2 AIR AND ITS CONSTITUENTS

Question-Answers.
Q. 1. Why is oxygen called active air?
Ans. Oxygen supports life on earth. All living beings need oxygen for
respiration. It is essential for combustion. So, oxygen is called active
air.
Q. 2. Carbon dioxide plays no role in respiration but all life would
come to an end if there were no carbon dioxide in air. Support this
statement with relevant facts.
Ans. Carbon dioxide is not used during respiration but given out during the
process. It is used by plants during the process of photosynthesis when
oxygen is given out. So carbon dioxide helps in maintaining the oxygen
balance in the atmosphere. Life would come to an end if there were no
carbon dioxide in air.
Q. 3. Explain the role of moisture in modifying the earths climate.
Ans. Moisture determines the earths climatic conditions. The presence of
water vapour in the air causes rain. It controls the rate of evaporation
from the bodies of plants and animals.
Q. 4. What is air pollution?
Ans. When air contains substances that are harmful to plants and animals, it
is said to be polluted.
Q. 5. What are the causes of air pollution?
Ans. Volcanic eruption, crop pollination and human activities like burning of
coal, wood, diesel oil, petrol, kerosene, etc. are the major causes of air
pollution.
Q. 6. Suggest five measures to prevent air pollution.
Ans. Air pollution can be prevented as follows:
(i) By using smokeless sources of energy like solar energy and
electrical energy.
(ii) By using filters for the smoke coming out of the chimneys of
factories and power plants.
(iii) By using internal combustion engines in vehicles for complete and
efficient burning of fuel.
(iv) By locating industries away from factories.
Class-VII Chemistry 1 Question Bank
 (v) By growing more trees.
Q. 7. What is nitrogen fixation?
Ans. The process of conversion of free atmospheric nitrogen into its
compounds is called nitrogen fixation.
Q. 8. What are the ways in which nitrogen fixation occurs.
Ans. (i) Nitrogen fixation occurs biologically with the help of symbiotic
bacteria living in the root nodules of leguminous plants.
(ii) Nitrogen fixation occurs non-biologically during lightning when
nitrogen and oxygen present in air combine to form nitric oxide,
which further reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide.
Nitrogen dioxide then reacts with water to form nitric acid and
nitrous acid. Nitric acid reacts with metals carbonates to form
metal nitrates.
Q. 9. Explain the conversion of nitrogen into nitrates when there is
lightning.
Ans. During lightning, nitrogen and oxygen present in air combine to form
nitric oxide, which further reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide.
electric
N2 + O2
discharge
2NO
2NO + O2 2NO2
2NO2 + H2O HNO2 + HNO3
Nitric acid reacts with metal carbonates to form metal nitrates which
help in the growth and development of plants.
CaCO3 + 2HNO3 Ca(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2
Q. 10. What are the harmful effects of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide
and hydrogen sulphide present in the air?
Ans. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrogen sulphide cause many
serious respiratory problems. They destroy the ozone layer, which
protects us from ultraviolet radiations of the sun. They also cause acid
rain.
Q. 11. What happens when (a) mercuric oxide and (b) potassium nitrate
are heated?
Ans. Both mercuric oxide and potassium nitrate give out oxygen on heating.
Heating
2 HgO
2 Hg + O2
Heating
2 KNO3
2 KNO2 + O2
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Q. 12. Why is hydrogen peroxide preferred in the preparation of oxygen
gas?
Ans. Hydrogen peroxide is preferred for laboratory preparation of oxygen
because:
(i) no heating is required
(ii) the rate of evolution of O2 is moderate and therefore under control
(iii) H2O2 is a safe chemical.
Q. 13. Why is oxygen gas collected by the downward displacement of water?
Ans. Oxygen gas is collected by the downward displacement of water
because:
(i) Oxygen is only slightly soluble in water. So, it can be collected
over water without fear of excessive dilution.
(ii) Oxygen is slightly heavier than air, so it cannot be collected over
air.
Q. 14. What happens when a glowing splinter is introduced in a jar
containing oxygen?
Ans. Oxygen is a supporter of burning. So a glowing splinter rekindles when
introduced in a jar containing oxygen.
Q. 15. Give four uses of oxygen. What is carbogen?
Ans. (i) Oxygen is used during respiration.
(ii) Oxygen is used for burning or combustion.
(iii) Liquid oxygen acts as a propellent.
(iv) Oxyhydrogen flame provides a temperature around 2800C which
is used for welding and cutting of metals.
Carbogen is a mixture of oxygen (95%) and carbon dioxide
(5%) which is given to patients to stimulate breathing.
Q. 16. How is oxygen renewed in air?
Ans. Oxygen is renewed in air by the process of photosynthesis.
Q. 17. What is rust? What are the two conditions of rusting?
Ans. Rusting is the process in which iron slowly reacts with oxygen in the
air in the presence of moisture and produces a flaky brown substance
called rust. The two most important conditions of rusting are:
(i) Presence of oxygen (air) (ii) Presence of moisture.
Q. 18. State at least four ways of preventing rusting?
Ans. Rusting can be prevented by :
(i) Galvanisation (ii) Oil painting
(iii) Alloy formation (iv) Electroplating.
Class-VII Chemistry 3 Question Bank
Q. 19. What is green house effect?
Ans. The trapping of the earths radiated energy by carbon dioxide present in
the air, so as to keep the earth warm, is called green house effect.
Q. 20. What evidence can you give to support the idea that air is a
mixture?
Ans. The following evidences show that air is a mixture and not a compound:
(i) The composition of air varies from place to place and from time
to time.
(ii) The components of air retain their individual properties.
(iii) No exchange of energy occurs when the components of air are
mixed with each other.
(iv) Liquid air has no definite boiling point.
Q. 21. Why are rare gases inactive compared to other elements?
Ans. Inert gases have eight electrons in their outermost orbit. So, they do not
react with any other substances. Hence, the rare gases are inactive
compared to other elements.
Q. 22. Why is sulphuric acid not used for the preparation of carbon
dioxide in the laboratory?
Ans. Dilute sulphuric acid is not used in the laboratory preparation of carbon
dioxide because calcium sulphate formed during the reaction is
insoluble in water. It covers the marble chips and stops the reaction.
CaCO3 + H2SO4 (dil) CaSO4 + H2O + CO2

