Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Which among the following methods can be used to remove the permanent hardness in water due to calcium or magnesium sulphates?
[A] Sulphonate method
[B] Nitrate method
[C] Zeolite method
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Zeolite method ]
Notes:
Zeolite is hydrated Sodium Alumino-silicate capable of exchanging reversible Sodium ions for hardness producing ions in water. It is also use as softening of water. It is used to remove the permanent hardness in water due to Calcium or Magnesium sulphates.
2. What are the main constituents of LPG?
[A] Methane, Hexane, Ethane
[B] Methane, Butane, Propane
[C] Ethane, Pentane, Hexane
[D] Ethane, Methane, Pentane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Methane, Butane, Propane]
Notes:
LPG is composed hydrocarbons containing three or four carbon atoms. The normal components of LPG thus, are propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10) and Methane (CH4). Small concentrations of other hydrocarbons may also be present.
3. 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.
4. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Dye]
Notes:
Phenolphthalein is commonly employed as a pH indicator in titrations due to its distinct color change in varying pH levels. At pH 8.2, it appears colorless but turns pink as the pH increases to 10. It is not used as a solvent, catalyst or detergent. It also finds applications in forensic science for detecting latent blood stains.
5. The atomic weight of Chlorine is 35. It consists of _______?
[A] 17 Protons + 18 Neutrons
[B] 17 Neutrons + 18 protons
[C] 17 Neutrons + 17 Protons + 1 electron
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [17 Protons + 18 Neutrons]
Notes:
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, meaning it has 17 protons. Its atomic weight is approximately 35, which indicates it typically has 18 neutrons (35 – 17 = 18). Therefore, the correct composition is 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Chlorine is a halogen and exists primarily as two stable isotopes: Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37.
6. 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.
7. If a Hydrogen atom is removed from a hydrocarbon of Benzene group, the remaining residue is called _________?
[A] Alkyl
[B] Aryl
[C] Arene
[D] Azene
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aryl]
Notes:
The correct answer is Aryl. In organic chemistry, when a hydrogen atom is removed from a benzene ring (a hydrocarbon), the remaining structure is referred to as an aryl group. Aryl groups are derived from aromatic compounds, specifically those containing a benzene ring. For example, when a hydrogen is removed from toluene (methylbenzene), the resulting aryl group is called a tolyl group. Aryl groups are important in various chemical reactions and are foundational in the synthesis of many organic compounds.
8. Which among the following alkane has largely replaced the ozone layer-depleting halomethanes in household refrigerators and freezers?
[A] Methane
[B] Propane
[C] Butane
[D] Ethane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Butane]
Notes:
Isobutane, which is known in the industry as R600A has been used in several domestic refrigerators in recent times because it is an excellent refrigerant and non-ozone depleting substance with low global warming potential. The only drawback is that it is highly inflammable.
9. L.P.G. is a hydrocarbon consisting of a mixture of :
[A] Methane and Butane
[B] Propane and Butane
[C] Ethane and Propane
[D] Ethane and Butane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Propane and Butane]
Notes:
L.P.G. (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) primarily consists of propane and butane. It is used as fuel for heating, cooking, and vehicles. Propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) are both byproducts of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. LPG is favored for its high energy content and clean-burning properties.
10. Which among the following is produced when we pass chlorine into slaked lime?
[A] DDT
[B] Baking Powder
[C] Bleaching Powder
[D] Gypsum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Bleaching Powder]
Notes:
Bleaching powder is made by passing Cl2 into slaked lime. Though bleaching powder is often written as Ca(OCl)2 , it is really a mixture and not a compound.