Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. A Gold Ring which is 50% pure. Its purity can be alternatively shown as __:
[A] 18 Carat
[B] 18 Karat
[C] 12 Carat
[D] 12 Karat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 12 Karat ]
Notes:
The carat is the common unit used to describe the mass of a gem. A 1-carat diamond, for example, has a mass of 0.20 g. The karat is the common unit used to describe the purity of a precious metal, such as gold. A 24-karat gold ring is as pure as can be. A gold ring that is 50 % pure is 12 karat.
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 of the following is a thermosetting plastic?
[A] Polythene
[B] Bakelite
[C] Polyvinyl chloride
[D] Casseine
Show Answer
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.
4. What is the electrical state of a molecule, considered the smallest part of matter retaining the properties of the original matter?
[A] Positive
[B] Negative
[C] Either positive or negative
[D] Neutral
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neutral]
Notes:
A molecule represents the smallest portion of a substance that retains the characteristics of the substance. It’s electrically neutral because it’s made up of atoms that bond together, sharing or exchanging electrons to achieve stability. This process balances out the electrical charges of the protons and electrons, rendering the molecule as a whole electrically neutral.
5. Which of the following best describes the nature of Froth and Foam?
[A] Solid suspended in gas
[B] Liquid suspended in gas
[C] Gas suspended in liquid
[D] Gas suspended in solid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gas suspended in liquid]
Notes:
Froth and foams are examples of “gas suspended in liquid”. They are typically created when gas bubbles are dispersed in a liquid. This physical phenomenon is commonly observed in many daily life scenarios such as soap lather and carbonated drinks. Technically, they are a special case of colloid where little blobs of one liquid are dispersed in another and show the property of surface tension.
6. What is the number of naturally occurring Halogens in the periodic table?
[A] 3
[B] 4
[C] 5
[D] 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [5]
Notes:
fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At)
7. Mizoroki-Heck reaction is catalyzed by which of the following metals?
[A] Rhodium
[B] Sodium
[C] Palladium
[D] Osmium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Palladium]
Notes:
The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is a cross-coupling reaction that typically involves the coupling of aryl halides with alkenes. It is primarily catalyzed by palladium (Pd) complexes. Palladium is favored due to its ability to facilitate the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps essential for the reaction. Rhodium, while also a transition metal, is less commonly used for this specific reaction. The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is important in organic synthesis for forming carbon-carbon bonds and is widely utilized in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
8. Which among the following was first human-made plastic?
[A] Bakelite
[B] Polyethene
[C] Celluloid
[D] Nylon
Show Answer
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.
9. 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.
10. 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).