Exercises
A. Complete and balance the given equations.
1. 2Mg + O2 _______
2. _______ + O2 Fe2O3
3. CaCO3 + _______ CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
4. _______ + H2O H2CO3
5. Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + _______
6. CO2 + C _______
7. 6CO2 + 12H2O C6H12O6 + 6H2O + _______
Heat
8. S + O2

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 9. KClO3 Heat
_______ + _______
10. Na2O + H2O
11. CH4 + O2 _______ + _______
12. SO2 + H2O _______
13. MgO + H2O _______
14. 2H2O2 Heat
_______ + _______
15. CaCO3 Heat
_______ + _______
Ans. 1. 2Mg + O2 2MgO
2. 4Fe + 3O2 2Fe2O3
3. CaCO3 + 2HCl CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
4. CO2 + H2O H2CO3
5. Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + H2O
6. CO2 + C 2CO
7. 6CO2 + 12H2O C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2
8. S + O2 Heat
SO2
9. 2KClO3 Heat
2KCl + 3O2
10. Na2O + H2O 2NaOH
11. CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O
12. SO2 + H2O H2SO3
13. MgO + H2O Mg(OH)2

14. 2H2O2 Heat

2H2O + O2
15. CaCO3 Heat
CaO + CO2
B. Give reasons for the following.
Q. 1. Photosynthesis is a natural process for reducing air pollution.
Ans. Carbon dioxide given out during respiration by plants and animals, is
used by green plants for photosynthesis. So, the process of
photosynthesis is a natural process for reducing air pollution.

