Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. The Alkali metals are called good reducing agents. This implies that__:
[A] They easily capture electrons
[B] They are not stable at room temperature
[C] They easily lose electrons
[D] They don’t act with dilute acids
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [They easily lose electrons ]
Notes:
Alkali metals have one electron in their valence shell and hence they easily lose or donate electron.
2. Which among the following happens in an oxidation reaction ?
[A] Electrons are gained
[B] Electrons are lost
[C] Protons are gained
[D] Protons are lost
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Electrons are lost ]
Notes:
Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion. When oxidation occurs, an element loses electrons and its oxidation number increases .i.e. it becomes more positive.
3. “Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.” This principle was given by __?
[A] Avogadro
[B] Dalton
[C] Rutherford
[D] Niels Bohr
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dalton]
Notes:
The given principle is one of the postulates of the Dalton’s atomic theory given in 1803 by John Dalton. The postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory are as follows:
1. Elements consist of indivisible small particles (atoms).
2. All atoms of the same element are identical; different elements have different types of atom.
3. Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.
4. ‘Compound elements’ (i.e. Compounds) are formed when atoms of different elements join in simple ratios to form ‘compound atoms’ (i.e. Molecules).
4. Which among the following is the objective of the Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) mixing with Petroleum?
[A] Raise Octane Number
[B] Antioxidant Stabilizer
[C] Lead Scavanger
[D] Fuel Dye
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raise Octane Number ]
Notes:
MTBE is a gasoline additive, used as an oxygenate to raise the octane number. Its use is controversial in the US and declining in that country in part because of its occurrence in groundwater and legislation favoring ethanol.
5. 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.
6. Cassiterite is most important source of which of these metals?
[A] Nickel
[B] Tin
[C] Tungsten
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tin ]
Notes:
Cassiterite is a mineral that is primarily composed of tin dioxide (SnO2). It is the most important source of tin, and is also used as a semi-precious gemstone. Cassiterite is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. It has a high melting point and is resistant to weathering, making it a useful material for many industrial applications. The name “cassiterite” comes from the Greek word “kassiteros,” which means “tin.”
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. Acid rain is capable of damaging the buildings and historic monuments which are made up of rocks such as limestone and marble. Which among the following is the end product of such reaction?
[A] Quick Lime
[B] Calcium Carbonate
[C] Calcium Hydroxide
[D] Gypsum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gypsum]
Notes:
When sulfuric, and nitric acids, present in the acid rain reacts with the calcite in marble and limestone, it get dissolve and formed gypsum and washed off by the water. The rain can dissolve limestone and marble through direct contact.
9. Which of the following is the softest metal?
[A] Cesium
[B] Lead
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Cesium]
Notes:
Cesium is extremely reactive metal. It reacts with water even at −116 °C (−177 °F). It is the least electronegative element. Cesium is also the softest known metal. It is so soft that it can be cut with a butter knife.
10. Which of the following is NOT correct about Group 14 elements?
[A] All of them are solids
[B] Melting points are much higher than those of corresponding elements of group 13
[C] Carbon is a non-metal
[D] Germanium is a metal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Germanium is a metal]
Notes:
All members of group 14 are solids. Carbon and silicon are non-metals, germanium is a metalloid, whereas tin and lead are soft metals. Melting points and boiling points of group 14 elements are much higher than those of corresponding elements of group 13.
