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 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.
2. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
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Correct Answer: D [Allotropes]
Notes:
Allotropes refer to two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist. The property is due to different ways atoms bond together. The most common instance is the element carbon, which exists in several different forms, including diamond, graphite, and fullerenes, making it an allotropic element. It’s crucial to note that allotropy applies to elements, not compounds.
3. Which of the following elements is the most electronegative?
[A] Chlorine
[B] Fluorine
[C] Bromine
[D] All of them have the same electronegativity
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Correct Answer: B [Fluorine]
Notes:
Electronegativity is defined as an atom’s ability to attract an electron pair when forming a covalent bond. This property increases as you move left to right across the periodic table due to an increase in the nuclear charge’s attractive forces. It decreases as you move top to bottom, owing to the shielding effect of sub-levels and increased atomic radius, which makes electrons easier to remove. This culminates in Fluorine, being the highest and furthest to the right on the periodic table, hence it is the most electronegative.
4. Which among the following compound of barium is used as radio contrast agent for X-ray imaging and other diagnostic procedures and also commonly called as Barium Food?
[A] Barium Carbonate
[B] Barium Sulphate
[C] Barium Bromide
[D] Barium hydroxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barium Sulphate]
Notes:
Barium Sulphate is the correct answer. It is used as a radiopaque contrast agent in X-ray imaging because it absorbs X-rays, making it visible on the images. Commonly referred to as “Barium Meal” when ingested for gastrointestinal studies, it helps diagnose conditions like ulcers and tumors. Barium Sulphate is insoluble in water, ensuring it remains in the digestive tract without being absorbed.
5. Ekaboron was an element predicted by Mendeleev and he leaved a space for it in his Periodic Table. Later Ekaboron was identified with _____?
[A] Gallium
[B] Scandium
[C] Technitium
[D] Germanium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Scandium]
Notes:
Ekaboron was predicted by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1871, who left a space in his Periodic Table for it. It was later identified as Scandium (element 21) in 1879 by Lars Fredrik Nilson. Scandium shares similar properties with Ekaboron, aligning with Mendeleev’s predictions.
6. 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.
7. How does vulcanization make natural rubber more durable?
[A] The long polymer chains are shortened
[B] The rubber loses water and sticky substances
[C] The short polymer chains are lengthened
[D] Cross links form between the polymer chains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cross links form between the polymer chains]
Notes:
Vulcanization introduces sulfur cross-links between poly-isoprene chains in natural rubber, restricting movement, which increases stiffness, elasticity, and durability. This chemical modification prevents rubber from becoming sticky or brittle, significantly improving its mechanical properties for industrial and commercial use.
8. Water Gas is a mixture of?
[A] CO and H2
[B] CO and H2O
[C] CO2 and H2
[D] None of the Above
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Correct Answer: A [CO and H2]
Notes:
The mixture of CO and H2 produced is known as water gas or synthesis gas.
9. What is the hemihydrate of calcium sulphate commonly known as?
[A] Gypsum
[B] Plaster of Paris
[C] Chloroform
[D] Limestone
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Correct Answer: B [Plaster of Paris]
Notes:
Plaster of Paris is the common name of calcium sulphate hemihydrate because half molecule of water is attached with calcium sulphate. The chemical formula of plaster of Paris is CaSO4.1/2H2O.
10. Which of the following is an endothermic reaction?
[A] Decomposition of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide
[B] Respiration
[C] Burning of Natural gas
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Decomposition of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide]
Notes:
Decomposition of calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide is an endothermic reaction. Respiration and Burning of Natural gas are examples of exothermic reactions.