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 happens in an oxidation reaction ?
[A] Electrons are gained
[B] Electrons are lost
[C] Protons are gained
[D] Protons are lost
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Electrons are lost ]
Notes:
Oxidation is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or ion. When oxidation occurs, an element loses electrons and its oxidation number increases .i.e. it becomes more positive.
2. What is the nature of an aqueous solution of Sodium Acetate?
[A] Acidic
[B] Basic
[C] Neutral
[D] Either acidic or basic, depending on the temperature of the solution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Basic]
Notes:
An aqueous solution of sodium acetate is basic in nature. This is because sodium acetate is a salt derived from a strong base (sodium hydroxide) and a weak acid (acetic acid). When dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form sodium ions and acetate ions. The acetate ions react with water to form acetic acid and hydroxide ions, thus creating a basic solution.
3. How does vulcanization make natural rubber more durable?
[A] The long polymer chains are shortened
[B] The rubber loses water and sticky substances
[C] The short polymer chains are lengthened
[D] Cross links form between the polymer chains
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Correct Answer: D [Cross links form between the polymer chains]
Notes:
Vulcanization introduces sulfur cross-links between poly-isoprene chains in natural rubber, restricting movement, which increases stiffness, elasticity, and durability. This chemical modification prevents rubber from becoming sticky or brittle, significantly improving its mechanical properties for industrial and commercial use.
4. Which of the following elements have the lowest and highest boiling point in the Periodic table?
[A] Helium and Tungsten
[B] Hydrogen and Rhenium
[C] Helium and Rhenium
[D] Hydrogen and Tungsten
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Helium and Rhenium]
Notes:
Helium has the lowest boiling point of all the elements at –452.074°F (–268.93°C) followed by hydrogen –423.16°F (–252.87°C). The highest boiling point for an element is that of Rhenium 10,104.8°F (5,596°C) followed by tungsten 10,031°F (5,555°C).
5. 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.
6. 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
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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.
7. 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
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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.
8. 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
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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.
9. Ethanoic acid is the main constituent of which of the following substances?
[A] Soap
[B] Vinegar
[C] Wine
[D] Curd
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Correct Answer: B [Vinegar]
Notes:
Common name of Ethanoic acid is acetic acid and its main constituent of is a colourless liquid. 5-8% solution of acetic acid in water is called vinegar and is used widely as a preservative in pickles. The melting point of pure ethanoic acid is 290 K.
10. Which of the following metals are the constituents of German silver?
[A] Nickel
[B] Copper
[C] Zinc
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
German Silver is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel. The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc. It is named german silver due to its silvery appearance, but it does not contain silver.
