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 acids is abundant in Grapes, Bananas and Tamarind?
[A] Lactic Acid
[B] Oxalic Acid
[C] Salicylic Acid
[D] Tartaric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tartaric Acid ]
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.
2. Which among the following types of glasses contains Cerium and other rare earths and has a high absorption of ultraviolet rays?
[A] Crookes Glass
[B] Pyrex Glass
[C] Flint Glass
[D] Crown Glass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Crookes Glass]
Notes:
Crookes glass comprises Cerium oxide (CiO2) which sharply absorbs the ultraviolet rays from the sunlight. It is used in making lenses of eye glasses.
3. The easily noticed smell of the LPG gas is because of which among the following?
[A] Butane
[B] Propane
[C] Methane
[D] Ethanethiol
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ethanethiol]
Notes:
Ethanethiol or stench, is a organosulfur compound and is used to add to the otherwise odorless gaseous products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to help warn of gas leaks.
4. 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.
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. 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.
7. What type of fiber is Rayon considered?
[A] A synthetic fiber
[B] A natural fiber
[C] A semi-synthetic fiber
[D] A synthetic detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [A semi-synthetic fiber]
Notes:
Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic fiber. It is made by regenerating natural materials into a usable form. Rayon fibers are derived from cellulose obtained from wood or related agricultural products. It was first commercially produced in 1905 by the Swiss firm J. R. Geigy, originally under the name “artificial silk”
8. Which among the following compound of barium is used as radio contrast agent for X-ray imaging and other diagnostic procedures and also commonly called as Barium Food?
[A] Barium Carbonate
[B] Barium Sulphate
[C] Barium Bromide
[D] Barium hydroxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barium Sulphate]
Notes:
Barium Sulphate is the correct answer. It is used as a radiopaque contrast agent in X-ray imaging because it absorbs X-rays, making it visible on the images. Commonly referred to as “Barium Meal” when ingested for gastrointestinal studies, it helps diagnose conditions like ulcers and tumors. Barium Sulphate is insoluble in water, ensuring it remains in the digestive tract without being absorbed.
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. The vegetable oil treated with which among the following halogens makes it an additive, which is used in artificial citrus flavoured aerated drinks to give it the cloudy look, so that consumers get deceived because it appears natural citrus drink?
[A] Chlorine
[B] Bromine
[C] Iodine
[D] Fluorine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Bromine]
Notes:
Brominated Vegetable Oil is an additive, which is used in artificial citrus flavoured aerated drinks to give it the cloudy look, so that consumers are fooled into believing that it is the real thing. India banned BVO in 1988. It is used in some countries.