Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Presence of which among the following minerals in Banana makes them slightly radioactive?
[A] Sodium
[B] Calcium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Pottasium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pottasium]
Notes:
Bananas contain potassium-40, a radioactive isotope of potassium, which makes them slightly radioactive. The radiation is very minor and not dangerous at all to humans, but it is enough to trigger sensitive radiation sensors. The potassium provides bananas some of their nutritional benefits as well.
2. Which of the following is a thermosetting plastic?
[A] Polythene
[B] Bakelite
[C] Polyvinyl chloride
[D] Casseine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bakelite]
Notes:
Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic formed from phenol and formaldehyde, used in electrical insulators and cookware handles. Unlike thermoplastics, it hardens irreversibly when heated and cannot be remolded. It was the first synthetic plastic, invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907.
3. 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.
4. 2,4-D, which is sold as a weed killer of the broad-leaved weeds is a synthetic version of __:
[A] Auxin Hormone
[B] Cytokinin Hormone
[C] Xylitol
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Auxin Hormone ]
Notes:
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-dichlorophenoxyethanoic acid) is a synthetic auxin frequently used as a weed killer of broad-leaved weeds. When two herbicides 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D and mixed in equal parts, it is called Agent Orange, which was used by US in Vietnam war.
5. A cotton wick dipped in pure honey when ignited with a matchstick will ______?
[A] Burn steadily
[B] Burn with a cracking sound
[C] Not burn at all
[D] Burn producing a large amount of smoke
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burn steadily]
Notes:
A cotton wick soaked in pure honey, when lit with a matchstick, will burn consistently. This is primarily due to the high sugar content of the honey acting as fuel for the flame. Contrary to common misconceptions, honey doesn’t produce much smoke or any unusual sounds during combustion.
6. When Ozone is heated its volume will…. ?
[A] increases
[B] decreases
[C] remains unchanged
[D] First Increase, then decrease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [remains unchanged]
Notes:
When Ozone is heated its volume will remain unchanged. It might change volume to an extent but not to a great extent.
7. Which of the following is not a common use of Graphite?
[A] Manufacturing of electrodes
[B] As a lubricant
[C] Manufacturing of crucibles
[D] In glass cutting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [In glass cutting]
Notes:
Graphite is renowned for its conspicuous uses owing to its unique properties like its ability to conduct electricity, which makes it ideal for electrode manufacturing. It’s also used as a lubricant and in the production of crucibles, thanks to its high melting point. However, it isn’t used in glass cutting.
8. Which among the following is correct regarding the alkaline battery ?
[A] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH
[B] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte KOH
[C] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & Electrolyte is Ammonium Chloride
[D] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte Ammonium Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH]
Notes:
The correct statement is that in an alkaline battery, the negative terminal is made of zinc powder, the positive terminal is made of manganese dioxide, and the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide (KOH). Alkaline batteries are known for their long shelf life and higher energy density compared to zinc-carbon batteries. They were invented in the 1950s and are widely used in household devices.
9. 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.”
10. 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.