Current Affairs 10th Class

*         Preparation of Acids  
  • By direct combination of a non metal with hydrogen
e.g.   \[{{H}_{2}}+\,C{{l}_{2}}\,\to 2HCl;\,\,{{H}_{2}}+S\to {{H}_{2}}S;\,\,{{H}_{2}}+B{{r}_{2}}\to 2HBr\]
  • By reaction between salt and the less concentrated acid
e.g. \[KCl+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to {{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+HCl;\,\,NaCl+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to NaHO{{S}_{4}}+HCl\]
  • By action of concentrated nitric acid on non metals.
e.g.   \[S+6HN{{O}_{3}}(con)\to {{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+2{{H}_{2}}O+6N{{O}_{2}}\]
  • By dissolving non-metal oxides in water
e.g. \[S{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to {{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}};\,{{N}_{2}}{{O}_{5}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to 2NH{{O}_{3}};\,C{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to \,{{H}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}\]
  • By action of dilute mineral acids on salts such as chlorides, carbonates sulphates etc.
e.g. \[{{K}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\,(dil)\to {{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}};\,FeS+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\,(dil)\to FeS{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}S\]   *         Properties of Acids
  • They have sour taste
  • They turns blue litmus red
  • III. Dilute mineral acids reacts with metals, above hydrogen in the activity series to liberate hydrogen gas. \[2Na+2HCl\,(dil)\to 2NaCl+{{H}_{2}}\] \[Zn+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}(dil)\to ZnS{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}\] (4) Reaction of Na, K, Ca with acid is explosive. (5) Hydrogen gas evolved produces "POP" sound on burning.
    • Nitric acid is an oxidizing agent so it oxidizes hydrogen to \[{{H}_{2}}O\] & itself get reduced.
    But \[Mg\And Mn\] react with very dilute \[HN{{O}_{3}}\] to produce hydrogen gas. \[Mg+2HN{{O}_{3}}\to Mg{{(N{{O}_{3}})}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}\,(1%)\]
    • Metal oxides are basic in nature. They react with acids to form salt and water.
    \[{{K}_{2}}O+2HCl\to 2KCl+{{H}_{2}}O\] \[MgO+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to MgS{{O}_{4}}+\,{{H}_{2}}O\]
    • Metal hydroxides react with acids to form salt and water.
    \[2\,KOH+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to {{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\] \[NaOH+HCl\to MgS{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}O\]
    • Acids reacts with metal carbonates and hydrogen carbonates to form salt, water and liberate carbon dioxide gas.
    \[2NaH\,C{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to N{{a}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+2{{H}_{2}}O+2C{{O}_{2}}\] \[Zn\,C{{O}_{3}}+2HCl\to ZN\,C{{l}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}\] Carbon dioxide gas when passed through line water, turns it to milky due to the formation of calcium carbonate.                 \[Ca{{(OH)}_{2}}+C{{O}_{2}}\to CaC{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}O\] Acids react with sulphites and hydrogen sulphites to form salt, water and sulphurdioxide             \[{{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to {{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}O+S{{O}_{2}}\] \[NaHS{{O}_{3}}+NaCl\to NaCl+{{H}_{2}}O+S{{O}_{2}}\] Sulphur dioxide gas also turn lime water milky when passed through it, but is not permanent.   
