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 term “white coal” sometimes referred to which of the following?
[A] Geothermal Electricity
[B] Wind Energy
[C] Hydroelectricity
[D] Biomass Energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydroelectricity]
Notes:
The term white coal was used for Hydroelectricity, particularly in Europe, because of its capability to produce more energy than any other source except coal. The term was coined by a French Engineer Aristide Bèrges.
2. Which among the following element is an essential constituent of acids?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
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Correct Answer: B [Hydrogen]
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).
3. What are the main constituents of LPG?
[A] Methane, Hexane, Ethane
[B] Methane, Butane, Propane
[C] Ethane, Pentane, Hexane
[D] Ethane, Methane, Pentane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Methane, Butane, Propane]
Notes:
LPG is composed hydrocarbons containing three or four carbon atoms. The normal components of LPG thus, are propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10) and Methane (CH4). Small concentrations of other hydrocarbons may also be present.
4. What is the primary event that occurs during an oxidation reaction?
[A] Electrons are gained
[B] Electrons are lost
[C] Protons are gained
[D] Protons are lost
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Correct Answer: B [Electrons are lost]
Notes:
Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses an electron to another substance. So, the correct answer is “Electrons are lost”. This phenomenon is often observed in various chemical and biological systems. Understanding this important process can allow us to gain insights in fields ranging from biology to materials science.
5. Water at 4 degree centigrade has____?
[A] minimum density
[B] maximum density
[C] No density
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [maximum density]
Notes:
Water at 4 degrees Celsius has maximum density. This is due to the unique molecular structure of water, which allows it to reach its highest density at this temperature. As water cools from higher temperatures, it becomes denser until it reaches 4 degrees. below this temperature, it begins to expand, making ice less dense than liquid water. This phenomenon is crucial for aquatic life, as it allows ice to float, insulating the water below.
6. Duralumin which is used in making aero planes is an alloy consisting of _____?
[A] Aluminum & Copper
[B] Aluminum, Copper & Manganese
[C] Aluminum, Copper, Manganese & Magnesium
[D] Aluminum and zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aluminum, Copper, Manganese & Magnesium]
Notes:
Duralumin is an alloy primarily composed of aluminum, copper, manganese, and magnesium. It was developed in the early 20th century and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for aircraft construction. The addition of copper enhances strength, while manganese and magnesium improve corrosion resistance and workability. Duralumin was first used in aircraft during World War I, revolutionizing aviation materials.
7. Which among the following of a catalyst does not change at the end of a reaction?
[A] Quantity
[B] Chemical Composition
[C] Both Quantity and Chemical com position
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: C [Both Quantity and Chemical com position]
Notes:
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. At the end of the reaction, a catalyst retains its original quantity and chemical composition. This property allows it to be used repeatedly in reactions. For example, enzymes, which are biological catalysts, remain unchanged after facilitating biochemical reactions.
8. Steel is an alloy consisting mostly of iron, with a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight. An increasing amount of Iron will result in which of the following?
[A] Increase Hardening
[B] Decrease Hardening
[C] Increase ductility
[D] Increase melting Point
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Increase Hardening]
Notes:
Increasing the amount of iron in steel generally leads to increased hardening. This is due to the formation of a solid solution where carbon atoms occupy interstitial spaces in the iron lattice, enhancing strength and hardness. Steel’s carbon content is crucial. higher carbon levels (up to 2.1%) improve hardness but reduce ductility. The melting point of steel is also influenced by its composition, but the primary effect of increasing iron is hardening.
9. What characteristic of silica gel, a granular form of silica produced from sodium silicate, enables it to control humidity and prevent spoilage or degradation when packaged with various products?
[A] Its high thermal conductivity
[B] Its hygroscopic properties
[C] Its high reflectivity
[D] Its low thermal conductivity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Its hygroscopic properties]
Notes:
Silica gel possesses hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb and hold water vapour. This makes it an effective desiccant or drying agent. When packaged with products, silica gel can help control humidity and prevent spoilage or degradation by absorbing excess moisture. This property is particularly valuable when shipping or storing items that can be negatively impacted by damp conditions, like electronics, food, and leather goods.
10. Why most of the aromatic hydrocarbons burn with a sooty flame?
[A] Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is high
[B] Because of the presence of the strong carbon-carbon bonds
[C] Because, hydrocarbons are unsaturated
[D] Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is low
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is high]
Notes:
Because the carbon-hydrogen ratio in aromatic compounds is high.