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. Which of the following is not a common use of Graphite?
[A] Manufacturing of electrodes
[B] As a lubricant
[C] Manufacturing of crucibles
[D] In glass cutting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [In glass cutting]
Notes:
Graphite is renowned for its conspicuous uses owing to its unique properties like its ability to conduct electricity, which makes it ideal for electrode manufacturing. It’s also used as a lubricant and in the production of crucibles, thanks to its high melting point. However, it isn’t used in glass cutting.
3. Which among the following can be used as a preservative in Tomato Juice?
[A] Sodium Chloride
[B] Sodium carbonate
[C] Sodium benzoate
[D] Sodium Lauril Sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sodium benzoate]
Notes:
Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a preservative in food and beverages, including tomato juice. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, extending shelf life. It is effective in acidic environments, such as those found in tomato products, where the pH is typically below 4.6. Sodium chloride (salt) can also act as a preservative but is primarily used for flavor. Sodium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulfate are not suitable preservatives for tomato juice.
4. What term refers to the minimum temperature at which a combustible substance begins to ignite?
[A] Fireless Temperature
[B] Ignition Temperature
[C] Static Temperature
[D] Optimum Temperature
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ignition Temperature]
Notes:
The term for the minimum temperature necessary to ignite a combustible substance is “Ignition Temperature”. It plays a critical role in fire safety and in the field of thermodynamics. Incorrect handling of substances with low ignition temperatures can lead to hazardous situations like unexpected fires or explosions. Additionally, understanding a material’s ignition temperature helps in proper storage and safe handling to prevent unwanted accidents.
5. Which set shows copper ores as Sulfide, Carbonate, Silicate respectively?
[A] Chalcopyrite, Azurite, Dioptase
[B] Azurite, Dioptase, Chalcopyrite
[C] Dioptase, Chalcopyrite, Azurite
[D] Dioptase, Azurite, Chalcopyrite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalcopyrite, Azurite, Dioptase]
Notes:
Chalcopyrite is a major copper sulfide ore. Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral with formula Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂. Dioptase is a copper silicate mineral with formula CuSiO₃·H₂O. These match the deposit types in sulfide, carbonate, and silicate order respectively.
6. In a photochemical smog, which gas causes irritation to mucous membrane and respiratory system?
[A] Nitrous oxide
[B] Sulphur dioxide
[C] Ozone
[D] Carbon monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Ozone]
Notes:Ozone (O3) is the most common photochemical oxidant in photochemical smog. Inhaling ozone can cause irritation to the mucous membrane and respiratory system. Ozone can also cause chest constriction and damage to vegetation.
Other components of photochemical smog include:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN)
- Aldehydes
Other air pollutants that can be harmful to humans include:
- Sulfur dioxide
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Dioxins
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Carbon monoxide can cause hyperventilation, respiratory distress, and stillbirths. At high levels, carbon monoxide can even cause direct poisoning.
7. Which of the following chemicals is also known as lachrymatory agent or lachrymator?
[A] Mustard Gas
[B] Tear gas
[C] Diborane
[D] Chlorine gas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Tear gas]
Notes:
Tear gas is also known as CS Gas. It acts as a lachrymatory agent. Tear gas irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, and causes tearing, coughing, burning and difficult breathing.
8. Which of the following alkaline earth metals is the rarest in the earth crust?
[A] Calcium
[B] Strontium
[C] Radium
[D] Beryllium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Radium]
Notes:
Of the alkaline earth metals calcium and magnesium rank fifth and sixth in abundance respectively in the earth’s crust. Strontium and barium have much lower abundances. Beryllium is rare and radium is the rarest of all comprising only 10–10 per cent of igneous rocks.
9. Which of the following metal is alloyed with pure gold to make gold ornaments?
[A] Silver
[B] Copper
[C] Zinc
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
24 carat gold is considered to be the purest form of gold but it is too soft to be made into jewellery. It is alloyed with metals like zinc, cadmium, silver or copper to make it hard.
10. Which of the following is correct about the properties of a solution?
[A] The particles of a solution can be seen by naked eyes
[B] The particles of a solution scatter a beam of light passing through the solution
[C] The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed]
Notes:
The particles of a solution are smaller than 1 nm in diameter. So, they cannot be seen by naked eyes. Because of very small particle size, they do not scatter a beam of light passing through the solution. The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed, that is, a solution is stable.