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 compound of mercury is used as antiseptic?
[A] Mercuric sulphide
[B] Mercuric oxide
[C] Mercuric chloride
[D] Mercuric iodide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mercuric chloride]
Notes:
Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a highly toxic compound that volatizes slightly at ordinary temperature and appreciably at 100 degrees C. It is corrosive to mucous membranes and used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant.
3. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Dye]
Notes:
Phenolphthalein is commonly employed as a pH indicator in titrations due to its distinct color change in varying pH levels. At pH 8.2, it appears colorless but turns pink as the pH increases to 10. It is not used as a solvent, catalyst or detergent. It also finds applications in forensic science for detecting latent blood stains.
4. Under standard conditions, which of the following is the most stable form of carbon?
[A] Charcoal
[B] Graphite
[C] Diamond
[D] Amorphous Carbon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Graphite]
Notes:
Under standard conditions, Graphite is the most stable form of carbon. It is commonly used in pencils and lubricants due to its layered structure. These layers can move over each other, making graphite soft and slippery. Besides Graphite, other forms of carbon are diamond, charcoal, and amorphous carbon, each with unique properties and applications.
5. Buckeyballs are basically the allotropes of _________?
[A] Carbon
[B] Sulfur
[C] Phosphorus
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Carbon]
Notes:
Buckeyballs, or fullerenes, are allotropes of carbon. Discovered in 1985, they consist of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. This unique structure contributes to their remarkable properties, including high strength and electrical conductivity. Fullerenes are part of a broader class of carbon allotropes, which also includes graphite and diamond.
6. Which among the following alkane has largely replaced the ozone layer-depleting halomethanes in household refrigerators and freezers?
[A] Methane
[B] Propane
[C] Butane
[D] Ethane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Butane]
Notes:
Isobutane, which is known in the industry as R600A has been used in several domestic refrigerators in recent times because it is an excellent refrigerant and non-ozone depleting substance with low global warming potential. The only drawback is that it is highly inflammable.
7. L.P.G. is a hydrocarbon consisting of a mixture of :
[A] Methane and Butane
[B] Propane and Butane
[C] Ethane and Propane
[D] Ethane and Butane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Propane and Butane]
Notes:
L.P.G. (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) primarily consists of propane and butane. It is used as fuel for heating, cooking, and vehicles. Propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) are both byproducts of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. LPG is favored for its high energy content and clean-burning properties.
8. PAN (Peroxyacetyl nitrate) is a secondary gaseous compound found in _?
[A] Classical smog
[B] Volatile organic compound
[C] Photochemical smog
[D] Green manure
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Photochemical smog]
Notes:
Third option is the correct answer
Photochemical smog is the chemical reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere, which leaves airborne particles and ground-level ozone.
9. Plumbism is a condition which occurs due to accumulation of:
[A] Lead in the body
[B] Sodium in the body
[C] Cadmium in the body
[D] Potassium in the body
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Lead in the body]
Notes:
Plumbism is also known as lead poisoning or a condition which occurs when there is accumulation of lead in body, usually over a few months' time period and even years.
10. Which of the following element has the highest first ionization enthalpy?
[A] Magnesium
[B] Strontium
[C] Beryllium
[D] Barium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beryllium]
Notes:
The alkaline earth metals have low ionization enthalpies due to fairly large size of the atoms. Since the atomic size increases down the group, their ionization enthalpy decreases.
