Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. The term “white coal” sometimes referred to which of the following?
[A] Geothermal Electricity
[B] Wind Energy
[C] Hydroelectricity
[D] Biomass Energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydroelectricity]
Notes:
The term white coal was used for Hydroelectricity, particularly in Europe, because of its capability to produce more energy than any other source except coal. The term was coined by a French Engineer Aristide Bèrges.
2. Identify the Noble Gas from the following options:
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
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Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
Helium, a noble gas, is the second most abundant element in the universe after Hydrogen. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and non-reactive because its outermost electron shell is full with two electrons. This complete outer shell gives it the stability that defines the Noble Gases. Despite its abundance in the universe, Helium is relatively rare on Earth, primarily obtained from natural gas wells.
3. Which among the following allotropes of Oxygen is found in 6 phases under various pressures and temperatures?
[A] Ozone
[B] Tetra oxygen
[C] Octaoxygen
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Octaoxygen]
Notes:
The correct answer is Octaoxygen. Octaoxygen (O8) is an allotrope of oxygen that can exist in multiple phases under varying pressures and temperatures. It was first synthesized in 2001 and is notable for its unique molecular structure, which consists of eight oxygen atoms. Ozone (O3) is well-known but does not exhibit multiple phases like octaoxygen. Tetraoxygen (O4) is less stable and not commonly referenced in the same context.
4. Which among the following acid is used to ascertain, whether pure Ghee has been adulterated with Vanaspati or Margarine?
[A] Sulphuric Acid
[B] Nitric Acid
[C] Hydrochloric Acid
[D] Boric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hydrochloric Acid]
Notes:
The correct answer is Hydrochloric Acid. When testing for adulteration of pure ghee with vanaspati or margarine, hydrochloric acid is used because it reacts with the fats present in these substances, producing a distinct color change. This method is based on the principle that the presence of unsaturated fats in vanaspati or margarine will lead to a different reaction compared to pure ghee. Hydrochloric acid is commonly used in food testing due to its effectiveness in identifying such adulterants.
5. 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.
6. Which of the following chemicals is resposible for temporary acid rain in colder regions?
[A] Hydrogen chloride
[B] Sulphur dioxide
[C] Nitric acid
[D] Nitrogen oxides
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Correct Answer: A [ Hydrogen chloride]
Notes:
Hydrogen chloride gas released from volcanic eruption is responsible for temporary acid rain in colder regions.
7. Which of the following chemicals is called Philosopher’s Wool?
[A] Brimstone
[B] Zinc oxide
[C] Magnesium hydroxide
[D] Potassium nitrate
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Correct Answer: B [ Zinc oxide]
Notes:
The compound zinc oxide (ZnO) is called philosopher's wool. ZnO is a white powder that is insoluble in water. Zinc oxide is used as an additive in sun screens, sun lotions, in rubber manufacturing and in photocopying products. Alchemists, as part of their rituals, burn zinc in air and collect the residue, which formed into white woolly tufts. They called it Lana philosophica in Latin, meaning philosopher's wool.
8. What is the chemical name of Quick lime?
[A] Calcium peroxide
[B] Calcium oxide
[C] Calcium dioxide
[D] Calcium hydroxide
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Correct Answer: B [Calcium oxide]
Notes:
The chemical name of Quick Lime is Calcium Oxide (CaO).
9. Which of the following catalyst is used generally during the hydrogenation of Alkenes?
[A] Platinum
[B] Palladium
[C] Nickel
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Dihydrogen gas adds to alkenes and alkynes in the presence of finely divided catalysts like platinum, palladium or nickel to form alkanes.
10. Which of the following is correct about ozone?
[A] it is a red coloured gas
[B] it is odourless
[C] it is harmless in small concentrations
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [it is harmless in small concentrations]
Notes:
Pure ozone is a pale blue gas, dark blue liquid and violet-black solid. Ozone has a characteristic smell and in small concentrations it is harmless. However, if the concentration rises above about 100 parts per million, breathing becomes uncomfortable resulting in headache and nausea.