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 is known as Quick Lime?
[A] CaO
[B] CaCO2
[C] Ca(OH)2
[D] CaCl2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [CaO]
Notes:
Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime, is a widely used chemical compound. It is a white, caustic, alkaline crystalline solid at room temperature.
2. What is the common name of Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate?
[A] Bleaching powder
[B] Slaked lime
[C] Plaster of paris
[D] Detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Plaster of paris]
Notes:
Plaster of Paris is calcium sulphate hemihydrate. The formula is given as, CaSO4.1/2 H2O or (2 CaSO4) . H2O. The powder is called plaster of Paris, because the gypsum which was used to get the powder was mainly found in Paris.
3. Which of the following is an anti-knocking compound that has been phased out in many countries so far?
[A] Lead tetrachloride
[B] Tetra Ethyl Lead
[C] Ethyl acetate
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tetra Ethyl Lead ]
Notes:
Tetra Ethyl Lead (TEL) is one such component that is added to petrol to reduce its tendency to `ping’ under compression. TEL breaks down to lead at upper cylinder temperatures. Lead atoms spread around and combining with the free radicals and slowing down the reaction.
However, `Leaded’ petrol was a grave danger to the environment, as lead is a poison when it is absorbed into the body.
4. 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.
5. Which among the following gases is used in production of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils?
[A] Nitrogen (N2)
[B] Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
[C] Hydrogen (H2)
[D] Neon (Ne)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrogen (H2)]
Notes:
Hydrogen (H2) gas is utilized in the manufacture of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils. The process involves hydrogenation, a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen (H2) and another compound or element. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils helps to convert them into a semisolid form that resembles ghee, often used as a cheaper alternative to butter or ghee in cooking.
6. Which of the following is not a common use of Graphite?
[A] Manufacturing of electrodes
[B] As a lubricant
[C] Manufacturing of crucibles
[D] In glass cutting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [In glass cutting]
Notes:
Graphite is renowned for its conspicuous uses owing to its unique properties like its ability to conduct electricity, which makes it ideal for electrode manufacturing. It’s also used as a lubricant and in the production of crucibles, thanks to its high melting point. However, it isn’t used in glass cutting.
7. 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.
8. Which of the following is / are correct statement(s) about Gypsum?
[A] It’s a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate
[B] It is a soft mineral
[C] It is commonly added to saline soils to reduce salinity
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Gypsum is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It’s a soft mineral and colorless to white in color. It is commonly added to saline soils to reduce salinity and also used in wallboard (drywall) and plaster of paris.
9. Hydraulic Washing:
- is used for concentration of ores
- is based on differences in magnetic properties of the ore components
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 ]
Notes:
Hydraulic Washing is a method used for concentration of ores. It is a type of gravity separation as it is based on the differences in gravities of the ore and the gangue particles.
10. Which of these industrial processes is used for production of aluminium from alumina?
[A] Vunyukov process
[B] Hall–Heroult process
[C] Betts process
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hall–Heroult process]
Notes:
The Hall–Heroult process is the major industrial process for production of aluminium. It involves dissolving aluminium oxide in molten cryolite and electrolysing the molten salt bath to get pure aluminium.