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 compound is most commonly used in the Photochromic lenses?
[A] Potassium Dichromate
[B] Silver Chloride
[C] Potassium ferrate
[D] Ferric Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Silver Chloride]
Notes:
Photochromatic or Photochromic glass acquires a darker shade when exposed to bright light and returns to its original lighter shade in dim light. This happens because silver halides (iodide or chloride) is added to this glass
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 among the following is the first man made fibre (silk)?
[A] Viscose
[B] Reyon
[C] Nylon
[D] Tericot
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Viscose]
Notes:
Rayon is the first man-made fiber, also known as “artificial silk”. It was developed in the late 19th century as a substitute for natural silk. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. It has properties similar to silk and a shiny appearance. Nylon is the first fully synthetic fiber. It is made from coal, water, and air. Nylon is strong, elastic, and easy to wash. It is used to make socks, ropes, tents, and more.
4. 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.
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 Fool’s Gold?
[A] Copper Sulphate
[B] Iron Sulfide
[C] Brass
[D] Silver Bromide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iron Sulfide]
Notes:
The mineral pyrite or iron pyrite, also known as fool’s gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2 (iron (II) disulfide). “Fool’s Gold” is technically known as pyrite or iron sulfide (FeS2) and is one of the most common sulfide minerals. Its nickname is “Fool’s Gold,” but it often contains a surprising amount of gold.
7. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sodium]
Notes:
Chile saltpetre, or sodium nitrate (NaNO3), differs from regular saltpetre, which typically refers to potassium nitrate (KNO3). Chile saltpetre is primarily composed of sodium, while traditional saltpetre contains potassium. Historically, Chile saltpetre was extensively mined in the Atacama Desert and was crucial for fertilizer and explosives in the 19th century.
8. Which among the following kinds of Chemical reactions cause the rocks turn red or yellowish?
[A] Hydration
[B] Oxidation
[C] Carbonation
[D] Exfoliation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Oxidation]
Notes:
The correct answer is Oxidation. This reaction occurs when minerals in rocks, particularly iron-bearing minerals, react with oxygen. This process can lead to the formation of iron oxides, which give rocks a reddish or yellowish hue. For example, rusting of iron in rocks is a common oxidation reaction. Oxidation is a important weathering process, contributing to soil formation and landscape changes.
9. How does the Isotope of Iodine, Iodine-135 plays an important role in Nuclear Power Generation?
[A] It is used as a fuel supplement in some of the modern Nuclear Reactors
[B] It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation
[C] It is a moderator used actively in the Nuclear Reactors
[D] It is an experimental substance for Nuclear Fusion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation]
Notes:
Iodine-135 is a important by-product of nuclear fission, particularly in reactors using uranium fuel. It has a high neutron capture cross-section, meaning it effectively absorbs neutrons, which can inhibit the fission process and reduce reactor power output. This property makes it crucial for managing reactor control and safety, as its presence can lead to a phenomenon known as “neutron poison,” affecting the overall efficiency of the nuclear reaction.
10. 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.