CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 Carbon and Its Compounds

Author at PW
November 07, 2025
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CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 Carbon and Its Compounds explains one of the most interesting topics in chemistry, which is the study of carbon and the compounds it forms. The Carbon and Its Compounds chapter explains how carbon is a special element that can make long chains and rings by forming four bonds with other elements. Because of this property, carbon forms a large number of compounds that we see in our daily life, like fuels, alcohols, and soaps.

In class 10 science chapter 4 notes, you learn about covalent bonding, hydrocarbons, homologous series, and the naming of organic compounds in an easy-to-understand way. These class 10 chemistry chapter 4 notes make it easy to understand concepts that are important for your upcoming board exams.

Moreover, these class 10 chemistry ch 4 notes can also save your time by making your revision sessions organised and effective. So, to get the detailed CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4, keep reading.

Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Books

CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4

CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 are made for students who want to revise quickly without reading the whole chapter from the textbook again and again. Whether you’re preparing for school tests or final board exams, these class 10 science ch 4 notes will help you study smart and remember important points easily. Here are topic-wise notes of ch carbon and its compounds class 10 for your easy access:

Topic-Wise Notes of Ch Carbon and its Compounds Class 10

1. Introduction to Carbon Compounds:

  • Carbon is a unique element that forms the basis of organic chemistry.

  • Organic compounds contain carbon and are abundant in living organisms and various materials.

2. Bonding in Carbon:

  • Carbon forms covalent bonds and can bond with other carbon atoms, leading to the formation of long chains, branched structures, and rings.

3. Versatility of Carbon:

  • Carbon exhibits catenation, the ability to form long chains, and allotropy, existing in different forms (diamond, graphite, graphene).

4. Homologous Series:

  • Introduction to homologous series – a family of organic compounds with similar properties and a gradual increase in molecular size.

5. Functional Groups:

  • Functional groups in organic compounds determine their chemical properties.

  • Examples include hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, and amino groups.

6. Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons:

  • Saturated hydrocarbons have single bonds (alkanes), while unsaturated hydrocarbons have double or triple bonds (alkenes and alkynes).

7. Isomerism:

  • Explanation of isomerism – compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures.

  • Structural and geometric isomers are discussed.

8. Sources of Hydrocarbons:

  • Natural sources of hydrocarbons include fossil fuels, vegetation, and wildfires.

  • Anthropogenic sources involve human activities like combustion, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions.

9. Combustion:

  • Complete combustion of hydrocarbons produces carbon dioxide and water.

  • Incomplete combustion may produce carbon monoxide and soot.

10. Cracking of Petroleum:

  • Cracking is a process to break down large hydrocarbons into smaller, more valuable ones.

  • It is a part of the petroleum refining industry.

11. Soap and Detergents:

  • Soap is formed through saponification – the reaction of a fat (triglyceride) with sodium hydroxide.

  • Detergents are synthetic cleaning agents with enhanced properties.

12. Esters and Esterification:

  • Esters are formed through esterification – the reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.

  • Examples include ethyl acetate.

13. Alcohols and Phenols:

  • Alcohols have the hydroxyl group (-OH) and are used in various applications.

  • Phenols have the hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring.

14. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives:

  • Carboxylic acids have the carboxyl group (-COOH).

  • Derivatives include esters, amides, and anhydrides.

15. Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds:

  • Understanding the chemical properties of different functional groups and their reactions.

16. Carbon Compounds in Daily Life:

  • Application of carbon compounds are used in daily life, such as in cooking, medicines, and cleaning agents.

Read More: CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 2

Important Questions from Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 Notes

Here are some important questions from the Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 notes that will help you test your understanding of this chapter. Make sure to go through each question and answer carefully, and revise the related topics from your class 10 chemistry chapter 4 notes for better preparation.

Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 Notes Extra Questions

1) Explain the concept of catenation. Why is carbon known for its exceptional catenation properties?

Answer: Catenation is the ability of an element to form long chains or rings by bonding with atoms of the same element. Carbon is known for its exceptional catenation properties due to its ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms. The strength of the carbon-carbon bond and the tetrahedral arrangement of carbon's four valence electrons allow it to form extensive chains, branched structures, or cyclic compounds, leading to the diversity of organic compounds.

2) Define homologous series. Provide an example of a homologous series in organic compounds.

Answer: A homologous series is a family of organic compounds with the same functional group, similar chemical properties, and a gradual increase in molecular structure. Members of a homologous series have the same general formula and show a constant increment in the number of CH₂ units.
Example: Alkanes, which have the general formula CnH₂n+₂, form a homologous series (e.g., methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc.).

