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 are the most and the least electronegative elements in the periodic table?
[A] Fluorine and Caesium
[B] Hydrogen and Helium
[C] Carbon and Oxygen
[D] Chlorine and Fluorine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fluorine and Caesium]
Notes:
Caesium is the least electronegative element in the periodic table and Fluorine is the most electronegative. Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.
2. Which among the following is the most abundant organic compound in nature?
[A] Glucose
[B] Fructose
[C] Sucrose
[D] Cellulose
Show Answer
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.
3. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
Show Answer
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.
4. Calcium Magnesium Silicate is commonly called as ________?
[A] Asbestos
[B] Borax
[C] Baking Soda
[D] Washing Soda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Asbestos]
Notes:
CaMgO4Si is the chemical formula of calcium magnesium silicate . Calcium magnesium silicate is commonly known as Asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral as the substance is formed by miniature crystal fibers, these crystal are loosely attached releasing dust of silicate crystal upon small touch.
5. Which of the following elements is the most electronegative?
[A] Chlorine
[B] Fluorine
[C] Bromine
[D] All of them have the same electronegativity
Show Answer
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.
6. Which among the following were not discovered by the time , Mendeleev published his periodic table?
[A] Lathanides
[B] Actinides
[C] Noble Gases
[D] Halogens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Noble Gases]
Notes:
When Mendeleev published his periodic table in 1869, noble gases had not yet been discovered. The first noble gas, argon, was identified in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay. In contrast, lanthanides and actinides were recognized later, but their existence was inferred from Mendeleev’s predictions. Halogens, including elements like chlorine and iodine, were known prior to Mendeleev’s work.
7. 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.
8. Consider the following substances:
- Iodine
- Naphthalene
- Camphor
Which of the above substances undergo ‘sublimation’ on heating?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] All of them
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All of them]
Notes:
Sublimation is a transition from solid to gas, bypassing the liquid phase. Iodine sublimes, producing violet vapors; naphthalene sublimes, hence its use in mothballs; and camphor also sublimes, used in medicinal and aromatic applications. Thus, all three substances exhibit sublimation upon heating, making ‘All of them’ the correct answer.
9. Flint, which was used by the prehistoric man to make tools is a __?
[A] Igneous rock
[B] Sedimentary rock
[C] Metamorphic rock
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Sedimentary rock]
Notes:
Flint is a sedimentary rock. It’s a type of microcrystalline quartz in the chert family. Flint is known for its sharp edges and ability to be easily flaked into various shapes. It was widely used by early humans to make a variety of tools, including: Knives, Scrapers, Points, Axe-heads, Hammers, Choppers. Flint is often found along streams and beaches. It’s close behind diamond in hardness and fractures easily to give razor sharp edges.
10. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "sweet oil of vitriol"?
[A] Diethyl ether
[B] Aluminium sulphate
[C] Sulphuric acid
[D] Iron(III) sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Diethyl ether]
Notes:
Diethyl ether is a colourless, highly volatile & flammable organic compound. It was earlier used for anaesthesia but after the development of non-flammable drugs, its uses as anaesthetic has been reduced.