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 energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state is called?
[A] Electron Affinity
[B] Reducing Potential
[C] Ionization Potential
[D] Shell Potential
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ionization Potential ]
Notes:
Ionization potential is the energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state. As we move down the group, ionization potential decreases. As we move across the period, ionization potential increases Electron affinity is the energy released on adding an electron to the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state.
2. White Phosphorous is represented by which among the following symbols?
[A] P1
[B] P2
[C] P3
[D] P4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [P4]
Notes:
The most important form of elemental phosphorus from the perspective of applications and chemical literature is white phosphorus. It consists of tetrahedral P4 molecules, in which each atom is bound to the other three atoms by a single bond. This P4 tetrahedron is also present in liquid and gaseous phosphorus up to the temperature of 800 °C when it starts decomposing to P2 molecules
3. Which colour does cobalt oxide impart to glass?
[A] Brown
[B] Blue
[C] Red
[D] Yellow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Blue]
Notes:
Cobalt Oxide is commonly used to create a distinctive blue hue in glasses and ceramics. The depth of the blue can be altered by changing the concentration of the oxide. In addition to being used for aesthetic purposes, Cobalt blue, which results from Cobalt Oxide, is also used because it absorbs certain wavelengths of light, making it useful for filtering out unwanted wavelengths.
4. Which among the following is correct regarding the alkaline battery ?
[A] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH
[B] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte KOH
[C] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & Electrolyte is Ammonium Chloride
[D] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte Ammonium Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH]
Notes:
The correct statement is that in an alkaline battery, the negative terminal is made of zinc powder, the positive terminal is made of manganese dioxide, and the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide (KOH). Alkaline batteries are known for their long shelf life and higher energy density compared to zinc-carbon batteries. They were invented in the 1950s and are widely used in household devices.
5. Which among the following gas is used in Balloons?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Helium
[C] Nitrogen
[D] Oxygen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Helium]
Notes:
The correct answer is Helium. Helium is a non-flammable, lighter-than-air gas, making it safe for use in balloons. Unlike hydrogen, which is highly flammable and poses explosion risks, helium is inert and does not react with other substances. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, primarily produced through nuclear fusion in stars. It was first discovered in the sun before being found on Earth.
6. Argon is the third most common gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, at 0.93%. This gas is generated due to decay of which among the following isotopes in the Earth’s crust ?
[A] K-40
[B] Ca-40
[C] Ca-48
[D] K-41
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [K-40]
Notes:
Potassium-40 is a radioactive isotope of potassium with a long half-life of 1.251×10⁹ years. The decay of this particular isotope explains the large abundance of argon (0.93%) in the Earth’s atmosphere.
7. How does vulcanization make natural rubber more durable?
[A] The long polymer chains are shortened
[B] The rubber loses water and sticky substances
[C] The short polymer chains are lengthened
[D] Cross links form between the polymer chains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cross links form between the polymer chains]
Notes:
Vulcanization introduces sulfur cross-links between poly-isoprene chains in natural rubber, restricting movement, which increases stiffness, elasticity, and durability. This chemical modification prevents rubber from becoming sticky or brittle, significantly improving its mechanical properties for industrial and commercial use.
8. Which of the following is the softest metal?
[A] Cesium
[B] Lead
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Cesium]
Notes:
Cesium is extremely reactive metal. It reacts with water even at −116 °C (−177 °F). It is the least electronegative element. Cesium is also the softest known metal. It is so soft that it can be cut with a butter knife.
9. What do we call the compounds of carbon having double or triple bonds between the carbon atoms?
[A] Saturated carbon compounds
[B] Unsaturated carbon compounds
[C] Fullerenes
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Unsaturated carbon compounds]
Notes:
The compounds of carbon having double or triple bonds between the carbon atoms are known as unsaturated carbon compounds.
10. Brass is an alloy of which of the following metals?
[A] Copper and Tin
[B] Copper and Zinc
[C] Lead and Tin
[D] Zinc and Nickel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Copper and Zinc]
Notes:
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc (Cu and Zn). Lead is often added in concentrations of around 2% to enhance the machinability of brass.
