Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. In what form is Nitrogen present in Urea?
[A] Nitrite
[B] Nitrate
[C] Ammonium
[D] Amide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Amide]
Notes:
Urea is an organic compound with the formula (NH2)2CO. The Nitrogen present in Urea is in the form of Amide. This compound is highly soluble in water and is a very effective source of Nitrogen for plants. It is the main nitrogenous end product of the metabolic breakdown of proteins in all mammals and some fishes.
2. A cotton wick dipped in pure honey when ignited with a matchstick will ______?
[A] Burn steadily
[B] Burn with a cracking sound
[C] Not burn at all
[D] Burn producing a large amount of smoke
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burn steadily]
Notes:
A cotton wick soaked in pure honey, when lit with a matchstick, will burn consistently. This is primarily due to the high sugar content of the honey acting as fuel for the flame. Contrary to common misconceptions, honey doesn’t produce much smoke or any unusual sounds during combustion.
3. Which among the following gives hissing sound when dissolved into H2O?
[A] CaCO2
[B] Ca(OH)2
[C] CaO
[D] CaCl2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [CaO]
Notes:
The correct answer is CaO (calcium oxide), which is also known as quicklime. When CaO is dissolved in water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), producing a hissing sound due to the rapid release of heat and steam. This reaction is a classic example of a vigorous exothermic reaction in chemistry. Calcium oxide is commonly used in construction and as a drying agent.
4. What term refers to the minimum temperature at which a combustible substance begins to ignite?
[A] Fireless Temperature
[B] Ignition Temperature
[C] Static Temperature
[D] Optimum Temperature
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ignition Temperature]
Notes:
The term for the minimum temperature necessary to ignite a combustible substance is “Ignition Temperature”. It plays a critical role in fire safety and in the field of thermodynamics. Incorrect handling of substances with low ignition temperatures can lead to hazardous situations like unexpected fires or explosions. Additionally, understanding a material’s ignition temperature helps in proper storage and safe handling to prevent unwanted accidents.
5. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning in many parts of the world. What makes it such a fatal gas?
[A] CO dissolves in cytoplasm and functions as an inhibitor of the crucial enzymes for metabolism
[B] CO competes with Haemoglobin for Oxygen intake
[C] CO dissolves in blood Plasma and spreads toxicity
[D] CO converts into Carbon Dioxide in presence of water in Blood
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ CO competes with Haemoglobin for Oxygen intake]
Notes:
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, but highly toxic because it combines with haemoglobin to produce carboxyhemoglobin, which usurps the space in haemoglobin that normally carries oxygen, but is ineffective for delivering oxygen to bodily tissues. Concentrations as low as 667 ppm may cause up to 50% of the body’s hemoglobin to convert to carboxyhemoglobin. The impact is irreversible and that is why that even after available of oxygen, the carboxyhemoglobin does not allow the Oxygen to be taken up.
6. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "sweet oil of vitriol"?
[A] Diethyl ether
[B] Aluminium sulphate
[C] Sulphuric acid
[D] Iron(III) sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Diethyl ether]
Notes:
Diethyl ether is a colourless, highly volatile & flammable organic compound. It was earlier used for anaesthesia but after the development of non-flammable drugs, its uses as anaesthetic has been reduced.
7. What is the chemical name of Quick lime?
[A] Calcium peroxide
[B] Calcium oxide
[C] Calcium dioxide
[D] Calcium hydroxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Calcium oxide]
Notes:
The chemical name of Quick Lime is Calcium Oxide (CaO).
8. How is Aqua regia formed?
[A] by mixing 2 parts of concentrated HCl and one part of concentrated HNO3
[B] by mixing 3 parts of concentrated HCl and one part of concentrated HNO3
[C] by mixing 1 part of concentrated HCl and three parts of concentrated HNO3
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [by mixing 3 parts of concentrated HCl and one part of concentrated HNO3]
Notes:
When three parts of concentrated HCl and one part of concentrated HNO3 are mixed, aqua regia is formed which is used for dissolving noble metals, e.g., gold, platinum.
9. Which of the following is not a mixture?
[A] Ocean water
[B] Table salt
[C] Air
[D] Soil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Table salt]
Notes:
The composition of a mixture is variable whereas it is fixed for a compound. Table salt i.e. Sodium chloride is a compound and not a mixture.
10. Which of the following is an example of colloidal solution?
[A] Milk
[B] Fog
[C] Smoke
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Milk, Fog, Smoke, Cheese, Clouds, Mist, Shaving cream, Butter, Jelly etc. are some of the examples of colloidal solution.