Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Potassium permanganate is used to purify water. Which among the following properties of Potassium permanganate helps in this work?
[A] sterilizing
[B] oxidizing
[C] reducing
[D] leaching
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [oxidizing]
Notes:
Potassium permanganate is a point-of-entry treatment method that oxidizes dissolved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide into solid particles that are filtered out of the water. It can also be used to control iron bacteria growth in wells.
2. What is commonly referred to as “Laughing Gas”?
[A] Nitric oxide
[B] Nitrous oxide
[C] Nitrogen penta oxide
[D] Nitrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrous oxide]
Notes:
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “Laughing Gas” due to the euphoric effect it produces when inhaled. Its chemical formula is N2O and it is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a relatively sweet odor and taste. It is primarily used in dentistry and surgery for its analgesic and anesthetic properties. It is also noted for its role as a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant, as well as a natural regulator of stratospheric ozone.
3. What are the essential components used in the production of Nitrolim, a fertilizer extensively used in the past?
[A] Nitrogen & Limestone
[B] Calcium Carbide and Nitrogen
[C] Calcium Carbide & Carbon
[D] Calcium Carbide and Limestone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Calcium Carbide and Nitrogen]
Notes:
Nitrolim is a type of fertilizer that was widely used in the past. The main components of Nitrolim are calcium carbide and nitrogen. Calcium carbide reacts with nitrogen to form calcium cyanamide, which is an active ingredient in Nitrolim. This fertilizer is significant as it helps in fixing nitrogen in the soil thereby promoting plant growth.
4. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Allotropes]
Notes:
Allotropes refer to two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist. The property is due to different ways atoms bond together. The most common instance is the element carbon, which exists in several different forms, including diamond, graphite, and fullerenes, making it an allotropic element. It’s crucial to note that allotropy applies to elements, not compounds.
5. Cassiterite is most important source of which of these metals?
[A] Nickel
[B] Tin
[C] Tungsten
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tin ]
Notes:
Cassiterite is a mineral that is primarily composed of tin dioxide (SnO2). It is the most important source of tin, and is also used as a semi-precious gemstone. Cassiterite is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. It has a high melting point and is resistant to weathering, making it a useful material for many industrial applications. The name “cassiterite” comes from the Greek word “kassiteros,” which means “tin.”
6. Which among the following were not discovered by the time , Mendeleev published his periodic table?
[A] Lathanides
[B] Actinides
[C] Noble Gases
[D] Halogens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Noble Gases]
Notes:
When Mendeleev published his periodic table in 1869, noble gases had not yet been discovered. The first noble gas, argon, was identified in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay. In contrast, lanthanides and actinides were recognized later, but their existence was inferred from Mendeleev’s predictions. Halogens, including elements like chlorine and iodine, were known prior to Mendeleev’s work.
7. Which of the following is correct about the first ionization enthalpy of alkaline earth metals?
[A] It is higher than corresponding Group 1 metals
[B] It is lower than corresponding Group 1 metals
[C] No fix pattern exist
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is higher than corresponding Group 1 metals]
Notes:
The first ionization enthalpy of these metals is higher than corresponding Group 1 metals due to the small size of these elements compared to the corresponding alkali metals. The second ionization enthalpy of these metals is lower than corresponding alkali metals.
8. Which of these is NOT an allotropic form of carbon?
[A] Diamond
[B] Graphite
[C] Fullerene
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None of the above]
Notes:
Carbon exhibits many allotropic forms; both crystalline as well as amorphous. Diamond and graphite are two well-known crystalline forms of carbon. In 1985, third form of carbon known as fullerenes was discovered.
9. Which of the following is NOT correct about Group 14 elements?
[A] All of them are solids
[B] Melting points are much higher than those of corresponding elements of group 13
[C] Carbon is a non-metal
[D] Germanium is a metal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Germanium is a metal]
Notes:
All members of group 14 are solids. Carbon and silicon are non-metals, germanium is a metalloid, whereas tin and lead are soft metals. Melting points and boiling points of group 14 elements are much higher than those of corresponding elements of group 13.
10. Which of the following elements have a compound named as Hydrogen peroxide?
[A] Hydrogen, Carbon and Oxygen
[B] Hydrogen only
[C] Hydrogen and Oxygen
[D] Hydrogen, Oxygen and Potassium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrogen and Oxygen]
Notes:
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound of Hydrogen and Oxygen.