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 scientists had discovered Radium?
[A] Marie and Pierre Curie
[B] Andre-Louis Debierne
[C] Kasimir Fajans
[D] Oswald Helmuth Gohring
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Marie and Pierre Curie]
Notes:
Radium(Ra) with atomic number 88 was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898 as Radium Chloride. However, it was Radium was isolated in its metallic state by Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne through the electrolysis of radium chloride in 1911.
2. Which of the following is an anti-knocking compound that has been phased out in many countries so far?
[A] Lead tetrachloride
[B] Tetra Ethyl Lead
[C] Ethyl acetate
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tetra Ethyl Lead ]
Notes:
Tetra Ethyl Lead (TEL) is one such component that is added to petrol to reduce its tendency to `ping’ under compression. TEL breaks down to lead at upper cylinder temperatures. Lead atoms spread around and combining with the free radicals and slowing down the reaction.
However, `Leaded’ petrol was a grave danger to the environment, as lead is a poison when it is absorbed into the body.
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. 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.
5. Under standard conditions, which of the following is the most stable form of carbon?
[A] Charcoal
[B] Graphite
[C] Diamond
[D] Amorphous Carbon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Graphite]
Notes:
Under standard conditions, Graphite is the most stable form of carbon. It is commonly used in pencils and lubricants due to its layered structure. These layers can move over each other, making graphite soft and slippery. Besides Graphite, other forms of carbon are diamond, charcoal, and amorphous carbon, each with unique properties and applications.
6. Which among the following were not discovered by the time , Mendeleev published his periodic table?
[A] Lathanides
[B] Actinides
[C] Noble Gases
[D] Halogens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Noble Gases]
Notes:
When Mendeleev published his periodic table in 1869, noble gases had not yet been discovered. The first noble gas, argon, was identified in 1894 by Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay. In contrast, lanthanides and actinides were recognized later, but their existence was inferred from Mendeleev’s predictions. Halogens, including elements like chlorine and iodine, were known prior to Mendeleev’s work.
7. Which of the following is NOT correct about Sodium chloride?
[A] It is a covalent compound
[B] It is also known as common salt
[C] It is also used in de-icing of roadways during snowfall
[D] It is used as a food preservative
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is a covalent compound]
Notes:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is used as a common salt or table salt for domestic purpose and used as a food preservative. It is an ionic compound. It is also used in de-icing of roadways during snowfall.
8. Which of the following is correct about tincture of iodine?
[A] It is a solution of iodine in ethanol
[B] It is a solution of iodine in Hydrochloric acid
[C] It is a solution of iodine in Nitric acid
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is a solution of iodine in ethanol]
Notes:
A solution of iodine in alcohol known as ‘tincture of iodine’, has iodine (solid) as the solute and alcohol (liquid) as the solvent.
9. Which of the following elements is identified by the 7th group and 4th period of the modern periodic table?
[A] Copper
[B] Iron
[C] Manganese
[D] Chromium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manganese]
Notes:
Manganese is placed in the 7th group and 4th period of the modern periodic table. Its Atomic number is 25 and is placed group VII A.
10. Which of the following Group in the modern periodic table contains Halogens?
[A] Group 18
[B] Group 1
[C] Group 17
[D] Group 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Group 17]
Notes:
The Halogens are placed in 17 group number. The halogens are located on the left of the noble gases in the periodic table. Halogen group contains fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).