Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Presence of which among the following minerals in Banana makes them slightly radioactive?
[A] Sodium
[B] Calcium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Pottasium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pottasium]
Notes:
Bananas contain potassium-40, a radioactive isotope of potassium, which makes them slightly radioactive. The radiation is very minor and not dangerous at all to humans, but it is enough to trigger sensitive radiation sensors. The potassium provides bananas some of their nutritional benefits as well.
2. Which among the following scientists had discovered Radium?
[A] Marie and Pierre Curie
[B] Andre-Louis Debierne
[C] Kasimir Fajans
[D] Oswald Helmuth Gohring
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Marie and Pierre Curie]
Notes:
Radium(Ra) with atomic number 88 was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898 as Radium Chloride. However, it was Radium was isolated in its metallic state by Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne through the electrolysis of radium chloride in 1911.
3. Which compound of mercury is used as antiseptic?
[A] Mercuric sulphide
[B] Mercuric oxide
[C] Mercuric chloride
[D] Mercuric iodide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mercuric chloride]
Notes:
Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a highly toxic compound that volatizes slightly at ordinary temperature and appreciably at 100 degrees C. It is corrosive to mucous membranes and used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant.
4. What is the common name of Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate?
[A] Bleaching powder
[B] Slaked lime
[C] Plaster of paris
[D] Detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Plaster of paris]
Notes:
Plaster of Paris is calcium sulphate hemihydrate. The formula is given as, CaSO4.1/2 H2O or (2 CaSO4) . H2O. The powder is called plaster of Paris, because the gypsum which was used to get the powder was mainly found in Paris.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Which among the following allotropes of Oxygen is found in 6 phases under various pressures and temperatures?
[A] Ozone
[B] Tetra oxygen
[C] Octaoxygen
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Octaoxygen]
Notes:
The correct answer is Octaoxygen. Octaoxygen (O8) is an allotrope of oxygen that can exist in multiple phases under varying pressures and temperatures. It was first synthesized in 2001 and is notable for its unique molecular structure, which consists of eight oxygen atoms. Ozone (O3) is well-known but does not exhibit multiple phases like octaoxygen. Tetraoxygen (O4) is less stable and not commonly referenced in the same context.
9. Mizoroki-Heck reaction is catalyzed by which of the following metals?
[A] Rhodium
[B] Sodium
[C] Palladium
[D] Osmium
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Correct Answer: C [Palladium]
Notes:
The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is a cross-coupling reaction that typically involves the coupling of aryl halides with alkenes. It is primarily catalyzed by palladium (Pd) complexes. Palladium is favored due to its ability to facilitate the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps essential for the reaction. Rhodium, while also a transition metal, is less commonly used for this specific reaction. The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is important in organic synthesis for forming carbon-carbon bonds and is widely utilized in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
10. The Potassium graphite and Calcium Graphite can be mostly used as which among the following?
[A] Moderators
[B] Semiconductors
[C] Superconductors
[D] Lubricants
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Superconductors]
Notes:
Potassium graphite and calcium graphite are primarily used as superconductors. Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance when cooled below a certain temperature. Graphite, particularly when doped with potassium or calcium, exhibits enhanced superconducting properties. Notably, the discovery of high-temperature superconductors in the 1980s revolutionized the field, leading to applications in magnetic levitation and advanced electronic devices.