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 happens to the weight of Iron, when it rusts?
[A] Increases for long time
[B] Decreases then increases
[C] Increases then decreases
[D] Remains the same
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Increases then decreases]
Notes:
When iron or any other metal oxidizes, oxygen from the air combines with the iron to make iron oxide or rust. So, weight of the bar increases, due to the increased weight of oxygen which has combined with the iron. over time, the weight of the iron bar will tend to decrease, due to factors related more to erosion than to chemistry.
2. 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.
3. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Allotropes]
Notes:
Allotropes refer to two or more different physical forms in which an element can exist. The property is due to different ways atoms bond together. The most common instance is the element carbon, which exists in several different forms, including diamond, graphite, and fullerenes, making it an allotropic element. It’s crucial to note that allotropy applies to elements, not compounds.
4. 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.
5. Ekaboron was an element predicted by Mendeleev and he leaved a space for it in his Periodic Table. Later Ekaboron was identified with _____?
[A] Gallium
[B] Scandium
[C] Technitium
[D] Germanium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Scandium]
Notes:
Ekaboron was predicted by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1871, who left a space in his Periodic Table for it. It was later identified as Scandium (element 21) in 1879 by Lars Fredrik Nilson. Scandium shares similar properties with Ekaboron, aligning with Mendeleev’s predictions.
6. 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.
7. Consider the following substances:
- Iodine
- Naphthalene
- Camphor
Which of the above substances undergo ‘sublimation’ on heating?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] All of them
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All of them]
Notes:
Sublimation is a transition from solid to gas, bypassing the liquid phase. Iodine sublimes, producing violet vapors; naphthalene sublimes, hence its use in mothballs; and camphor also sublimes, used in medicinal and aromatic applications. Thus, all three substances exhibit sublimation upon heating, making ‘All of them’ the correct answer.
8. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning in many parts of the world. What makes it such a fatal gas?
[A] CO dissolves in cytoplasm and functions as an inhibitor of the crucial enzymes for metabolism
[B] CO competes with Haemoglobin for Oxygen intake
[C] CO dissolves in blood Plasma and spreads toxicity
[D] CO converts into Carbon Dioxide in presence of water in Blood
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ CO competes with Haemoglobin for Oxygen intake]
Notes:
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, but highly toxic because it combines with haemoglobin to produce carboxyhemoglobin, which usurps the space in haemoglobin that normally carries oxygen, but is ineffective for delivering oxygen to bodily tissues. Concentrations as low as 667 ppm may cause up to 50% of the body’s hemoglobin to convert to carboxyhemoglobin. The impact is irreversible and that is why that even after available of oxygen, the carboxyhemoglobin does not allow the Oxygen to be taken up.
9. Double Sulphitation is the most commonly used method in India for refining of _?
[A] Crude oil
[B] Cooking oils
[C] Sugar
[D] Coal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Sugar]
Notes:
In India, the Double Sulphitation is the most commonly used method for refining of sugar. Also, it is the cheapest process of refining sugar as compared to other available process.
10. What is dry ice?
[A] solidified form of Carbon dioxide
[B] frozen heavy water
[C] isotope of Hydrogen
[D] popular name of Benzene
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [solidified form of Carbon dioxide]
Notes:
Carbon dioxide can be obtained as a solid in the form of dry ice by allowing the liquified CO2 to expand rapidly.
