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 of the following is also known as wood alcohol?
[A] Methanol
[B] Ethanol
[C] Propanal
[D] Butanol
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Correct Answer: A [Methanol]
Notes:
Methanol (CH3OH) is also known as Wood Alcohol. It’s a solvent in many chemical processes and is a component of automobile antifreeze.
2. Which compound of mercury is used as antiseptic?
[A] Mercuric sulphide
[B] Mercuric oxide
[C] Mercuric chloride
[D] Mercuric iodide
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Correct Answer: C [Mercuric chloride]
Notes:
Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a highly toxic compound that volatizes slightly at ordinary temperature and appreciably at 100 degrees C. It is corrosive to mucous membranes and used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant.
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
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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 of the following best describes the nature of Froth and Foam?
[A] Solid suspended in gas
[B] Liquid suspended in gas
[C] Gas suspended in liquid
[D] Gas suspended in solid
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Correct Answer: C [Gas suspended in liquid]
Notes:
Froth and foams are examples of “gas suspended in liquid”. They are typically created when gas bubbles are dispersed in a liquid. This physical phenomenon is commonly observed in many daily life scenarios such as soap lather and carbonated drinks. Technically, they are a special case of colloid where little blobs of one liquid are dispersed in another and show the property of surface tension.
5. 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
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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.
6. Which among the following minerals is also known as Horn Silver?
[A] Silver Iodide
[B] Silver Chroride
[C] Zinc Phosphate
[D] Silver Sulphide
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Correct Answer: B [Silver Chroride]
Notes:
Chlorargyrite is the mineral form of silver chloride (AgCl). It is also known as cerargyrite and, when weathered by desert air, as horn silver. Silver chloride is formed by the disappearance of the initial silver oxide layer.
7. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "butter of tin"?
[A] Stannic chloride
[B] Sodium perborate
[C] Potassium nitrate
[D] Magnesium hydroxide
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Correct Answer: A [ Stannic chloride]
Notes:
“Butter of Tin” is also known as tin tetrachloride pentahydrate. It is called “butter of tin” because of its physical appearance. Its chemical formula is SnCl4*5H2O or [SnCl4 (H2O)]*3H2O.
8. Which of the following is an example of colloidal solution?
[A] Milk
[B] Fog
[C] Smoke
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Milk, Fog, Smoke, Cheese, Clouds, Mist, Shaving cream, Butter, Jelly etc. are some of the examples of colloidal solution.
9. Which of the following techniques can be used to separate cream from milk?
[A] Filtration
[B] Distillation
[C] Centrifugation
[D] Chromatography
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Correct Answer: C [Centrifugation]
Notes:
Centrifugation is a mechanical process that utilizes an applied centrifugal force field to separate the components of a mixture.
10. Which of the following methods is most suitable for ore concentration if the ore is soluble in some suitable solvent?
[A] Hydraulic Washing
[B] Magnetic Separation
[C] Froath floatation
[D] Leaching
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Correct Answer: D [Leaching]
Notes:
Leaching is used for ore concentration if the ore is soluble in some suitable solvent. For example: Leaching of alumina from bauxite using conc. NaOH.