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 iron ore contains the highest percentage of iron content?
[A] Hematite
[B] Siderite
[C] Magnetite
[D] Limonite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Magnetite]
Notes:
Magnetite (Fe3O4) typically contains about 70% iron by weight. It is black in color and strongly magnetic. Hematite (Fe2O3) contains about 60–70% iron. Limonite contains 35–50% iron. Siderite (FeCO3) contains about 48% iron. Magnetite is widely mined due to its high iron concentration compared to other ores.
2. 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.
3. Which among the following element is an essential constituent of acids?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hydrogen]
Notes:
Acids are molecules that are able to donate proton or H+ thus, hydrogen is essential for acids. However, there are exception to this such as Bronsted acids. A Bronsted acid is an acid which can accept an electron pair, but does not have a proton (H+) to donate. Examples of such acids are Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3), Boron Trifuoride (BF3).
4. What happens to the weight of Iron, when it rusts?
[A] Increases for long time
[B] Decreases then increases
[C] Increases then decreases
[D] Remains the same
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Increases then decreases]
Notes:
When iron or any other metal oxidizes, oxygen from the air combines with the iron to make iron oxide or rust. So, weight of the bar increases, due to the increased weight of oxygen which has combined with the iron. over time, the weight of the iron bar will tend to decrease, due to factors related more to erosion than to chemistry.
5. What is the electrical state of a molecule, considered the smallest part of matter retaining the properties of the original matter?
[A] Positive
[B] Negative
[C] Either positive or negative
[D] Neutral
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neutral]
Notes:
A molecule represents the smallest portion of a substance that retains the characteristics of the substance. It’s electrically neutral because it’s made up of atoms that bond together, sharing or exchanging electrons to achieve stability. This process balances out the electrical charges of the protons and electrons, rendering the molecule as a whole electrically neutral.
6. 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.
7. Argon is the third most common gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, at 0.93%. This gas is generated due to decay of which among the following isotopes in the Earth’s crust ?
[A] K-40
[B] Ca-40
[C] Ca-48
[D] K-41
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [K-40]
Notes:
Potassium-40 is a radioactive isotope of potassium with a long half-life of 1.251×10⁹ years. The decay of this particular isotope explains the large abundance of argon (0.93%) in the Earth’s atmosphere.
8. Which of the following occurs as dry deposits and is also known as Sajimati (efflorescent soil) in India?
[A] Sodium carbonate
[B] Potassium carbonate
[C] Calcium carbonate
[D] Magnesium carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sodium carbonate]
Notes:
Sodium carbonate is found as dry deposits and is also known as Sajimati (efflorescent soil) in India.
9. How many groups of p–block elements are there in the periodic table?
[A] 4
[B] 6
[C] 8
[D] 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6]
Notes:
There are six groups of p–block elements in the periodic table numbering from 13 to 18.
10. Which of the following is the composition of vinegar?
[A] 65-75% solution of acetic acid in water
[B] 45-60% solution of acetic acid in water
[C] 28-35% solution of acetic acid in water
[D] 5-8% solution of acetic acid in water
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [5-8% solution of acetic acid in water]
Notes:
5-8% solution of acetic acid in water is called vinegar and is used widely as a preservative in pickles