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 also known as wood alcohol?
[A] Methanol
[B] Ethanol
[C] Propanal
[D] Butanol
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Methanol]
Notes:
Methanol (CH3OH) is also known as Wood Alcohol. It’s a solvent in many chemical processes and is a component of automobile antifreeze.
2. “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).
3. Consider the following:
- Cinnabar is also known as mercurblende
- The color of Cinnabar varies from dull grey to bright green
- Cinnabar is the most common source ore for refining elemental mercury
- Cinnabar is the historic source for the brilliant blue pigment termed azure
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] All Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Cinnabar, also known as mercurblende, is indeed the most common ore source for refining elemental mercury. However, its color range runs from scarlet to brick-red, not grey to green. It is known for providing the brilliant red or scarlet pigment known as vermilion, not a blue pigment.
4. 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.
5. Which among the following is the main constituent of malleable metal alloy Pewter ?
[A] Copper
[B] Zinc
[C] Tin
[D] Bismuth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tin]
Notes:
Pewter is primarily composed of tin, typically around 85-95%, with the remainder often consisting of copper, antimony, or bismuth. Historically, pewter was used for making utensils and decorative items due to its malleability and low melting point. The use of tin in pewter dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians, who valued it for its corrosion resistance and ease of casting.
6. If a Hydrogen atom is removed from a hydrocarbon of Benzene group, the remaining residue is called _________?
[A] Alkyl
[B] Aryl
[C] Arene
[D] Azene
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aryl]
Notes:
The correct answer is Aryl. In organic chemistry, when a hydrogen atom is removed from a benzene ring (a hydrocarbon), the remaining structure is referred to as an aryl group. Aryl groups are derived from aromatic compounds, specifically those containing a benzene ring. For example, when a hydrogen is removed from toluene (methylbenzene), the resulting aryl group is called a tolyl group. Aryl groups are important in various chemical reactions and are foundational in the synthesis of many organic compounds.
7. The presence of which of the following chemical elements helps to differentiate between sweet and sour crude oil?
[A] Iron
[B] Sulphur
[C] Vanadium
[D] Chromium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Sulphur ]
Notes:
Crude oil with high amount of Sulphur is termed as sour and with less Sulphur is called the sweet grade. Sour grade crude requires extra processing cost.
8. 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.
9. Which of the following is correct about the atomic and ionic radii of the alkaline earth metals?
[A] it is smaller than corresponding alkali metals in the same periods
[B] it is larger than corresponding alkali metals in the same periods
[C] It is same as the corresponding alkali metals in the same periods
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [it is smaller than corresponding alkali metals in the same periods]
Notes:
The atomic and ionic radii of the alkaline earth metals are smaller than corresponding alkali metals in the same periods due to the increased nuclear charge in these elements.
10. Which of the following is NOT correct about Phosphine?
[A] The chemical formula is PH3
[B] The electronic structure is like Ammonia
[C] It is odorless
[D] it is used as a dopant in semiconductor industries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It is odorless]
Notes:
Phosphine is PH3. The electronic structure of Phosphine (pyramidal structure) is like Ammonia. It is a colourless gas and has a spoiled fish smell. It is used as a dopant in semiconductor industries.