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 element is an essential constituent of acids?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hydrogen]
Notes:
Acids are molecules that are able to donate proton or H+ thus, hydrogen is essential for acids. However, there are exception to this such as Bronsted acids. A Bronsted acid is an acid which can accept an electron pair, but does not have a proton (H+) to donate. Examples of such acids are Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3), Boron Trifuoride (BF3).
2. 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.
3. Which among the following is the objective of the Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) mixing with Petroleum?
[A] Raise Octane Number
[B] Antioxidant Stabilizer
[C] Lead Scavanger
[D] Fuel Dye
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Correct Answer: A [Raise Octane Number ]
Notes:
MTBE is a gasoline additive, used as an oxygenate to raise the octane number. Its use is controversial in the US and declining in that country in part because of its occurrence in groundwater and legislation favoring ethanol.
4. Which among the following are constituents of Brass?
[A] Zinc and Copper
[B] Iron and Zinc
[C] Copper and Nickel
[D] Iron and Copper
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Correct Answer: A [Zinc and Copper ]
Notes:
Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc, in proportions which can be varied to achieve varying mechanical and electrical properties. The proportions of Zinc and Copper can vary to create different types of brass alloys with varying mechanical and electrical properties.
5. Out of the following options, which group of elements is typically found in a free state?
[A] Group 11 elements
[B] Group 12 elements
[C] Group 13 elements
[D] Group 14 elements
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Correct Answer: A [Group 11 elements]
Notes:
Group 11 elements, which include copper, silver, and gold, have been known since ancient times. These elements are found in the Earth’s crust in a free or native state, due to their low reactivity compared to other elements. This is why these elements were used by ancient civilizations for crafting tools, jewelry, and early forms of money.
6. Which gas is produced when an alkali metal, like Lithium or Sodium, reacts with water?
[A] Oxygen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Ozone
[D] Carbon Dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hydrogen]
Notes:
The reaction of alkali metals with water produces Hydrogen gas. These metals are part of the first group on the period table and include lithium, sodium, and potassium. They are known for their vigorous reactions with water, which results in the liberation of hydrogen gas. Along with the gas, this reaction also forms a basic alkali metal hydroxide, which gives the solution its characteristic basic or alkaline properties.
7. The Helium atoms that have lost two electrons are called ________?
[A] Alpha rays
[B] Beta rays
[C] Gamma rays
[D] None of the above
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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.
8. Which among the following was the first artificially produced element?
[A] Neptunium
[B] Ununbium
[C] Technetium
[D] none of the above
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Correct Answer: C [Technetium]
Notes:
Technetium was the first artificially produced element. It was isolated by Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrè in 1937. Technetium was created by bombarding molybdenum atoms with deuterons that had been accelerated by a device called a cyclotron.
9. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
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Correct Answer: B [Sodium]
Notes:
Chile saltpetre, or sodium nitrate (NaNO3), differs from regular saltpetre, which typically refers to potassium nitrate (KNO3). Chile saltpetre is primarily composed of sodium, while traditional saltpetre contains potassium. Historically, Chile saltpetre was extensively mined in the Atacama Desert and was crucial for fertilizer and explosives in the 19th century.
10. Pyrolusite, Braunite, Psilomelane, Rhodochrosite are the ores of which among the following metals?
[A] Manganese
[B] Aluminium
[C] Copper
[D] Manganese and Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manganese]
Notes:
Pyrolusite, Braunite, Psilomelane, and Rhodochrosite are all ores of Manganese. Pyrolusite is one of the most important ores due to its high manganese content. Braunite, although a significant ore, its manganese content is less than Pyrolusite. Psilomelane and Rhodochrosite also contribute as minor ores.