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 among the following is a Noble Gas?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
The noble gases are the chemical elements in group 18 of the periodic table. They are the most stable due to having the maximum number of valence electrons their outer shell can hold. This chemical series contains helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
3. Which among the following is known as White Vitriol?
[A] Zinc Sulphate
[B] Zinc Chloride
[C] Zinc Phosphate
[D] Zinc oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Zinc Sulphate]
Notes:
Zinc sulfate is the inorganic compound with the formula ZnSO4 and historically known as “white vitriol” Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound and dietary supplement.
4. Which among the following is a common salt in Detergents?
[A] Sulphate
[B] Nitrate
[C] Sulphonate
[D] Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sulphate]
Notes:
Sodium sulfate, used as a filler in detergent powder, enables the adjustment of the concentration of the active matter in the detergent, as required.
5. Identify the Noble Gas from the following options:
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
Helium, a noble gas, is the second most abundant element in the universe after Hydrogen. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and non-reactive because its outermost electron shell is full with two electrons. This complete outer shell gives it the stability that defines the Noble Gases. Despite its abundance in the universe, Helium is relatively rare on Earth, primarily obtained from natural gas wells.
6. Out of the following options, which group of elements is typically found in a free state?
[A] Group 11 elements
[B] Group 12 elements
[C] Group 13 elements
[D] Group 14 elements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Group 11 elements]
Notes:
Group 11 elements, which include copper, silver, and gold, have been known since ancient times. These elements are found in the Earth’s crust in a free or native state, due to their low reactivity compared to other elements. This is why these elements were used by ancient civilizations for crafting tools, jewelry, and early forms of money.
7. The atomic weight of Chlorine is 35. It consists of _______?
[A] 17 Protons + 18 Neutrons
[B] 17 Neutrons + 18 protons
[C] 17 Neutrons + 17 Protons + 1 electron
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [17 Protons + 18 Neutrons]
Notes:
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, meaning it has 17 protons. Its atomic weight is approximately 35, which indicates it typically has 18 neutrons (35 – 17 = 18). Therefore, the correct composition is 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Chlorine is a halogen and exists primarily as two stable isotopes: Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37.
8. Which among the following of a catalyst does not change at the end of a reaction?
[A] Quantity
[B] Chemical Composition
[C] Both Quantity and Chemical com position
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both Quantity and Chemical com position]
Notes:
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. At the end of the reaction, a catalyst retains its original quantity and chemical composition. This property allows it to be used repeatedly in reactions. For example, enzymes, which are biological catalysts, remain unchanged after facilitating biochemical reactions.
9. 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.
10. Buckeyballs are basically the allotropes of _________?
[A] Carbon
[B] Sulfur
[C] Phosphorus
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Carbon]
Notes:
Buckeyballs, or fullerenes, are allotropes of carbon. Discovered in 1985, they consist of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. This unique structure contributes to their remarkable properties, including high strength and electrical conductivity. Fullerenes are part of a broader class of carbon allotropes, which also includes graphite and diamond.