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. Identify the Noble Gas from the following options:
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
Helium, a noble gas, is the second most abundant element in the universe after Hydrogen. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and non-reactive because its outermost electron shell is full with two electrons. This complete outer shell gives it the stability that defines the Noble Gases. Despite its abundance in the universe, Helium is relatively rare on Earth, primarily obtained from natural gas wells.
3. What is commonly referred to as “Laughing Gas”?
[A] Nitric oxide
[B] Nitrous oxide
[C] Nitrogen penta oxide
[D] Nitrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrous oxide]
Notes:
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “Laughing Gas” due to the euphoric effect it produces when inhaled. Its chemical formula is N2O and it is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a relatively sweet odor and taste. It is primarily used in dentistry and surgery for its analgesic and anesthetic properties. It is also noted for its role as a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant, as well as a natural regulator of stratospheric ozone.
4. Duralumin which is used in making aero planes is an alloy consisting of _____?
[A] Aluminum & Copper
[B] Aluminum, Copper & Manganese
[C] Aluminum, Copper, Manganese & Magnesium
[D] Aluminum and zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aluminum, Copper, Manganese & Magnesium]
Notes:
Duralumin is an alloy primarily composed of aluminum, copper, manganese, and magnesium. It was developed in the early 20th century and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for aircraft construction. The addition of copper enhances strength, while manganese and magnesium improve corrosion resistance and workability. Duralumin was first used in aircraft during World War I, revolutionizing aviation materials.
5. F block elements in the periodic table which are commonly called Lanthanides have the following atomic numbers:
[A] 57-70
[B] 57-71
[C] 58-71
[D] 58-70
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [57-71]
Notes:
The correct answer is 2. The lanthanides are a series of 15 elements in the periodic table, from atomic numbers 57 (Lanthanum) to 71 (Lutetium). They are known for their similar properties and are often found together in nature. The range of atomic numbers for lanthanides is 57 to 71, not 57-70 or 58-70.
6. Consider the following:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Tin
Gun Metal is the alloy of which among the above?
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 1 & 3
[C] 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Gun metal is an alloy primarily composed of copper, tin, and zinc. Specifically, it typically contains about 88% copper, 10% tin, and 2% zinc. This alloy is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for manufacturing firearms and artillery. The term “gun metal” dates back to the 15th century when it was used for cannons and other weaponry.
7. 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.
8. Which of the following are two predominant acids of acid rain?
[A] sulphuric acid and nitric acid
[B] carbonic acid and hydrochloric acid
[C] nitric acid and hydrochloric Acid
[D] hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ sulphuric acid and nitric acid ]
Notes:
Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulphuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.
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. Choose the incorrect ‘Alloy – constituent metal’ pair:
[A] Lockalloy – Iron
[B] Vitallium – Cobalt
[C] Italma – Aluminium
[D] Constantan – Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lockalloy – Iron]
Notes:
Lockalloy is an alloy that contains 62% beryllium and 38% aluminum. All other pairs are correctly matched.