Acids, Bases and Salts Class 10 MCQs with Answers

Class 10 CBSE Results 2026 — 690+ Students Scored Above 90%
Acids, Bases and Salts Class 10 MCQs with Answers

Preparing for CBSE board exams becomes much easier when you practice chapter-wise MCQs regularly. On this page, students can practice important MCQs from Class 10 Science Chapter 2 Acids, Bases and Salts based on the latest CBSE Board syllabus and exam pattern. These questions are designed to help with quick revision, concept clarity, and better accuracy in objective questions.

If you are looking for more chapter-wise objective questions, you can also explore our complete collection of Class 10 MCQs and Class 10 Science MCQs, covering all Science chapters and other subjects in one place for board exam preparation.

Practice Important MCQs from Acids, Bases and Salts

This chapter includes several scoring concepts like pH scale, indicators, neutralization reactions, and salts. Since CBSE now focuses more on competency-based learning, practicing MCQs is one of the best ways to improve speed and understanding together.

Students often find this chapter easy in theory but confusing in application-based questions. Regular MCQ practice helps avoid that confusion.

Important MCQs from Acids, Bases and Salts

Q. A student tests a liquid with blue litmus paper, and the paper turns red. What can be concluded about the liquid?

A. It is neutral
B. It is acidic
C. It is basic
D. It is salty

Answer: B. It is acidic

Explanation: Acids change blue litmus paper to red due to the presence of hydrogen ions in solution.

Q. Which substance is commonly used to reduce acidity in the stomach?

A. Sodium chloride
B. Magnesium hydroxide
C. Copper sulphate
D. Calcium carbonate

Answer: B. Magnesium hydroxide

Explanation: Magnesium hydroxide acts as an antacid and helps neutralize excess stomach acid.

Q. Which gas is released when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with zinc granules?

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Hydrogen
D. Chlorine

Answer: C. Hydrogen

Explanation: Metals like zinc react with acids to release hydrogen gas along with salt formation.

Q. The pH of a solution is 12. This solution is most likely:

A. Strongly acidic
B. Weakly acidic
C. Neutral
D. Strongly basic

Answer: D. Strongly basic

Explanation: A pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution. pH 12 represents a strong base.

Q. Which of the following substances is used in whitewashing walls?

A. Calcium oxide
B. Sodium carbonate
C. Calcium hydroxide
D. Sodium bicarbonate

Answer: C. Calcium hydroxide

Explanation: Slaked lime or calcium hydroxide is used for whitewashing because it gives a shiny finish after reacting with carbon dioxide.

Q. Assertion (A): Acids conduct electricity in aqueous solution.

Reason (R): Acids produce ions when dissolved in water.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation: Acids ionize in water to produce ions, which help conduct electric current.

Q. Which salt is formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide?

A. Sodium carbonate
B. Sodium chloride
C. Sodium sulphate
D. Calcium chloride

Answer: B. Sodium chloride

Explanation: Neutralization between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide forms sodium chloride and water.

Q. A farmer notices that crops are not growing properly because the soil is too acidic. Which material should be added to improve the soil condition?

A. Vinegar
B. Lemon juice
C. Quick lime
D. Hydrochloric acid

Answer: C. Quick lime

Explanation: Quick lime helps neutralize acidic soil and improves crop growth.

Q. Which indicator remains colorless in acidic medium and turns pink in basic medium?

A. Litmus
B. Turmeric
C. Phenolphthalein
D. Methyl orange

Answer: C. Phenolphthalein

Explanation: Phenolphthalein is commonly used to detect bases because it turns pink in basic solutions.

Q. Which compound is commonly known as baking soda?

A. NaOH
B. NaCl
C. NaHCO₃
D. Na₂SO₄

Answer: C. NaHCO₃

Explanation: Sodium hydrogen carbonate is called baking soda and is used in baking and antacids.

Q. During a laboratory activity, a student accidentally touches concentrated acid. What should be done immediately?

A. Apply perfume
B. Wash with plenty of water
C. Rub the area with cloth
D. Keep the hand dry

Answer: B. Wash with plenty of water

Explanation: Water dilutes and removes the acid, reducing damage to the skin.

Q. Which acid is naturally present in curd?

A. Citric acid
B. Oxalic acid
C. Lactic acid
D. Tartaric acid

Answer: C. Lactic acid

Explanation: Lactic acid is produced during the fermentation of milk into curd.

