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 among the following gases is used in production of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils?
[A] Nitrogen (N2)
[B] Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
[C] Hydrogen (H2)
[D] Neon (Ne)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrogen (H2)]
Notes:
Hydrogen (H2) gas is utilized in the manufacture of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils. The process involves hydrogenation, a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen (H2) and another compound or element. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils helps to convert them into a semisolid form that resembles ghee, often used as a cheaper alternative to butter or ghee in cooking.
3. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
Show Answer
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.
4. 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.
5. Consider the following:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Tin
Gun Metal is the alloy of which among the above?
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 1 & 3
[C] 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Gun metal is an alloy primarily composed of copper, tin, and zinc. Specifically, it typically contains about 88% copper, 10% tin, and 2% zinc. This alloy is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for manufacturing firearms and artillery. The term “gun metal” dates back to the 15th century when it was used for cannons and other weaponry.
6. Which among the following will emit maximum mass of carbon dioxide , when the same quantity is burnt of all of them?
[A] Kerosene
[B] Natural Gas
[C] Gasoline
[D] Propane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerosene]
Notes:
The carbon content of Kerosene is higher than the other fuels mentioned in the option, that is why it will emit maximum mass of carbon dioxide, when the same quantity is burnt.
7. 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).
8. Which of the following chemicals is called Philosopher’s Wool?
[A] Brimstone
[B] Zinc oxide
[C] Magnesium hydroxide
[D] Potassium nitrate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Zinc oxide]
Notes:
The compound zinc oxide (ZnO) is called philosopher's wool. ZnO is a white powder that is insoluble in water. Zinc oxide is used as an additive in sun screens, sun lotions, in rubber manufacturing and in photocopying products. Alchemists, as part of their rituals, burn zinc in air and collect the residue, which formed into white woolly tufts. They called it Lana philosophica in Latin, meaning philosopher's wool.
9. Which of the following represents the general formula for alkanes?
[A] CnH2n
[B] CnH2n-2
[C] CnH2n+2
[D] CnHn
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [CnH2n+2]
Notes:
Alkanes are saturated open chain hydrocarbons containing carbon – carbon single bonds.
10. What is Zeeman effect?
[A] splitting of spectral line in presence of magnetic field
[B] splitting of spectral line in presence of electric field
[C] convergence of spectral line in presence of magnetic field
[D] convergence of spectral line in presence of electric field
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [splitting of spectral line in presence of magnetic field]
Notes:
Zeeman effect refers to the splitting of a spectrum line into several components by the application of a magnetic field. It is named after the Dutch physicist Pieter Zeeman.