    • Acids react with metal sulphides to form salt and hydrogen sulphide gas. |
     \[MgS+{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}\to MgS{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}S\] \[FeS+2HCl\to FeC{{l}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}S\] Hydrogen sulphide gas smells like rotten egg.   *           Uses of Some Common Acids
    • Acetic acid - For Cooking
    • Oxalic acid - For removing stain off
    • Citric acid - Food preservative
    • Tartaric acid - For baking power
    • Boric acid - For washing eyes
    • Carbonic acid - In soft drinks
    • Preparation of Bases
      *       Preparation of Bases
    • By direct combination of metal and oxygen
    \[2Mg+{{O}_{2}}\to 2MgO\] \[4Na+{{O}_{2}}\to 2N{{a}_{2}}O\]
    • By dissolving basic oxides in water
    \[N{{a}_{2}}O+{{H}_{2}}O\to 2NaOH\] \[MgO+{{H}_{2}}O\to Mg{{(OH)}_{2}}\]
    • By reacting active metals with water
    \[2K+2{{H}_{2}}O\to 2KOH+{{H}_{2}}\] \[Ca+2{{H}_{2}}O\to Ca{{(OH)}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}\]
    • By thermal decomposition of metal
    \[ZnC{{O}_{3}}\to ZnO+C{{O}_{2}}\] \[CuC{{O}_{3}}\to CuO+C{{O}_{2}}\] Sodium and potassium carbonates do not give this reaction
    • By thermal decomposition of metal nitrates
    \[2Al(N{{O}_{3}})\to A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+6N{{O}_{2}}+3{{O}_{2}}\] \[CuC{{l}_{2}}+NaOH\to NaCl+Cu{{(OH)}_{2}}\]
    • By treating aqueous salt solution of certain metal with strong base.
    \[ZnS{{O}_{4}}+2KOH\to {{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+Zn{{(OH)}_{2}}\] \[CuC{{l}_{2}}+NaOH\to NaCl+Cu{{(OH)}_{2}}\]   *            Properties of Base
  • They have bitter taste
  • They are soapy more...

  • *          Classification of Acids     *              Classification on the Basis of the Concentration of Acid The concentration of acid is the amount of acid dissolved in water. On the basis of concentration acids are of two types:     *            Concentrated Acid A concentrated acid has relatively high percentage of hydrogen ions in the aqueous solution. e.g. Concentrated hydrochloric acid, concentrated sulphuric acid etc.   *           Dilute Acid A dilute acid has relatively low percentage of hydrogen ions in water. e.g. dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulphuric acid etc.   *             Classification on the Basis of Strength The strength of an acid is defined as the amount of hydronium ions furnished by one mole of an acid in water. On the basis of strength acids are of two types: Strong acids and Weak acids.   *             Strong Acids Those acids which dissociated almost completely into its ions in their aqueous solution. e.g. hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid etc.  \[HC{{l}_{(aq)}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to {{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+C{{l}^{-}}\] \[HN{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to {{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+NO_{3}^{-}\]   *          Weak acids Those acids which undergo partial dissociation in aqueous solution. e.g. organic acids like acetic acid, oxalic acid etc. \[C{{H}_{3}}COOH+{{H}_{2}}O\to C{{H}_{3}}CO{{O}^{-}}+{{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}\] \[{{H}_{3}}C{{O}_{3}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\to 2{{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+C{{O}_{3}}^{2-}\]   *              Classification on the Basis of Basicity Basicity of an acid is defined as the number of replaceable hydrogen atoms present in a molecule of acid. Basicity is the number of hydronium ion furnished by one molecule of an acid in water or It is the number of hydroxyl ion with which one molecule of an acid can combine. On the basis of basicity acids can be classified as:   *               Monobasic Acids Those acids whose one molecule furnishes one hydronium ion in aqueous solution. eg. \[HCl+{{H}_{2}}O\to {{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+C{{l}^{-}}\] \[HN{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}O\to {{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+N{{O}_{3}}^{-}\]   *              Dibasic Acids Those acids whose one molecule can furnish two hydronium ion in aqueous solution. e.g. \[{{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\to 2{{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+S{{O}_{4}}^{2-}\] \[{{H}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\to 2{{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+C{{O}_{3}}^{2-}\]   *              Tribasic Acids Those acids whose one molecule can furnish three hydronium ion in their aqueous solution. e.g. \[{{H}_{3}}P{{O}_{4}}+3{{H}_{2}}O\to 3{{H}_{3}}{{O}^{+}}+P{{O}_{4}}^{3-}\]   *             Classification of Acids on the Basis of their Composition   *             Oxy Acids The oxy acids are the acids which contain oxygen. e.g. Acetic acid \[(CHCOOH)\], Sulphuric acid \[({{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}),\] Nitric acid \[(HN{{O}_{3}})\] etc.   *      more...

