Chemistry MCQs

Notes:
Saltpetre, also spelled Saltpeter, also called Nitre, or Niter, any of three naturally occurring nitrates, distinguished as (1) ordinary saltpetre, or potassium nitrate, KNO3; (2) Chile saltpetre, cubic nitre, or sodium nitrate, NaNO3; and (3) lime saltpetre, wall saltpetre, or calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime, is a widely used chemical compound.

Notes:
The given principle is one of the postulates of the Dalton’s atomic theory given in 1803 by John Dalton. The postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory are as follows: 
1. Elements consist of indivisible small particles (atoms). 
2. All atoms of the same element are identical; different elements have different types of atom. 
3. Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed. 
4. ‘Compound elements’ (i.e. Compounds) are formed when atoms of different elements join in simple ratios to form ‘compound atoms’ (i.e. Molecules).

Notes:
Tetra Ethyl Lead (TEL) is one such component that is added to petrol to reduce its tendency to `ping’ under compression. TEL breaks down to lead at upper cylinder temperatures. Lead atoms spread around and combining with the free radicals and slowing down the reaction.
However, `Leaded’ petrol was a grave danger to the environment, as lead is a poison when it is absorbed into the body.

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.

Notes:
Cobalt Oxide is commonly used to create a distinctive blue hue in glasses and ceramics. The depth of the blue can be altered by changing the concentration of the oxide. In addition to being used for aesthetic purposes, Cobalt blue, which results from Cobalt Oxide, is also used because it absorbs certain wavelengths of light, making it useful for filtering out unwanted wavelengths.

Notes:
Cassiterite is a mineral that is primarily composed of tin dioxide (SnO2). It is the most important source of tin, and is also used as a semi-precious gemstone. Cassiterite is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. It has a high melting point and is resistant to weathering, making it a useful material for many industrial applications. The name “cassiterite” comes from the Greek word “kassiteros,” which means “tin.”

Notes:
The correct answer is 2. The lanthanides are a series of 15 elements in the periodic table, from atomic numbers 57 (Lanthanum) to 71 (Lutetium). They are known for their similar properties and are often found together in nature. The range of atomic numbers for lanthanides is 57 to 71, not 57-70 or 58-70.

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.

Notes:
Silica gel possesses hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb and hold water vapour. This makes it an effective desiccant or drying agent. When packaged with products, silica gel can help control humidity and prevent spoilage or degradation by absorbing excess moisture. This property is particularly valuable when shipping or storing items that can be negatively impacted by damp conditions, like electronics, food, and leather goods.

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.