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 is an example of a Chemical Change?
[A] Rusting of iron
[B] Magnetisation of iron
[C] Melting of iron
[D] Heating of iron
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Correct Answer: A [Rusting of iron ]
Notes:
Rust is an iron oxide, a usually red oxide formed by the redox reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. Rusting of Iron is a chemical change.
2. What happens to ozone’s volume when it is heated?
[A] Increases
[B] Decreases
[C] Remains unchanged
[D] First increases, then decreases
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Correct Answer: A [Increases]
Notes:
According to Charles’s Law, for gases at constant pressure, volume increases with temperature. Heating ozone increases the kinetic energy of molecules, expanding its volume if pressure is constant. Ozone (O₃) behaves like other gases, expanding when heated. This law applies to all ideal gases and ozone approximates ideal behavior under moderate conditions.
3. Which among the following is the most abundant organic compound in nature?
[A] Glucose
[B] Fructose
[C] Sucrose
[D] Cellulose
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Correct Answer: D [Cellulose]
Notes:
Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound in nature. It is the main constituent of plant fiber. Plants contain on average 33% cellulose, and cotton is the purest form at 90%. Chitin is the second most abundant organic compound in nature.
4. What is the primary event that occurs during an oxidation reaction?
[A] Electrons are gained
[B] Electrons are lost
[C] Protons are gained
[D] Protons are lost
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Correct Answer: B [Electrons are lost]
Notes:
Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which an atom, ion, or molecule loses an electron to another substance. So, the correct answer is “Electrons are lost”. This phenomenon is often observed in various chemical and biological systems. Understanding this important process can allow us to gain insights in fields ranging from biology to materials science.
5. Galena & Litharge are ores of which of the following metals?
[A] Mercury
[B] Zinc
[C] Copper
[D] Lead
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Correct Answer: D [Lead]
Notes:
Galena and litharge are ores of lead. Galena is the most common ore of lead. It is the natural mineral form of lead (II) sulphid. Litharge is a secondary mineral that forms from the oxidation of galena ores. It is one of the natural mineral forms of Lead(II) oxide.
6. 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.
7. Haber Process is used to produce which among the following?
[A] Potash
[B] Ammonia
[C] Urea
[D] Nitrates
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Correct Answer: B [Ammonia]
Notes:
The Haber Process is an industrial method for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases. Developed by Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch in the early 20th century, it operates under high pressure and temperature, using an iron catalyst. Ammonia produced is crucial for fertilizers, supporting global agriculture. The process importantly increased food production, earning Haber the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1918.
8. Which of the following chemicals is also known as "butter of tin"?
[A] Stannic chloride
[B] Sodium perborate
[C] Potassium nitrate
[D] Magnesium hydroxide
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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.
9. What is dry ice?
[A] solidified form of Carbon dioxide
[B] frozen heavy water
[C] isotope of Hydrogen
[D] popular name of Benzene
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Correct Answer: A [solidified form of Carbon dioxide]
Notes:
Carbon dioxide can be obtained as a solid in the form of dry ice by allowing the liquified CO2 to expand rapidly.
10. Which of the following is / are correct statement(s) about Gypsum?
[A] It’s a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate
[B] It is a soft mineral
[C] It is commonly added to saline soils to reduce salinity
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Gypsum is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. It’s a soft mineral and colorless to white in color. It is commonly added to saline soils to reduce salinity and also used in wallboard (drywall) and plaster of paris.