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 is a Noble Gas?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
The noble gases are the chemical elements in group 18 of the periodic table. They are the most stable due to having the maximum number of valence electrons their outer shell can hold. This chemical series contains helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
2. “Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.” This principle was given by __?
[A] Avogadro
[B] Dalton
[C] Rutherford
[D] Niels Bohr
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dalton]
Notes:
The given principle is one of the postulates of the Dalton’s atomic theory given in 1803 by John Dalton. The postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory are as follows:
1. Elements consist of indivisible small particles (atoms).
2. All atoms of the same element are identical; different elements have different types of atom.
3. Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.
4. ‘Compound elements’ (i.e. Compounds) are formed when atoms of different elements join in simple ratios to form ‘compound atoms’ (i.e. Molecules).
3. Which among the following is a common salt in Detergents?
[A] Sulphate
[B] Nitrate
[C] Sulphonate
[D] Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sulphate]
Notes:
Sodium sulfate, used as a filler in detergent powder, enables the adjustment of the concentration of the active matter in the detergent, as required.
4. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
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Correct Answer: D [Allotropes]
Notes:
Allotropes refer to two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist. The property is due to different ways atoms bond together. The most common instance is the element carbon, which exists in several different forms, including diamond, graphite, and fullerenes, making it an allotropic element. It’s crucial to note that allotropy applies to elements, not compounds.
5. 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
Show Answer
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.
6. Which among the following gas is used in Balloons?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Helium
[C] Nitrogen
[D] Oxygen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Helium]
Notes:
The correct answer is Helium. Helium is a non-flammable, lighter-than-air gas, making it safe for use in balloons. Unlike hydrogen, which is highly flammable and poses explosion risks, helium is inert and does not react with other substances. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, primarily produced through nuclear fusion in stars. It was first discovered in the sun before being found on Earth.
7. Buckeyballs are basically the allotropes of _________?
[A] Carbon
[B] Sulfur
[C] Phosphorus
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Carbon]
Notes:
Buckeyballs, or fullerenes, are allotropes of carbon. Discovered in 1985, they consist of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. This unique structure contributes to their remarkable properties, including high strength and electrical conductivity. Fullerenes are part of a broader class of carbon allotropes, which also includes graphite and diamond.
8. Which of the following chemicals is resposible for temporary acid rain in colder regions?
[A] Hydrogen chloride
[B] Sulphur dioxide
[C] Nitric acid
[D] Nitrogen oxides
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hydrogen chloride]
Notes:
Hydrogen chloride gas released from volcanic eruption is responsible for temporary acid rain in colder regions.
9. Which of the following chemicals is called Philosopher’s Wool?
[A] Brimstone
[B] Zinc oxide
[C] Magnesium hydroxide
[D] Potassium nitrate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Zinc oxide]
Notes:
The compound zinc oxide (ZnO) is called philosopher's wool. ZnO is a white powder that is insoluble in water. Zinc oxide is used as an additive in sun screens, sun lotions, in rubber manufacturing and in photocopying products. Alchemists, as part of their rituals, burn zinc in air and collect the residue, which formed into white woolly tufts. They called it Lana philosophica in Latin, meaning philosopher's wool.
10. What happens to the non-metallic character of elements in the p-block of the periodic table?
[A] non-metallic character decreases down the group
[B] non-metallic character increases down the group
[C] No fix pattern
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [non-metallic character decreases down the group]
Notes:
The non-metallic character of elements decreases down the group. In fact, the heaviest element in each p-block group is the most metallic in nature.