Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Presence of which among the following minerals in Banana makes them slightly radioactive?
[A] Sodium
[B] Calcium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Pottasium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pottasium]
Notes:
Bananas contain potassium-40, a radioactive isotope of potassium, which makes them slightly radioactive. The radiation is very minor and not dangerous at all to humans, but it is enough to trigger sensitive radiation sensors. The potassium provides bananas some of their nutritional benefits as well.
2. Which among the following element is an essential constituent of acids?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hydrogen]
Notes:
Acids are molecules that are able to donate proton or H+ thus, hydrogen is essential for acids. However, there are exception to this such as Bronsted acids. A Bronsted acid is an acid which can accept an electron pair, but does not have a proton (H+) to donate. Examples of such acids are Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3), Boron Trifuoride (BF3).
3. Which of the following is a thermosetting plastic?
[A] Polythene
[B] Bakelite
[C] Polyvinyl chloride
[D] Casseine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bakelite]
Notes:
Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic formed from phenol and formaldehyde, used in electrical insulators and cookware handles. Unlike thermoplastics, it hardens irreversibly when heated and cannot be remolded. It was the first synthetic plastic, invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907.
4. A cotton wick dipped in pure honey when ignited with a matchstick will ______?
[A] Burn steadily
[B] Burn with a cracking sound
[C] Not burn at all
[D] Burn producing a large amount of smoke
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burn steadily]
Notes:
A cotton wick soaked in pure honey, when lit with a matchstick, will burn consistently. This is primarily due to the high sugar content of the honey acting as fuel for the flame. Contrary to common misconceptions, honey doesn’t produce much smoke or any unusual sounds during combustion.
5. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sodium]
Notes:
Chile saltpetre, or sodium nitrate (NaNO3), differs from regular saltpetre, which typically refers to potassium nitrate (KNO3). Chile saltpetre is primarily composed of sodium, while traditional saltpetre contains potassium. Historically, Chile saltpetre was extensively mined in the Atacama Desert and was crucial for fertilizer and explosives in the 19th century.
6. L.P.G. is a hydrocarbon consisting of a mixture of :
[A] Methane and Butane
[B] Propane and Butane
[C] Ethane and Propane
[D] Ethane and Butane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Propane and Butane]
Notes:
L.P.G. (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) primarily consists of propane and butane. It is used as fuel for heating, cooking, and vehicles. Propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10) are both byproducts of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. LPG is favored for its high energy content and clean-burning properties.
7. Which among the following acids is generally used as a first hand test to judge whether a metal is Gold or not?
[A] Sulfuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Sulfurous Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitric Acid]
Notes:
The funda is that when a small drop of a strong acid, such as nitric acid, is put onto the metal’s surface, most metals fizz or bubble, whilst precious metals (Gold or Platinum not silver) are unaffected.
8. What is dry ice?
[A] solidified form of Carbon dioxide
[B] frozen heavy water
[C] isotope of Hydrogen
[D] popular name of Benzene
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [solidified form of Carbon dioxide]
Notes:
Carbon dioxide can be obtained as a solid in the form of dry ice by allowing the liquified CO2 to expand rapidly.
9. Which of the following is correct about ozone?
[A] it is a red coloured gas
[B] it is odourless
[C] it is harmless in small concentrations
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [it is harmless in small concentrations]
Notes:
Pure ozone is a pale blue gas, dark blue liquid and violet-black solid. Ozone has a characteristic smell and in small concentrations it is harmless. However, if the concentration rises above about 100 parts per million, breathing becomes uncomfortable resulting in headache and nausea.
10. Bell metal is an alloy of which of the following metals?
[A] Copper and Tin
[B] Copper and Mercury
[C] Copper and Lead
[D] Copper and Zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Copper and Tin]
Notes:
Bell metal is a form of bronze with a higher tin content. It is an alloy of copper and tin (typically, 78% copper, 22% tin by mass). It is used for making bells and related instruments, such as cymbals.