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 scientists had discovered Radium?
[A] Marie and Pierre Curie
[B] Andre-Louis Debierne
[C] Kasimir Fajans
[D] Oswald Helmuth Gohring
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Marie and Pierre Curie]
Notes:
Radium(Ra) with atomic number 88 was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898 as Radium Chloride. However, it was Radium was isolated in its metallic state by Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne through the electrolysis of radium chloride in 1911.
2. Which among the following is an example of a Chemical Change?
[A] Rusting of iron
[B] Magnetisation of iron
[C] Melting of iron
[D] Heating of iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rusting of iron ]
Notes:
Rust is an iron oxide, a usually red oxide formed by the redox reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. Rusting of Iron is a chemical change.
3. Which of the following statements about the chemical nature of Diamond and Graphite is incorrect?
[A] The density of Diamond is greater than that of Graphite
[B] Diamond is chemically unreactive whereas Graphite mildly reacts with certain elements
[C] Both Diamond and Graphite are excellent conductors of electricity
[D] None of the above statements is incorrect
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both Diamond and Graphite are excellent conductors of electricity]
Notes:
Diamond and graphite are both forms of carbon but they exhibit different properties due to variations in their bonding arrangements. Diamond does not conduct electricity as each carbon atom in diamond is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms, leaving no free electrons to conduct electricity. On the other hand, graphite is a good conductor of electricity due to its layered structure which leaves free electrons between the layers.
4. Which of these is not considered an ore?
[A] Chalcopyrite
[B] Sphalerite
[C] Cinnabar
[D] Andesite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Andesite]
Notes:
Andesite is an igneous volcanic rock with intermediate composition and is not used as an ore. Chalcopyrite is a major copper ore, sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc, and cinnabar is the main ore of mercury. Andesite mainly consists of plagioclase, pyroxene, and amphibole minerals and forms in volcanic arcs associated with subduction zones.
5. Which among the following acid is used to ascertain, whether pure Ghee has been adulterated with Vanaspati or Margarine?
[A] Sulphuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Boric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrochloric Acid]
Notes:
The correct answer is Hydrochloric Acid. When testing for adulteration of pure ghee with vanaspati or margarine, hydrochloric acid is used because it reacts with the fats present in these substances, producing a distinct color change. This method is based on the principle that the presence of unsaturated fats in vanaspati or margarine will lead to a different reaction compared to pure ghee. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used in food testing due to its effectiveness in identifying such adulterants.
6. When a piece of quicklime is dipped in water, it gives bubbles. This bubbling is due to which of the following ?
[A] Oxygen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapour
[D] Hydrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Water Vapour]
Notes:
When quicklime (calcium oxide) is added to water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). This reaction produces heat and releases water vapor, which causes bubbling. The reaction can be represented as: [ ext{CaO} + ext{H}_2 ext{O}
ightarrow ext{Ca(OH)}_2 + ext{heat} ] Trivia: Quicklime is used in various applications, including steelmaking and water treatment, and was historically used in ancient construction.
7. Consider the following:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Tin
Gun Metal is the alloy of which among the above?
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 1 & 3
[C] 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Gun metal is an alloy primarily composed of copper, tin, and zinc. Specifically, it typically contains about 88% copper, 10% tin, and 2% zinc. This alloy is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for manufacturing firearms and artillery. The term “gun metal” dates back to the 15th century when it was used for cannons and other weaponry.
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. Which of the following is the correct order of composition of biogas released through anaerobic bio-digester system?
[A] Methane> Carbon dioxide> Nitrogen> Hydrogen
[B] Carbon dioxide> Nitrogen> Methane> Hydrogen
[C] Nitrogen> Hydrogen> Carbon dioxide> Methane
[D] Hydrogen> Nitrogen> Methane> Carbon dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Methane> Carbon dioxide> Nitrogen> Hydrogen ]
Notes:
The correct composition of biogas released through anaerobic bio-digester system is:
Methane (CH4) – 50–75 %
Carbon dioxide (CO2) – 25–50%
Nitrogen (N2) – 0–10%
Hydrogen (H2) – 0–1%
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) – 0–3%
10. Which of the following occurs as dry deposits and is also known as Sajimati (efflorescent soil) in India?
[A] Sodium carbonate
[B] Potassium carbonate
[C] Calcium carbonate
[D] Magnesium carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sodium carbonate]
Notes:
Sodium carbonate is found as dry deposits and is also known as Sajimati (efflorescent soil) in India.