CBSE Class 9 Science Chapter 3: Atoms and Molecules NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of atoms and molecules, crucial for understanding chemistry. The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science, Chapter 3, cover key principles like the Law of Conservation of Mass and the Law of Definite Proportions. It explains how these laws govern chemical reactions and the composition of compounds. The solutions also explore Dalton's atomic theory, breaking down its postulates and their significance in explaining chemical phenomena. Through clear explanations and solved examples, students will grasp the atomic nature of matter and the rules that dictate how elements combine. These solutions are designed to aid students in mastering the chapter's content, reinforcing their understanding of atomic and molecular behavior, and preparing them effectively for their examinations.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 3: Atoms and Molecules

Chapter summary

Chapter 3, Atoms and Molecules, focuses on the foundational laws governing chemical combinations. This NCERT Solutions set explains the Law of Conservation of Mass with practical examples, demonstrating that mass is conserved in chemical reactions. It also covers the Law of Definite Proportions, emphasizing the constant ratio of elements in a compound. The solutions further explore Dalton's atomic theory, detailing its postulates and how they relate to these fundamental laws. This chapter is essential for building a strong base in chemistry.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass and its application.
  • Apply the Law of Definite Proportions to chemical reactions.
  • Explain the postulates of Dalton's atomic theory.
  • Relate Dalton's atomic theory to the laws of chemical combination.
  • Calculate the mass of reactants or products based on conservation of mass.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Law of Conservation of Mass
  • Law of Definite Proportions
  • Dalton's Atomic Theory
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Mass of Reactants
  • Mass of Products
  • Atomic Postulates
  • Combination of Elements

Important topics

  • Law of Conservation of Mass
  • Law of Definite Proportions
  • Dalton's Atomic Theory Postulates
  • Application of Conservation of Mass

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

In a chemical reaction, 5.3 g of sodium carbonate reacted with 6 g of ethanoic acid. The products formed were 2.2 g of carbon dioxide, 0.9 g of water, and 8.2 g of sodium ethanoate. Verify that these observations are in agreement with the law of conservation of mass. The reaction is: Sodium carbonate + ethanoic acid <math><rightarrow></math> sodium ethanoate + carbon dioxide + water
Solution:

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means the total mass of the reactants must be equal to the total mass of the products.

Given:

  • Mass of sodium carbonate (reactant) = 5.3 g
  • Mass of ethanoic acid (reactant) = 6 g
  • Mass of sodium ethanoate (product) = 8.2 g
  • Mass of carbon dioxide (product) = 2.2 g
  • Mass of water (product) = 0.9 g

First, let's calculate the total mass of the reactants:

Total mass of reactants = Mass of sodium carbonate + Mass of ethanoic acid

= 5.3\text{ g} + 6\text{ g} = 11.3\text{ g}

Next, let's calculate the total mass of the products:

Total mass of products = Mass of sodium ethanoate + Mass of carbon dioxide + Mass of water

= 8.2\text{ g} + 2.2\text{ g} + 0.9\text{ g} = 11.3\text{ g}

Comparing the total mass of reactants and products:

Total mass of reactants (11.3 g) = Total mass of products (11.3 g)

Since the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products, these observations are in agreement with the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Question 2

Hydrogen and oxygen combine in the ratio of 1:8 by mass to form water. What mass of oxygen gas would be required to react completely with 3 g of hydrogen gas?
Solution:

The problem states that hydrogen and oxygen combine in a ratio of 1:8 by mass to form water. This means that for every 1 gram of hydrogen, 8 grams of oxygen are needed.

We are given 3 grams of hydrogen gas.

To find the mass of oxygen required, we can set up a proportion or use the given ratio directly.

According to the ratio, 1 g of hydrogen requires 8 g of oxygen.

Therefore, 3 g of hydrogen will require:

3 \text{ g hydrogen} \times \frac{8 \text{ g oxygen}}{1 \text{ g hydrogen}} = 24 \text{ g oxygen}

Alternatively, using the ratio 1:8:

Mass of oxygen = 8 × Mass of hydrogen

= 8 \times 3\text{ g} = 24\text{ g}

Thus, 24 g of oxygen gas would be required to react completely with 3 g of hydrogen gas.

Question 3

Which postulate of Dalton's atomic theory is the result of the law of conservation of mass?
Solution:

Dalton's atomic theory proposed several postulates about the nature of atoms and chemical reactions. The postulate that directly arises from and explains the Law of Conservation of Mass is:

"Atoms are indivisible particles, which can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction."

This means that during a chemical reaction, atoms are merely rearranged, and since atoms have mass, their total mass remains constant, thus conserving mass.

Question 4

Which postulate of Dalton's atomic theory can explain the law of definite proportions?
Solution:

The Law of Definite Proportions states that a chemical compound always contains the same elements in the same proportion by mass, regardless of its origin.

The postulate of Dalton's atomic theory that explains this law is:

"The relative number and kind of atoms in a given chemical compound remains constant."

This means that a specific compound is always made up of the same types of atoms combined in the same fixed numerical ratio, which naturally leads to a constant proportion by mass.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing reactants and products when applying the law of conservation of mass.
  • Incorrectly calculating the mass of elements based on given ratios.
  • Misinterpreting or misstating the postulates of Dalton's atomic theory.

Revision tips

  • Practice solving problems involving the Law of Conservation of Mass by carefully summing reactant and product masses.
  • Memorize the ratio of elements by mass for common compounds like water.
  • Clearly understand and be able to state each postulate of Dalton's atomic theory.
  • Connect each postulate of Dalton's theory to the specific chemical law it explains.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which law states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction?

Q2. In the formation of water, hydrogen and oxygen combine in a fixed ratio by mass. This illustrates which law?

Q3. According to Dalton's atomic theory, atoms are:

Q4. If 11.3 g of reactants combine to form products, what is the total mass of the products according to the Law of Conservation of Mass?

Q5. Which postulate of Dalton's atomic theory explains that elements combine in specific ratios to form compounds?

Frequently asked questions

What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that in any chemical reaction or physical transformation, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products. Matter cannot be created or destroyed.

How does the example of water formation relate to the Law of Definite Proportions?

Water is always formed from hydrogen and oxygen in a fixed mass ratio of 1:8. This consistent ratio, regardless of the source of water, exemplifies the Law of Definite Proportions.

Which postulate of Dalton's atomic theory is directly linked to the Law of Conservation of Mass?

The postulate stating that 'Atoms are indivisible particles, which can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction' is a direct consequence of the Law of Conservation of Mass.

What does Dalton's atomic theory say about atoms in a compound?

Dalton's theory states that the relative number and kind of atoms in a given chemical compound remain constant, which explains the Law of Definite Proportions.

How can I use these NCERT solutions for revision?

Review the solved examples for each law to reinforce your understanding. Try to explain the postulates of Dalton's atomic theory in your own words and connect them to the laws.

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