Hydrolysis of \(\mathrm{NCl}_{3}\) gives \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{X}\). which of the following is \(\mathrm{X} ?\) (a) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{4}\) (b) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{HOCl}\) (d) \(\mathrm{HClO}_{2}\)

A chemical reaction is a process where substances, known as reactants, are transformed into different substances, called products. It involves breaking bonds within reactants and forming new bonds to create the products. In the given exercise, hydrolysis of nitrogen trichloride (\text{NH}_{3}) and a byproduct denoted as X. Hydrolysis is a specific type of chemical reaction where water is used to break down a compound.\(
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Understanding the nature of chemical reactions is crucial for students, as it forms the foundation of many concepts in chemistry, including synthesis, decomposition, and exchange reactions. Hydrolysis is a common reaction in both organic and inorganic chemistry, and recognizing how compounds interact with water is beneficial for comprehending a wide range of chemical processes.

The principle of the conservation of atoms states that atoms are not created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; they are simply rearranged. This principle ensures that the number of atoms of each element in the reactants equals the number of atoms of the same element in the products.\(
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In the hydrolysis of \text{NCl}_{3}, conservation of atoms is demonstrated by ensuring that each nitrogen (N) and chlorine (Cl) atom from \text{NCl}_{3} ends up in the reaction products, which are \text{NH}_{3} and the byproduct X (HOCl). The inclusion of water (\text{H}_{2}O) introduces hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms into the reaction, which also need to be accounted for in the products according to the conservation principle.

Balancing chemical equations is a critical skill in chemistry that consists of making sure that the number of atoms for each element involved in a reaction is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. This process adheres to the conservation of atoms.\(
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For example, to balance the equation for the hydrolysis of \text{NCl}_{3}, one must ensure that the quantities of nitrogen, chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation are equal. The balanced equation, \text{NCl}_{3} + 3\text{H}_{2}O -> \text{NH}_{3} + 3\text{HOCl}, confirms that there is an equal number of each type of atom on both sides, thus validating the reaction equation. This process is a cornerstone of chemical calculations and lays the groundwork for understanding stoichiometry and reaction yields.

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a preeminent examination for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine in India. Chemistry is a significant component of the NEET syllabus, with a focus on physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.\(
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As part of NEET Chemistry preparation, students are encouraged to develop a strong foundational understanding of core concepts such as chemical reactions, conservation of atoms, and balancing chemical equations. Mastering these topics will not only help students to perform well in the exam but also prepare them for practical applications in their medical studies. Exercises like the hydrolysis of \text{NCl}_{3} are practical examples of questions that students may encounter, and understanding the steps involved in solving these types of problems is essential for success in the examination.