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 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.
2. How many noble gases occur naturally?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Five
[D] Six
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Six]
Notes:
Noble gases are characterized by their low reactivity. The reason for this is their full electron shell, which makes them very stable and unlikely to engage in chemical reactions. The six noble gases that occur naturally are helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and the radioactive radon (Rn). Despite the inertness of noble gases, some of them like Xenon are known to form compounds.
3. 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.
4. Which among the following can be used as a preservative in Tomato Juice?
[A] Sodium Chloride
[B] Sodium carbonate
[C] Sodium benzoate
[D] Sodium Lauril Sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sodium benzoate]
Notes:
Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a preservative in food and beverages, including tomato juice. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, extending shelf life. It is effective in acidic environments, such as those found in tomato products, where the pH is typically below 4.6. Sodium chloride (salt) can also act as a preservative but is primarily used for flavor. Sodium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulfate are not suitable preservatives for tomato juice.
5. Aluminum is getting popular worldwide today as a “Green Metal”. Which among the following properties of Aluminum makes it a Green Metal?
[A] Aluminum has been providing a replacement of wood for saving forests and contributes in environment protection
[B] Aluminum is a light metal and it is resistant to corrosion
[C] Aluminum has fairly high rate of recycling and it can be re-used repeatedly without its quality deteriorating
[D] The lands after the Bauxite mining can be restored very quickly and easily
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aluminum has fairly high rate of recycling and it can be re-used repeatedly without its quality deteriorating]
Notes:
Aluminum is considered a “Green Metal” primarily due to its high recycling rate. Approximately 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, as it can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. This process saves energy—recycling aluminum uses about 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from bauxite ore. Additionally, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources, making aluminum a sustainable choice in various applications.
6. Which among the following is the correct impact of the London Forces in the Cycloalkanes?
[A] The melting and boiling points get increased
[B] The Melting and boiling points get decreased
[C] There is not impact on the melting and boiling points
[D] The melting point increases but boiling point decreases
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The melting and boiling points get increased]
Notes:
Please note that the Cycloalkanes with more than 20 carbon atoms are called Cycloparaffins. The cycloalkanes have the same properties as the alkanes but they have `Higher Boiling & Melting points`. This is because of the stronger dispersion forces between the atoms known as London Forces.
7. Amalgam’ is a term used for an alloy of a metal with :
[A] Copper
[B] Mercury
[C] Lead
[D] Aluminium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mercury]
Notes:
The correct answer is Mercury. An amalgam is a specific type of alloy that primarily consists of mercury mixed with another metal, commonly used in dental fillings due to its durability and ease of use. Historically, amalgams have been used since ancient times, with the earliest known use dating back to the 9th century in China.
8. Which of the following chemicals is also known as lachrymatory agent or lachrymator?
[A] Mustard Gas
[B] Tear gas
[C] Diborane
[D] Chlorine gas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Tear gas]
Notes:
Tear gas is also known as CS Gas. It acts as a lachrymatory agent. Tear gas irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, and causes tearing, coughing, burning and difficult breathing.
9. Which of the following chemicals is also known as “Chinese snow”?
[A] Silver iodide
[B] Potassium nitrate
[C] Ammonium chloride
[D] Sodium phosphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Potassium nitrate]
Notes:
Potassium nitrate is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as saltpetre or saltpetre. It is also known as “Chinese snow”. Major uses of potassium nitrate are in fertilizers, rocket propellants and fireworks.
10. Which of the following chemicals is called Philosopher’s Wool?
[A] Brimstone
[B] Zinc oxide
[C] Magnesium hydroxide
[D] Potassium nitrate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Zinc oxide]
Notes:
The compound zinc oxide (ZnO) is called philosopher's wool. ZnO is a white powder that is insoluble in water. Zinc oxide is used as an additive in sun screens, sun lotions, in rubber manufacturing and in photocopying products. Alchemists, as part of their rituals, burn zinc in air and collect the residue, which formed into white woolly tufts. They called it Lana philosophica in Latin, meaning philosopher's wool.