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 acid is described as HOOCCOOH?
[A] Oxalic Acid
[B] Acetic Acid
[C] Carbonic Acid
[D] Citric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Oxalic Acid]
Notes:
Oxalic acid is an organic compound with the formula C₂H₂O₄. Some call it “crab acid” due to its appearance. Its condensed formula is HOOCCOOH, reflecting its classification as the simplest dicarboxylic acid.
2. 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.
3. Who among the following had given the Atomic Theory?
[A] Benzamin Franklin
[B] Madam curie
[C] Albert Einstien
[D] John Dalton
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Correct Answer: D [John Dalton]
Notes:
The correct answer is John Dalton. He proposed the Atomic Theory in the early 19th century, stating that matter is composed of indivisible atoms, each with a specific weight. Dalton’s work laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Notably, he also introduced the concept of atomic weights and was the first to use symbols to represent atoms of different elements.
4. Consider the following:
- Cinnabar is also known as mercurblende
- The color of Cinnabar varies from dull grey to bright green
- Cinnabar is the most common source ore for refining elemental mercury
- Cinnabar is the historic source for the brilliant blue pigment termed azure
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] All Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Cinnabar, also known as mercurblende, is indeed the most common ore source for refining elemental mercury. However, its color range runs from scarlet to brick-red, not grey to green. It is known for providing the brilliant red or scarlet pigment known as vermilion, not a blue pigment.
5. 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.
6. Which among the following is the property of Tungsten which makes it eligible to use in the bulbs?
[A] highest melting point
[B] highest resistance
[C] Highest malleability
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [highest melting point]
Notes:
The electric heating is also used to produce light, as in an electric bulb. Here, the filament must retain as much of the heat generated as is possible, so that it gets very hot and emits light. It must not melt at such high temperature. A strong metal with high melting point such as tungsten (melting point 3380°C) is used for making bulb filaments. The filament should be thermally isolated as much as possible, using insulating support, etc. The bulbs are usually filled with chemically inactive nitrogen and argon gases to prolong the life of filament. Most of the power consumed by the filament appears as heat, but a small part of it is in the form of light radiated.
7. Cassiterite is a primary ore of which of the following elements?
[A] Iron
[B] Zinc
[C] Copper
[D] Tin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tin]
Notes:
Cassiterite is a mineral that is a significant ore of tin. It is also known as tin oxide. Although rare, its key characteristic is its high specific gravity that makes it easy to separate it from other materials. Tin, which is extracted from Cassiterite, is commonly used in making alloys, punches, and cutting tools.
8. Which set shows copper ores as Sulfide, Carbonate, Silicate respectively?
[A] Chalcopyrite, Azurite, Dioptase
[B] Azurite, Dioptase, Chalcopyrite
[C] Dioptase, Chalcopyrite, Azurite
[D] Dioptase, Azurite, Chalcopyrite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalcopyrite, Azurite, Dioptase]
Notes:
Chalcopyrite is a major copper sulfide ore. Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral with formula Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂. Dioptase is a copper silicate mineral with formula CuSiO₃·H₂O. These match the deposit types in sulfide, carbonate, and silicate order respectively.
9. Why most of the aromatic hydrocarbons burn with a sooty flame?
[A] Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is high
[B] Because of the presence of the strong carbon-carbon bonds
[C] Because, hydrocarbons are unsaturated
[D] Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is low
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is high]
Notes:
Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is high.
10. How many electrons can the s-orbital accommodate?
[A] 1
[B] 2
[C] 8
[D] 16
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2]
Notes:
A the s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons, two groups (1 & 2) belong to the s-block of the Periodic Table.