Q10
1 markMCQSection A

Strong heating of ferrous sulphate leads to the formation of a brown solid and two gases. This reaction can be categorised as

Chemical Reactions and Equations
Decomposition Reaction

Options

(A)displacement and redox.
(B)decomposition and redox.
(C)displacement and endothermic.
(D)decomposition and exothermic.
Official Answer

The correct option is B.

decompositionredoxferrous sulphateferric oxidesulphur dioxidesulphur trioxide

Marking Scheme

  • 11 mark for selecting Option B with correct reasoning.

Hint

Recall the thermal decomposition of green ferrous sulphate crystals and check the oxidation states of iron and sulphur.

Analysis & Explanation

When green ferrous sulphate crystals are heated strongly, they undergo thermal decomposition to form a brown solid, ferric oxide (Fe2O3Fe_2O_3), and two gases, sulphur dioxide (SO2SO_2) and sulphur trioxide (SO3SO_3).


The balanced chemical equation is:

2FeSO4(s)HeatFe2O3(s)+SO2(g)+SO3(g)2\text{FeSO}_4(\text{s}) \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3(\text{s}) + \text{SO}_2(\text{g}) + \text{SO}_3(\text{g})


  • Why B is correct: This is a decomposition reaction because a single reactant breaks down into multiple simpler products. It is also a redox reaction because iron is oxidized from +2+2 in FeSO4FeSO_4 to +3+3 in Fe2O3Fe_2O_3, while some sulphur is reduced from +6+6 in FeSO4FeSO_4 to +4+4 in SO2SO_2.
  • Why A is incorrect: It is not a displacement reaction as no element is displacing another from its compound.
  • Why C is incorrect: It is not a displacement reaction.
  • Why D is incorrect: Although it is a decomposition reaction, it is highly endothermic (requires continuous heating to proceed), not exothermic.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing thermal decomposition with exothermic reactions because heat is applied.
  2. 2Failing to recognize that it is a redox reaction.

Interesting Facts

Ferrous sulphate crystals contain water of crystallization (FeSO47H2OFeSO_4\cdot7H_2O). Upon initial heating, they lose this water and turn from green to white, before decomposing into brown ferric oxide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Chemical Reactions and Equations" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Decomposition Reaction" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.