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 of the following is not a correct statement about Bitumen?
[A] It’s a mixture of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic compounds
[B] Its is soluble in Carbon Disulphide
[C] SARA analysis is used to determine bitumen chemistry
[D] All of above are correct statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ All of above are correct statements ]
Notes:
Bitumen is a mixture of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky, soluble in carbon disulfide and composed of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
2. The aqueous solution of which among the following acids is called Vinegar?
[A] Oxalic acid
[B] Citric acid
[C] Acetic acid
[D] Hydrochloric acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Acetic acid ]
Notes:
Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak organic acid that gives vinegar its sour taste. At household concentrations (5-8% acetic acid), it is a mild acid. Vinegar can be made from a variety of base ingredients including wine, apple cider, rice, or malt. The acetic acid is produced by fermentation of the sugars in these ingredients. The most common type of vinegar in households is white distilled vinegar which is typically 4-7% acetic acid. It has a strong, pungent smell and flavor.
3. Calamine is an ore of which among the following?
[A] Zinc
[B] Copper
[C] Mercury
[D] Iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Zinc]
Notes:
Calamine is an ore that contains zinc carbonate along with impurities like iron oxide. Through smelting, the zinc carbonate in calamine can be reduced to extract pure zinc metal. Other common zinc ores are sphalerite (zinc sulfide) and smithsonite (zinc carbonate). So calamine is considered a zinc ore due to its zinc carbonate content.
4. Galena & Litharge are ores of which of the following metals?
[A] Mercury
[B] Zinc
[C] Copper
[D] Lead
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lead]
Notes:
Galena and litharge are ores of lead. Galena is the most common ore of lead. It is the natural mineral form of lead (II) sulphid. Litharge is a secondary mineral that forms from the oxidation of galena ores. It is one of the natural mineral forms of Lead(II) oxide.
5. What type of fiber is Rayon considered?
[A] A synthetic fiber
[B] A natural fiber
[C] A semi-synthetic fiber
[D] A synthetic detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [A semi-synthetic fiber]
Notes:
Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic fiber. It is made by regenerating natural materials into a usable form. Rayon fibers are derived from cellulose obtained from wood or related agricultural products. It was first commercially produced in 1905 by the Swiss firm J. R. Geigy, originally under the name “artificial silk”
6. Consider the following:
- Cinnabar is also known as mercurblende
- The color of Cinnabar varies from dull grey to bright green
- Cinnabar is the most common source ore for refining elemental mercury
- Cinnabar is the historic source for the brilliant blue pigment termed azure
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] All Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Cinnabar, also known as mercurblende, is indeed the most common ore source for refining elemental mercury. However, its color range runs from scarlet to brick-red, not grey to green. It is known for providing the brilliant red or scarlet pigment known as vermilion, not a blue pigment.
7. Which among the following of a catalyst does not change at the end of a reaction?
[A] Quantity
[B] Chemical Composition
[C] Both Quantity and Chemical com position
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both Quantity and Chemical com position]
Notes:
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. At the end of the reaction, a catalyst retains its original quantity and chemical composition. This property allows it to be used repeatedly in reactions. For example, enzymes, which are biological catalysts, remain unchanged after facilitating biochemical reactions.
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. Pyrolusite, Braunite, Psilomelane, Rhodochrosite are the ores of which among the following metals?
[A] Manganese
[B] Aluminium
[C] Copper
[D] Manganese and Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manganese]
Notes:
Pyrolusite, Braunite, Psilomelane, and Rhodochrosite are all ores of Manganese. Pyrolusite is one of the most important ores due to its high manganese content. Braunite, although a significant ore, its manganese content is less than Pyrolusite. Psilomelane and Rhodochrosite also contribute as minor ores.
10. 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.