Grade 10 · CAPS

Grade 10 Reactions in Aqueous Solution

Physical Sciences practice questions and a worked example

Grade 10 reactions in aqueous solution covers ions in water and the reactions they take part in. The questions here ask you to define an electrolyte, relate conductivity to ion concentration, write dissociation equations, identify precipitation, gas-forming and acid-base reactions, and describe the tests for carbonate, sulphate and chloride ions. They come from the DBE Grade 10 common Paper 2 for November 2016, 2017 and 2018, each with the answer from the marking guideline.

Worked example

7.1 Define the term electrolyte.

Answer & explanation

An electrolyte is a solution that conducts electricity through the movement of ions.
An electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, dissociates into ions. These ions are charged particles that can move freely in the solution, allowing it to conduct electricity. This movement of ions is what enables the solution to carry an electric current. In this way, the solution becomes an electrolyte. The key aspect of an electrolyte is its ability to conduct electricity due to the presence and movement of ions.

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Reactions in Aqueous Solution

Question 1 of 3

Potassium chloride dissociates in water to form an electrolyte. 7.5 How will an increase in the concentration of potassium chloride affect the conductivity of the electrolyte? Write down only INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME.

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More practice questions

Explore additional Grade 10 Reactions in Aqueous Solution questions.

  • 2
    Potassium chloride dissociates in water to form an electrolyte. 7.2 Use a chemical equation to show how potassium chloride dissociates in water.
  • 3
    Potassium chloride dissociates in water to form an electrolyte. 7.2 Use a chemical equation to show how potassium chloride dissociates in water. 7.3 If 2 mol of potassium ions form during the process used in QUESTION 7.2, how many moles of the metal salt dissolved?
  • 4
    Potassium chloride dissociates in water to form an electrolyte. 7.5 How will an increase in the concentration of potassium chloride affect the conductivity of the electrolyte? Write down only INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME. 7.6 Give a reason for the answer to QUESTION 7.5.
  • 5
    Chlorides and sulphates are found in water. These ions may be identified by the insoluble substances they form in chemical reactions. 10.2 Complete the following reactions by filling in the missing reactants/products, where applicable: 10.2.1 Test for sulphate ions: Step I: Na₂SO₄(aq) + … → BaSO₄(s) + NaCℓ(aq) Step II: BaSO₄(s) + HNO₃(aq) → …

Common mistakes

  • Saying electrons carry the current in a solution. In an electrolyte the current is carried by moving ions.
  • Mixing up the ion tests. Barium chloride gives a white precipitate with both carbonates and sulphates; nitric acid then dissolves only the carbonate.
  • Forgetting that more ions in solution means a higher conductivity.

More Grade 10 Physical Sciences topics

Aligned to CAPS Grade 10 Physical Sciences — Reactions in Aqueous Solution. Curriculum source: CAPS for the FET Phase, Department of Basic Education.

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