Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. 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.
2. When Sulphur is heated with rubber, the process is commonly known as ?
[A] Galvanization
[B] Sulphonation
[C] Vulcanization
[D] Hydrodesulfurization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vulcanization]
Notes:
Natural rubber becomes soft at high temperature (>335 K) and brittle at low temperatures (<283 k) and shows high water absorption capacity. It is soluble in non-polar solvents and is non-resistant to attack by oxidising agents. To improve upon these physical properties, a process of vulcanisation is carried out. This process consists of heating a mixture of raw rubber with sulphur and an appropriate additive at a temperature range between 373 K to 415 K. On vulcanisation, sulphur forms cross links at the reactive sites of double bonds and thus the rubber gets stiffened.
In the manufacture of tyre rubber, 5% of sulphur is used as a crosslinking agent
3. What is commonly referred to as “Laughing Gas”?
[A] Nitric oxide
[B] Nitrous oxide
[C] Nitrogen penta oxide
[D] Nitrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrous oxide]
Notes:
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “Laughing Gas” due to the euphoric effect it produces when inhaled. Its chemical formula is N2O and it is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a relatively sweet odor and taste. It is primarily used in dentistry and surgery for its analgesic and anesthetic properties. It is also noted for its role as a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant, as well as a natural regulator of stratospheric ozone.
4. 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.
5. Consider the following:
- Cinnabar is also known as mercurblende
- The color of Cinnabar varies from dull grey to bright green
- Cinnabar is the most common source ore for refining elemental mercury
- Cinnabar is the historic source for the brilliant blue pigment termed azure
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] All Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Cinnabar, also known as mercurblende, is indeed the most common ore source for refining elemental mercury. However, its color range runs from scarlet to brick-red, not grey to green. It is known for providing the brilliant red or scarlet pigment known as vermilion, not a blue pigment.
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. Hard Water contains which of the following ?
[A] Aluminum
[B] Chlorine
[C] Calcium
[D] Zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Calcium]
Notes:
Hard water is generally found in areas where groundwater is in contact with limestone, chalk and dolomite and gets higher amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in it.
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. When a piece of quicklime is dipped in water, it gives bubbles. This bubbling is due to which of the following ?
[A] Oxygen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapour
[D] Hydrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Water Vapour]
Notes:
When quicklime (calcium oxide) is added to water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). This reaction produces heat and releases water vapor, which causes bubbling. The reaction can be represented as: [ ext{CaO} + ext{H}_2 ext{O}
ightarrow ext{Ca(OH)}_2 + ext{heat} ] Trivia: Quicklime is used in various applications, including steelmaking and water treatment, and was historically used in ancient construction.
10. The adsorption of hydrogen by palladium is termed as:
[A] Physisorption
[B] Chemisorptions
[C] Physical adsorption
[D] Occlusion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Occlusion]
Notes:
The adsorption of hydrogen by palladium is called occlusion. Occlusion is a type of adsorption where gases are adsorbed onto metals. The hydrogen adsorbed onto palladium is called occluded hydrogen.
Palladium can absorb about 900 times its own volume of hydrogen. The hydrogen that is adsorbed is more active than normal hydrogen.
The adsorption of hydrogen on palladium occurs through a hydride formation. The chemical bonds that are formed cannot be broken easily to release the hydrogen gas from the surface of the metal.
The process of occlusion is used to purify hydrogen.