Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. What is the key element used in the batteries of electric vehicles?
[A] Magnesium
[B] Lithium
[C] Sodium
[D] Bromine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lithium]
Notes:
The primary component for electric vehicle batteries is Lithium, used as Lithium carbonate or Lithium hydroxide. These Lithium-ion batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio, energy efficiency, and thermal stability, leading to their prevalence in electric vehicles. Notably, the boom in EVs has significantly driven the demand for Lithium globally.
2. Which of the following is an alkaline earth metal?
[A] Pottasium
[B] Lead
[C] Copper
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Calcium ]
Notes:
The six elements in column 2 of the Periodic table are called Alkaline Earth Metals. These include Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Ra).
3. Which element is responsible for the bright red color observed during the bursting of firecrackers?
[A] Strontium
[B] Sodium
[C] Sulfur
[D] Magnesium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Strontium]
Notes:
The bright red color in fireworks is due to the presence of Strontium salts. The Strontium atom, upon yielding its energy in a quick burst upon heating, emits a brilliant red light. In fact, such properties of elements are used to identify them in a flame test, a classic method in chemistry labs across the globe.
4. Which among the following acid is used to ascertain, whether pure Ghee has been adulterated with Vanaspati or Margarine?
[A] Sulphuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Boric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrochloric Acid]
Notes:
The correct answer is Hydrochloric Acid. When testing for adulteration of pure ghee with vanaspati or margarine, hydrochloric acid is used because it reacts with the fats present in these substances, producing a distinct color change. This method is based on the principle that the presence of unsaturated fats in vanaspati or margarine will lead to a different reaction compared to pure ghee. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used in food testing due to its effectiveness in identifying such adulterants.
5. In a photochemical smog, which gas causes irritation to mucous membrane and respiratory system?
[A] Nitrous oxide
[B] Sulphur dioxide
[C] Ozone
[D] Carbon monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Ozone]
Notes:Ozone (O3) is the most common photochemical oxidant in photochemical smog. Inhaling ozone can cause irritation to the mucous membrane and respiratory system. Ozone can also cause chest constriction and damage to vegetation.
Other components of photochemical smog include:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN)
- Aldehydes
Other air pollutants that can be harmful to humans include:
- Sulfur dioxide
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Dioxins
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Carbon monoxide can cause hyperventilation, respiratory distress, and stillbirths. At high levels, carbon monoxide can even cause direct poisoning.
6. 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.
7. Which of the following is NOT correct about Sodium chloride?
[A] It is a covalent compound
[B] It is also known as common salt
[C] It is also used in de-icing of roadways during snowfall
[D] It is used as a food preservative
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is a covalent compound]
Notes:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is used as a common salt or table salt for domestic purpose and used as a food preservative. It is an ionic compound. It is also used in de-icing of roadways during snowfall.
8. Which of the following is correct about the properties of a solution?
[A] The particles of a solution can be seen by naked eyes
[B] The particles of a solution scatter a beam of light passing through the solution
[C] The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed]
Notes:
The particles of a solution are smaller than 1 nm in diameter. So, they cannot be seen by naked eyes. Because of very small particle size, they do not scatter a beam of light passing through the solution. The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed, that is, a solution is stable.
9. Which of the following is an example of colloidal solution?
[A] Milk
[B] Fog
[C] Smoke
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Milk, Fog, Smoke, Cheese, Clouds, Mist, Shaving cream, Butter, Jelly etc. are some of the examples of colloidal solution.
10. What happens to the effective nuclear charge as we move from left to right in the periodic table?
[A] It increases
[B] it decreases
[C] It remains constant
[D] It increases till 4th group then decreases
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It increases]
Notes:
The effective nuclear charge of an element increases as we move from left to right in the periodic table.