Two cylinders, both fitted with frictionless pistons, are filled with mixtures of $$\mathrm{He}$$ and $$\mathrm{Ar}$$ gases. In the first cylinder, the masses of $$\mathrm{He}$$ and $$\mathrm{Ar}$$ are $$m_1$$ and $$m_2$$, respectively. In the second cylinder, the masses of $$\mathrm{He}$$ and $$\mathrm{Ar}$$ are $$m_2$$ and $$m_1$$, respectively. The molar mass of $$\mathrm{Ar}$$ is $$10$$ times the molar mass of $$\mathrm{He}$$. The external pressure applied by the piston on the first cylinder needs to be $$5$$ times that on the second cylinder so that the volume of the gas mixtures in both the cylinders are equal at the same temperature. Assuming $$\mathrm{He}$$ and $$\mathrm{Ar}$$ behave like ideal gases, the value of $$(m_1/m_2)$$ is ___.
Basic Concepts in Chemistry, commonly called the mole concept, is the quantitative foundation of JEE Physical Chemistry. It provides the language of moles, stoichiometry, and concentration that every numerical problem across the subject depends on.The chapter covers the mole concept and Avogadro's number, atomic and molecular mass, empirical and molecular formulas, stoichiometry and limiting reagents, percentage composition, and concentration terms such as molarity, molality, mole fraction, and normality. JEE Main tests stoichiometry, limiting-reagent problems, and concentration conversions directly. JEE Advanced embeds mole-concept reasoning inside multi-step problems. Practising topic-wise questions on Cracku JEE Chemistry Questions builds the quantitative fluency the entire Physical Chemistry section demands.
Basic Concepts in Chemistry Topic Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic Name | Basic Concepts in Chemistry (Mole Concept) |
| Subject | Chemistry – Physical |
| JEE Main Weightage | ~3–5% (1–2 questions on average) |
| JEE Advanced Weightage | ~3–4% (often embedded in other chapters) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Important Concepts | Mole Concept, Stoichiometry, Limiting Reagent, Concentration Terms |
| Recommended Practice Level | High – attempt 60+ mixed problems |
Why Practice JEE Basic Concepts in Chemistry Questions?
- Foundation for all Physical Chemistry: Mole-concept skills reappear in every numerical chapter.
- Reliable weightage: Contributes 1–2 questions in JEE Main consistently.
- Stoichiometry mastery: Limiting-reagent and equation-balancing skills underpin all reaction calculations.
- Concentration fluency: Molarity, molality, and normality recur in Solutions and Electrochemistry.
- Direct, scorable questions: Most problems are calculation-based with clear methods.
- Cross-chapter utility: Mole reasoning appears in equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics.
- Builds computational confidence: Early mastery sets a strong tone for Physical Chemistry preparation.
Important Concepts and Subtopics
| Concept | Importance | Difficulty Level | Frequently Asked In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mole Concept and Avogadro's Number | Very High | Easy–Moderate | JEE Main |
| Atomic and Molecular Mass | High | Easy | JEE Main |
| Empirical and Molecular Formula | High | Moderate | JEE Main |
| Stoichiometry and Equation Balancing | Very High | Moderate | JEE Main and Advanced |
| Limiting Reagent | Very High | Moderate | JEE Main and Advanced |
| Percentage Composition | High | Easy–Moderate | JEE Main |
| Concentration Terms (Molarity, Molality) | Very High | Moderate | JEE Main and Advanced |
| Normality and Equivalent Concept | Moderate | Moderate | JEE Main |
Preparation Strategy for JEE Basic Concepts in Chemistry
Concept learning: Begin with the mole as the central unit linking mass, number of particles, and volume of gases. Master the conversions between these three quantities, then study stoichiometry as the application of mole ratios from a balanced equation. Learn to identify the limiting reagent, which controls how much product forms.
Formula revision: Keep the mole-mass-particle relationships, concentration formulas for molarity, molality, mole fraction, and normality, and the limiting-reagent method together for quick review. Well-organised JEE Study Material keeps these formulas and conversion methods in one place so calculations become fast and error-free under exam conditions.
Problem-solving techniques: For stoichiometry, always balance the equation first and then use mole ratios. For limiting-reagent problems, compute moles of each reactant and compare against the stoichiometric ratio. For concentration conversions, track the definition of each term carefully and convert via moles and mass or volume systematically.
Common mistakes: Forgetting to balance the equation before applying mole ratios, confusing molarity with molality, errors in identifying the limiting reagent, and mixing up normality with molarity for polyprotic or multi-electron species.
Exam strategy: Treat these as reliable, calculable marks. Read the problem carefully, set up the mole relationships, and compute systematically without skipping steps.
JEE Main and Advanced Weightage Analysis
| Exam | Average Questions | Expected Marks |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | 1–2 | 4–8 |
| JEE Advanced | 1 (often embedded) | 4 |
Basic Concepts in Chemistry is a steady contributor in JEE Main and provides the numerical foundation that supports problem-solving across the entire Physical Chemistry section in both exams.
Tips to Solve Basic Concepts in Chemistry Questions Faster
- Always balance the chemical equation before applying any mole-ratio calculation.
- For limiting-reagent problems, divide moles of each reactant by its stoichiometric coefficient and compare.
- Convert between molarity and molality using density only when required, tracking units carefully.
- Use the mole–mass–particle triangle to switch between quantities quickly.
- For normality, multiply molarity by the n-factor of the species.
- Check that the final answer has reasonable magnitude and correct units before marking.
Practising these under timed conditions with a JEE Mock Test builds the calculation speed and stoichiometric accuracy the entire Physical Chemistry section rewards.