3) What is the significance of the functional group in organic chemistry? Give examples of different functional groups.

Answer: The functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that determines its chemical properties. It imparts characteristic chemical reactivity and defines the behaviour of the compound.
Examples of functional groups include:

  • Hydroxyl (-OH) in alcohols.

  • Carbonyl (>C=O) in aldehydes and ketones.

  • Carboxyl (-COOH) in carboxylic acids.

  • Amino (-NH₂) in amines.

4) Describe the hybridisation of carbon in methane and ethene.
Answer:

  • In methane (CH₄), carbon undergoes sp³ hybridisation. It forms four sigma (σ) bonds by hybridizing one 2s and three 2p orbitals.

  • In ethene (C₂H₄), carbon undergoes sp² hybridisation. It forms three sigma (σ) bonds by hybridizing one 2s and two 2p orbitals, leaving one unhybridised p orbital.

5) Explain the process of isomerism in organic compounds. Provide examples of structural and geometric isomers.

Answer: Isomerism refers to the existence of different compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures.

Examples:

  • Structural Isomers: Butane (CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃) and Isobutane (CH₃-CH(CH₃)-CH₃).

  • Geometric Isomers: In alkenes, cis-butene and trans-butene are due to different spatial arrangements around the double bond.

Read More: Metals and Non-Metals Class 10 Notes Science Chapter 3

6) Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Provide examples of each.

Answer:

  • Saturated Hydrocarbons: Have only single bonds between carbon atoms. Example: Alkanes like methane (CH₄).

  • Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Contain at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms. Examples: Alkenes (e.g., ethene, C₂H₄) and alkynes (e.g., ethyne, C₂H₂).

7) How does the presence of a functional group influence the properties of organic compounds?

Answer: The functional group determines the chemical properties of organic compounds. It imparts characteristic reactivity, solubility, and physical properties to the compound. For example, the hydroxyl group in alcohols gives them distinct properties such as the ability to form hydrogen bonds, solubility in water, and specific chemical reactions.

8) What is the role of carbon in the formation of a wide variety of compounds?

Answer: Carbon's ability to form strong covalent bonds, undergo catenation, and bond with a variety of other elements allows it to create a diverse range of compounds. This versatility is the foundation of organic chemistry, where carbon serves as the backbone for countless organic molecules, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and more.

9) Discuss the different allotropes of carbon and their properties.

Answer:

  • Diamond: Each carbon atom forms four strong covalent bonds in a tetrahedral arrangement, resulting in a rigid three-dimensional structure. Diamond is hard, has a high melting point, and does not conduct electricity.

  • Graphite: Carbon atoms form hexagonal layers with weak van der Waals forces between the layers. Graphite is a good conductor of electricity, is slippery, and is used as a lubricant.

  • Graphene: A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It exhibits remarkable strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity.

10) Explain the importance of carbon as the "backbone" of organic compounds.

Answer: Carbon serves as the backbone of organic compounds because of its ability to form stable covalent bonds with itself and other elements. This allows for the creation of diverse and complex structures, leading to the vast variety of organic molecules essential for life and various applications.

11) What are the major sources of hydrocarbons in our environment?

Answer: The major sources of hydrocarbons in the environment include natural sources (such as fossil fuels, vegetation, and wildfires) and anthropogenic sources (human activities like combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and vehicle emissions).

12) Describe the chemical properties of alcohols and their importance.

Answer: Alcohols are organic compounds containing the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. Their chemical properties include the ability to undergo combustion, react with acids to form esters, and participate in oxidation reactions. Alcohols are important as solvents and disinfectants and are used in the synthesis of various organic compounds.

13) Why do carbon compounds show a preference for forming covalent bonds?

Answer: Carbon compounds prefer forming covalent bonds due to carbon's relatively small size and moderate electronegativity. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons, allowing carbon to achieve a stable electron configuration by filling its valence shell without gaining or losing electrons.

Read More: CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 6 

14) Explain the process of cracking in the petroleum industry.

Answer: Cracking is a refining process in the petroleum industry where large hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller, more valuable hydrocarbons. High-molecular-weight fractions are heated and vaporised, then passed over a catalyst or subjected to high temperatures to break carbon-carbon bonds, yielding smaller and more useful hydrocarbons.

15) Discuss the role of isomerism in increasing the diversity of organic compounds.

Answer: Isomerism increases the diversity of organic compounds by allowing multiple compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures to exist. Structural isomers have different arrangements of atoms, while geometric isomers have different spatial arrangements around double bonds, enhancing the variety of organic molecules.

16) Why is carbon dioxide considered a greenhouse gas? Explain its role in the environment.

