Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. The easily noticed smell of the LPG gas is because of which among the following?
[A] Butane
[B] Propane
[C] Methane
[D] Ethanethiol
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ethanethiol]
Notes:
Ethanethiol or stench, is a organosulfur compound and is used to add to the otherwise odorless gaseous products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to help warn of gas leaks.
2. 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.
3. Which among the following is a common salt in Detergents?
[A] Sulphate
[B] Nitrate
[C] Sulphonate
[D] Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sulphate]
Notes:
Sodium sulfate, used as a filler in detergent powder, enables the adjustment of the concentration of the active matter in the detergent, as required.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Which among the following is the most important characteristic of Noble metals?
[A] Luster
[B] Non reactive nature
[C] Preciousness
[D] Rare availability
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Non reactive nature]
Notes:
Noble metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum, are primarily characterized by their non-reactive nature. This means they resist oxidation and corrosion, making them ideal for use in jewelry and electronics. Unlike base metals, noble metals do not easily form compounds with other elements, which is why they maintain their luster and appearance over time. Their rarity and preciousness are secondary characteristics, but their chemical stability is what truly defines them as noble.
8. Which among the following allotropes of Oxygen is found in 6 phases under various pressures and temperatures?
[A] Ozone
[B] Tetra oxygen
[C] Octaoxygen
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Octaoxygen]
Notes:
The correct answer is Octaoxygen. Octaoxygen (O8) is an allotrope of oxygen that can exist in multiple phases under varying pressures and temperatures. It was first synthesized in 2001 and is notable for its unique molecular structure, which consists of eight oxygen atoms. Ozone (O3) is well-known but does not exhibit multiple phases like octaoxygen. Tetraoxygen (O4) is less stable and not commonly referenced in the same context.
9. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sodium]
Notes:
Chile saltpetre, or sodium nitrate (NaNO3), differs from regular saltpetre, which typically refers to potassium nitrate (KNO3). Chile saltpetre is primarily composed of sodium, while traditional saltpetre contains potassium. Historically, Chile saltpetre was extensively mined in the Atacama Desert and was crucial for fertilizer and explosives in the 19th century.
10. 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.