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 of the following is not a non-metallic mineral?
[A] Mica
[B] Bauxite
[C] Granite
[D] Silica
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bauxite]
Notes:
Non-metallic minerals are those minerals which do not contain metals. Examples of Non-Metallic minerals include limestone, mica, coal, gypsum, dolomite, phosphate, salt, granite etc.
2. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
Show Answer
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.
3. Which of the following statements about the chemical nature of Diamond and Graphite is incorrect?
[A] The density of Diamond is greater than that of Graphite
[B] Diamond is chemically unreactive whereas Graphite mildly reacts with certain elements
[C] Both Diamond and Graphite are excellent conductors of electricity
[D] None of the above statements is incorrect
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both Diamond and Graphite are excellent conductors of electricity]
Notes:
Diamond and graphite are both forms of carbon but they exhibit different properties due to variations in their bonding arrangements. Diamond does not conduct electricity as each carbon atom in diamond is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms, leaving no free electrons to conduct electricity. On the other hand, graphite is a good conductor of electricity due to its layered structure which leaves free electrons between the layers.
4. Sodium bicarbonate decomposes above 70 °C, making it usable in bakery products. What end product of this thermal decomposition process contributes to its use in baking?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapor
[D] Sodium Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Carbon Dioxide]
Notes:
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used in baking due to its ability to decompose above 70 degrees Celsius and release carbon dioxide. This chemical reaction is given by the equation 2 NaHCO3 – Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2. In baking, it reacts with other ingredients or decomposes at high temperatures to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise, creating the fluffy texture in baked goods.
5. The colors in the fine cut diamond are because of which among the following?
[A] Variance in transparency of diamond
[B] Variance in index of refraction
[C] Presence of Impurities
[D] Existence of definite planer layers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Presence of Impurities]
Notes:
Pure diamond should transmit visible light and appear as a clear colorless crystal. Colors in diamond originate from lattice defects and impurities. The diamond crystal lattice is exceptionally strong and only atoms of nitrogen, boron and hydrogen can be introduced into diamond during the growth at significant concentrations (up to atomic percents). Nitrogen gives yellowish color while the Boron gives bluish color.
6. Plumbism is a condition which occurs due to accumulation of:
[A] Lead in the body
[B] Sodium in the body
[C] Cadmium in the body
[D] Potassium in the body
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Lead in the body]
Notes:
Plumbism is also known as lead poisoning or a condition which occurs when there is accumulation of lead in body, usually over a few months' time period and even years.
7. Which of the following compound of sodium is generally prepared by Solvay process?
[A] Sodium Carbonate
[B] Sodium Hydroxide
[C] Sodium Chloride
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sodium Carbonate]
Notes:
Sodium carbonate is generally prepared by Solvay Process.
8. 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.
9. What do we call the region of space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum?
[A] Shell
[B] sub-shell
[C] Orbital
[D] electron cloud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Orbital]
Notes:
The region of space around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum is called an orbital. The electron cloud is a visual model that represents all the orbitals in an atom
10. Which of the following statements is correct about Beta-decay?
[A] In β+decay, Mass number increases by 2
[B] In β−decay, Mass number decreases by 2
[C] In β−decay, the atomic number increases by 1
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [In β−decay, the atomic number increases by 1]
Notes:
In both β− and β+ decay, the mass number A remains unchanged. In β− decay, the atomic number of the nucleus goes up by 1, while in β+ decay, the atomic number goes down by 1.
