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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [1]
Answer the following : A compound 'A' is used in soda-lime fire-extinguisher and decomposes on heating to form compound 'B'. Compound 'B' is used for removing permanent hardness of water. Identify 'A' and 'B'.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2026 31/4/1 Q25 (a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-14 10:34 · grounding rag
Model Answer

A = Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) — used in soda-lime fire extinguishers.
B = Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) — formed on heating A; used to remove permanent hardness of water.

$$2\text{NaHCO}_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2$$

Explanation

The key clues are: (1) used in soda-acid fire extinguisher → NaHCO₃; (2) decomposes on heating → Na₂CO₃ (washing soda); (3) washing soda removes permanent hardness by precipitating Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions. Examiners expect both compounds identified with correct formula.

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