Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. “Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.” This principle was given by __?
[A] Avogadro
[B] Dalton
[C] Rutherford
[D] Niels Bohr
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dalton]
Notes:
The given principle is one of the postulates of the Dalton’s atomic theory given in 1803 by John Dalton. The postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory are as follows:
1. Elements consist of indivisible small particles (atoms).
2. All atoms of the same element are identical; different elements have different types of atom.
3. Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.
4. ‘Compound elements’ (i.e. Compounds) are formed when atoms of different elements join in simple ratios to form ‘compound atoms’ (i.e. Molecules).
2. Which among the following is an ionic solid?
[A] Diamond
[B] Dry ice
[C] Table salt
[D] All are ionic solids
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Table salt]
Notes:
One important character of Ionic solids is that they readily get dissolved in water
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Flint, which was used by the prehistoric man to make tools is a __?
[A] Igneous rock
[B] Sedimentary rock
[C] Metamorphic rock
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Sedimentary rock]
Notes:
Flint is a sedimentary rock. It’s a type of microcrystalline quartz in the chert family. Flint is known for its sharp edges and ability to be easily flaked into various shapes. It was widely used by early humans to make a variety of tools, including: Knives, Scrapers, Points, Axe-heads, Hammers, Choppers. Flint is often found along streams and beaches. It’s close behind diamond in hardness and fractures easily to give razor sharp edges.
6. Which of the following elements have the lowest and highest boiling point in the Periodic table?
[A] Helium and Tungsten
[B] Hydrogen and Rhenium
[C] Helium and Rhenium
[D] Hydrogen and Tungsten
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Helium and Rhenium]
Notes:
Helium has the lowest boiling point of all the elements at –452.074°F (–268.93°C) followed by hydrogen –423.16°F (–252.87°C). The highest boiling point for an element is that of Rhenium 10,104.8°F (5,596°C) followed by tungsten 10,031°F (5,555°C).
7. Which of the following radical is also known as the “atmospheric detergent” ?
[A] Chlorine radical
[B] Hydroxyl radical
[C] Methyl radical
[D] Ozone radical
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hydroxyl radical]
Notes:
One of the most important chemical components of the troposphere is the ‘hydroxyl radical’: a highly reactive substance composed of an oxygen and a hydrogen atom, denoted ‘OH’. Hydroxyl radicals react with just about any other trace gas they encounter, removing them from the atmosphere.For example, OH combines with toxic carbon monoxide to generate carbon dioxide. In this sense, OH ‘cleans up’ the troposphere, and is sometimes called the detergent of the atmosphere.
8. 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.
9. Brass is an alloy of which of the following metals?
[A] Copper and Tin
[B] Copper and Zinc
[C] Lead and Tin
[D] Zinc and Nickel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Copper and Zinc]
Notes:
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc (Cu and Zn). Lead is often added in concentrations of around 2% to enhance the machinability of brass.
10. Which of the following mixture can be separated by Fractional distillation method?
[A] Air
[B] Crude oil
[C] Chlorosilanes
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Fractional distillation method is used to separate a mixture of two or more miscible liquids for which the difference in boiling points is less than 25 K. example: Air, crude oil, chlorosilanes etc.