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 compound is most commonly used in the Photochromic lenses?
[A] Potassium Dichromate
[B] Silver Chloride
[C] Potassium ferrate
[D] Ferric Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Silver Chloride]
Notes:
Photochromatic or Photochromic glass acquires a darker shade when exposed to bright light and returns to its original lighter shade in dim light. This happens because silver halides (iodide or chloride) is added to this glass
2. Which among the following methods can be used to remove the permanent hardness in water due to calcium or magnesium sulphates?
[A] Sulphonate method
[B] Nitrate method
[C] Zeolite method
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Zeolite method ]
Notes:
Zeolite is hydrated Sodium Alumino-silicate capable of exchanging reversible Sodium ions for hardness producing ions in water. It is also use as softening of water. It is used to remove the permanent hardness in water due to Calcium or Magnesium sulphates.
3. Which of the following is an anti-knocking compound that has been phased out in many countries so far?
[A] Lead tetrachloride
[B] Tetra Ethyl Lead
[C] Ethyl acetate
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tetra Ethyl Lead ]
Notes:
Tetra Ethyl Lead (TEL) is one such component that is added to petrol to reduce its tendency to `ping’ under compression. TEL breaks down to lead at upper cylinder temperatures. Lead atoms spread around and combining with the free radicals and slowing down the reaction.
However, `Leaded’ petrol was a grave danger to the environment, as lead is a poison when it is absorbed into the body.
4. Which among the following is the property of Tungsten which makes it eligible to use in the bulbs?
[A] highest melting point
[B] highest resistance
[C] Highest malleability
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [highest melting point]
Notes:
The electric heating is also used to produce light, as in an electric bulb. Here, the filament must retain as much of the heat generated as is possible, so that it gets very hot and emits light. It must not melt at such high temperature. A strong metal with high melting point such as tungsten (melting point 3380°C) is used for making bulb filaments. The filament should be thermally isolated as much as possible, using insulating support, etc. The bulbs are usually filled with chemically inactive nitrogen and argon gases to prolong the life of filament. Most of the power consumed by the filament appears as heat, but a small part of it is in the form of light radiated.
5. 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.
6. Which among the following will undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution?
[A] Calcium Oxide
[B] Zinc Oxide
[C] Ferric Oxide
[D] Ferrous Oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zinc Oxide]
Notes:
Zinc oxide (ZnO) can undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution. In acidic conditions, it can react to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺), while in alkaline conditions, it can form zincates. This behavior is due to its amphoteric nature, which allows it to react with both acids and bases. In contrast, calcium oxide (CaO) is basic, ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) is generally inert in neutral pH, and ferrous oxide (FeO) is less reactive in varying pH levels.
7. The chemical oxygen demand COD test is commonly used to measure which of the following?
[A] amount of organic compounds in water
[B] amount of oxygen in water
[C] amount of oxygen in a chemical
[D] amount of oxygen used in a oxygenation process
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [amount of organic compounds in water]
Notes:
chemical oxygen demand is a measure of water quality and is amount of organic pollutants found in surface water. Potassium permanganate has been used for many years to measure COD
8. Which among the following acid is used to ascertain, whether pure Ghee has been adulterated with Vanaspati or Margarine?
[A] Sulphuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Boric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrochloric Acid]
Notes:
The correct answer is Hydrochloric Acid. When testing for adulteration of pure ghee with vanaspati or margarine, hydrochloric acid is used because it reacts with the fats present in these substances, producing a distinct color change. This method is based on the principle that the presence of unsaturated fats in vanaspati or margarine will lead to a different reaction compared to pure ghee. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used in food testing due to its effectiveness in identifying such adulterants.
9. How does the Isotope of Iodine, Iodine-135 plays an important role in Nuclear Power Generation?
[A] It is used as a fuel supplement in some of the modern Nuclear Reactors
[B] It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation
[C] It is a moderator used actively in the Nuclear Reactors
[D] It is an experimental substance for Nuclear Fusion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation]
Notes:
Iodine-135 is a important by-product of nuclear fission, particularly in reactors using uranium fuel. It has a high neutron capture cross-section, meaning it effectively absorbs neutrons, which can inhibit the fission process and reduce reactor power output. This property makes it crucial for managing reactor control and safety, as its presence can lead to a phenomenon known as “neutron poison,” affecting the overall efficiency of the nuclear reaction.
10. The Potassium graphite and Calcium Graphite can be mostly used as which among the following?
[A] Moderators
[B] Semiconductors
[C] Superconductors
[D] Lubricants
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Superconductors]
Notes:
Potassium graphite and calcium graphite are primarily used as superconductors. Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance when cooled below a certain temperature. Graphite, particularly when doped with potassium or calcium, exhibits enhanced superconducting properties. Notably, the discovery of high-temperature superconductors in the 1980s revolutionized the field, leading to applications in magnetic levitation and advanced electronic devices.