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. The aqueous solution of which among the following acids is called Vinegar?
[A] Oxalic acid
[B] Citric acid
[C] Acetic acid
[D] Hydrochloric acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Acetic acid ]
Notes:
Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak organic acid that gives vinegar its sour taste. At household concentrations (5-8% acetic acid), it is a mild acid. Vinegar can be made from a variety of base ingredients including wine, apple cider, rice, or malt. The acetic acid is produced by fermentation of the sugars in these ingredients. The most common type of vinegar in households is white distilled vinegar which is typically 4-7% acetic acid. It has a strong, pungent smell and flavor.
3. What is the electrical state of a molecule, considered the smallest part of matter retaining the properties of the original matter?
[A] Positive
[B] Negative
[C] Either positive or negative
[D] Neutral
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neutral]
Notes:
A molecule represents the smallest portion of a substance that retains the characteristics of the substance. It’s electrically neutral because it’s made up of atoms that bond together, sharing or exchanging electrons to achieve stability. This process balances out the electrical charges of the protons and electrons, rendering the molecule as a whole electrically neutral.
4. Which among the following is Quick Silver?
[A] Aluminium
[B] Mercury
[C] Lead
[D] Zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mercury]
Notes:
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. The element is also known as quicksilver for its mobility. Mercury is one of the oldest and deadliest poisons, a highly toxic metal mined from a brilliant red ore.
5. The atomic weight of Chlorine is 35. It consists of _______?
[A] 17 Protons + 18 Neutrons
[B] 17 Neutrons + 18 protons
[C] 17 Neutrons + 17 Protons + 1 electron
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [17 Protons + 18 Neutrons]
Notes:
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, meaning it has 17 protons. Its atomic weight is approximately 35, which indicates it typically has 18 neutrons (35 – 17 = 18). Therefore, the correct composition is 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Chlorine is a halogen and exists primarily as two stable isotopes: Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37.
6. Cassiterite is a primary ore of which of the following elements?
[A] Iron
[B] Zinc
[C] Copper
[D] Tin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tin]
Notes:
Cassiterite is a mineral that is a significant ore of tin. It is also known as tin oxide. Although rare, its key characteristic is its high specific gravity that makes it easy to separate it from other materials. Tin, which is extracted from Cassiterite, is commonly used in making alloys, punches, and cutting tools.
7. Aluminum is getting popular worldwide today as a “Green Metal”. Which among the following properties of Aluminum makes it a Green Metal?
[A] Aluminum has been providing a replacement of wood for saving forests and contributes in environment protection
[B] Aluminum is a light metal and it is resistant to corrosion
[C] Aluminum has fairly high rate of recycling and it can be re-used repeatedly without its quality deteriorating
[D] The lands after the Bauxite mining can be restored very quickly and easily
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aluminum has fairly high rate of recycling and it can be re-used repeatedly without its quality deteriorating]
Notes:
Aluminum is considered a “Green Metal” primarily due to its high recycling rate. Approximately 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, as it can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. This process saves energy—recycling aluminum uses about 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from bauxite ore. Additionally, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources, making aluminum a sustainable choice in various applications.
8. Amalgam’ is a term used for an alloy of a metal with :
[A] Copper
[B] Mercury
[C] Lead
[D] Aluminium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mercury]
Notes:
The correct answer is Mercury. An amalgam is a specific type of alloy that primarily consists of mercury mixed with another metal, commonly used in dental fillings due to its durability and ease of use. Historically, amalgams have been used since ancient times, with the earliest known use dating back to the 9th century in China.
9. What is the atomic number of Barium?
[A] 54
[B] 56
[C] 58
[D] 60
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [56]
Notes:
The atomic number of barium is 56.
10. Which of the following is NOT correct about the use of Quick lime?
[A] Manufacturing of cement
[B] Manufacture of sodium carbonate
[C] Purification of sugar
[D] used to extinguish fire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [used to extinguish fire]
Notes:
(i) It is an important primary material for manufacturing cement and is the cheapest form of alkali. (ii) It is used in the manufacture of sodium carbonate from caustic soda. (iii) It is employed in the purification of sugar and in the manufacture of dye stuffs.