oral Answer

Acetic acid is a colourless liquid with a pungent smell similar to vinegar.

Analysis & Explanation

Acetic acid (CH3COOHCH_3COOH), listed in Table 4.1, is a clear, colourless liquid at room temperature. It has a very distinct, sharp, and pungent smell characteristic of vinegar, as vinegar is essentially a dilute solution of acetic acid. Option A is incorrect because it is not blue and does not have a fruity smell (esters have fruity smells). Option C is incorrect because it has a very strong, recognizable odour. Option D is incorrect because the 'rotten egg' smell is characteristic of hydrogen sulphide (H2SH_2S), not acetic acid.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing the smell of acetic acid with the fruity smell of esters.
  2. 2Thinking acetic acid is naturally colored.

Interesting Facts

Pure acetic acid is called 'glacial acetic acid' because it freezes into ice-like crystals at temperatures below 290 K (17^\circC).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Carbon and its Compounds" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Properties of Carbon Compounds" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.