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 cotton wick dipped in pure honey when ignited with a matchstick will ______?
[A] Burn steadily
[B] Burn with a cracking sound
[C] Not burn at all
[D] Burn producing a large amount of smoke
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burn steadily]
Notes:
A cotton wick soaked in pure honey, when lit with a matchstick, will burn consistently. This is primarily due to the high sugar content of the honey acting as fuel for the flame. Contrary to common misconceptions, honey doesn’t produce much smoke or any unusual sounds during combustion.
2. Who among the following had given the Atomic Theory?
[A] Benzamin Franklin
[B] Madam curie
[C] Albert Einstien
[D] John Dalton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [John Dalton]
Notes:
The correct answer is John Dalton. He proposed the Atomic Theory in the early 19th century, stating that matter is composed of indivisible atoms, each with a specific weight. Dalton’s work laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Notably, he also introduced the concept of atomic weights and was the first to use symbols to represent atoms of different elements.
3. The atomic weight of Chlorine is 35. It consists of _______?
[A] 17 Protons + 18 Neutrons
[B] 17 Neutrons + 18 protons
[C] 17 Neutrons + 17 Protons + 1 electron
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [17 Protons + 18 Neutrons]
Notes:
Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, meaning it has 17 protons. Its atomic weight is approximately 35, which indicates it typically has 18 neutrons (35 – 17 = 18). Therefore, the correct composition is 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Chlorine is a halogen and exists primarily as two stable isotopes: Chlorine-35 and Chlorine-37.
4. Cassiterite is most important source of which of these metals?
[A] Nickel
[B] Tin
[C] Tungsten
[D] Silver
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tin ]
Notes:
Cassiterite is a mineral that is primarily composed of tin dioxide (SnO2). It is the most important source of tin, and is also used as a semi-precious gemstone. Cassiterite is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. It has a high melting point and is resistant to weathering, making it a useful material for many industrial applications. The name “cassiterite” comes from the Greek word “kassiteros,” which means “tin.”
5. Which among the following makes Chile saltpetre different from saltpetre?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Sodium
[C] Magnesium
[D] Calcium
Show Answer
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.
6. Which of the following is not an isotope of Hydrogen?
[A] Protium
[B] Para hydrogen
[C] Deuterium
[D] Tritium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Para hydrogen]
Notes:
The three most stable isotopes of hydrogen: Protium, Deuterium and Tritium. Para hydrogen is not an isotope of hydrogen. Molecules of hydrogen in which the spins of both the nuclei are in the opposite direction are called Para hydrogen.
7. Which of the following is correct?
[A] A colloidal solution is a heterogeneous mixture
[B] A colloidal solution is a homogeneous mixture
[C] The particles of a colloidal solution cannot scatter beam of light
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A colloidal solution is a heterogeneous mixture]
Notes:
Due to the relatively smaller size of particles, as compared to that of a suspension, the mixture appears to be homogeneous. But actually, a colloidal solution is a heterogeneous mixture. The particles can easily scatter a beam of visible light.
8. What is the general Q-value for alpha-decay?
[A] greater than 0
[B] less than 0
[C] equal to 0
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [greater than 0]
Notes:
Q-value is the net kinetic energy gained in the process or, if the initial nucleus X is at rest, the kinetic energy of the products. Clearly, Q> 0 for exothermic processes such as α-decay.
9. Which of the following decays represents the decay of Uranium-238 to thorium-234?
[A] Alpha decay
[B] Beta decay
[C] Gamma decay
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alpha decay]
Notes:
The radioactive decay of uranium-238 to thorium-234, with the emission of a helium nucleus, is a well-known example of alpha decay.
10. From which element in the modern periodic table, the 3d transition series starts?
[A] Zinc
[B] Iron
[C] Scandium
[D] Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Scandium]
Notes:
The 3d transition series starts from scandium (Z = 21) and completes at zinc (Z=30). Reason for this transition series is that before the 4p orbital is filled, filling up of 3d orbitals becomes energetically favourable.