Q. Assertion (A): Dry hydrogen chloride gas does not change the color of dry litmus paper.

Reason (R): Hydrogen ions are not produced without water.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation: HCl shows acidic behavior only in aqueous solution where ions are formed.

Q. Which of the following substances has a pH closest to 7?

A. Soap solution
B. Distilled water
C. Lemon juice
D. Vinegar

Answer: B. Distilled water

Explanation: Pure water is neutral and has a pH of about 7.

Q. What is formed when carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water?

A. Sodium chloride
B. Calcium carbonate
C. Calcium oxide
D. Sodium hydroxide

Answer: B. Calcium carbonate

Explanation: Carbon dioxide reacts with lime water to form calcium carbonate, making the solution milky.

Q. Which property is shown by bases?

A. Sour taste
B. Turn blue litmus red
C. Bitter taste
D. Release carbon dioxide

Answer: C. Bitter taste

Explanation: Bases are generally bitter and feel slippery to touch.

Q. A solution turns universal indicator dark red. The solution is likely to be:

A. Strong acid
B. Weak acid
C. Neutral
D. Strong base

Answer: A. Strong acid

Explanation: Dark red on a universal indicator indicates a highly acidic solution.

Q. Which chemical is mainly used in fire extinguishers?

A. Washing soda
B. Baking soda
C. Bleaching powder
D. Plaster of Paris

Answer: B. Baking soda

Explanation: Baking soda releases carbon dioxide, which helps control fire.

Q. Assertion (A): Tooth decay can begin if the pH inside the mouth falls below 5.5.

Reason (R): Acidic conditions damage tooth enamel.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation: Acidic conditions dissolve calcium phosphate present in tooth enamel.

Q. Which substance is obtained when chlorine reacts with dry slaked lime?

A. Washing soda
B. Baking powder
C. Bleaching powder
D. Plaster of Paris

Answer: C. Bleaching powder

Explanation: Bleaching powder is prepared by passing chlorine gas through dry slaked lime.

Q. Which acid is found in ant stings?

A. Acetic acid
B. Formic acid
C. Citric acid
D. Sulphuric acid

Answer: B. Formic acid

Explanation: Ant stings contain formic acid, which causes irritation and pain.

Q. A solution has a pH of 3. Compared to a solution with pH 5, it is:

A. Less acidic
B. More acidic
C. Neutral
D. Basic

Answer: B. More acidic

Explanation: Lower pH values indicate stronger acidity.

Q. Which compound contains water of crystallization?

A. Sodium bicarbonate
B. Sodium chloride
C. Copper sulphate crystals
D. Potassium hydroxide

Answer: C. Copper sulphate crystals

Explanation: Copper sulphate crystals contain fixed water molecules in their structure.

Q. A student adds a few drops of phenolphthalein to two solutions. Solution P remains colorless, while solution Q turns pink. Which conclusion is correct?

A. Both solutions are acidic
B. P is basic and Q is acidic
C. P is acidic or neutral, Q is basic
D. Both solutions are basic

Answer: C. P is acidic or neutral, Q is basic

Explanation: Phenolphthalein becomes pink only in basic solutions.

Q. Which gas causes bread and cakes to rise during baking?

A. Oxygen
B. Hydrogen
C. Nitrogen
D. Carbon dioxide

Answer: D. Carbon dioxide

Explanation: Baking soda releases carbon dioxide during heating, making baked items fluffy.

Q. Which of the following is an alkali?

A. Copper hydroxide
B. Iron hydroxide
C. Potassium hydroxide
D. Zinc hydroxide

Answer: C. Potassium hydroxide

Explanation: Alkalis are bases soluble in water. Potassium hydroxide dissolves easily in water.

Q. Assertion (A): Neutralization reactions are generally exothermic.

Reason (R): Heat is released during the reaction between acids and bases.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is false, but R is true
D. A is true, but R is false

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation: Neutralization reactions release heat energy along with salt and water formation.

Q. Which salt is commonly used to remove permanent hardness of water?

A. Baking soda
B. Bleaching powder
C. Washing soda
D. Common salt

Answer: C. Washing soda

Explanation: Washing soda helps remove calcium and magnesium salts responsible for hardness.

Q. A student observes bubbles when marble chips react with dilute acid. The bubbles contain:

A. Oxygen gas
B. Carbon dioxide gas
C. Hydrogen gas
D. Chlorine gas

Answer: B. Carbon dioxide gas

Explanation: Carbonates react with acids to release carbon dioxide gas.

