Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. The aqueous solution of which among the following acids is called Vinegar?
[A] Oxalic acid
[B] Citric acid
[C] Acetic acid
[D] Hydrochloric acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Acetic acid ]
Notes:
Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak organic acid that gives vinegar its sour taste. At household concentrations (5-8% acetic acid), it is a mild acid. Vinegar can be made from a variety of base ingredients including wine, apple cider, rice, or malt. The acetic acid is produced by fermentation of the sugars in these ingredients. The most common type of vinegar in households is white distilled vinegar which is typically 4-7% acetic acid. It has a strong, pungent smell and flavor.
2. Which among the following suspension in water is often called milk of magnesia because of its milk-like appearance?
[A] Magnesium Carbonate
[B] Magnesium Hydroxide
[C] Magnesium Lactate
[D] Magnesium Oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Magnesium Hydroxide]
Notes:
Magnesium Hydroxide in water is often called milk of magnesia because of its milk-like appearance. Magnesium hydroxide is the inorganic compound and occurs in nature as the mineral brucite.
3. Buckeyballs are basically the allotropes of _________?
[A] Carbon
[B] Sulfur
[C] Phosphorus
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Carbon]
Notes:
Buckeyballs, or fullerenes, are allotropes of carbon. Discovered in 1985, they consist of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. This unique structure contributes to their remarkable properties, including high strength and electrical conductivity. Fullerenes are part of a broader class of carbon allotropes, which also includes graphite and diamond.
4. Sodium bicarbonate decomposes above 70 °C, making it usable in bakery products. What end product of this thermal decomposition process contributes to its use in baking?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapor
[D] Sodium Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Carbon Dioxide]
Notes:
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used in baking due to its ability to decompose above 70 degrees Celsius and release carbon dioxide. This chemical reaction is given by the equation 2 NaHCO3 – Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2. In baking, it reacts with other ingredients or decomposes at high temperatures to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise, creating the fluffy texture in baked goods.
5. The colors in the fine cut diamond are because of which among the following?
[A] Variance in transparency of diamond
[B] Variance in index of refraction
[C] Presence of Impurities
[D] Existence of definite planer layers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Presence of Impurities]
Notes:
Pure diamond should transmit visible light and appear as a clear colorless crystal. Colors in diamond originate from lattice defects and impurities. The diamond crystal lattice is exceptionally strong and only atoms of nitrogen, boron and hydrogen can be introduced into diamond during the growth at significant concentrations (up to atomic percents). Nitrogen gives yellowish color while the Boron gives bluish color.
6. Consider the following substances:
- Iodine
- Naphthalene
- Camphor
Which of the above substances undergo ‘sublimation’ on heating?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] All of them
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All of them]
Notes:
Sublimation is a transition from solid to gas, bypassing the liquid phase. Iodine sublimes, producing violet vapors; naphthalene sublimes, hence its use in mothballs; and camphor also sublimes, used in medicinal and aromatic applications. Thus, all three substances exhibit sublimation upon heating, making ‘All of them’ the correct answer.
7. Which among the following impurity in drinking water causes the “Bamboo Spine” disorder?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Fluorides
[C] Arsenic
[D] Sulphides
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Fluorides]
Notes:
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease that mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. It tends to affect the spine and in late stages, the spine will fuse and this has given rise to the term “bamboo spine”. It is mainly caused due to impurities in drinking water associated with fluorides.
8. Which of the following is the use of washing soda?
[A] softening of water
[B] manufacture of glass
[C] manufacture of paints
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
It is used for softening of water, laundering, cleaning, manufacture of glass, soap, borax, paper, paints and textile It is also extensively used as laboratory reagent.
9. Which of the following is not a form of brass?
[A] Dutch metal
[B] Prince’s metal
[C] Field’s metal
[D] Muntz metal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Field’s metal]
Notes:
Field’s metal is an alloy of bismuth, indium, and tin, with the following percentages by weight: 32.5% Bi, 51% In, 16.5% Sn. Dutch metal, Prince’s metal and Muntz metal are a form of brass.
10. Which of the following refining methods works on the principle of adsorbtion?
[A] Zone refining
[B] Vapour Phase refining
[C] Chromatographic methods
[D] Liquation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chromatographic methods]
Notes:
Chromatographic methods are based on the principle that different components of a mixture are differently adsorbed on an adsorbent. There are several chromatographic techniques used for refining such as paper chromatography, column chromatography, gas chromatography, etc
