Short Answer Questions

Q1. Define Matter.

Everything which occupies some space and has mass is called matter. Example: Air, Wood, H₂SO₄, etc.

Q2. Write down the names of different states of matter.

There are four states of matter: (i) Solid, (ii) Liquid, (iii) Gas, (iv) Plasma.

Q3. Describe gaseous state of matter.

Matter in gaseous state does not have definite shape and volume. Gases occupy all available space and have very weak intermolecular forces.

Q4. Define Diffusion. On what factor diffusion of gases depends?

Diffusion is spontaneous mixing up of molecules by random motion and collisions to form a homogeneous mixture. Rate of diffusion depends upon the molecular mass of the gas.

Q5. Define Effusion. On what factor it depends?

Effusion is the escaping of gas molecules through a tiny hole into a space with lesser pressure. For example, when a tire gets punctured, air effuses out. Effusion depends upon the molecular masses of gases.

Q6. Define Pressure. Write down its SI unit.

Pressure is the force (F) exerted per unit surface area (A), P=F/A. The SI unit of pressure is Pascal (Pa), which is also called Nm². One Pascal (Pa) = 1 Nm².

Q7. Write down the name of instruments with the help of which we measure the pressure.

There are two instruments to measure pressure: (i) Barometer, used to measure atmospheric pressure, and (ii) Manometer, used to measure pressure in the laboratory.

Q8. Define standard atmospheric pressure.

Standard atmospheric pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by a mercury column of 760 mm height at sea level. It is sufficient pressure to support a column of mercury in height at sea level.

Q9. How are Gases compressible?

Gases are highly compressible due to empty spaces between their molecules.

Q10. Describe the mobility of gas molecules.

Gas molecules are always in a state of continuous motion. They can move from one place to another because gas molecules possess very high kinetic energy.

Q11. Describe the density of gases.

Density is the ratio of mass and volume (m/v). Gases have lower density than liquids and solids. Density of gases is expressed in grams per dm³.

Q12. Why is the rate of diffusion of gases faster than that of liquids?

Gas molecules have insignificant intermolecular forces compared to liquids. Therefore, the rate of diffusion of gases is faster than that of liquids.

Q13. What do you mean by Pascal? How many Pascals are equal to 1 atm?

Pascal is the SI unit of pressure. One Pascal (Pa) = 1 Nm². 1 atm = 101325 Pa.

Q14. Does the density of a gas decrease on cooling?

The density of gases increases by cooling because their volume decreases. For example, at normal atmospheric pressure, the density of oxygen gas is 1.4 g/dm³ at 20°C and 1.5 g/dm³ at 0°C.

Q15. Why is the density of gas measured in g/dm³, while that of a liquid is expressed in g/cm³?

Gases have low densities due to light mass and more volume occupied by the gas molecules. That is why gas density is expressed in grams per dm³, whereas liquid and solid densities are expressed in grams per cm³ because liquids and solids are 1000 times denser than gases.

Q16. Convert the following: a) 70 cm of Hg to atm

We know that 760 cm Hg = 1 atm. Therefore, 70 cm Hg = 70 / 760 = 0.092 atm.

Q17. Convert the following: b) 3.5 atm to torr

1 atm = 760 torr. Therefore, 3.5 atm = 3.5 × 760 = 2660 torr.

Q18. Convert the following: c) 1.5 atm to Pa

1 atm = 101325 Pa. Therefore, 1.5 atm = 1.5 × 101325 = 151987.5 Pa.

Q19. Define Boyle's law.

Boyle's law states that the volume of a given mass of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure, provided the temperature remains constant.

Q20. Who was Robert Boyle?

Robert Boyle (1627-1691) was a natural philosopher, chemist, physicist, and inventor. He is famous for Boyle's law of gases.

Q21. Is Boyle's law applicable to liquids?

No, Boyle's law is only applicable to gases.

Q22. Is Boyle's law valid at very high temperatures?

No, Boyle's law is only valid at constant temperatures.

Q23. What will happen if the pressure on a sample of gas is raised three times and its temperature is kept constant?

If the pressure on a sample of gas is raised three times at constant temperature, the volume will decrease to one-third of its original volume.

Q24. Who was J. Charles?

J. Charles (1746-1823) was a French inventor, scientist, mathematician, and balloonist. He described how gases tend to expand when heated.

Q25. Define Charles' law.

Charles' law, presented by J. Charles in 1789, states that the volume of a given mass of a gas is directly proportional to the absolute temperature if the pressure is kept constant.

Q26. What is the absolute temperature scale?

The absolute temperature scale or Kelvin scale, introduced by Lord Kelvin, starts from 0 K (absolute zero), which is -273.15°C. It is the temperature at which an ideal gas would have zero volume.

Q27. Which parameters are kept constant in Charles's Law?

In Charles's Law, pressure remains constant.

Q28. Why does the volume of gas decrease with an increase in pressure?

The volume of gas decreases with an increase in pressure because pressure and volume are inversely proportional to each other. When pressure increases, volume decreases, and vice versa.

Q29. Does the Kelvin scale show a negative temperature?

No, the Kelvin scale does not show negative values. 0 K is equivalent to -273°C.

Q30. When a gas is allowed to expand, what will be its effect on its temperature?

When a gas expands, its temperature will increase because volume and temperature are directly proportional to each other.

Q31. Can you cool a gas by increasing its volume?

Yes, by suddenly increasing the volume of a gas, it results in a cooling effect.

Q32. In which units is body temperature measured?

Body temperature is measured in Fahrenheit. Normal body temperature is 98.6°F, which is equivalent to 37°C.

Q33. What is meant by liquid?

Matter that has an indefinite shape but a definite volume is called a liquid. Examples include water, milk, etc.

Q34. Define evaporation. On which factors does it depend?

Evaporation is the process of molecules escaping spontaneously from the surface of a liquid. It depends on the following factors: (i) Temperature, (ii) Surface area, (iii) Wind speed, (iv) Humidity.

Q35. Why does a liquid have a definite volume?

A liquid has a definite volume because the intermolecular forces are strong enough to keep the liquid molecules together, unlike gases.

Q36. How can you measure the density of a liquid?

Density of a liquid can be measured using a hydrometer or by calculating mass per unit volume using a balance and graduated cylinder.

Q37. How do you convert temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius?

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: (°F - 32) × 5/9 = °C. For example, to convert 98.6°F to Celsius: (98.6 - 32) × 5/9 = 37°C.

Q38. Why does ice float on water?

Ice floats on water because it is less dense than liquid water. When water freezes, it expands and becomes less dense.

Q39. What happens to the density of a gas if its temperature is increased?

When the temperature of a gas is increased, its volume expands, which decreases its density because density is the mass divided by volume.

Q40. Define the term 'pressure' in terms of force and area.

Pressure is the force exerted per unit area. It can be calculated using the formula: Pressure = Force / Area.