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 suspension in water is often called milk of magnesia because of its milk-like appearance?
[A] Magnesium Carbonate
[B] Magnesium Hydroxide
[C] Magnesium Lactate
[D] Magnesium Oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Magnesium Hydroxide]
Notes:
Magnesium Hydroxide in water is often called milk of magnesia because of its milk-like appearance. Magnesium hydroxide is the inorganic compound and occurs in nature as the mineral brucite.
2. Consider the following:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Tin
Gun Metal is the alloy of which among the above?
[A] 1 & 2
[B] 1 & 3
[C] 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Gun metal is an alloy primarily composed of copper, tin, and zinc. Specifically, it typically contains about 88% copper, 10% tin, and 2% zinc. This alloy is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for manufacturing firearms and artillery. The term “gun metal” dates back to the 15th century when it was used for cannons and other weaponry.
3. Which among the following alkane has largely replaced the ozone layer-depleting halomethanes in household refrigerators and freezers?
[A] Methane
[B] Propane
[C] Butane
[D] Ethane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Butane]
Notes:
Isobutane, which is known in the industry as R600A has been used in several domestic refrigerators in recent times because it is an excellent refrigerant and non-ozone depleting substance with low global warming potential. The only drawback is that it is highly inflammable.
4. Consider the following substances:
- Iodine
- Naphthalene
- Camphor
Which of the above substances undergo ‘sublimation’ on heating?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] All of them
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All of them]
Notes:
Sublimation is a transition from solid to gas, bypassing the liquid phase. Iodine sublimes, producing violet vapors; naphthalene sublimes, hence its use in mothballs; and camphor also sublimes, used in medicinal and aromatic applications. Thus, all three substances exhibit sublimation upon heating, making ‘All of them’ the correct answer.
5. Which among the following compound is most commonly used in the Photochromic lenses?
[A] Potassium Dichromate
[B] Silver Chloride
[C] Potassium ferrate
[D] Ferric Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Silver Chloride]
Notes:
Silver halides and most commonly silver Chloride is used in Photochromic lens. But for plastic photochromic lenses, some organic products such as oxazines and naphthopyrans are used.
6. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "butter of tin"?
[A] Stannic chloride
[B] Sodium perborate
[C] Potassium nitrate
[D] Magnesium hydroxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Stannic chloride]
Notes:
“Butter of Tin” is also known as tin tetrachloride pentahydrate. It is called “butter of tin” because of its physical appearance. Its chemical formula is SnCl4*5H2O or [SnCl4 (H2O)]*3H2O.
7. What happens to the non-metallic character of elements in the p-block of the periodic table?
[A] non-metallic character decreases down the group
[B] non-metallic character increases down the group
[C] No fix pattern
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [non-metallic character decreases down the group]
Notes:
The non-metallic character of elements decreases down the group. In fact, the heaviest element in each p-block group is the most metallic in nature.
8. Which of the following is NOT correct about Group 14 elements?
[A] All of them are solids
[B] Melting points are much higher than those of corresponding elements of group 13
[C] Carbon is a non-metal
[D] Germanium is a metal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Germanium is a metal]
Notes:
All members of group 14 are solids. Carbon and silicon are non-metals, germanium is a metalloid, whereas tin and lead are soft metals. Melting points and boiling points of group 14 elements are much higher than those of corresponding elements of group 13.
9. What do we call the process that separates a pure solid in the form of its crystals from a solution?
[A] Crystallisation
[B] Sublimation
[C] Chromatography
[D] Distillation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Crystallisation]
Notes:
Crystallisation is a process that separates a pure solid in the form of its crystals from a solution. For example: purification of the salt obtained from sea water.
10. What can be the maximum number of electrons in a shell, if principal quantum number is n?
[A] n
[B] n2
[C] 2n2
[D] 3n3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2n2]
Notes:
The general formula is that the nth shell can hold up to 2n2 electrons. For example: for L shell n =2, so maximum number of electrons will be 2(22) i.e. 8.
