Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Dye]
Notes:
Phenolphthalein is commonly employed as a pH indicator in titrations due to its distinct color change in varying pH levels. At pH 8.2, it appears colorless but turns pink as the pH increases to 10. It is not used as a solvent, catalyst or detergent. It also finds applications in forensic science for detecting latent blood stains.
2. Which among the following is correct regarding the alkaline battery ?
[A] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH
[B] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte KOH
[C] Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & Electrolyte is Ammonium Chloride
[D] Negative terminal made of Manganese dioxide and Positive terminal made of Zinc powder & electrolyte Ammonium Chloride
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Negative terminal made of Zinc Powder and Positive terminal made of Manganese dioxide & electrolyte is KOH]
Notes:
The correct statement is that in an alkaline battery, the negative terminal is made of zinc powder, the positive terminal is made of manganese dioxide, and the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide (KOH). Alkaline batteries are known for their long shelf life and higher energy density compared to zinc-carbon batteries. They were invented in the 1950s and are widely used in household devices.
3. If a baby diaper is subjected to different solutions, which of the following will it absorb the maximum quantity of?
[A] Distilled Water
[B] Drinking Water
[C] Hard Water
[D] Urine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Distilled Water]
Notes:
A baby diaper can absorb the maximum quantity of distilled water as it lacks impurities such as minerals and ions that are present in other type of water. The absorbent materials in diapers, often polymers called sodium polyacrylate, can hold up to 30 times their weight in distilled water, making them highly efficient.
4. 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.
5. The largest component of Coal gas is__?
[A] Methane
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Carbon Dioxide
[D] Carbon Monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Hydrogen]
Notes:
Typical composition of the Coal gas is as follows: •Hydrogen 50% •Methane 35% •Carbon monoxide 10% •Ethylene 5%
6. Which method will is most suitable to separate the mixture of ammonium chloride and salt?
[A] Evaporation
[B] Sublimation
[C] Simple Distillation
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sublimation]
Notes:
Sublimation is the property of substance in which they are converted directly from solid to gas or vice versa. Ammonium chloride is a sublime solid.
7. Which of the following is a correct statement about minerals and ores?
[A] All minerals are ores
[B] All ores are minerals
[C] Minerals are the native form in which various metals exist
[D] Ores are usually used to extract metals economically
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [All minerals are ores]
Notes:
All ores are minerals but all minerals are not ores. Minerals are the native form in which various metals exist and ores are those minerals which are used to extract metals economically.
8. What is the relationship between becquerel and curie unit?
[A] 1 curie = 0.5 Bq
[B] 1 curie = 9 × 106 Bq
[C] 1 curie = 3.7 × 1010 Bq
[D] 1 curie = 5.7 Bq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1 curie = 3.7 × 1010 Bq]
Notes:
1 curie = 1 Ci = 3.7 × 1010 decays per second = 3.7 × 1010 Bq. This is approximately the amount of radioactivity emitted by one gram (1 g) of radium-226. The ‘curie’ unit is named after Pierre Curie, a French physicist.
9. Which of the following alpha-emitter is commonly used in smoke detectors?
[A] Bismuth – 209
[B] Amrecium-231
[C] Uranium-238
[D] Protactinium-231
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amrecium-231]
Notes:
Americium-241 is an isotope of americium. It is the most common isotope of americium having a half-life of 432.2 years. It is radioactive and is commonly used in ionization type smoke detectors.
10. Which of the following represents the reaction of Calcium oxide and water to form Slaked lime?
[A] Displacement reaction
[B] Combination reaction
[C] Double Displacement reaction
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Combination reaction]
Notes:
A reaction in which a single product is formed from two or more reactants is known as a combination reaction. For example: calcium oxide and water combine to form a single product, slaked lime or calcium hydroxide.