Q. Which statement correctly describes Plaster of Paris?

A. It is used for making statues and casts
B. It is highly acidic
C. It is prepared from sodium chloride
D. It turns blue litmus red

Answer: A. It is used for making statues and casts

Explanation: Plaster of Paris is widely used in making molds, decorative materials, and medical casts.

Tips to Solve Acids, Bases and Salts MCQs Faster

Focus on Indicator Color Changes

Many students lose marks by mixing up indicator reactions. Revise them regularly.

Learn the pH Scale Visually

Questions based on acidic and basic strength become easier when you understand the pH scale properly.

Remember Everyday Uses

CBSE often asks application-based questions from:

baking soda

bleaching powder

washing soda

plaster of Paris

Read NCERT Activities Carefully

Several competency-based questions are directly inspired by NCERT experiments and observations.

Practice Assertion-Reason Questions Separately

This chapter frequently includes logic-based chemistry questions in board exams.

Common Mistakes Students Make

MistakeBetter Approach
Confusing acids and basesRevise ion formation properly
Forgetting indicator colorsMake a quick revision chart
Mixing formulas of saltsPractice chemical names daily
Ignoring NCERT activitiesRead experiments carefully
Memorizing without understandingFocus on concept application

Important Exam Focus Areas

These topics are asked repeatedly in CBSE exams and school assessments:

  • pH scale and its applications
  • Properties of acids and bases
  • Chemical reactions involving acids
  • Indicators and color changes
  • Preparation and uses of salts
  • Water of crystallization
  • Practical applications in daily life
  • Assertion-reason chemistry questions

Students preparing for board exams should prioritize these areas during revision.

Topics Covered in Acid, Bases and Salts Class 10 MCQs

Students will practice MCQs from all major concepts of the chapter, including:

Major TopicsFocus Areas
Properties of Acids and BasesTaste, reaction, ion formation
Chemical ReactionsMetal reactions, carbonate reactions
IndicatorsLitmus, methyl orange, phenolphthalein
pH ScaleAcidic and basic strength
Neutralization ReactionSalt and water formation
SaltsCommon salt and its products
Baking SodaUses and preparation
Washing SodaProperties and applications
Bleaching PowderPreparation and uses
Plaster of ParisChemical formula and uses

Chapter Overview

TopicWhat Students Should Know
AcidsSour substances that release hydrogen ions in solution
BasesBitter substances that release hydroxide ions
SaltsCompounds formed during neutralization reactions
IndicatorsSubstances used to identify acidic or basic nature
pH ScaleMeasures acidity and basicity of substances
NeutralizationReaction between acid and base
Everyday ApplicationsTooth decay, digestion, soil treatment, medicines

Why This Chapter Is Important for CBSE Exams

Acids, Bases and Salts is one of the most important chemistry chapters in Class 10 Science. Questions from this chapter appear regularly in board exams, school tests, and competency-based assessments.

Students should pay special attention to:

  • pH scale questions
  • indicator color changes
  • uses of salts
  • chemical reactions
  • assertion-reason questions
  • practical application-based MCQs

This chapter also builds the foundation for higher chemistry concepts in future classes.

Quick Revision Notes

What Are Acids?

Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions in aqueous solution. They usually turn blue litmus red.

Examples:

Hydrochloric acid

Sulfuric acid

Nitric acid

What Are Bases?

Bases release hydroxide ions in solution and turn red litmus blue.

Examples:

Sodium hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide

Understanding the pH Scale

pH ValueNature
Less than 7Acidic
Equal to 7Neutral
Greater than 7Basic

Lower pH means stronger acid, while higher pH means stronger base.

Common Indicators and Their Color Changes

IndicatorAcidic SolutionBasic Solution
LitmusRedBlue
PhenolphthaleinColorlessPink
Methyl OrangeRedYellow

Neutralization Reaction

When an acid reacts with a base, salt and water are formed.

Example:

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

Important Salts to Remember

SaltCommon Use
Baking SodaBaking and antacids
Washing SodaCleaning agent
Bleaching PowderDisinfectant
Plaster of ParisMaking casts and models

Conclusion

Acids, Bases and Salts is a scoring chapter when concepts are understood clearly and revised regularly through MCQ practice. From pH scale to salts and indicators, this chapter combines theory with practical applications that are frequently tested in CBSE exams.

Practicing chapter-wise MCQs helps students improve accuracy, strengthen conceptual understanding, and feel more confident before exams. Use this page for quick revision, self-assessment, and focused preparation throughout the academic session.

Class 10 CBSE Results 2026 — 690+ Students Scored Above 90%

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