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 Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called ________?
[A] Alpha rays
[B] Beta rays
[C] Gamma rays
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alpha rays]
Notes:
Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called alpha rays. Alpha rays are also called alpha particles or alpha radiation. Alpha particles are made up of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle that is identical to a helium-4 nucleus.
Alpha particles are named after the first letter in the Greek alphabet, α. They were the first nuclear radiation to be discovered.
When a helium atom loses its electrons, it is left with only the nucleus. This is called an alpha particle.
2. How many noble gases occur naturally?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Five
[D] Six
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Six]
Notes:
Noble gases are characterized by their low reactivity. The reason for this is their full electron shell, which makes them very stable and unlikely to engage in chemical reactions. The six noble gases that occur naturally are helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and the radioactive radon (Rn). Despite the inertness of noble gases, some of them like Xenon are known to form compounds.
3. What characteristic of silica gel, a granular form of silica produced from sodium silicate, enables it to control humidity and prevent spoilage or degradation when packaged with various products?
[A] Its high thermal conductivity
[B] Its hygroscopic properties
[C] Its high reflectivity
[D] Its low thermal conductivity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Its hygroscopic properties]
Notes:
Silica gel possesses hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb and hold water vapour. This makes it an effective desiccant or drying agent. When packaged with products, silica gel can help control humidity and prevent spoilage or degradation by absorbing excess moisture. This property is particularly valuable when shipping or storing items that can be negatively impacted by damp conditions, like electronics, food, and leather goods.
4. Sodium bicarbonate decomposes above 70 °C, making it usable in bakery products. What end product of this thermal decomposition process contributes to its use in baking?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Carbon Dioxide
[C] Water Vapor
[D] Sodium Carbonate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Carbon Dioxide]
Notes:
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used in baking due to its ability to decompose above 70 degrees Celsius and release carbon dioxide. This chemical reaction is given by the equation 2 NaHCO3 – Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2. In baking, it reacts with other ingredients or decomposes at high temperatures to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise, creating the fluffy texture in baked goods.
5. Which of the following is correct about the first ionization enthalpy of alkaline earth metals?
[A] It is higher than corresponding Group 1 metals
[B] It is lower than corresponding Group 1 metals
[C] No fix pattern exist
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is higher than corresponding Group 1 metals]
Notes:
The first ionization enthalpy of these metals is higher than corresponding Group 1 metals due to the small size of these elements compared to the corresponding alkali metals. The second ionization enthalpy of these metals is lower than corresponding alkali metals.
6. 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.
7. What do we call the compounds of carbon having double or triple bonds between the carbon atoms?
[A] Saturated carbon compounds
[B] Unsaturated carbon compounds
[C] Fullerenes
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Unsaturated carbon compounds]
Notes:
The compounds of carbon having double or triple bonds between the carbon atoms are known as unsaturated carbon compounds.
8. Which of the following is correct about tincture of iodine?
[A] It is a solution of iodine in ethanol
[B] It is a solution of iodine in Hydrochloric acid
[C] It is a solution of iodine in Nitric acid
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [It is a solution of iodine in ethanol]
Notes:
A solution of iodine in alcohol known as ‘tincture of iodine’, has iodine (solid) as the solute and alcohol (liquid) as the solvent.
9. In which of the following cases, components can be separated using a separating funnel?
[A] Mixture of acetone and water
[B] Mixture of oil and water
[C] Different gases in the air
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mixture of oil and water]
Notes:
A separating funnel can be used to separate the components of the mixture of immiscible liquids. Components in the mixture of oil and water can be separated using this method.
10. Which of the following Metal-Ore pairs is not correct?
[A] Iron – Magnetite
[B] Aluminium – Bauxite
[C] Gold – Calaverite
[D] Calcium – Carnalite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Calcium – Carnalite]
Notes:
Carnalite is an ore of Potassium. It’s a hydrated potassium magnesium chloride. The chemical formula of Carnalite is KCl. MgCl2 . 6H2O.