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a greenhouse gas because it absorbs and emits infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. In the atmosphere, it traps heat, preventing it from escaping into space. While the greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining Earth's temperature, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have led to an excess of CO₂, contributing to global warming and climate change.

17) What are the applications of soaps and detergents in daily life?

Answer: Soaps and detergents are used for cleaning purposes. Soaps, made from natural fats and oils, are effective in removing dirt and grease from surfaces. Detergents, synthetic cleaning agents, are suitable for use in hard water and have enhanced cleaning properties. Both are widely used in households, industries, and personal care products.

18) Describe the structural differences between saturated and unsaturated fats.

Answer:

  • Saturated Fats: Contain only single bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chains. They are usually solid at room temperature and are found in animal products like butter.

  • Unsaturated Fats: Contain at least one double or triple bond in the fatty acid chains. They are typically liquid at room temperature and are found in plant oils like olive oil.

19) Explain the term 'carbohydrates' and provide examples of simple and complex carbohydrates.

Answer: Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a ratio of H:O typically 2:1.
Examples include:

  • Simple Carbohydrates: Glucose, fructose, and sucrose.

  • Complex Carbohydrates: Starch and cellulose.

20) Explain Lewis Dot Structure.

Answer: Lewis structures, also referred to as Lewis dot structures or electron dot structures, are graphical representations of chemical bonding. These diagrams place the element's symbol at the centre, surrounded by dots that symbolise the valence electrons of the element.

Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers

How to Use Class 10 Chemistry Ch 4 Notes to Score Well

Class 10 Chemistry Ch 4 Notes on Carbon and Its Compounds can be your effective study partner if you use them the right way. They make long concepts short and simple, helping you revise faster before exams. Here’s how you can use these class 10 science ch 4 notes smartly to score well in your board exams:

Always Read the Textbook First

Before jumping right into the CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4, read the full chapter once from your NCERT book.

  • It helps you understand the basic concepts about carbon’s bonding, chains, and compounds.

  • While reading, give attention to the examples and diagrams to make the topic clear in your mind.

Understand Each Concept from the Notes

  • Now, go through the Class 10 science chapter 4 notes. The notes explain topics like covalent bonding, hydrocarbons, and homologous series in an easy way.

  • Read one topic at a time and try to connect it with what you studied in the textbook.

Practice Questions Side by Side

  • Once you understand the topic, use your Class 10 chemistry chapter 4 notes to solve practice questions and examples.

  • This helps you remember reactions and their products better.

  • You can also try solving short-answer and long-answer questions from CBSE Class 10 Science sample papers.

Add Extra Points While Revising

  • If your teacher explains something new or you find an important reaction during practice, add it to your notes of ch carbon and its compounds class 10.

  • This will make your notes more complete and useful for revision.

Revise on a Regular Basis

  • These class 10 science ch 4 notes are most effective when you use them often. Revise these notes weekly so that you don’t forget the main reactions and formulas.

  • Before exams, read only the key points and important definitions from the notes to save time.

Using your carbon and its compounds class 10 notes in this way will make you more confident, help you remember concepts easily, and improve your marks in board exams.

Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Papers

CBSE Class 10 Science Study Material by PW

PW offers various CBSE Class 10 science study materials that help you prepare better for your upcoming board exams. From previous year question papers and chapter-wise question banks to handwritten notes by toppers, every resource is made to make learning simple and effective.

PW understands the importance of scoring good marks in Class 10th Science; that's why, to help you study smart and save time, here are some of the most useful CBSE Class 10 Books by PW:

CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 FAQs

Q.1. Where can I get Carbon and Its Compounds Ch 4 Notes PDF?

Ans. You can get Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 notes in this article itself. You can also save this page as a PDF file to read and revise offline anytime.

Q.2. What is bonding in Chemistry Class 10 Ch 4?

Ans. In Class 10 Chemistry Chapter 4, bonding means the way atoms join together to form molecules. Carbon forms covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other atoms. Class 10 chemistry ch 4 notes explain this concept.

Q.3. What is combustion?

Ans. Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen and gives out heat and light. In Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 Notes, you will learn how hydrocarbons burn during combustion to form carbon dioxide and water.

Q.4. Are the Carbon and Its Compounds Class 10 Notes enough to score well?

Ans. Class 10 Science Ch 4 Notes are very useful for revision before exams. They cover all important definitions, reactions, and examples. But, for effective learning, also solve previous year questions and sample papers.

Q.5. What are the five examples of homologous series?

Ans. Some common examples of homologous series, as explained in Class 10 Chemistry Ch 4 Notes, are alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. Each member of a series differs by a CH₂ (methylene) group from the next one.

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CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 4 Carbon and Its Compounds