Chemistry MCQs

Notes:
Acids are molecules that are able to donate proton or H+ thus, hydrogen is essential for acids. However, there are exception to this such as Bronsted acids. A Bronsted acid is an acid which can accept an electron pair, but does not have a proton (H+) to donate. Examples of such acids are Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃), Boron Trifuoride (BF₃).

Notes:
Tartaric acid occurs naturally in many fruits such as grapes, bananas, tamarinds, and citrus. Its salt, potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, develops naturally in the process of winemaking. It is commonly mixed with sodium bicarbonate and is sold as baking powder used as a leavening agent in food preparation. The acid itself is added to foods as an antioxidant E334 and to impart its distinctive sour taste.

Notes:
Silver is the metal with the highest electrical and thermal conductivity. It has only one valence electron, which can move around with little resistance. This makes silver a great conductor of electricity and heat.
Silver’s thermal conductivity is 430 wK/m, which is higher than copper (400 wK/m), aluminum (235 wK/m), and brass (109 wK/m).
Silver’s low contact wear resistance and excellent optical reflectivity make it ideal for coating contacts, mirrors, and conductors in telecom applications.
Impurities can decrease a conductor’s conductivity. For example, sterling silver is not as good of a conductor as pure silver. Oxidized silver is not as good a conductor as untarnished silver.

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.

Notes:
Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. Radium was discovered by Marie Sklodowska Curie, a Polish chemist, and Pierre Curie, a French chemist, in 1898.

Notes:
The bright red color in fireworks is due to the presence of Strontium salts. The Strontium atom, upon yielding its energy in a quick burst upon heating, emits a brilliant red light. In fact, such properties of elements are used to identify them in a flame test, a classic method in chemistry labs across the globe.

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.

Notes:
Normal rainfall is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbonic acid, which forms when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. The pH of normal rainwater is typically around 5.6, making it mildly acidic. This natural acidity is a result of the CO2 in the atmosphere, which is produced by respiration, combustion, and other natural processes.

Notes:
The first synthetic plastic was actually celluloid, invented by Alexander Parkes in 1855. Initially, celluloid was primarily used in photographic films. However, it had limitations, not suitable for making containers or electrical insulation. The first genuine plastic, Bakelite, was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909 and extensively used in various applications, including safely handled autos. World War I significantly contributed to the development of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, widely used in plumbing and electrical insulation. Later, in the 1930s, nylon was invented, and by 1950, plastic materials gained immense popularity.

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.