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 of the following does not increase when we move from left to right along a period in the periodic table?
[A] Oxidising Power of elements
[B] Electronegativity
[C] Non-metallic Character
[D] Reducing power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Reducing power]
Notes:
The oxidizing power of elements increases on moving left to right along a period in the periodic table. This is because electronegativity and the non-metallic character increases from left to right.
2. 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.
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. Which acid is described as HOOCCOOH?
[A] Oxalic Acid
[B] Acetic Acid
[C] Carbonic Acid
[D] Citric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Oxalic Acid]
Notes:
Oxalic acid is an organic compound with the formula C₂H₂O₄. Some call it “crab acid” due to its appearance. Its condensed formula is HOOCCOOH, reflecting its classification as the simplest dicarboxylic acid.
5. Who among the following had given the Atomic Theory?
[A] Benzamin Franklin
[B] Madam curie
[C] Albert Einstien
[D] John Dalton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [John Dalton]
Notes:
The correct answer is John Dalton. He proposed the Atomic Theory in the early 19th century, stating that matter is composed of indivisible atoms, each with a specific weight. Dalton’s work laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Notably, he also introduced the concept of atomic weights and was the first to use symbols to represent atoms of different elements.
6. Who among the following scientists had discovered Radium?
[A] Marie Sklodowska-Curie and Pierre Curie
[B] André-Louis Debierne
[C] Kasimir Fajans
[D] Oswald Helmuth Göhring
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Marie Sklodowska-Curie and Pierre Curie ]
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.
7. 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.
8. What are Sodium Alkyl Sulphate and Benzene Sulphate examples of?
[A] Explosives
[B] Insecticides
[C] Fungicides
[D] Synthetic Detergents
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Synthetic Detergents]
Notes:
Sodium Alkyl Sulphate and Benzene Sulphate are typical examples of Synthetic Detergents. Synthetic detergents are man-made cleansing agents that function similarly to soap. These compounds were developed during World War II when a shortage of natural oils led to a search of alternative substances. The advanced features of synthetic detergents include improved cleansing efficacy, resistance to water hardness, and the ability to function in acidic conditions.
9. Which among the following is the main constituent of malleable metal alloy Pewter ?
[A] Copper
[B] Zinc
[C] Tin
[D] Bismuth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tin]
Notes:
Pewter is primarily composed of tin, typically around 85-95%, with the remainder often consisting of copper, antimony, or bismuth. Historically, pewter was used for making utensils and decorative items due to its malleability and low melting point. The use of tin in pewter dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians, who valued it for its corrosion resistance and ease of casting.
10. What is Carbamide?
[A] A Pesticide
[B] A Fertilizer
[C] A Textile Dye
[D] An Explosive
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Fertilizer]
Notes:
Carbamide is another name of Urea, an organic compound with chemical formula CO(NH2)2. This name indicates that Urea is an amide in which two –NH2 groups are joined by a carbonyl (C=O) functional group.