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 are constituents of Brass?
[A] Zinc and Copper
[B] Iron and Zinc
[C] Copper and Nickel
[D] Iron and Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Zinc and Copper ]
Notes:
Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc, in proportions which can be varied to achieve varying mechanical and electrical properties. The proportions of Zinc and Copper can vary to create different types of brass alloys with varying mechanical and electrical properties.
2. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Allotropes]
Notes:
Allotropes refer to two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist. The property is due to different ways atoms bond together. The most common instance is the element carbon, which exists in several different forms, including diamond, graphite, and fullerenes, making it an allotropic element. It’s crucial to note that allotropy applies to elements, not compounds.
3. Which of the following processes commonly use the method of adsorption?
[A] Scrubbers manufacturing
[B] Purification of solid substances
[C] Chromatography
[D] Purification of liquid substances
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chromatography]
Notes:
Adsorption, the binding of gas or liquid particles to a solid surface, is often used in chromatography – a laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture. This process is critical as it allows the separation of the compounds in the mixture, thereby enabling further analysis or purification. Apart from chromatography, adsorption is also used in scrubbers and purification of solids and liquids.
4. 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.
5. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sodium]
Notes:
Chile saltpetre, or sodium nitrate (NaNO3), differs from regular saltpetre, which typically refers to potassium nitrate (KNO3). Chile saltpetre is primarily composed of sodium, while traditional saltpetre contains potassium. Historically, Chile saltpetre was extensively mined in the Atacama Desert and was crucial for fertilizer and explosives in the 19th century.
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. Ground Level Ozone is formed due to reaction between:
[A] VOCs, Oxides of Nitrogen & Sunlight
[B] VOCs, Sulphur dioxide & Sunlight
[C] Ozone, Sulphur dioxide & Oxides of Nitrogen
[D] Ozone, Oxides of Nitrogen & Sunlight
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [VOCs, Oxides of Nitrogen & Sunlight]
Notes:
Ground Level Ozone results from photochemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
8. Which of the following element has the highest first ionization enthalpy?
[A] Magnesium
[B] Strontium
[C] Beryllium
[D] Barium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beryllium]
Notes:
The alkaline earth metals have low ionization enthalpies due to fairly large size of the atoms. Since the atomic size increases down the group, their ionization enthalpy decreases.
9. Water Gas is a mixture of?
[A] CO and H2
[B] CO and H2O
[C] CO2 and H2
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [CO and H2]
Notes:
The mixture of CO and H2 produced is known as water gas or synthesis gas.
10. Choose the incorrect ‘Alloy – constituent metal’ pair:
[A] Lockalloy – Iron
[B] Vitallium – Cobalt
[C] Italma – Aluminium
[D] Constantan – Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lockalloy – Iron]
Notes:
Lockalloy is an alloy that contains 62% beryllium and 38% aluminum. All other pairs are correctly matched.
