Acetic Acid (Ethanoic Acid) Properties MCQs Quiz | Class 10
Welcome to this quick quiz on Acetic Acid (Ethanoic Acid) Properties for Class X Science (Code 086), Unit I: Practicals. This quiz covers key topics such as its odour, solubility, litmus effect, and reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts. After attempting all 10 questions, submit your answers to see your score and review correct solutions. You can also download a PDF of your answers for revision.
Understanding Acetic Acid (Ethanoic Acid)
Acetic acid, commonly known as ethanoic acid (IUPAC name), is a fundamental organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It’s best recognized as the main component of vinegar, giving it its characteristic sour taste and pungent smell. As a weak organic acid, it plays a vital role in various chemical reactions and industrial applications.
Key Properties and Reactions:
1. Odour
One of the most distinguishing features of acetic acid is its strong, pungent, and vinegar-like odour. This characteristic smell is easily detectable and helps in its identification.
2. Solubility
Acetic acid is highly soluble in water in all proportions. This means it can mix completely with water to form a homogeneous solution. It also dissolves in many organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and acetone, making it a versatile solvent itself.
3. Litmus Effect (Acidic Nature)
Being an acid, acetic acid exhibits typical acidic properties. When tested with litmus paper, it turns blue litmus paper red, confirming its acidic nature. However, it is a weak acid, meaning it does not completely dissociate into ions in water, unlike strong mineral acids (like HCl or H₂SO₄).
4. Reaction with Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (Baking Soda)
Acetic acid reacts readily with carbonates and bicarbonates, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃), commonly known as baking soda. This reaction is a classic test for the presence of a carboxylic acid group. When acetic acid is added to sodium hydrogen carbonate, it produces carbon dioxide gas (CO₂), water (H₂O), and sodium acetate (CH₃COONa).
The reaction is observed as brisk effervescence (the rapid escape of gas from a liquid) due to the formation of carbon dioxide gas.
Chemical Equation:
CH₃COOH(aq) + NaHCO₃(s) → CH₃COONa(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)
Summary Table of Acetic Acid Properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CH₃COOH |
| IUPAC Name | Ethanoic Acid |
| Common Name | Acetic Acid |
| Odour | Pungent, vinegar-like |
| Solubility in Water | Completely soluble |
| Litmus Test | Turns blue litmus red (weak acid) |
| Reaction with NaHCO₃ | Brisk effervescence (CO₂ gas produced) |
Quick Revision Points:
- Acetic acid is an organic acid.
- It is the key component of vinegar.
- It has a distinct pungent, vinegar-like smell.
- It is miscible with water in all proportions.
- It is a weak acid, turning blue litmus red.
- Its reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate produces carbon dioxide gas with effervescence.
Extra Practice Questions:
- Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of acetic acid with sodium carbonate.
- Why is acetic acid considered a ‘weak’ acid?
- Name two other organic acids and mention their common sources.
- Describe an experiment to confirm the presence of acetic acid using litmus paper and sodium hydrogen carbonate.
- Apart from making vinegar, mention two other uses of acetic acid.
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