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 metal is highest electrical conductivity as well as highest thermal conductivity?
[A] Gold
[B] Silver
[C] Platinum
[D] Iron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Silver]
Notes:
Silver is the metal with the highest electrical and thermal conductivity. It has only one valence electron, which can move around with little resistance. This makes silver a great conductor of electricity and heat.
Silver’s thermal conductivity is 430 wK/m, which is higher than copper (400 wK/m), aluminum (235 wK/m), and brass (109 wK/m).
Silver’s low contact wear resistance and excellent optical reflectivity make it ideal for coating contacts, mirrors, and conductors in telecom applications.
Impurities can decrease a conductor’s conductivity. For example, sterling silver is not as good of a conductor as pure silver. Oxidized silver is not as good a conductor as untarnished silver.
2. Which compound of mercury is used as antiseptic?
[A] Mercuric sulphide
[B] Mercuric oxide
[C] Mercuric chloride
[D] Mercuric iodide
Show Answer
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 primary event that occurs during an oxidation reaction?
[A] Electrons are gained
[B] Electrons are lost
[C] Protons are gained
[D] Protons are lost
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Electrons are lost]
Notes:
Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses an electron to another substance. So, the correct answer is “Electrons are lost”. This phenomenon is often observed in various chemical and biological systems. Understanding this important process can allow us to gain insights in fields ranging from biology to materials science.
4. Buckeyballs are basically the allotropes of _________?
[A] Carbon
[B] Sulfur
[C] Phosphorus
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Carbon]
Notes:
Buckeyballs, or fullerenes, are allotropes of carbon. Discovered in 1985, they consist of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape, resembling a soccer ball. This unique structure contributes to their remarkable properties, including high strength and electrical conductivity. Fullerenes are part of a broader class of carbon allotropes, which also includes graphite and diamond.
5. Mizoroki-Heck reaction is catalyzed by which of the following metals?
[A] Rhodium
[B] Sodium
[C] Palladium
[D] Osmium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Palladium]
Notes:
The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is a cross-coupling reaction that typically involves the coupling of aryl halides with alkenes. It is primarily catalyzed by palladium (Pd) complexes. Palladium is favored due to its ability to facilitate the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps essential for the reaction. Rhodium, while also a transition metal, is less commonly used for this specific reaction. The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is important in organic synthesis for forming carbon-carbon bonds and is widely utilized in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
6. Which among the following is Fool’s Gold?
[A] Copper Sulphate
[B] Iron Sulfide
[C] Brass
[D] Silver Bromide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iron Sulfide]
Notes:
The mineral pyrite or iron pyrite, also known as fool’s gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2 (iron (II) disulfide). “Fool’s Gold” is technically known as pyrite or iron sulfide (FeS2) and is one of the most common sulfide minerals. Its nickname is “Fool’s Gold,” but it often contains a surprising amount of gold.
7. Ilmenite, found in Indian coastal sands, is an ore of which element?
[A] Tungsten
[B] Titanium
[C] Gallium
[D] Tin
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Correct Answer: B [Titanium]
Notes:
Ilmenite is a titanium-iron oxide mineral with the formula FeTiO3. India holds about 37% of global ilmenite reserves, primarily along the peninsular coastal regions. Ilmenite is the primary source of titanium, used in aerospace, chemical, and medical industries. The Geological Survey of India ranks ilmenite among the most abundant heavy minerals in Indian beach placers. Titanium extraction from ilmenite is commercially viable.
8. Which of the following is not an ore of Zinc?
[A] Sphalerite
[B] Zincite
[C] Calamine
[D] Carnetite
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Correct Answer: D [Carnetite]
Notes:
Carnetite is an ore of Uranium, where as Sphalerite(Zinc blende), Zincite and Calamine are some of the important ores of Zinc.
9. What do we call the difference between the initial mass energy and the total mass energy of the decay products in a radioactive decay?
[A] entropy
[B] disintegration energy
[C] alpha energy
[D] integration energy
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Correct Answer: B [disintegration energy]
Notes:
The disintegration energy or the Q-value of a nuclear reaction is the difference between the initial mass energy and the total mass energy of the decay products.
10. When is the gamma ray emitted?
[A] When a nucleus in a ground state goes to the excited state
[B] When a nucleus in an excited state spontaneously decays to its ground state
[C] When alpha rays and beta rays collide
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [When a nucleus in an excited state spontaneously decays to its ground state]
Notes:
When a nucleus in an excited state spontaneously decays to its ground state (or to a lower energy state), a photon is emitted with energy equal to the difference in the two energy levels of the nucleus. This is the so-called gamma decay.