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 among the following is the correct set of chemical formulae of Chile Saltpetre, Saltpetre and Quick Lime?
[A] KNO3, NaNO3, CaO
[B] NaNO3, KNO3, Ca(OH)2
[C] Na(OH)2, KOH, CaO
[D] NaNO3, KNO3, CaO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [NaNO3, KNO3, CaO]
Notes:
Saltpetre, also spelled Saltpeter, also called Nitre, or Niter, any of three naturally occurring nitrates, distinguished as (1) ordinary saltpetre, or potassium nitrate, KNO3; (2) Chile saltpetre, cubic nitre, or sodium nitrate, NaNO3; and (3) lime saltpetre, wall saltpetre, or calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime, is a widely used chemical compound.
2. Which of the following is the most active chemically?
[A] Chlorine
[B] Flourine
[C] Lithium
[D] Iodine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Flourine]
Notes:
Fluorine is most active because it has the highest electronegativity.
3. Which of the following does not increase when we move from left to right along a period in the periodic table?
[A] Oxidising Power of elements
[B] Electronegativity
[C] Non-metallic Character
[D] Reducing power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Reducing power]
Notes:
The oxidizing power of elements increases on moving left to right along a period in the periodic table. This is because electronegativity and the non-metallic character increases from left to right.
4. The energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state is called?
[A] Electron Affinity
[B] Reducing Potential
[C] Ionization Potential
[D] Shell Potential
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ionization Potential ]
Notes:
Ionization potential is the energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state. As we move down the group, ionization potential decreases. As we move across the period, ionization potential increases Electron affinity is the energy released on adding an electron to the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state.
5. Who among the following had given the Atomic Theory?
[A] Benzamin Franklin
[B] Madam curie
[C] Albert Einstien
[D] John Dalton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [John Dalton]
Notes:
The correct answer is John Dalton. He proposed the Atomic Theory in the early 19th century, stating that matter is composed of indivisible atoms, each with a specific weight. Dalton’s work laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Notably, he also introduced the concept of atomic weights and was the first to use symbols to represent atoms of different elements.
6. Which of the following is not a common use of Graphite?
[A] Manufacturing of electrodes
[B] As a lubricant
[C] Manufacturing of crucibles
[D] In glass cutting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [In glass cutting]
Notes:
Graphite is renowned for its conspicuous uses owing to its unique properties like its ability to conduct electricity, which makes it ideal for electrode manufacturing. It’s also used as a lubricant and in the production of crucibles, thanks to its high melting point. However, it isn’t used in glass cutting.
7. The Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called ________?
[A] Alpha rays
[B] Beta rays
[C] Gamma rays
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alpha rays]
Notes:
Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called alpha rays. Alpha rays are also called alpha particles or alpha radiation. Alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle that is identical to a helium-4 nucleus.
Alpha particles are named after the first letter in the Greek alphabet, α. They were the first nuclear radiation to be discovered.
When a helium atom loses its electrons, it is left with only the nucleus. This is called an alpha particle.
8. Which among the following gas has lowest auto-ignition temperature?
[A] Methane
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Ethylene
[D] Carbon Di Sulphide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Carbon Di Sulphide]
Notes:
The auto-ignition temperature of a liquid, gas or vapor is the temperature at which the substance will ignite without any external heat source. Here is the temperature of some gases:
Methane -580 °C
Hydrogen -560 °C
Propane -493 °C
Ethylene -425 °C
Acetylene -305 °C
Naphtha -290 °C
Carbon disulfide -102 °C
9. Gammaxene, D.D.T. and Bleaching powder are important compounds of :
[A] Chlorine
[B] Nitrogen
[C] Sulphur
[D] Phosphorus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chlorine]
Notes:
The correct answer is Chlorine. – Gammaxene (also known as Lindane) is a pesticide derived from hexachlorocyclohexane, which involves chlorine. – D.D.T. (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is a synthetic pesticide containing chlorine. – Bleaching powder (calcium hypochlorite) is a chlorine compound used for disinfection and bleaching. Chlorine is essential in various chemical processes and compounds, particularly in agriculture and sanitation.
10. Which of the following is the softest metal?
[A] Cesium
[B] Lead
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Cesium]
Notes:
Cesium is extremely reactive metal. It reacts with water even at −116 °C (−177 °F). It is the least electronegative element. Cesium is also the softest known metal. It is so soft that it can be cut with a butter knife.