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 is the most active chemically?
[A] Chlorine
[B] Flourine
[C] Lithium
[D] Iodine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Flourine]
Notes:
Fluorine is most active because it has the highest electronegativity.
2. The aqueous solution of which among the following acids is called Vinegar?
[A] Oxalic acid
[B] Citric acid
[C] Acetic acid
[D] Hydrochloric acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Acetic acid ]
Notes:
Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak organic acid that gives vinegar its sour taste. At household concentrations (5-8% acetic acid), it is a mild acid. Vinegar can be made from a variety of base ingredients including wine, apple cider, rice, or malt. The acetic acid is produced by fermentation of the sugars in these ingredients. The most common type of vinegar in households is white distilled vinegar which is typically 4-7% acetic acid. It has a strong, pungent smell and flavor.
3. Potassium permanganate is used to purify water. Which among the following properties of Potassium permanganate helps in this work?
[A] sterilizing
[B] oxidizing
[C] reducing
[D] leaching
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [oxidizing]
Notes:
Potassium permanganate is a point-of-entry treatment method that oxidizes dissolved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide into solid particles that are filtered out of the water. It can also be used to control iron bacteria growth in wells.
4. Which among the following is major component of Gobar Gas?
[A] Butane
[B] Ethane
[C] Propane
[D] Metahne
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Correct Answer: D [Metahne]
Notes:
Gobar Gas or Biogas is mostly methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have small amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), moisture and siloxanes.
5. What is the electrical state of a molecule, considered the smallest part of matter retaining the properties of the original matter?
[A] Positive
[B] Negative
[C] Either positive or negative
[D] Neutral
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neutral]
Notes:
A molecule represents the smallest portion of a substance that retains the characteristics of the substance. It’s electrically neutral because it’s made up of atoms that bond together, sharing or exchanging electrons to achieve stability. This process balances out the electrical charges of the protons and electrons, rendering the molecule as a whole electrically neutral.
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
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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 among the following is Quick Silver?
[A] Aluminium
[B] Mercury
[C] Lead
[D] Zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mercury]
Notes:
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. The element is also known as quicksilver for its mobility. Mercury is one of the oldest and deadliest poisons, a highly toxic metal mined from a brilliant red ore.
9. 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.
10. Which among the following gas is used in Balloons?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Helium
[C] Nitrogen
[D] Oxygen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Helium]
Notes:
The correct answer is Helium. Helium is a non-flammable, lighter-than-air gas, making it safe for use in balloons. Unlike hydrogen, which is highly flammable and poses explosion risks, helium is inert and does not react with other substances. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, primarily produced through nuclear fusion in stars. It was first discovered in the sun before being found on Earth.