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 oxides cause the Acid rain?
[A] Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
[B] Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
[C] Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide
[D] Sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide ]
Notes:
Acid rain is caused by nitrous oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which react with water molecules in the atmosphere to form nitric and sulfuric acids. These acids then fall to the ground in rain, snow, fog, or dust particles.
2. 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.
3. What are the essential components used in the production of Nitrolim, a fertilizer extensively used in the past?
[A] Nitrogen & Limestone
[B] Calcium Carbide and Nitrogen
[C] Calcium Carbide & Carbon
[D] Calcium Carbide and Limestone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Calcium Carbide and Nitrogen]
Notes:
Nitrolim is a type of fertilizer that was widely used in the past. The main components of Nitrolim are calcium carbide and nitrogen. Calcium carbide reacts with nitrogen to form calcium cyanamide, which is an active ingredient in Nitrolim. This fertilizer is significant as it helps in fixing nitrogen in the soil thereby promoting plant growth.
4. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Dye]
Notes:
Phenolphthalein is commonly employed as a pH indicator in titrations due to its distinct color change in varying pH levels. At pH 8.2, it appears colorless but turns pink as the pH increases to 10. It is not used as a solvent, catalyst or detergent. It also finds applications in forensic science for detecting latent blood stains.
5. Which among the following gas is used in Balloons?
[A] Hydrogen
[B] Helium
[C] Nitrogen
[D] Oxygen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Helium]
Notes:
The correct answer is Helium. Helium is a non-flammable, lighter-than-air gas, making it safe for use in balloons. Unlike hydrogen, which is highly flammable and poses explosion risks, helium is inert and does not react with other substances. Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, primarily produced through nuclear fusion in stars. It was first discovered in the sun before being found on Earth.
6. How many parts are of other metals in a 17 carat Gold?
[A] 3
[B] 5
[C] 7
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [7]
Notes:
In 17 carat gold, the composition is 17 parts gold and 7 parts other metals, making it 70.6% gold. The term “carat” refers to the purity of gold, with 24 carats being pure gold. Thus, 17 carat gold contains 7 parts of other metals, which can include copper, silver, or palladium, used to enhance durability and alter color.
7. Which among the following gives hissing sound when dissolved into H2O?
[A] CaCO2
[B] Ca(OH)2
[C] CaO
[D] CaCl2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [CaO]
Notes:
The correct answer is CaO (calcium oxide), which is also known as quicklime. When CaO is dissolved in water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), producing a hissing sound due to the rapid release of heat and steam. This reaction is a classic example of a vigorous exothermic reaction in chemistry. Calcium oxide is commonly used in construction and as a drying agent.
8. Normal” rainfall is slightly acidic (and a pH of 5.6 has been assigned which might be somewhere near 5 ) because of the presence of _______?
[A] Nitric Oxide
[B] Sulphuric Acid
[C] Nitric Acid
[D] Carbonic Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Carbonic Acid]
Notes:
Normal rainfall is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbonic acid, which forms when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. The pH of normal rainwater is typically around 5.6, making it mildly acidic. This natural acidity is a result of the CO2 in the atmosphere, which is produced by respiration, combustion, and other natural processes.
9. If a baby diaper is subjected to different solutions, which of the following will it absorb the maximum quantity of?
[A] Distilled Water
[B] Drinking Water
[C] Hard Water
[D] Urine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Distilled Water]
Notes:
A baby diaper can absorb the maximum quantity of distilled water as it lacks impurities such as minerals and ions that are present in other type of water. The absorbent materials in diapers, often polymers called sodium polyacrylate, can hold up to 30 times their weight in distilled water, making them highly efficient.
10. Aluminum is getting popular worldwide today as a “Green Metal”. Which among the following properties of Aluminum makes it a Green Metal?
[A] Aluminum has been providing a replacement of wood for saving forests and contributes in environment protection
[B] Aluminum is a light metal and it is resistant to corrosion
[C] Aluminum has fairly high rate of recycling and it can be re-used repeatedly without its quality deteriorating
[D] The lands after the Bauxite mining can be restored very quickly and easily
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aluminum has fairly high rate of recycling and it can be re-used repeatedly without its quality deteriorating]
Notes:
Aluminum is considered a “Green Metal” primarily due to its high recycling rate. Approximately 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, as it can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. This process saves energy—recycling aluminum uses about 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from bauxite ore. Additionally, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources, making aluminum a sustainable choice in various applications.