Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Trimethylxanthine is a chemical name of a stimulant which is found in tea and coffee. What is the popular name?
[A] Thein
[B] Caffeine
[C] Theobromine
[D] Theophylline
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Caffeine]
Notes:
Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) also known as ancient wonder drug is a basically a neurostimulant easily available all over the world and is used in different products like tea, coffee, analgesic adjuvant, soft drinks and many dietary supplements.
2. Identify the Noble Gas from the following options:
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
Helium, a noble gas, is the second most abundant element in the universe after Hydrogen. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and non-reactive because its outermost electron shell is full with two electrons. This complete outer shell gives it the stability that defines the Noble Gases. Despite its abundance in the universe, Helium is relatively rare on Earth, primarily obtained from natural gas wells.
3. Who among the following had given the Atomic Theory?
[A] Benzamin Franklin
[B] Madam curie
[C] Albert Einstien
[D] John Dalton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [John Dalton]
Notes:
The correct answer is John Dalton. He proposed the Atomic Theory in the early 19th century, stating that matter is composed of indivisible atoms, each with a specific weight. Dalton’s work laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Notably, he also introduced the concept of atomic weights and was the first to use symbols to represent atoms of different elements.
4. Under standard conditions, which of the following is the most stable form of carbon?
[A] Charcoal
[B] Graphite
[C] Diamond
[D] Amorphous Carbon
Show Answer
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. Sodium bicarbonate decomposes above 70 °C, making it usable in bakery products. What end product of this thermal decomposition process contributes to its use in baking?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapor
[D] Sodium Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Carbon Dioxide]
Notes:
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used in baking due to its ability to decompose above 70 degrees Celsius and release carbon dioxide. This chemical reaction is given by the equation 2 NaHCO3 – Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2. In baking, it reacts with other ingredients or decomposes at high temperatures to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise, creating the fluffy texture in baked goods.
6. What is the nature of an aqueous solution of Sodium Acetate?
[A] Acidic
[B] Basic
[C] Neutral
[D] Either acidic or basic, depending on the temperature of the solution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Basic]
Notes:
An aqueous solution of sodium acetate is basic in nature. This is because sodium acetate is a salt derived from a strong base (sodium hydroxide) and a weak acid (acetic acid). When dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form sodium ions and acetate ions. The acetate ions react with water to form acetic acid and hydroxide ions, thus creating a basic solution.
7. Which of the following elements have the lowest and highest boiling point in the Periodic table?
[A] Helium and Tungsten
[B] Hydrogen and Rhenium
[C] Helium and Rhenium
[D] Hydrogen and Tungsten
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Helium and Rhenium]
Notes:
Helium has the lowest boiling point of all the elements at –452.074°F (–268.93°C) followed by hydrogen –423.16°F (–252.87°C). The highest boiling point for an element is that of Rhenium 10,104.8°F (5,596°C) followed by tungsten 10,031°F (5,555°C).
8. Which of the following is NOT correct about Phosphine?
[A] The chemical formula is PH3
[B] The electronic structure is like Ammonia
[C] It is odorless
[D] it is used as a dopant in semiconductor industries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It is odorless]
Notes:
Phosphine is PH3. The electronic structure of Phosphine (pyramidal structure) is like Ammonia. It is a colourless gas and has a spoiled fish smell. It is used as a dopant in semiconductor industries.
9. Which of the following compounds is manufactured using the Contact Process?
[A] Sulphuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Benzene
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sulphuric Acid]
Notes:
The Contact Process is a method primarily used for preparing sulphuric acid on a large scale. It involves the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide in presence of a catalyst such as vanadium pentoxide. The subsequent hydration of sulfur trioxide produces sulphuric acid. The Contact Process allows the production of high concentrations of sulphuric acid under economically feasible conditions.
10. Which of the following is a correct statement about minerals and ores?
[A] All minerals are ores
[B] All ores are minerals
[C] Minerals are the native form in which various metals exist
[D] Ores are usually used to extract metals economically
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [All minerals are ores]
Notes:
All ores are minerals but all minerals are not ores. Minerals are the native form in which various metals exist and ores are those minerals which are used to extract metals economically.