    *       Introduction   The chemicals which we come across in our daily life can be categorized as acids, bases or salts. For example the common salt is sodium chloride and the detergent powder that is used for washing clothes is another salt of sodium i.e. sodium carbonate. The vinegar used in pickles is an acid i.e. acetic acid, the citrus fruits also contains the acid. The solution which is used for white washing contains calcium hydroxide which is a base. The soaps which we use is made from the base sodium chloride. Now in order to identify whether a given substance is an acid or a base, an indicators is used.   *          Indicators Those chemical substance which change their colour when they are put in acid or base are known as indicators. The three common indicators are: Litmus paper, methyl orange and phenolphthalein. Litmus: It is very common indicator present in the labs in the form of litmus solution or litmus paper. Acids turn blue litmus red and bases turn red litmus blue. Methyl Orange: It is an orange coloured synthetic indicator, which gives pink colour with acids and yellow colours with base. Phenolphthalein: It is a colour less indicator which, shows no change in acidic solution but turn pink in basic solution. more...
    *          Effect of Oxidation Reactions in Daily Life   Many oxidation reactions take place in our daily life. Some of them are useful while others are harmful. The two such common oxidation reactions are:
    • Corrosion
    It is the degradation of metals due to their reaction with oxygen. Carbon-dioxide, water etc.
    • Rusting
    It is a common type of corrosion. It is formed when iron comes in contact with moist air. As a result of corrosion a reddish brown layer of ferric oxide is formed which is called is called rust. \[4F{{e}_{(s)}}+3{{O}_{2(g)}}+2n{{H}_{2}}O\to 2F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}\cdot n{{H}_{2}}{{O}_{(S)}}\]  (Rust) Copper articles when left out in moist air gets coated with a green layer. This is another example of corrosion where copper gets coated with basic copper carbonate layer. \[2\,C{{u}_{(s)}}+C{{O}_{2}}_{(g)}+{{O}_{2}}_{(g)}\to CuC{{O}_{3}}\cdot Cu{{(OH)}_{2}}\]
    • Effects of Corrosion
    It weakens the metal and makes it brittle and reduces the tensile strength.     *           Methods of Preventing Corrosion The spoiling of metals due to corrosion can be prevented by
    • By coating the metal surface with oil, grease, paint, varnish
    • By galvanizing i.e. coating the surface of iron objects with a thin layer of zinc.           
    • By electroplating the metallic surface with less reactive metal.
    • By alloying the various metals.
    Do you know that corrosion can sometimes be advantageous. For e.g. Aluminium is a good conductor of electricity and is used in high tension wires. When it is exposed to air, it gets coated with a white protective layer of aluminium oxide \[(A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}})\], this layer prevents the further corrosion of metal by moist air.   *             Racidity Often the food cooked is changed in taste if kept open for long, this is because the fats get oxidized an hence are degraded with time and start emitting bad smell. The oxidation of oils and fats present in the foodstuff resulting into a bad odor and taste is called rancidity.   Methods to prevent rancidity:
    • Antioxidants like BHA (Bitylated hydroxyl anisole) and BHI (Bitylated hydrolyzed) can be added to food stuff.
    • Food should be kept in air tight container to prevent its oxidation.
    • Nitrogen gas can be flushed while packing food stuffs like chips, namkeen etc.
        common.jpg              The process of coating iron with zinc is called: (a) Electroplating (b) Polishing (c) Galvanization (d) Reduction (e) None of these   Answer: (c) Explanation Galvanization is the process of coating iron with zinc in order to prevent its rusting.               Rancidity is due to: (a) Reduction of oils and fats (b) Oxidation of oils and fats (c) Displacement of oil and fats more...

