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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [5]
Attempt either (a) or (b) :
  1. (i) What is homologous series ? Which two of the following organic compounds belong to the same homologous series ? C₂H₄, C₄H₁₀, C₃H₄, C₄H₈ [2]
  2. (ii) Write the product(s) in the following reactions : (I) CH₃–CH₂–OH + CH₃COOH ⎯Acid→ (II) C₂H₅OH + O₂ ⎯Burning→ [2]
  3. (iii) Why does micelle formation take place when soap is added to water ? [1]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2026 31/3/1 Q29 (a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:46 · grounding rag
Model Answer

(i) A homologous series is a series of carbon compounds having the same functional group and similar chemical properties, in which each successive member differs by a –CH₂– unit (14 u).

From the given compounds:

C₂H₄ and C₄H₈ belong to the same homologous series (alkenes).

(ii)

(I) Esterification reaction:

$$\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} + \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{Acid}} \text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5 + \text{H}_2\text{O}$$

(Product: Ethyl ethanoate/ester + Water)

(II) Combustion reaction:

$$\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + 3\text{O}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Burning}} 2\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{heat and light}$$

(iii) Soap molecules have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to water, the hydrophobic tails cluster inward (away from water) while the hydrophilic heads face outward toward water, forming a spherical cluster called a micelle.

Source: Chapter 4 – Carbon and its Compounds, Sections 4.2, 4.3.1, 4.4.2

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Explanation
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