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. The primary part of Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG is ______?
[A] Butane
[B] Methane
[C] Propane
[D] Butane or Propane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Butane or Propane]
Notes:
LPG consists mainly of propane, propylene, butane, and butylene in various mixtures. The primary gas can be either Propane or Butane.
3. Which among the following is the property of Tungsten which makes it eligible to use in the bulbs?
[A] highest melting point
[B] highest resistance
[C] Highest malleability
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [highest melting point]
Notes:
The electric heating is also used to produce light, as in an electric bulb. Here, the filament must retain as much of the heat generated as is possible, so that it gets very hot and emits light. It must not melt at such high temperature. A strong metal with high melting point such as tungsten (melting point 3380°C) is used for making bulb filaments. The filament should be thermally isolated as much as possible, using insulating support, etc. The bulbs are usually filled with chemically inactive nitrogen and argon gases to prolong the life of filament. Most of the power consumed by the filament appears as heat, but a small part of it is in the form of light radiated.
4. Which among the following basic atoms are must in an Alkaloid?
[A] Sodium
[B] Nitrogen
[C] Magnesium
[D] Potassium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrogen]
Notes:
Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. Nitrogen is essential in their structure, contributing to their pharmacological properties. Common examples of alkaloids include morphine, caffeine, and nicotine, all of which contain nitrogen. Sodium, magnesium, and potassium are not fundamental components of alkaloids.
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
Show Answer
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 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. Argon is the third most common gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, at 0.93%. This gas is generated due to decay of which among the following isotopes in the Earth’s crust ?
[A] K-40
[B] Ca-40
[C] Ca-48
[D] K-41
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [K-40]
Notes:
Potassium-40 is a radioactive isotope of potassium with a long half-life of 1.251×10⁹ years. The decay of this particular isotope explains the large abundance of argon (0.93%) in the Earth’s atmosphere.
8. How does vulcanization make natural rubber more durable?
[A] The long polymer chains are shortened
[B] The rubber loses water and sticky substances
[C] The short polymer chains are lengthened
[D] Cross links form between the polymer chains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cross links form between the polymer chains]
Notes:
Vulcanization introduces sulfur cross-links between poly-isoprene chains in natural rubber, restricting movement, which increases stiffness, elasticity, and durability. This chemical modification prevents rubber from becoming sticky or brittle, significantly improving its mechanical properties for industrial and commercial use.
9. Which of the following elements have the lowest and highest boiling point in the Periodic table?
[A] Helium and Tungsten
[B] Hydrogen and Rhenium
[C] Helium and Rhenium
[D] Hydrogen and Tungsten
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Helium and Rhenium]
Notes:
Helium has the lowest boiling point of all the elements at –452.074°F (–268.93°C) followed by hydrogen –423.16°F (–252.87°C). The highest boiling point for an element is that of Rhenium 10,104.8°F (5,596°C) followed by tungsten 10,031°F (5,555°C).
10. Which of the following is NOT correct about Ethanol?
[A] It is a good solvent
[B] It gives out hydrogen when reacted with Sodium
[C] It is an odorless liquid
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It is an odorless liquid]
Notes:
Ethanol is a good solvent and reacts with sodium leading to the evolution of hydrogen. It is a colorless liquid with a slight characteristic odor.