    *       Types of Chemical Reactions   The chemical reactions are of following types
    • Combination Reaction
    • Decomposition Reaction
    • Displacement Reaction
    • Double Displacement Reaction
    • Precipitation Reaction
    • Redox Reaction
        *           Combination Reaction Combination reactions are those chemical reaction in which two or more elements or compounds combine together to form a single compound. e.g. Hydrogen and nitrogen reacts to form ammonia \[3{{H}_{2}}(g)+{{N}_{2}}(g)\to 2N{{H}_{3}}(g)\] e.g. Burning of carbon \[{{C}_{(s)}}+{{O}_{2}}(g)\to C{{O}_{2}}(g)\] For white washing solution of calcium hydroxide (slaked lime is used). It combines with carbon dioxide in air to form a layer of calcium carbonate which gives a shiny appearance to the surface of wall.   *             Decomposition Reaction Those reactions in which single reactant breaks down to give simpler product. e.g. Ferrous sulphate crystal on heating loses water and decomposes to form ferric oxide , sulphur di oxide and sulphur trioxide. \[FeS{{O}_{4}}+Heat\to F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+S{{O}_{2}}+S{{O}_{3}}\]   *             Displacement Reaction Those reactions in which more reactive element displaces the less reactive element from its salt solution. e.g.
  • If we put iron nail in blue coloured copper sulphate solution, the colour will change to green. It is so because the iron being more reactive than copper and hence displaces it from its salt solution,
  •    \[Fe(s)+CuS{{O}_{4(aq)}}\to FeS{{O}_{4(aq)}}+Cu\]     Blue                      Green
  • If chlorine gas is passed through a colourless solution of potassium bromide, the solution turns to yellowish brown. This is because chlorine being more reactive displaces bromine from its salt solution.
  • \[C{{l}_{2(g)}}+2KB{{r}_{(aq)}}\to 2KC{{l}_{(aq)}}+B{{r}_{2}}\] The reactivity of metals can be known from the reactivity series of metals which is as follows:                 \[K>Na>Ca>Mg>Al>Zn>Fe>Pb>H>Cu>Hg>Ag>Au\]   *              Double Displacement Reaction Double displacement reaction are those reactions in which two compounds interchange their ions and form two new compounds. e.g.
  • When a solution of silver nitrate is poured into the sodium chloride solution, a white precipitate is formed. This is because of the formation of silver chloride
  • \[AgN{{O}_{3(aq)}}+NaC{{l}_{(aq)}}\to AgC{{l}_{(s)}}+NaN{{O}_{3(aq)}}\]
  • Similarly when lead nitrate solution is added to potassium iodide, a yellow precipitate of lead iodide is formed.
  • \[Pb\,{{(N{{O}_{3}})}_{2}}+2Kl\to Pb{{l}_{2(s)}}+2KN{{O}_{3(aq)}}\]   *            Precipitation Reaction Precipitation reactions are double displacement reactions in which one of the compounds formed is insoluble. This insoluble compound is called precipitate and it settles at the bottom.   *           Redox Reactions Those reactions in which simultaneous oxidation and reduction reactions take places. Oxidation reactions: Those reactions which involves: (i) Addition of oxygen \[2{{H}_{2}}+{{O}_{2}}\to 2{{H}_{2}}O\] Here hydrogen is oxidized. (ii) Removal of hydrogen. \[{{H}_{2}}S+{{I}_{2}}\to 2HI+S\] Here hydrogen sulphide is oxidized Reduction reaction: Those chemical reactions which involve (i) Addition of hydrogen. \[{{H}_{2}}S+{{I}_{2}}\to 2HI+S\] (iii) Removal of hydrogen \[ZnO+C\to Zn+CO\] Here, more...

    *       Balancing of Chemical Equations   The chemical equations must be written in accordance with the law of conservation of mass. The law of conservation of mass states that: "The matter can neither be created nor destroyed". OR "In a chemical reaction, the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products".                    We always have to represent a chemical reaction by balancing the equation. "A balanced chemical equation is the one in which the atoms of each element must be equal on both sides of the equation". \[{{N}_{2}}+3{{H}_{2}}\to 2N{{H}_{3}}\] In the above equation we see that the number of atoms of each elements is same on both side of the reaction and hence it can be said as balanced. To make the atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation is called balancing of chemical equation.                                Steps to be followed for balancing chemical equation
    • Write word equation for the reaction with reactants on L.H.S. and products on R.H.S. separated by an arrow head. e.g. Aluminium + Hydrochloric acid \[\to \] Aluminium chloride + hydrogen.
