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 compound is most commonly used in the Photochromic lenses?
[A] Potassium Dichromate
[B] Silver Chloride
[C] Potassium ferrate
[D] Ferric Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Silver Chloride]
Notes:
Photochromatic or Photochromic glass acquires a darker shade when exposed to bright light and returns to its original lighter shade in dim light. This happens because silver halides (iodide or chloride) is added to this glass
2. What happens to ozone’s volume when it is heated?
[A] Increases
[B] Decreases
[C] Remains unchanged
[D] First increases, then decreases
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Increases]
Notes:
According to Charles’s Law, for gases at constant pressure, volume increases with temperature. Heating ozone increases the kinetic energy of molecules, expanding its volume if pressure is constant. Ozone (O₃) behaves like other gases, expanding when heated. This law applies to all ideal gases and ozone approximates ideal behavior under moderate conditions.
3. 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.
4. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
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Correct Answer: B [A Dye]
Notes:
Phenolphthalein is commonly employed as a pH indicator in titrations due to its distinct color change in varying pH levels. At pH 8.2, it appears colorless but turns pink as the pH increases to 10. It is not used as a solvent, catalyst or detergent. It also finds applications in forensic science for detecting latent blood stains.
5. What is the number of naturally occurring Halogens in the periodic table?
[A] 3
[B] 4
[C] 5
[D] 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [5]
Notes:
fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At)
6. The Potassium graphite and Calcium Graphite can be mostly used as which among the following?
[A] Moderators
[B] Semiconductors
[C] Superconductors
[D] Lubricants
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Superconductors]
Notes:
Potassium graphite and calcium graphite are primarily used as superconductors. Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance when cooled below a certain temperature. Graphite, particularly when doped with potassium or calcium, exhibits enhanced superconducting properties. Notably, the discovery of high-temperature superconductors in the 1980s revolutionized the field, leading to applications in magnetic levitation and advanced electronic devices.
7. Which among the following is correct statement about both rusting of iron and respiration?
[A] Both are exothermic reactions
[B] Both are endothermic reactions
[C] While Rusting is endothermic, respiration is exothermic
[D] While Rusting is exothermic, respiration is endothermic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Both are exothermic reactions]
Notes:
Both are oxidation-therefore exothermic processes
8. PAN (Peroxyacetyl nitrate) is a secondary gaseous compound found in _?
[A] Classical smog
[B] Volatile organic compound
[C] Photochemical smog
[D] Green manure
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Photochemical smog]
Notes:
Third option is the correct answer
Photochemical smog is the chemical reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere, which leaves airborne particles and ground-level ozone.
9. Which among the following impurity in drinking water causes the “Bamboo Spine” disorder?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Fluorides
[C] Arsenic
[D] Sulphides
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Correct Answer: B [ Fluorides]
Notes:
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease that mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. It tends to affect the spine and in late stages, the spine will fuse and this has given rise to the term “bamboo spine”. It is mainly caused due to impurities in drinking water associated with fluorides.
10. 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.
