Q25
1 markMCQSection B

A student adds 2 mL of acetic acid to a test tube containing 2 mL of distilled water. He then shakes the test tube well and leaves it to settle for some time. After about 5 minutes he observes that in the test tube there is:

Carbon and its Compounds
Properties of Ethanoic Acid

Options

(A)a clear transparent colourless solution
(B)a clear transparent pink solution
(C)a precipitate settling at the bottom of the test tube
(D)a layer of water over the layer of acetic acid
Official Answer

When acetic acid (CH3COOHCH_3COOH) is added to water and shaken, it dissolves completely to form a clear, transparent, and colourless solution.

Acetic acidMiscibleClearTransparentColourless

Marking Scheme

  • 1Identification of the correct observation (clear transparent colourless solution). (1 mark)

Hint

Recall the physical properties of acetic acid and its behavior when mixed with water in the laboratory.

Quick Oral Answer

Acetic acid is completely miscible in water, so it forms a clear, colourless, homogenous solution.

Analysis & Explanation

Acetic acid (ethanoic acid) is a polar organic compound that is highly miscible in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Unlike oils or some other organic liquids, it does not form separate layers (distractor D) or precipitates (distractor C). It is a colourless liquid, so the resulting solution remains colourless (distractor B is incorrect as no indicator like phenolphthalein was added).

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Thinking acetic acid is insoluble like hydrocarbons.
  2. 2Expecting a color change without an indicator.

Interesting Facts

A 5-8% solution of acetic acid in water is commonly known as vinegar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2015?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 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 Ethanoic Acid" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.