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CBSE Class 10 Science Carbon and Its Compounds Chapter 4 Notes

CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 – Carbon and Its Compounds cover covalent bonding, catenation, tetravalency, homologous series, functional groups, nomenclature, and key reactions like combustion and esterification. These NCERT-based notes help students revise effectively and prepare confidently for the Class 10 board exam.

Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 Notes offer a focused and well-structured overview of an important chapter in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus. Carbon’s ability to form a wide range of compounds makes it central to understanding organic chemistry concepts tested in board examinations. 

These Carbon And Its Compound Class 10 PDF notes are designed to support exam-oriented preparation by clearly explaining topics such as covalent bonding, functional groups, and nomenclature.

They also cover the chemical properties and reactions of key compounds like ethanol and ethanoic acid, helping students frame accurate and concept-based answers in the upcoming Class 10 Science board exams. 

Carbon And Its Compounds Class 10 PDF

Students preparing for the Class 10 Science Board Exam can access the Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 PDF for focused and systematic revision of Chapter 4.

The material follows the NCERT syllabus closely and explains key areas such as carbon’s bonding nature, covalent compounds, homologous series, and the wide range of carbon-based substances.

It also covers frequently examined concepts like the reasons carbon compounds are used as fuels, enabling students to understand both the scientific reasoning and its practical relevance. This helps in presenting accurate, well-organized answers in the Class 10 Board Examination.

Carbon And Its Compound Class 10 PDF

What is Carbon and Its Compounds?

Carbon and its Compounds form the basis of organic chemistry. Carbon's ability to form strong covalent bonds with itself and other elements leads to an enormous number of compounds.

These notes explore the fundamental concepts of carbon bonding, structure, nomenclature, and reactions, which are crucial for the Class 10 Science curriculum.

Carbon And Its Compounds Class 10 Notes

The element carbon (C) is a non-metal with atomic number 6 and an electronic configuration of 2, 4. This means carbon has four valence electrons.

Covalent Bonding

Covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms, typically non-metals. Carbon shares its four valence electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration. This sharing allows carbon to form single, double, and triple bonds.

  • Examples of Covalent Bond Formation:

  • Cl₂: Each chlorine atom shares one electron, forming a single covalent bond.

  • O₂: Each oxygen atom shares two electrons, forming a double covalent bond.

  • N₂: Each nitrogen atom shares three electrons, forming a triple covalent bond.

  • Water (H₂O) and Methane (CH₄) also form through covalent bonding.

Properties of Carbon

Carbon is unique due to two main properties:

  • Tetravalency: Carbon has a valency of four, meaning it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms. It cannot easily gain four electrons (requiring significant energy and is difficult for the nucleus to hold) nor lose four electrons (requiring large energy). Therefore, it always forms covalent bonds.

  • Catenation: This is carbon's exceptional ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms, leading to long chains, branched chains, or rings. This property is why carbon forms millions of compounds, making it essential to life. Silicon also shows catenation but to a lesser extent.

Properties of Covalent Compounds

Covalent compounds generally exhibit specific characteristics:

  • Poor Conductors of Electricity: They do not contain charged particles (ions) that can move freely, hence they are poor conductors.

  • Low Melting and Boiling Points: The intermolecular forces between covalent molecules are weak, requiring less energy to overcome them. The covalent bonds within the molecules are strong.

Nomenclature - IUPAC

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) system provides rules for naming organic compounds.

What is a Homologous Series?

A homologous series is a family of organic compounds with the same functional group, similar chemical properties, and a general formula. Each successive member differs by a -CH₂ unit.

  • General Characteristics:

  • Same functional group.

  • Similar chemical properties due to the same functional group.

  • Gradation in physical properties (e.g., melting and boiling points increase with molecular mass).

  • Members can be prepared by general methods.

 

What are Allotropes of Carbon?

  • Diamond: Hardest known natural substance, tetrahedral structure, non-conductor of electricity.

  • Graphite: Soft and slippery, layered hexagonal structure, good conductor of electricity.

  • Fullerenes: Spherical or cage-like structures (e.g., Buckminsterfullerene, C₆₀).

Final Stage Preparation Tips for Carbon and Its Compounds

As students enter the final stage of preparation for the Class 10 Science board exam, their focus should shift to structured revision and precision in answering.

1. Strengthen Electron Dot Structures

Revise and redraw structures of CH₄, C₂H₄, C₂H₂, and H₂O. Ensure correct representation of shared electron pairs and octet completion, as diagram-based questions are common.

2. Practise Important Chemical Reactions

Carefully revise balanced equations of:

  • Combustion of methane
  • Oxidation of ethanol
  • Esterification reaction
  • Reaction of ethanoic acid with sodium and sodium carbonate

Pay attention to reaction conditions and products.

3. Functional Groups and IUPAC Naming Rules

Quickly revise identification and suffix rules for –OH, –COOH, –CHO, and >C=O groups. Solve a few naming examples, ensuring correct carbon numbering and prefix usage.

4. Concept-Based Differences

Be clear about structured comparisons such as:

  • Saturated vs Unsaturated hydrocarbons
  • Ethanol vs Ethanoic acid
  • Soap vs Detergent

These are frequently asked in short and long answer formats.

At this stage, avoid starting new material. Focus on NCERT line-by-line revision, accuracy in chemical equations, and clear presentation to write precise and well-structured answers in the Class 10 board examination.

Related Links

CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 1 CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 2
CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 3 CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4
CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 5 CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 6
CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 7 CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 8
CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 9 CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 10
CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 11 CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 12
CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 13  

CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 FAQs

What is the main reason for the large number of carbon compounds?

Carbon's unique properties of catenation (self-linking) and tetravalency (forming four bonds) enable it to create diverse structures.

Why do covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points?

Covalent compounds have weak intermolecular forces, which require little energy to overcome, leading to low melting and boiling points.

Explain the difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single carbon-carbon bonds, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple carbon-carbon bond.

Why Are Carbon And Its Compounds Used As Fuels?

Carbon and its compounds are used as fuels because they release a large amount of energy when burned. They are easily available, easy to store, and provide efficient energy for daily use.

Why are detergents preferred over soaps in hard water?

Detergents do not form insoluble precipitates with the calcium and magnesium salts present in hard water, unlike soaps, allowing them to lather effectively.
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