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 is the correct set of chemical formulae of Chile Saltpetre, Saltpetre and Quick Lime?
[A] KNO3, NaNO3, CaO
[B] NaNO3, KNO3, Ca(OH)2
[C] Na(OH)2, KOH, CaO
[D] NaNO3, KNO3, CaO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [NaNO3, KNO3, CaO]
Notes:
Saltpetre, also spelled Saltpeter, also called Nitre, or Niter, any of three naturally occurring nitrates, distinguished as (1) ordinary saltpetre, or potassium nitrate, KNO3; (2) Chile saltpetre, cubic nitre, or sodium nitrate, NaNO3; and (3) lime saltpetre, wall saltpetre, or calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime, is a widely used chemical compound.
2. 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.
3. Which among the following gases is used in production of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils?
[A] Nitrogen (N2)
[B] Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
[C] Hydrogen (H2)
[D] Neon (Ne)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrogen (H2)]
Notes:
Hydrogen (H2) gas is utilized in the manufacture of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils. The process involves hydrogenation, a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen (H2) and another compound or element. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils helps to convert them into a semisolid form that resembles ghee, often used as a cheaper alternative to butter or ghee in cooking.
4. Which among the following was the first artificially produced element?
[A] Neptunium
[B] Ununbium
[C] Technetium
[D] none of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Technetium]
Notes:
Technetium was the first artificially produced element. It was isolated by Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrè in 1937. Technetium was created by bombarding molybdenum atoms with deuterons that had been accelerated by a device called a cyclotron.
5. The atomic weight of Chlorine is 35. It consists of _______?
[A] 17 Protons + 18 Neutrons
[B] 17 Neutrons + 18 protons
[C] 17 Neutrons + 17 Protons + 1 electron
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [17 Protons + 18 Neutrons]
Notes:
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, meaning it has 17 protons. Its atomic weight is approximately 35, which indicates it typically has 18 neutrons (35 – 17 = 18). Therefore, the correct composition is 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Chlorine is a halogen and exists primarily as two stable isotopes: Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37.
6. What is the atomic number of Transuranic elements?
[A] Greater than 90
[B] Greater than 92
[C] Greater than 91
[D] Greater than 93
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Greater than 92]
Notes:
Transuranic elements are those with atomic numbers greater than 92, which is the atomic number of uranium. These elements, including plutonium (94) and americium (95), are all synthetic and typically unstable, often used in nuclear applications and research. The term “transuranic” specifically refers to elements beyond uranium in the periodic table.
7. What is the nature of an aqueous solution of Sodium Acetate?
[A] Acidic
[B] Basic
[C] Neutral
[D] Either acidic or basic, depending on the temperature of the solution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Basic]
Notes:
An aqueous solution of sodium acetate is basic in nature. This is because sodium acetate is a salt derived from a strong base (sodium hydroxide) and a weak acid (acetic acid). When dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form sodium ions and acetate ions. The acetate ions react with water to form acetic acid and hydroxide ions, thus creating a basic solution.
8. 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.
9. In a photochemical smog, which gas causes irritation to mucous membrane and respiratory system?
[A] Nitrous oxide
[B] Sulphur dioxide
[C] Ozone
[D] Carbon monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Ozone]
Notes:Ozone (O3) is the most common photochemical oxidant in photochemical smog. Inhaling ozone can cause irritation to the mucous membrane and respiratory system. Ozone can also cause chest constriction and damage to vegetation.
Other components of photochemical smog include:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN)
- Aldehydes
Other air pollutants that can be harmful to humans include:
- Sulfur dioxide
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Dioxins
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Carbon monoxide can cause hyperventilation, respiratory distress, and stillbirths. At high levels, carbon monoxide can even cause direct poisoning.
10. Which of the following is the correct order of composition of biogas released through anaerobic bio-digester system?
[A] Methane> Carbon dioxide> Nitrogen> Hydrogen
[B] Carbon dioxide> Nitrogen> Methane> Hydrogen
[C] Nitrogen> Hydrogen> Carbon dioxide> Methane
[D] Hydrogen> Nitrogen> Methane> Carbon dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Methane> Carbon dioxide> Nitrogen> Hydrogen ]
Notes:
The correct composition of biogas released through anaerobic bio-digester system is:
Methane (CH4) – 50–75 %
Carbon dioxide (CO2) – 25–50%
Nitrogen (N2) – 0–10%
Hydrogen (H2) – 0–1%
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) – 0–3%