Question

State whether the following statements are True or False. 

(a) Organic compounds having different molecular formula, but same structural formula are called isomers. 
(b) A salt is a compound formed by partial or complete replacement of the hydrogen ion of an acid by a metal or electropositive ion. 
 

Hint:

Isomerism is like having the same set of Lego bricks (molecular formula) but building two different shapes (structural formula) with them!

Answer 1

(a) The statement is False.

Explanation:
Isomers are defined as organic compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
This means that although the number and type of atoms are the same, the way these atoms are arranged or connected is different.

For example, consider C₄H₁₀:
It has two isomers:
- n-butane (straight chain)
- isobutane (branched chain)

Both have the same molecular formula but different structures, hence they are isomers.

The given statement says “different molecular formula but same structural formula,” which is incorrect because:
- If molecular formula is different → compounds are completely different substances
- Isomerism requires the same molecular formula

Therefore, the statement is False.

(b) The statement is True.

Explanation:
A salt is a compound formed when the hydrogen ion (H⁺) of an acid is replaced by a metal ion or an electropositive ion.

This replacement can be:
- Partial replacement → forms an acid salt
- Complete replacement → forms a normal salt

Examples:
1. HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
Here, hydrogen of HCl is completely replaced → NaCl (normal salt)

2. H₂SO₄ + NaOH → NaHSO₄ + H₂O
Here, only one hydrogen is replaced → NaHSO₄ (acid salt)

Thus, the definition given in the statement correctly describes how salts are formed.

Final Answers:
(a) False
(b) True