    • Convert the word equation into symbols/formula of the compounds. e.g. above equation can be written as
    \[Al+HCl\to AlC{{l}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}\]
    • Equate the number of each type of atoms on both side of the reaction one by one.
    \[2Al+6HCl\to 2AlC{{l}_{3}}+3{{H}_{2}}\] Finally count the number of atoms of each element on reactant and product sides and if they are equal then the equation is balanced.     common.jpg             What will happen when a piece of iron metal is placed is copper sulphate solution? (a) Physical change (b) A chemical reaction (c) Evolution of gas (d) Heat will be evolved. (e) None of these   Answer: (b)            Respiration is an example of chemical change. The reactants involved in this are: (a) Carbon dioxide (b) Carbon dioxide + water (c) Glucose (d) Glucose and oxygen (e) None of these   Answer: (d) Explanation Glucose and Oxygen as the reaction is: \[{{C}_{6}}{{H}_{12}}{{O}_{6}}+6{{O}_{2}}-6C{{O}_{2}}+6{{H}_{2}}O+\] Energy glucose.            A balanced chemical equation is in accordance with which one of the following laws given Below? (a) Law of conservation of energy (b) Law of conservation of mass (c) Law of constant proportion (d) Law of multiple proportion (e) None of these   Answer: (b) Explanation  Law of conservation of mass as the total mass of reactant in always equal to the total mass of products.              Which among the following is a balanced chemical equation? (a) \[Mn{{O}_{2}}+4HCl\to MnC{{l}_{2}}+C{{l}_{2}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\] (b) \[Fe+{{H}_{2}}O\to F{{e}_{3}}{{O}_{4}}+{{H}_{2}}\]  (c) \[Zn+HCl\to ZnC{{l}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}\] (d) \[2KCl{{O}_{3}}\to 2KCl+{{H}_{2}}\] (e) None of these   Answer: (a) Explanation  \[Mn{{O}_{2}}+4HCl\to MnC{{l}_{2}}+C{{l}_{2}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\] as the atoms of all elements are equal on both sides of the reaction.     more...

    *       Chemical equations   Symbolic representation of chemical reaction with the help of symbols and formula is called a chemical reactions.     example.jpg   Sodium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride salt and water. So, the above statement can be written in the form of chemical equation as below: \[NaOH+HCl\to NaCl+{{H}_{2}}O\]

    *       Introduction   In this chapter we will study about chemical reactions and equations, balancing of equations, types of chemical reactions, effects of oxidation in daily life and many more.   *         Chemical Reactions Let us consider the two process:
    • Dissolution of sugar in water and
    • Cooking of food.
      In the first process the properties of both sugar and water are present in the solution and no new chemical compound is formed, so it is a physical change. On the other hand in the second process that is cooking of food, the ingredients loose their nature and form a new substance with different properties is formed so this is called a chemical change.   The chemical changes are the outcome of chemical reactions. So the chemical reaction can be defined as the change of one or more substance into other substances having different chemical composition and properties. For example. Hydrogen (gas) + Chlorine (g) \[\to \] Hydrogen chloride (g) \[{{H}_{2}}+C{{l}_{2}}\to 2HCl\]
    • The substances which takes part in a chemical reaction are called reactants.
    • The substances which are produced during a chemical reaction are called products.