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Q. 2. A glowing splinter rekindles when introduced in a jar of oxygen
and a moist blue litmus paper shows no change when placed in a
test tube containing oxygen gas.
Ans. A glowing splinter rekindles when introduced in a jar of oxygen because
oxygen is a supporter of combustion. There is no change in moist blue
litmus paper when introduced in a test tube containing oxygen gas
because oxygen is neutral in nature.
Q. 3. An oxy-hydrogen flame is used for welding and cutting metals.
Ans. Hydrogen is a combustible gas and oxygen is a supporter of
combustion. Thus, oxy-hydrogen flame produces a temperature of about
2800C at which the metal melts, enabling it to be cut and welded.
Q. 4. Patients suffering from respiratory problems are kept in an
oxygen tent.
Ans. Patients suffering from respiratory problems are kept in an oxygen tent
to get more and constant supply of oxygen.
Q. 5. A product formed during the burning of a candle turns white
anhydrous copper sulphate blue.
Ans. Water vapour is formed as one of the products during the burning of a
candle which turns white anhydrous copper sulphate blue.
Q. 6. Baking powder is used in the preparation of cakes and bread.
Ans. Carbon dioxide is liberated by the ingredients of baking powder when
it is added to the dough. This causes the dough to rise during the
preparation of cakes and breads.
Q. 7. Rusting of iron nails does not occur when kept in a test tube
containing boiled water, but occur when kept in ordinary water.
Ans. There is no oxygen in boiled water. Both oxygen and moisture are
necessary for rusting. So rusting of iron nails does not occur when kept
in a test tube containing boiled water, but occurs when kept in ordinary
water.
Q. 8. The product of oxidation of calcium dissolves in water to give a
substance whose solution turns moist red litmus blue.
Ans. Calcium dissolves in water to form calcium hydroxide which is alkaline
in nature and turns moist red litmus blue.
Q. 9. Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers.
Ans. Carbon dioxide is neither combustible nor supports combustion. It is
heavier than air and cuts off the supply of oxygen. So, it is used in fire
extinguishers.
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Q. 10. Oxygen is collected by the downward displacement of water.
Ans. Oxygen is slightly soluble in water and slightly heavier than air. So, it
is collected by the downward displacement of water.
Q. 11. Carbon dioxide is collected by the upward displacement of air.
Ans. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and fairly soluble in water, so it is
collected by the upward displacement of air.
Q. 12. Lime water turns milky on passing carbon dioxide through it.
Ans. When CO2 gas is passed through lime water, insoluble calcium
carbonate is formed. Due to the formation of insoluble calcium
carbonate, it appears milky.
Q. 13. It is not advisable to fill hydrogen gas in big air balloons.
Ans. Hydrogen is a combustible gas and forms an explosive mixture with air,
so it is not advisable to fill hydrogen gas in big air balloons.
Q. 14. Clothes do not dry on a cloudy day.
Ans. There is a large amount of moisture in the air on a cloudy day. So,
clothes do not dry on a cloudy day.
C. Differentiate between the following:
1. Burning and respiration.
Ans. Respiration is a slow oxidation reaction while burning is a fast
oxidation reaction.
2. Collection of gas by downward displacement of water and upward
displacement of air.
Ans. The gases which are lighter than air and insoluble in water are
collected by the downward displacement of water. The gases which
are heavier than air and soluble in water are collected by the upward
displacement of air.
3. Galvanising and tinplating.
Ans. Galvanising is the process of coating iron sheets with a layer of zinc,
while tinplating is the process of coating iron sheets with a layer of
tin.
4. Baking powder and baking soda.
Ans. Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3). Baking powder
is prepared by the reaction between baking soda and potassium
hydrogen tartrate.
5. Carbogen and anesthesia.
Ans. Carbogen is a mixture of oxygen (95%) and carbon dioxide (5%),
which is used for artificial respiration.
Class-VII Chemistry 7 Question Bank
 Anaesthesia is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, which is
given to dental patients for rendering the concerned area numb.
D. Tick (3) the most appropriate answer.
1. The catalyst used in preparation of oxygen from hydrogen peroxide is
(a) magnesium oxide (b) manganese oxide
(c) manganese dioxide (d) manganese chloride
2. Sodium burns in oxygen with a
(a) golden yellow flame (b) brick red flame
(c) green flame (d) blue flame
3. The gas evolved by the action of hydrochloric acid on marble chips is
(a) nitrogen (b) carbon dioxide
(c) oxygen (d) sulphur dioxide
4. Dry ice is
(a) solid carbon dioxide (b) super cooled ice
(c) crushed ice (d) solid nitrogen
5. When carbon dioxide is passed through lime water, it turns
(a) light blue (b) light yellow
(c) light green (d) milky
6. Galvanising is the process of coating iron with layer of molten
(a) zinc (b) tin (c) copper (d) silver
7. Carbon dioxide is an oxide of
(a) carbon (b) sulphur (c) carbonates (d) hydrocarbon
8. A gas which neither burns nor supports burning is
(a) oxygen (b) nitrogen
(c) hydrogen (d) carbon monoxide
9. Harmful substances in the air are called
(a) microbes (b) pollutants (c) inert gases (d) none of the above
10. A gas that can be prepared by decomposing hydrogen peroxide is
(a) carbon dioxide (b) nitrogen
(c) ozone (d) oxygen
11. Oxides are produced when elements react with
(a) hydrogen (b) water (c) carbon (d) oxygen
12. Ignition temperature is the
(a) lowest temperature at which a material begins to burn.

