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 the correct set of chemical formulae of Chile Saltpetre, Saltpetre and Quick Lime?
[A] KNO3, NaNO3, CaO
[B] NaNO3, KNO3, Ca(OH)2
[C] Na(OH)2, KOH, CaO
[D] NaNO3, KNO3, CaO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [NaNO3, KNO3, CaO]
Notes:
Saltpetre, also spelled Saltpeter, also called Nitre, or Niter, any of three naturally occurring nitrates, distinguished as (1) ordinary saltpetre, or potassium nitrate, KNO3; (2) Chile saltpetre, cubic nitre, or sodium nitrate, NaNO3; and (3) lime saltpetre, wall saltpetre, or calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime, is a widely used chemical compound.
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. 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.
4. Which of the following best describes the nature of Froth and Foam?
[A] Solid suspended in gas
[B] Liquid suspended in gas
[C] Gas suspended in liquid
[D] Gas suspended in solid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gas suspended in liquid]
Notes:
Froth and foams are examples of “gas suspended in liquid”. They are typically created when gas bubbles are dispersed in a liquid. This physical phenomenon is commonly observed in many daily life scenarios such as soap lather and carbonated drinks. Technically, they are a special case of colloid where little blobs of one liquid are dispersed in another and show the property of surface tension.
5. 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.
6. The adsorption of hydrogen by palladium is termed as:
[A] Physisorption
[B] Chemisorptions
[C] Physical adsorption
[D] Occlusion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Occlusion]
Notes:
The adsorption of hydrogen by palladium is called occlusion. Occlusion is a type of adsorption where gases are adsorbed onto metals. The hydrogen adsorbed onto palladium is called occluded hydrogen.
Palladium can absorb about 900 times its own volume of hydrogen. The hydrogen that is adsorbed is more active than normal hydrogen.
The adsorption of hydrogen on palladium occurs through a hydride formation. The chemical bonds that are formed cannot be broken easily to release the hydrogen gas from the surface of the metal.
The process of occlusion is used to purify hydrogen.
7. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "sweet oil of vitriol"?
[A] Diethyl ether
[B] Aluminium sulphate
[C] Sulphuric acid
[D] Iron(III) sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Diethyl ether]
Notes:
Diethyl ether is a colourless, highly volatile & flammable organic compound. It was earlier used for anaesthesia but after the development of non-flammable drugs, its uses as anaesthetic has been reduced.
8. Which of the following metal is the main constituent in Pewter alloy?
[A] Lead
[B] Zinc
[C] Tin
[D] Iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tin]
Notes:
The term pewter covers a variety of alloys consisting primarily of tin. It is composed of 85–99% tin, mixed with copper, antimony, bismuth, silver or lead..
9. What is Rose metal?
[A] It is an alloy of Nickel, Tin and Zinc
[B] It is an alloy of Bismuth, Copper and Palladium
[C] It is an alloy of Palladium, Tin and Lead
[D] It is an alloy of Bismuth, Tin and Lead
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [It is an alloy of Bismuth, Tin and Lead]
Notes:
Rose metal is an alloy of Bismuth, Tin and Lead. It’s a fusible alloy with low melting point commonly used for soldering.
10. Which of the following is a correct Ore-Metal pair?
[A] Greenocite – Cadmium
[B] Ruby Silver – Lead
[C] Silestine – Copper
[D] Salt peter – Magnesium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greenocite – Cadmium]
Notes:
Greenocite is an important ore of Cadmium. Ruby Silver is an important ore of Silver. Silestine is an ore of Strontium and Salt peter is an ore of Potassium.