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. Dalton’s name is associated with which of the following terms?
[A] Electron
[B] Proton
[C] Atom
[D] Neutron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atom]
Notes:
John Dalton introduced the atomic theory into chemistry. The main points of Dalton’s atomic theory are (1) Elements are made of extremely small particles called atoms. (2) Atoms of a given element are identical in size, mass and other properties; atoms of different elements differ in size, mass and other properties.(3) Atoms cannot be subdivided, created or destroyed. (4) Atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form chemical compounds. (5) In chemical reactions, atoms are combined, separated or rearranged.
3. 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).
4. Steel is an alloy consisting mostly of iron, with a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight. An increasing amount of Iron will result in which of the following?
[A] Increase Hardening
[B] Decrease Hardening
[C] Increase ductility
[D] Increase melting Point
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Increase Hardening]
Notes:
Increasing the amount of iron in steel generally leads to increased hardening. This is due to the formation of a solid solution where carbon atoms occupy interstitial spaces in the iron lattice, enhancing strength and hardness. Steel’s carbon content is crucial. higher carbon levels (up to 2.1%) improve hardness but reduce ductility. The melting point of steel is also influenced by its composition, but the primary effect of increasing iron is hardening.
5. Which among the following is correct regarding the alkaline battery ?
[A] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH
[B] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte KOH
[C] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & Electrolyte is Ammonium Chloride
[D] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte Ammonium Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH]
Notes:
The correct statement is that in an alkaline battery, the negative terminal is made of zinc powder, the positive terminal is made of manganese dioxide, and the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide (KOH). Alkaline batteries are known for their long shelf life and higher energy density compared to zinc-carbon batteries. They were invented in the 1950s and are widely used in household devices.
6. Which among the following basic atoms are must in an Alkaloid?
[A] Sodium
[B] Nitrogen
[C] Magnesium
[D] Potassium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrogen]
Notes:
Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. Nitrogen is essential in their structure, contributing to their pharmacological properties. Common examples of alkaloids include morphine, caffeine, and nicotine, all of which contain nitrogen. Sodium, magnesium, and potassium are not fundamental components of alkaloids.
7. Mizoroki-Heck reaction is catalyzed by which of the following metals?
[A] Rhodium
[B] Sodium
[C] Palladium
[D] Osmium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Palladium]
Notes:
The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is a cross-coupling reaction that typically involves the coupling of aryl halides with alkenes. It is primarily catalyzed by palladium (Pd) complexes. Palladium is favored due to its ability to facilitate the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps essential for the reaction. Rhodium, while also a transition metal, is less commonly used for this specific reaction. The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is important in organic synthesis for forming carbon-carbon bonds and is widely utilized in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
8. How does the Isotope of Iodine, Iodine-135 plays an important role in Nuclear Power Generation?
[A] It is used as a fuel supplement in some of the modern Nuclear Reactors
[B] It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation
[C] It is a moderator used actively in the Nuclear Reactors
[D] It is an experimental substance for Nuclear Fusion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation]
Notes:
Iodine-135 is a important by-product of nuclear fission, particularly in reactors using uranium fuel. It has a high neutron capture cross-section, meaning it effectively absorbs neutrons, which can inhibit the fission process and reduce reactor power output. This property makes it crucial for managing reactor control and safety, as its presence can lead to a phenomenon known as “neutron poison,” affecting the overall efficiency of the nuclear reaction.
9. Which among the following alkane has largely replaced the ozone layer-depleting halomethanes in household refrigerators and freezers?
[A] Methane
[B] Propane
[C] Butane
[D] Ethane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Butane]
Notes:
Isobutane, which is known in the industry as R600A has been used in several domestic refrigerators in recent times because it is an excellent refrigerant and non-ozone depleting substance with low global warming potential. The only drawback is that it is highly inflammable.
10. What is the reason that despite being third most abundant element on the Earth’s surface and most abundant chemical substance in the universe, Hydrogen is not found as a gas in Earth’s atmosphere?
[A] It is very reactive and unstable gas
[B] It is so light that readily escapes earth’s gravity
[C] It is not found in free state in nature
[D] None of the above reasons
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ It is so light that readily escapes earth’s gravity]
Notes:
Under ordinary conditions on Earth, elemental hydrogen exists as the diatomic gas, H2. However, hydrogen gas is very rare in the Earth’s atmosphere (1 ppm by volume) because of its light weight, which enables it to escape from Earth’s gravity more easily than heavier gases. However, hydrogen is the third most abundant element on the Earth’s surface, mostly in the form of chemical compounds such as hydrocarbons and water. Hydrogen gas is produced by some bacteria and algae and is a natural component of flatus, as is methane, itself a hydrogen source of increasing importance.