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 (b) highest temperature at which a material begins to burn.
(c) optimum temperature at which a material burns.
(d) none of the above
13. Decay of dead plants and animals is an example of
(a) slow oxidation (b) rapid oxidation
(c) spontaneous oxidation (d) a reduction process
14. A glowing splinter lowered in a jar full of oxygen will
(a) stop glowing (b) burst into flames at once
(c) give out smoke (d) none of these
15. Carbon dioxide gas is:
(a) heavier than air (b) lighter than air
(c) as heavy as air (d) none of these
Ans. 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (a).
E. Complete the following sentences with appropriate words:
1. ........................ gas can cause acid rain.
2. Every nine parts of water by weight contain ...................... parts by
weight of oxygen.
3. Dust particles help in the ........................ of water vapour present in the
air.
4. ........................ gas is used in filling weather observation balloons.
5. The solution of carbon dioxide in water is called ................... acid.
6. Solid carbon dioxide is called ........................ .
7. Burning of a candle is an example of ........................ oxidation.
8. Sodium catches fire when kept open in the air. This is an example of
........................ oxidation.
9. The constant exchange of carbon with the environment is termed as
........................ .
10. ........................ gas is evolved when carbonates are treated with acid.
11. Oxides of ..................... are formed under very high energy conditions.
12. Nitrogen and oxygen can be separated from the air by ...................... .
13. ........................ gas is used to extinguish a fire.
14. Space vehicles need ........................ to burn their fuel in space.
15. Common explosives are compounds of ........................ .
16. The amount of water vapour in the air is called ................... .
17. ........................, an important constituent of air, is converted into

