Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. What is the key element used in the batteries of electric vehicles?
[A] Magnesium
[B] Lithium
[C] Sodium
[D] Bromine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lithium]
Notes:
The primary component for electric vehicle batteries is Lithium, used as Lithium carbonate or Lithium hydroxide. These Lithium-ion batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio, energy efficiency, and thermal stability, leading to their prevalence in electric vehicles. Notably, the boom in EVs has significantly driven the demand for Lithium globally.
2. Which iron ore contains the highest percentage of iron content?
[A] Hematite
[B] Siderite
[C] Magnetite
[D] Limonite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Magnetite]
Notes:
Magnetite (Fe3O4) typically contains about 70% iron by weight. It is black in color and strongly magnetic. Hematite (Fe2O3) contains about 60–70% iron. Limonite contains 35–50% iron. Siderite (FeCO3) contains about 48% iron. Magnetite is widely mined due to its high iron concentration compared to other ores.
3. Which among the following is the objective of the Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) mixing with Petroleum?
[A] Raise Octane Number
[B] Antioxidant Stabilizer
[C] Lead Scavanger
[D] Fuel Dye
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raise Octane Number ]
Notes:
MTBE is a gasoline additive, used as an oxygenate to raise the octane number. Its use is controversial in the US and declining in that country in part because of its occurrence in groundwater and legislation favoring ethanol.
4. “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).
5. Which compound of mercury is used as antiseptic?
[A] Mercuric sulphide
[B] Mercuric oxide
[C] Mercuric chloride
[D] Mercuric iodide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mercuric chloride]
Notes:
Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a highly toxic compound that volatizes slightly at ordinary temperature and appreciably at 100 degrees C. It is corrosive to mucous membranes and used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant.
6. 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.
7. How does the Isotope of Iodine, Iodine-135 plays an important role in Nuclear Power Generation?
[A] It is used as a fuel supplement in some of the modern Nuclear Reactors
[B] It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation
[C] It is a moderator used actively in the Nuclear Reactors
[D] It is an experimental substance for Nuclear Fusion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a bi-product of Nuclear Reaction which kills the neutrons and this inhibits the power formation]
Notes:
Iodine-135 is a important by-product of nuclear fission, particularly in reactors using uranium fuel. It has a high neutron capture cross-section, meaning it effectively absorbs neutrons, which can inhibit the fission process and reduce reactor power output. This property makes it crucial for managing reactor control and safety, as its presence can lead to a phenomenon known as “neutron poison,” affecting the overall efficiency of the nuclear reaction.
8. The synthetic rubber Buna is obtained from the reaction of an unsaturated hydrocarbon with ___:
[A] Sodium
[B] Magnesium
[C] Potassium
[D] Lithium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sodium]
Notes:
Buna-S is a synthetic rubber formed by co-polymerization of a mixture of 1:3 butadiene and styrene. It is obtained from Sodium.
9. Which among the following acids is generally used as a first hand test to judge whether a metal is Gold or not?
[A] Sulfuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Sulfurous Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitric Acid]
Notes:
The funda is that when a small drop of a strong acid, such as nitric acid, is put onto the metal’s surface, most metals fizz or bubble, whilst precious metals (Gold or Platinum not silver) are unaffected.
10. Which of these compounds is also known as wood spirit?
[A] Ethanol
[B] Methanol
[C] Propanol
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Methanol]
Notes:
Methanol, CH3OH, also known as ‘wood spirit’. It was produced by destructive distillation of wood.
