Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Dalton’s name is associated with which of the following terms?
[A] Electron
[B] Proton
[C] Atom
[D] Neutron
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Correct Answer: C [Atom]
Notes:
John Dalton introduced the atomic theory into chemistry. The main points of Dalton’s atomic theory are (1) Elements are made of extremely small particles called atoms. (2) Atoms of a given element are identical in size, mass and other properties; atoms of different elements differ in size, mass and other properties.(3) Atoms cannot be subdivided, created or destroyed. (4) Atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form chemical compounds. (5) In chemical reactions, atoms are combined, separated or rearranged.
2. Which of the following is a thermosetting plastic?
[A] Polythene
[B] Bakelite
[C] Polyvinyl chloride
[D] Casseine
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Correct Answer: B [Bakelite]
Notes:
Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic formed from phenol and formaldehyde, used in electrical insulators and cookware handles. Unlike thermoplastics, it hardens irreversibly when heated and cannot be remolded. It was the first synthetic plastic, invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907.
3. 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.
4. When Sulphur is heated with rubber, the process is commonly known as ?
[A] Galvanization
[B] Sulphonation
[C] Vulcanization
[D] Hydrodesulfurization
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Correct Answer: C [Vulcanization]
Notes:
Natural rubber becomes soft at high temperature (>335 K) and brittle at low temperatures (<283 k) and shows high water absorption capacity. It is soluble in non-polar solvents and is non-resistant to attack by oxidising agents. To improve upon these physical properties, a process of vulcanisation is carried out. This process consists of heating a mixture of raw rubber with sulphur and an appropriate additive at a temperature range between 373 K to 415 K. On vulcanisation, sulphur forms cross links at the reactive sites of double bonds and thus the rubber gets stiffened.
In the manufacture of tyre rubber, 5% of sulphur is used as a crosslinking agent
5. Which of the following is the correct term used to describe Graphite, Carbon and Diamonds?
[A] Isotopes
[B] Isomers
[C] Isotones
[D] Allotropes
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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. Which among the following was first human-made plastic?
[A] Bakelite
[B] Polyethene
[C] Celluloid
[D] Nylon
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Correct Answer: C [Celluloid]
Notes:
The first synthetic plastic was actually celluloid, invented by Alexander Parkes in 1855. Initially, celluloid was primarily used in photographic films. However, it had limitations, not suitable for making containers or electrical insulation. The first genuine plastic, Bakelite, was invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909 and extensively used in various applications, including safely handled autos. World War I significantly contributed to the development of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, widely used in plumbing and electrical insulation. Later, in the 1930s, nylon was invented, and by 1950, plastic materials gained immense popularity.
7. After a nuclear disaster, the Strontium-90 becomes an health issue of great concern. What is the major concern about this particular isotope?
[A] Strontium-90 gets deposited in the Red Blood Cells and causes Blood Cancer
[B] Strontium-90 gets deposited in the Liver cells and causes Liver Cirrhosis
[C] Strontium-90 gets deposited in bones and bone marrow and causes cancer
[D] None of the above is a correct statement
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Correct Answer: C [ Strontium-90 gets deposited in bones and bone marrow and causes cancer]
Notes:
Strontium-90 is a “bone seeker” that exhibits biochemical behaviour similar to calcium, the next lighter Group 2 element. After entering the organism, most often by ingestion with contaminated food or water, about 70–80% of the dose gets excreted. Virtually all remaining strontium-90 is deposited in bones and bone marrow, with the remaining 1% remaining in blood and soft tissues. Its presence in bones can cause bone cancer, cancer of nearby tissues, and leukaemia.
8. What is the half life of the longest lived isotope of Francium?
[A] 1 minute
[B] 21 minute
[C] 21 hours
[D] 100 days
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Correct Answer: B [21 minute]
Notes:
Francium is highly radioactive. its longest-lived isotope 223Fr has a half-life of only 21 minutes.
9. What is the hemihydrate of calcium sulphate commonly known as?
[A] Gypsum
[B] Plaster of Paris
[C] Chloroform
[D] Limestone
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Correct Answer: B [Plaster of Paris]
Notes:
Plaster of Paris is the common name of calcium sulphate hemihydrate because half molecule of water is attached with calcium sulphate. The chemical formula of plaster of Paris is CaSO4.1/2H2O.
10. Which of the following quantum numbers is not necessary to identify an orbital?
[A] Principal quantum number
[B] Azimuthal quantum number
[C] Magnetic quantum number
[D] Electron Spin quantum number
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Correct Answer: D [Electron Spin quantum number]
Notes:
An orbital is identified by the set of 3 quantum numbers: Principal quantum number, Azimuthal quantum number and magnetic quantum number.