Class-VII Chemistry 9 Question Bank

 compounds by the symbiotic bacteria and then absorbed by plants for
the manufacture of proteins.
18. Rainwater which contains dissolved ........................ pollutants results
in acid rain.
19. Sulphur burns in oxygen to give sulphur dioxide which dissolves in
water to give ........................ acid.
20. ................... and ................... are two conditions required for rusting.
21. The salt formed when calcium carbonate reacts with dilute
hydrochloric acid is ........................ .
22. In the laboratory preparation of oxygen from hydrogen peroxide,
........................ acts as a catalytic agent.
23. ........................ decomposes on heating to form sodium carbonate,
water and carbon dioxide.
24. The molecules of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere reflect
........................ radiations given out by the earth.
25. Oxygen was discovered by ........................ .
26. Liquid oxygen has a boiling point of ........................ .
27. If some limewater is left in air, a white crust is formed on the surface
due to the presence of ........................ in air.
28. The products of burning of a candle (or any hydrocarbon) are
........................ .
29. The percentage of oxygen is approximately ....................... in the
atmosphere and ........................ in the earths crust.
30. ........................ is used as a catalyst in the preparation of oxygen from
potassium chlorate.
Ans. 1. Sulphur dioxide 2. eight 3. precipitation 4. Helium 5. carbonic
6. dry ice 7. slow 8. spontaneous 9. carbon cycle 10. Carbon dioxide
11. nitrogen 12. fractional distillation 13. Carbon dioxide 14. oxygen
15. nitrogen 16. humidity 17. Nitrogen 18. oxides of sulphur and
nitrogen 19. sulphurous 20. Oxygen, moisture 21. calcium chloride
22. manganese dioxide 23. Sodium bicarbonate 24. infrared 25. Priestley
26. 183C 27. carbon dioxide 28. CO2 and H2O 29. 21%, 50%
30. Manganese dioxide
F. Write true or false in front of the following statements:
1. The chemical formula of rust is Fe2O3.xH2O.

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 2. Atmospheric nitrogen can be directly absorbed by plants to form plant
proteins.
3. Oxygen gas is used for making soft drinks.
4. LOX is short name for liquid oxygen.
5. Nitrogen is a gaseous non-metal used for artificial respiration.
6. Dry ice is used in the refrigeration of sea food.
7. Atmospheric carbon dioxide acts as food for plants.
8. Sodium burns in oxygen with a brick red flame.
9. Carbon dioxide turns moist red litmus paper blue.
10. Neon gas is used in making glow tubes for advertisement purposes.
11. Air is a compound.
12. Carbon dioxide is given out during photosynthesis.
13. Respiration is a chemical change.
14. A basic oxide turns moist blue litmus red.
15. Oxygen is slightly heavier than air.
16. Burning of cooking gas is an exothermic reaction.
17. Magnesium oxide is an acidic oxide.
18. Milk becoming curd is a process of slow oxidation.
Ans. 1. T 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. F 6. T 7. T 8. F 9. F 10. T 11. F 12. F 13.
T 14. F 15. T 16. T 17. F 18. T
G. Statements given below are incorrect. Write the correct statements.
1. Carbon dioxide allows the earth to radiate out heat rapidly at night.
Ans. Carbon dioxide does not allow the earth to radiate out heat rapidly at
night.
2. Helium gas at high pressure is filled in electric bulbs.
Ans. Argon gas is filled in electric bulbs at low pressure.
3. Oxygen is prepared in the laboratory by treating hydrogen with
manganese dioxide.
Ans. Oxygen gas is prepared in the laboratory by treating hydrogen
peroxide with manganese dioxide.
4. Calcium burns in oxygen with a golden yellow flame.
Ans. Sodium burns in oxygen with a golden yellow flame.
5. Oxygen gas turns moist blue litmus paper red.
Ans. Carbon dioxide gas turns moist blue litmus paper red.
6. The chemical name of magnesite is magnesium sulphate.

