Kerala SSLC · Chemistry · Class 10

Chemical Bonding: Important Questions with Answers

These are 10 important multiple-choice questions from the Kerala SSLC Chemistry chapter “Chemical Bonding” (Kerala SCERT syllabus). Each one shows the correct answer and a short explanation of why it is right. Try answering before you read the answer. ExamSummary has 10 practice questions on this chapter in total.

  1. Q1.According to the octet rule, atoms combine to achieve a stable electronic configuration similar to which group of elements?

    • A)Alkali metals
    • B)Halogens
    • C)Noble gases
    • D)Transition metals

    Answer: C) Noble gases

    Atoms gain, lose, or share electrons to complete their outermost shell, mimicking the stable configuration of noble gases. This stability minimizes their potential energy and makes the resulting compound more stable.

  2. Q2.Which type of chemical bond is formed by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another?

    • A)Covalent bond
    • B)Ionic bond
    • C)Hydrogen bond
    • D)Metallic bond

    Answer: B) Ionic bond

    An ionic bond, also known as an electrovalent bond, results from the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions formed by electron transfer. It typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal due to large differences in electronegativity.

  3. Q3.In a covalent bond, how do atoms achieve stability?

    • A)By transferring protons
    • B)By sharing pairs of electrons
    • C)By exchanging neutrons
    • D)By losing all electrons

    Answer: B) By sharing pairs of electrons

    Covalent bonding involves the mutual sharing of electron pairs between atoms so that each can attain a full outer shell. This is common between non-metal atoms with similar electronegativities.

  4. Q4.Which physical property is generally characteristic of ionic compounds compared to covalent compounds?

    • A)Low melting point
    • B)Soft texture
    • C)High solubility in organic solvents
    • D)High melting and boiling points

    Answer: D) High melting and boiling points

    Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces holding ions together, requiring significant energy to break the lattice. Therefore, they typically possess high melting and boiling points compared to covalent substances.

  5. Q5.Under what condition does an ionic compound conduct electricity?

    • A)In solid state
    • B)In gaseous state
    • C)When dissolved in water or molten
    • D)Never

    Answer: C) When dissolved in water or molten

    Electricity conduction requires free-moving charged particles. In solid state, ions are fixed, but in solution or molten state, they become mobile and carry current.

  6. Q6.What defines a coordinate (dative) covalent bond?

    • A)Electrons shared equally
    • B)Both electrons come from one atom
    • C)Electrons transferred completely
    • D)Protons are shared

    Answer: B) Both electrons come from one atom

    A coordinate bond forms when one atom provides both electrons for the shared pair while the other accepts them. One acts as a donor and the other as an acceptor, creating a single bond structure.

  7. Q7.How many valence electrons does a nitrogen atom (Atomic number 7) have?

    • A)2
    • B)3
    • C)5
    • D)7

    Answer: C) 5

    Nitrogen has an electronic configuration of 2, 5, meaning there are 5 electrons in its outermost shell. These 5 electrons determine its valency and bonding capacity in compounds.

  8. Q8.Which element is most likely to form a covalent bond with hydrogen?

    • A)Sodium
    • B)Magnesium
    • C)Chlorine
    • D)Potassium

    Answer: C) Chlorine

    Chlorine is a non-metal like hydrogen, and non-metals typically share electrons to form covalent bonds. Sodium, magnesium, and potassium are metals that would form ionic bonds with hydrogen.

  9. Q9.What is the nature of the bond in an Oxygen molecule (O2)?

    • A)Single covalent bond
    • B)Triple covalent bond
    • C)Double covalent bond
    • D)Ionic bond

    Answer: C) Double covalent bond

    Each oxygen atom needs two electrons to complete its octet, so they share two pairs of electrons between them. This sharing of two pairs constitutes a double covalent bond.

  10. Q10.Why are noble gases generally unreactive?

    • A)They have incomplete outer shells
    • B)They have a full outer shell
    • C)They have too many protons
    • D)They lack electrons

    Answer: B) They have a full outer shell

    Noble gases already possess a stable octet (or duplet for Helium) in their valence shell. Because their configuration is already stable, they do not readily gain or lose electrons.

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