        example.jpg Carbon (s) + Oxygen (g) \[\to \] Carbon dioxide \[{{C}_{2}}+2{{O}_{2}}\to 2C{{O}_{2}}\]   *         Characteristics of Chemical Reactions Some of the important characteristics of chemical reactions are:
    • Change of state
    Hydrogen + Oxygen \[\to \] water. \[2{{H}_{2(g)}}+{{O}_{2(g)}}\to 2{{H}_{2}}{{O}_{(I)}}\]
    • Evolution of gas
    When sodium reacts with water, bubbles of hydrogen gas is seen. \[2Na+2{{H}_{2}}O\to 2NaOH+{{H}_{2}}\]
    • Change in colour
    When iron rail is dipped in blue coloured copper sulphate solution, the blue color changes to green. \[Fe+CuS{{O}_{4}}\to FeS{{O}_{4}}+Cu\]
    • Change in temperature
    When water is added to quick lime the mixture becomes hot due to evolution of heat. \[CaO+{{H}_{2}}O\to Ca{{(OH)}_{2}}+Heat\]

    *     Nuclear Energy   Nuclear potential energy is the potential energy of the particles inside an atomic nucleus. The nuclear particles are bound together by the strong nuclear force. Weak nuclear forces, provide the potential energy for certain kinds of radioactive decay, such as beta decay. Nuclear particles like protons and neutrons are not destroyed in fission and fusion processes, but collections of them have less mass than if they were individually free, and this mass difference is liberated as heat and radiation in nuclear reactions. The energy from the Sun is an example of this form of energy conversion. In the Sun, the process of hydrogen fusion converts about 4 million tones of solar matter per second into electromagnetic energy, which is radiated into space. Nuclear power provides about 6% of the world's energy and 13-14% of the world's electricity. Nuclear fusion reactions have the potential to be safer and generate less radioactive waste than fission.     These reactions appear potentially viable, though technically quite difficult and have yet to be created on a scale that could be used in a functional power plant. Fusion power has been under intense theoretical and experimental investigation since the 1950s. Nuclear power plants convert the energy released from the nucleus of an atom, typically via nuclear fission. Disposal of nuclear waste is often said to be the Achilles' heel of the industry. Presently, waste is mainly stored at individual reactor sites and there are over 430 locations around the world where radioactive material continues to accumulate. Experts agree that centralized underground repositories which are well-managed, guarded, and monitored, would be a vast improvement. There is an "international consensus on the advisability of storing nuclear waste in deep underground repositories", but no country in the world has yet opened such a site.     common.jpg            Which one among the following is a non renewable sources of energy? (a) Wind Energy (b) Solar Energy (c) Biomass (d) Petrol (e) None of these   Answer: (d)              Which among the fuel given in options has highest calorific value? (a) Hydrogen (b) LPG           (c) Petrol (d) Wood (e) None of these   Answer: (a)              Which among the following is a nuclear fuel? (a) H (b) U            (c) N  (d) C (e) None of these            Answer: (b)            The main constituent of petroleum gas is: (a) Methane (b) Ethane        (c) Propane (d) Butane (e) None of these   Answer: (d)              Which country use highest percentage of wind energy for generation of electricity? (a) Germany (b) Denmark       (c) India (d) Perth (e) None of these   more...

    *       Geothermal Energy   Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is energy that determines the temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, from volcanic activity, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface. The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heats from the core to the surface. Geothermal power is cost-effective, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly, but has historically been limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries. Recent technological advances have dramatically expanded the range and size of viable resources, especially for applications such as home heating, opening a potential for widespread exploitation. Geothermal wells release greenhouse gases trapped deep within the earth, but these emissions are much lower per energy unit than those of fossil fuels. As a result, geothermal power has the potential to help mitigate global warming, if widely deployed in place of fossil fuels. Geothermal electric plants were traditionally built exclusively on the edges of tectonic plates where high temperature geothermal resources are available near the surface. The thermal efficiency of geothermal electric plants is low, around 10-23%, because geothermal fluids do not reach the high temperatures of steam from boilers.       The laws of thermodynamics limit the efficiency of heat engines in extracting useful energy. Exhaust heat is wasted, unless it can be used directly and locally, for example in. greenhouses, timber mills, and district heating. Geothermal power requires no fuel except for pumps, and is therefore immune to fuel cost fluctuations, but capital costs are significant. Drilling accounts for over half the costs, and exploration of deep resources entails significant risks. A typical extraction and injection wells in Nevada can support 4.5 megawatts (MW) and costs about $10 million to drill, with a 20% failure rate. Geothermal power is considered to be sustainable because any projected heat extraction is small compared to the Earth's heat content. The Earth has an internal heat content of 1031 joules (3-1015 TW-hr). About 20% of this is residual heat from planetary accretion, and the remainder is attributed to higher radioactive decay rates that existed in the past.


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    Indicator Acid Base
    Litmus Paper Turns blue litmus red Turns red litmus blue
    Methyl Orange Gives red colour Gives yellow color
    Phenolphthalein Remains colorless