Class-VII Chemistry 11 Question Bank

 Ans.The chemical name of magnesite is magnesium carbonate.
7.Moist oxygen causes rusting of copper.
Ans.Moist oxygen causes rusting of iron.
8.Both carbon dioxide and oxygen are essential for respiration by plants
and animals.
Ans. Only oxygen is essential for respiration by plants and animals.
9. The components of air can be separated by physical means and have
a specific set of properties.
Ans. The components of air can be separated by physical means and have
different sets of properties.
10. Carbon dioxide is the main pollutant from an automobile exhaust.
Ans. Carbon monoxide is the main pollutant from an automobile exhaust.
11. A catalyst is a chemical substance which increases the rate of a
reaction.
Ans. A catalyst is a chemical substance which alters the speed of a
reaction.
12. Dilute sulphuric acid can be used instead of dilute hydrochloric acid
for the laboratory preparation of carbon dioxide from calcium
carbonate.
Ans. Dilute sulphuric acid cannot be used instead of dilute hydrochloric
acid for the laboratory preparation of carbon dioxide from calcium
carbonate.
13. The milkiness in lime water by the passage of carbon dioxide is due
to the formation of calcium hydrogen carbonate.
Ans. The milkiness in limewater on the passage of carbon dioxide is due to
the formation of calcium carbonate.
14. Limestone dissolves in water containing dissolved carbon dioxide and
forms limewater.
Ans. Limestone does not dissolve in water containing dissolved carbon
dioxide.
15. Carbon dioxide is prepared in the laboratory by treating marble chips
with dilute sulphuric acid.
Ans. Carbon dioxide is prepared in the laboratory by treating marble chips
with dilute hydrochloric acid.
H. Name the following:

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 1. A constituent of air which acts as nuclei for precipitation of rainwater.
2. A pollutant in air formed during lightning discharge.
3. A metallic oxide which on thermal decomposition, i.e., heating, gives
a metal and oxygen gas.
4. A non-metal which burns in oxygen with a pale blue flame.
5. Two products of oxidation of hydrocarbons.
6. The component of air whose percentage by volume is about 21%.
7. The air pollutant which causes warming of the earths surface.
8. The chemical name of rust.
9. The gas other than oxygen present in an anaesthetic.
10. A white solid formed when carbon dioxide solidifies on cooling at
very low temperature.
11. The second lightest gas which does not burn.
12. It changes the rate of reaction.
13. Component of air that supports burning.
14. Priestley discovered this gas.
15. Lavoisier explained the role of oxygen in this process.
Ans. 1. Dust particles 2. Oxides of nitrogen 3. Mercuric oxide 4. Sulphur
5. Carbon dioxide and water vapour 6. Oxygen 7. Carbon dioxide
8. Hydrated ferric oxide 9. Nitrous oxide 10. Dry ice 11. Helium
12. Catalyst 13. Oxygen 14. Oxygen 15. Acid formation
I. Write the uses of the following.
1. Dry ice 2. Noble gases
3. Nitrogen 4. Oxygen 5. Catalytic converter
Answers
1. Dry ice It is used in the refrigeration of sea food.
2. Noble Gases (a) Helium is used for filling weather observation
balloon.
(b) Argon is used for filling electric bulbs.
(c) Neon is used for making advertising glow tubes.
3. Nitrogen (a) It dilutes the activity of oxygen.
(b) It is used in the manufacture of proteins.
4. Oxygen (a) It is essential for respiration.
(b) It is essential for combustion of fuels.
5. Catalytic converter The catalytic converter converts
Class-VII Chemistry 13 Question Bank
 hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into harmless
water vapour and carbon dioxide.
J. Match the statements in Column A with those in Column B.
Column A Column B
1. Largest constituent of air which (a) Helium
dilutes the activity of oxygen.
2. A gas used for filling weather (b) Nitrogen
observation balloons.
3. A gas vital for respiration. (c) Sulphur dioxide
4. A pollutant in air responsible for acid (d) Carbogen
rain.
5. A mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide (e) Carbon dioxide
used for artifical respiration in hospitals.
6. A gas extensively used in making (f) Oxygen
soft drinks.
Ans. 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (f) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (e).
K. Define these terms.
1. Catalyst 2. Humidity 3. Oxidation 4. Ignition temperature 5. Pollutants
Answers
1. Catalyst A chemical substance that alters the rate of a reaction
without undergoing any change in itself is called a catalyst.
2. Humidity The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere
is called humidity.
3. Oxidation The process of addition of oxygen is known as
oxidation.
4. Ignition temperature The lowest temperature at which a
substance burns is known as ignition temperature.
5. Pollutants Harmful substances present in the air are called
pollutants.

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