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 high-refractive-index polymer (HRIP) is a polymer that has a refractive index greater than _?
[A] .50
[B] 1.0
[C] 1.20
[D] 1.50
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1.50]
Notes:
A high-refractive-index polymer is a polymer that has a refractive index greater than 1.50. Such materials are required for anti-reflective coating and photonic devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and image sensors.
2. Which of the following is the poorest conductor of heat in comparison to other options?
[A] Silver
[B] Copper
[C] Lead
[D] Mercury
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Lead ]
Notes:
Silver is best conductor of heat while among metals lead is poorest conductor of heat. Cooper and aluminum are good conductor while mercury is a poor conductor.
3. Which among the following will undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution?
[A] Calcium Oxide
[B] Zinc Oxide
[C] Ferric Oxide
[D] Ferrous Oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zinc Oxide]
Notes:
Zinc oxide (ZnO) can undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution. In acidic conditions, it can react to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺), while in alkaline conditions, it can form zincates. This behavior is due to its amphoteric nature, which allows it to react with both acids and bases. In contrast, calcium oxide (CaO) is basic, ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) is generally inert in neutral pH, and ferrous oxide (FeO) is less reactive in varying pH levels.
4. Which among the following gives hissing sound when dissolved into H2O?
[A] CaCO2
[B] Ca(OH)2
[C] CaO
[D] CaCl2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [CaO]
Notes:
The correct answer is CaO (calcium oxide), which is also known as quicklime. When CaO is dissolved in water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), producing a hissing sound due to the rapid release of heat and steam. This reaction is a classic example of a vigorous exothermic reaction in chemistry. Calcium oxide is commonly used in construction and as a drying agent.
5. 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.
6. Which of the following laws states that the partial vapour pressure of each component of an ideal mixture of liquids is equal to the vapour pressure of the pure component multiplied by its mole fraction in the mixture?
[A] Raoult’s law
[B] Henry’s law
[C] Graham’s law
[D] Sievert’s law
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Raoult’s law]
Notes:
Raoult’s law states that the partial vapour pressure of each component of an ideal mixture of liquids is equal to the vapour pressure of the pure component multiplied by its mole fraction in the mixture.
7. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "butter of tin"?
[A] Stannic chloride
[B] Sodium perborate
[C] Potassium nitrate
[D] Magnesium hydroxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Stannic chloride]
Notes:
“Butter of Tin” is also known as tin tetrachloride pentahydrate. It is called “butter of tin” because of its physical appearance. Its chemical formula is SnCl4*5H2O or [SnCl4 (H2O)]*3H2O.
8. Which of the following element is NOT an alkaline earth metal?
[A] Magnesium
[B] Strontium
[C] Barium
[D] Beryllium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Beryllium]
Notes:
The elements of Group 2 include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium. These elements with the exception of beryllium are commonly known as the alkaline earth metals.
9. Which among the following is most advantageous in storage in fuel cells used in small, portable electronics such as phones and laptop computers?
[A] Methanol
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Formic Acid
[D] Acetic Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Formic Acid]
Notes:
The cells are called Direct-formic acid fuel cells, in which formic acid is directly fed in the cells. Storage of formic acid is much easier and safer than that of hydrogen because it does not need to be done at high pressures and (or) low temperatures, as formic acid is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Formic acid does not cross over the polymer membrane, so its efficiency can be higher than that of methanol. Use of acetic acid in cells does not arise.
10. Which of the following techniques can be used to separate cream from milk?
[A] Filtration
[B] Distillation
[C] Centrifugation
[D] Chromatography
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Centrifugation]
Notes:
Centrifugation is a mechanical process that utilizes an applied centrifugal force field to separate the components of a mixture.