Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. Dalton’s name is associated with which of the following terms?
[A] Electron
[B] Proton
[C] Atom
[D] Neutron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atom]
Notes:
John Dalton introduced the atomic theory into chemistry. The main points of Dalton’s atomic theory are (1) Elements are made of extremely small particles called atoms. (2) Atoms of a given element are identical in size, mass and other properties; atoms of different elements differ in size, mass and other properties.(3) Atoms cannot be subdivided, created or destroyed. (4) Atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form chemical compounds. (5) In chemical reactions, atoms are combined, separated or rearranged.
2. Which among the following is a Noble Gas?
[A] Nitrogen
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Oxygen
[D] Helium
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Correct Answer: D [Helium]
Notes:
The noble gases are the chemical elements in group 18 of the periodic table. They are the most stable due to having the maximum number of valence electrons their outer shell can hold. This chemical series contains helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
3. Which among the following acids is abundant in Grapes, Bananas and Tamarind?
[A] Lactic Acid
[B] Oxalic Acid
[C] Salicylic Acid
[D] Tartaric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tartaric Acid ]
Notes:
Tartaric acid occurs naturally in many fruits such as grapes, bananas, tamarinds, and citrus. Its salt, potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, develops naturally in the process of winemaking. It is commonly mixed with sodium bicarbonate and is sold as baking powder used as a leavening agent in food preparation. The acid itself is added to foods as an antioxidant E334 and to impart its distinctive sour taste.
4. Which among the following is a common salt in Detergents?
[A] Sulphate
[B] Nitrate
[C] Sulphonate
[D] Carbonate
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Correct Answer: A [Sulphate]
Notes:
Sodium sulfate, used as a filler in detergent powder, enables the adjustment of the concentration of the active matter in the detergent, as required.
5. Which acid is described as HOOCCOOH?
[A] Oxalic Acid
[B] Acetic Acid
[C] Carbonic Acid
[D] Citric Acid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Oxalic Acid]
Notes:
Oxalic acid is an organic compound with the formula C₂H₂O₄. Some call it “crab acid” due to its appearance. Its condensed formula is HOOCCOOH, reflecting its classification as the simplest dicarboxylic acid.
6. Which of the following best describes the nature of Froth and Foam?
[A] Solid suspended in gas
[B] Liquid suspended in gas
[C] Gas suspended in liquid
[D] Gas suspended in solid
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Correct Answer: C [Gas suspended in liquid]
Notes:
Froth and foams are examples of “gas suspended in liquid”. They are typically created when gas bubbles are dispersed in a liquid. This physical phenomenon is commonly observed in many daily life scenarios such as soap lather and carbonated drinks. Technically, they are a special case of colloid where little blobs of one liquid are dispersed in another and show the property of surface tension.
7. How many noble gases occur naturally?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Five
[D] Six
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Correct Answer: D [Six]
Notes:
Noble gases are characterized by their low reactivity. The reason for this is their full electron shell, which makes them very stable and unlikely to engage in chemical reactions. The six noble gases that occur naturally are helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and the radioactive radon (Rn). Despite the inertness of noble gases, some of them like Xenon are known to form compounds.
8. 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
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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.
9. Which of the following is the softest metal?
[A] Cesium
[B] Lead
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
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Correct Answer: A [ Cesium]
Notes:
Cesium is extremely reactive metal. It reacts with water even at −116 °C (−177 °F). It is the least electronegative element. Cesium is also the softest known metal. It is so soft that it can be cut with a butter knife.
10. Which of the following catalyst is used generally during the hydrogenation of Alkenes?
[A] Platinum
[B] Palladium
[C] Nickel
[D] All of the above
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Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Dihydrogen gas adds to alkenes and alkynes in the presence of finely divided catalysts like platinum, palladium or nickel to form alkanes.