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 element is an essential constituent of acids?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hydrogen]
Notes:
Acids are molecules that are able to donate proton or H+ thus, hydrogen is essential for acids. However, there are exception to this such as Bronsted acids. A Bronsted acid is an acid which can accept an electron pair, but does not have a proton (H+) to donate. Examples of such acids are Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3), Boron Trifuoride (BF3).
2. 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.
3. Which among the following is the most abundant organic compound in nature?
[A] Glucose
[B] Fructose
[C] Sucrose
[D] Cellulose
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Correct Answer: D [Cellulose]
Notes:
Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound in nature. It is the main constituent of plant fiber. Plants contain on average 33% cellulose, and cotton is the purest form at 90%. Chitin is the second most abundant organic compound in nature.
4. The Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called ________?
[A] Alpha rays
[B] Beta rays
[C] Gamma rays
[D] None of the above
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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.
5. 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
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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.
6. Which of the following elements is not a member of the Carbon Group in the periodic table?
[A] Silicon
[B] Germanium
[C] Tin
[D] Selenium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Selenium]
Notes:
The Carbon Group of the periodic table includes the elements carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, and flerovium. These elements have four electrons in the outermost shell. Selenium, however, is not a part of this group. It is a member of the Chalcogens and sits beneath Oxygen in the periodic table. The element number for Selenium is 34. It is known for its photovoltaic and photocatalytic properties.
7. Gammaxene, D.D.T. and Bleaching powder are important compounds of :
[A] Chlorine
[B] Nitrogen
[C] Sulphur
[D] Phosphorus
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Correct Answer: A [Chlorine]
Notes:
The correct answer is Chlorine. – Gammaxene (also known as Lindane) is a pesticide derived from hexachlorocyclohexane, which involves chlorine. – D.D.T. (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is a synthetic pesticide containing chlorine. – Bleaching powder (calcium hypochlorite) is a chlorine compound used for disinfection and bleaching. Chlorine is essential in various chemical processes and compounds, particularly in agriculture and sanitation.
8. Which of the following is the softest metal?
[A] Cesium
[B] Lead
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
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Correct Answer: A [ Cesium]
Notes:
Cesium is extremely reactive metal. It reacts with water even at −116 °C (−177 °F). It is the least electronegative element. Cesium is also the softest known metal. It is so soft that it can be cut with a butter knife.
9. What is the atomic number of Barium?
[A] 54
[B] 56
[C] 58
[D] 60
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Correct Answer: B [56]
Notes:
The atomic number of barium is 56.
10. What happens to the non-metallic character of elements in the p-block of the periodic table?
[A] non-metallic character decreases down the group
[B] non-metallic character increases down the group
[C] No fix pattern
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [non-metallic character decreases down the group]
Notes:
The non-metallic character of elements decreases down the group. In fact, the heaviest element in each p-block group is the most metallic in nature.