Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. 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.
2. Carnotite is a mineral of which among the following metals?
[A] Lead
[B] Uranium
[C] Aluminium
[D] Iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uranium]
Notes:
Carnotite is an ore of Uranium and comprises potassium, vanadium, water and few other elements such as calcium, barium, magnesium, iron, sodium etc. It is a yellow colored mineral.
3. The Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called ________?
[A] Alpha rays
[B] Beta rays
[C] Gamma rays
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alpha rays]
Notes:
Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called alpha rays. Alpha rays are also called alpha particles or alpha radiation. Alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle that is identical to a helium-4 nucleus.
Alpha particles are named after the first letter in the Greek alphabet, α. They were the first nuclear radiation to be discovered.
When a helium atom loses its electrons, it is left with only the nucleus. This is called an alpha particle.
4. Duralumin which is used in making aero planes is an alloy consisting of _____?
[A] Aluminum & Copper
[B] Aluminum, Copper & Manganese
[C] Aluminum, Copper, Manganese & Magnesium
[D] Aluminum and zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aluminum, Copper, Manganese & Magnesium]
Notes:
Duralumin is an alloy primarily composed of aluminum, copper, manganese, and magnesium. It was developed in the early 20th century and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for aircraft construction. The addition of copper enhances strength, while manganese and magnesium improve corrosion resistance and workability. Duralumin was first used in aircraft during World War I, revolutionizing aviation materials.
5. How many noble gases occur naturally?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Five
[D] Six
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Six]
Notes:
Noble gases are characterized by their low reactivity. The reason for this is their full electron shell, which makes them very stable and unlikely to engage in chemical reactions. The six noble gases that occur naturally are helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and the radioactive radon (Rn). Despite the inertness of noble gases, some of them like Xenon are known to form compounds.
6. 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.
7. Which among the following is the main constituent of malleable metal alloy Pewter ?
[A] Copper
[B] Zinc
[C] Tin
[D] Bismuth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tin]
Notes:
Pewter is primarily composed of tin, typically around 85-95%, with the remainder often consisting of copper, antimony, or bismuth. Historically, pewter was used for making utensils and decorative items due to its malleability and low melting point. The use of tin in pewter dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians, who valued it for its corrosion resistance and ease of casting.
8. Which among the following can be used as a preservative in Tomato Juice?
[A] Sodium Chloride
[B] Sodium carbonate
[C] Sodium benzoate
[D] Sodium Lauril Sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sodium benzoate]
Notes:
Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a preservative in food and beverages, including tomato juice. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, extending shelf life. It is effective in acidic environments, such as those found in tomato products, where the pH is typically below 4.6. Sodium chloride (salt) can also act as a preservative but is primarily used for flavor. Sodium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulfate are not suitable preservatives for tomato juice.
9. If a baby diaper is subjected to different solutions, which of the following will it absorb the maximum quantity of?
[A] Distilled Water
[B] Drinking Water
[C] Hard Water
[D] Urine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Distilled Water]
Notes:
A baby diaper can absorb the maximum quantity of distilled water as it lacks impurities such as minerals and ions that are present in other type of water. The absorbent materials in diapers, often polymers called sodium polyacrylate, can hold up to 30 times their weight in distilled water, making them highly efficient.
10. Which of the following is not an isotope of Hydrogen?
[A] Protium
[B] Para hydrogen
[C] Deuterium
[D] Tritium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Para hydrogen]
Notes:
The three most stable isotopes of hydrogen: Protium, Deuterium and Tritium. Para hydrogen is not an isotope of hydrogen. Molecules of hydrogen in which the spins of both the nuclei are in the opposite direction are called Para hydrogen.