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 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.
2. Which among the following is known as White Vitriol?
[A] Zinc Sulphate
[B] Zinc Chloride
[C] Zinc Phosphate
[D] Zinc oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Zinc Sulphate]
Notes:
Zinc sulfate is the inorganic compound with the formula ZnSO4 and historically known as “white vitriol” Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound and dietary supplement.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Which among the following will undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution?
[A] Calcium Oxide
[B] Zinc Oxide
[C] Ferric Oxide
[D] Ferrous Oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zinc Oxide]
Notes:
Zinc oxide (ZnO) can undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution. In acidic conditions, it can react to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺), while in alkaline conditions, it can form zincates. This behavior is due to its amphoteric nature, which allows it to react with both acids and bases. In contrast, calcium oxide (CaO) is basic, ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) is generally inert in neutral pH, and ferrous oxide (FeO) is less reactive in varying pH levels.
6. How many parts are of other metals in a 17 carat Gold?
[A] 3
[B] 5
[C] 7
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [7]
Notes:
In 17 carat gold, the composition is 17 parts gold and 7 parts other metals, making it 70.6% gold. The term “carat” refers to the purity of gold, with 24 carats being pure gold. Thus, 17 carat gold contains 7 parts of other metals, which can include copper, silver, or palladium, used to enhance durability and alter color.
7. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sodium]
Notes:
Chile saltpetre, or sodium nitrate (NaNO3), differs from regular saltpetre, which typically refers to potassium nitrate (KNO3). Chile saltpetre is primarily composed of sodium, while traditional saltpetre contains potassium. Historically, Chile saltpetre was extensively mined in the Atacama Desert and was crucial for fertilizer and explosives in the 19th century.
8. If a Hydrogen atom is removed from a hydrocarbon of Benzene group, the remaining residue is called _________?
[A] Alkyl
[B] Aryl
[C] Arene
[D] Azene
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aryl]
Notes:
The correct answer is Aryl. In organic chemistry, when a hydrogen atom is removed from a benzene ring (a hydrocarbon), the remaining structure is referred to as an aryl group. Aryl groups are derived from aromatic compounds, specifically those containing a benzene ring. For example, when a hydrogen is removed from toluene (methylbenzene), the resulting aryl group is called a tolyl group. Aryl groups are important in various chemical reactions and are foundational in the synthesis of many organic compounds.
9. Pyrolusite, Braunite, Psilomelane, Rhodochrosite are the ores of which among the following metals?
[A] Manganese
[B] Aluminium
[C] Copper
[D] Manganese and Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manganese]
Notes:
Pyrolusite, Braunite, Psilomelane, and Rhodochrosite are all ores of Manganese. Pyrolusite is one of the most important ores due to its high manganese content. Braunite, although a significant ore, its manganese content is less than Pyrolusite. Psilomelane and Rhodochrosite also contribute as minor ores.
10. Acid rain is capable of damaging the buildings and historic monuments which are made up of rocks such as limestone and marble. Which among the following is the end product of such reaction?
[A] Quick Lime
[B] Calcium Carbonate
[C] Calcium Hydroxide
[D] Gypsum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gypsum]
Notes:
When sulfuric, and nitric acids, present in the acid rain reacts with the calcite in marble and limestone, it get dissolve and formed gypsum and washed off by the water. The rain can dissolve limestone and marble through direct contact.