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 of the following is an anti-knocking compound that has been phased out in many countries so far?
[A] Lead tetrachloride
[B] Tetra Ethyl Lead
[C] Ethyl acetate
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tetra Ethyl Lead ]
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.
2. What are Sodium Alkyl Sulphate and Benzene Sulphate examples of?
[A] Explosives
[B] Insecticides
[C] Fungicides
[D] Synthetic Detergents
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Synthetic Detergents]
Notes:
Sodium Alkyl Sulphate and Benzene Sulphate are typical examples of Synthetic Detergents. Synthetic detergents are man-made cleansing agents that function similarly to soap. These compounds were developed during World War II when a shortage of natural oils led to a search of alternative substances. The advanced features of synthetic detergents include improved cleansing efficacy, resistance to water hardness, and the ability to function in acidic conditions.
3. F block elements in the periodic table which are commonly called Lanthanides have the following atomic numbers:
[A] 57-70
[B] 57-71
[C] 58-71
[D] 58-70
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [57-71]
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.
4. Which among the following will undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution?
[A] Calcium Oxide
[B] Zinc Oxide
[C] Ferric Oxide
[D] Ferrous Oxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zinc Oxide]
Notes:
Zinc oxide (ZnO) can undergo a chemical reaction depending on the pH of the solution. In acidic conditions, it can react to form zinc ions (Zn²⁺), while in alkaline conditions, it can form zincates. This behavior is due to its amphoteric nature, which allows it to react with both acids and bases. In contrast, calcium oxide (CaO) is basic, ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) is generally inert in neutral pH, and ferrous oxide (FeO) is less reactive in varying pH levels.
5. Which of the following are two predominant acids of acid rain?
[A] sulphuric acid and nitric acid
[B] carbonic acid and hydrochloric acid
[C] nitric acid and hydrochloric Acid
[D] hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ sulphuric acid and nitric acid ]
Notes:
Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulphuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms.
6. 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).
7. Which of the following metal has an ore named as ‘Cassiterite’?
[A] Bismuth
[B] Antimony
[C] Tin
[D] Uranium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tin]
Notes:
Cassiterite is a tin oxide mineral. Its chemical formula is SnO2. It is the only commercially important source of tin. Cassiterite is generally opaque.
8. What is Zeeman effect?
[A] splitting of spectral line in presence of magnetic field
[B] splitting of spectral line in presence of electric field
[C] convergence of spectral line in presence of magnetic field
[D] convergence of spectral line in presence of electric field
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [splitting of spectral line in presence of magnetic field]
Notes:
Zeeman effect refers to the splitting of a spectrum line into several components by the application of a magnetic field. It is named after the Dutch physicist Pieter Zeeman.
9. What do we call the reaction when an acid and a base react together to form salt and water?
[A] Reduction Reaction
[B] Oxidation Reaction
[C] Neutralisation Reaction
[D] Combination Reaction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Neutralisation Reaction]
Notes:
When an acid and a base react together to form salt and water, the reaction is known as Neutralisation Reaction. HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) ? H2O (l) + NaCl (aq) (acid) (base) (Water) (Salt) Hydrochloric acid Sodium hydroxide Sodium Chloride
10. Which of the following molecules have a T-shape arrangement?
[A] Ozone
[B] Water
[C] Chlorine Trifluoride
[D] Sulphur dioxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chlorine Trifluoride]
Notes:
Chlorine trifluoride has 10 electrons around the central chlorine atom. There are five electron pairs arranged in a trigonal bipyramidal shape and two equatorial lone pairs making the final structure T-shaped.
