Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Dalton’s name is associated with which of the following terms?
[A] Electron
[B] Proton
[C] Atom
[D] Neutron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atom]
Notes:
John Dalton introduced the atomic theory into chemistry. The main points of Dalton’s atomic theory are (1) Elements are made of extremely small particles called atoms. (2) Atoms of a given element are identical in size, mass and other properties; atoms of different elements differ in size, mass and other properties.(3) Atoms cannot be subdivided, created or destroyed. (4) Atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form chemical compounds. (5) In chemical reactions, atoms are combined, separated or rearranged.
2. What is the primary event that occurs during an oxidation reaction?
[A] Electrons are gained
[B] Electrons are lost
[C] Protons are gained
[D] Protons are lost
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Electrons are lost]
Notes:
Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses an electron to another substance. So, the correct answer is “Electrons are lost”. This phenomenon is often observed in various chemical and biological systems. Understanding this important process can allow us to gain insights in fields ranging from biology to materials science.
3. Which among the following is the lowest atomic number element without any stable isotopes?
[A] Technetium
[B] Molybdenum
[C] Ruthenium
[D] Niobium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Technetium]
Notes:
The correct answer is Technetium. It has the atomic number 43 and is the lowest atomic number element without any stable isotopes. All of its isotopes are radioactive, with Technetium-98 being the most stable, having a half-life of about 4.2 million years. Technetium was first artificially produced in 1937 by Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrè, making it the first element to be artificially created.
4. Under standard conditions, which of the following is the most stable form of carbon?
[A] Charcoal
[B] Graphite
[C] Diamond
[D] Amorphous Carbon
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Correct Answer: B [Graphite]
Notes:
Under standard conditions, Graphite is the most stable form of carbon. It is commonly used in pencils and lubricants due to its layered structure. These layers can move over each other, making graphite soft and slippery. Besides Graphite, other forms of carbon are diamond, charcoal, and amorphous carbon, each with unique properties and applications.
5. Which among the following gas has lowest auto-ignition temperature?
[A] Methane
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Ethylene
[D] Carbon Di Sulphide
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Correct Answer: D [Carbon Di Sulphide]
Notes:
The auto-ignition temperature of a liquid, gas or vapor is the temperature at which the substance will ignite without any external heat source. Here is the temperature of some gases:
Methane -580 °C
Hydrogen -560 °C
Propane -493 °C
Ethylene -425 °C
Acetylene -305 °C
Naphtha -290 °C
Carbon disulfide -102 °C
6. Normal” rainfall is slightly acidic (and a pH of 5.6 has been assigned which might be somewhere near 5 ) because of the presence of _______?
[A] Nitric Oxide
[B] Sulphuric Acid
[C] Nitric Acid
[D] Carbonic Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Carbonic Acid]
Notes:
Normal rainfall is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbonic acid, which forms when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. The pH of normal rainwater is typically around 5.6, making it mildly acidic. This natural acidity is a result of the CO2 in the atmosphere, which is produced by respiration, combustion, and other natural processes.
7. When a piece of quicklime is dipped in water, it gives bubbles. This bubbling is due to which of the following ?
[A] Oxygen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapour
[D] Hydrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Water Vapour]
Notes:
When quicklime (calcium oxide) is added to water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). This reaction produces heat and releases water vapor, which causes bubbling. The reaction can be represented as: [ ext{CaO} + ext{H}_2 ext{O}
ightarrow ext{Ca(OH)}_2 + ext{heat} ] Trivia: Quicklime is used in various applications, including steelmaking and water treatment, and was historically used in ancient construction.
8. Which of the following laws is used as a rule to predict the solubility of gases in metals?
[A] Dalton’s Law
[B] Sievert’s law
[C] Graham’s law
[D] Henry’s law
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Correct Answer: B [ Sievert’s law]
Notes:
Sievert’s law is used as a rule in physical metallurgy to predict the solubility of gases in metals.
9. Which of the following occurs as dry deposits and is also known as Sajimati (efflorescent soil) in India?
[A] Sodium carbonate
[B] Potassium carbonate
[C] Calcium carbonate
[D] Magnesium carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sodium carbonate]
Notes:
Sodium carbonate is found as dry deposits and is also known as Sajimati (efflorescent soil) in India.
10. Which of the following alkali metal ions has the highest hydration enthalpy?
[A] Lithium
[B] Sodium
[C] Potassium
[D] Caesium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lithium]
Notes:
Lithium ions has maximum degree of hydration and for this reason lithium salts are mostly hydrated.