Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. The energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state is called?
[A] Electron Affinity
[B] Reducing Potential
[C] Ionization Potential
[D] Shell Potential
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ionization Potential ]
Notes:
Ionization potential is the energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state. As we move down the group, ionization potential decreases. As we move across the period, ionization potential increases Electron affinity is the energy released on adding an electron to the outermost shell of an atom in its isolated gaseous state.
2. Potassium permanganate is used to purify water. Which among the following properties of Potassium permanganate helps in this work?
[A] sterilizing
[B] oxidizing
[C] reducing
[D] leaching
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [oxidizing]
Notes:
Potassium permanganate is a point-of-entry treatment method that oxidizes dissolved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide into solid particles that are filtered out of the water. It can also be used to control iron bacteria growth in wells.
3. 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.
4. What is the primary use of Phenolphthalein in chemistry?
[A] A Solvent
[B] A Dye
[C] A Catalyst
[D] A Detergent
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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.
5. Which among the following is Quick Silver?
[A] Aluminium
[B] Mercury
[C] Lead
[D] Zinc
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mercury]
Notes:
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. The element is also known as quicksilver for its mobility. Mercury is one of the oldest and deadliest poisons, a highly toxic metal mined from a brilliant red ore.
6. Which among the following is correct ?
[A] Oxidation takes place at Cathode and Reduction Takes Place at Anode
[B] Oxidation takes place at Anode and Reduction Takes place at Cathode
[C] Both Oxidation and Reduction takes place at cathode
[D] Both Oxidation and Reduction takes place at Anode
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Oxidation takes place at Anode and Reduction Takes place at Cathode]
Notes:
In an electrochemical cell, the half cell where oxidation takes place is known as oxidation half cell and the half cell where reduction takes place is known as reduction half cell. Oxidation takes place at anode which is negatively charged and reduction takes place at cathode which is positively charged.
7. 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
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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.
8. Which among the following gives hissing sound when dissolved into H2O?
[A] CaCO2
[B] Ca(OH)2
[C] CaO
[D] CaCl2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [CaO]
Notes:
The correct answer is CaO (calcium oxide), which is also known as quicklime. When CaO is dissolved in water, it reacts exothermically to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), producing a hissing sound due to the rapid release of heat and steam. This reaction is a classic example of a vigorous exothermic reaction in chemistry. Calcium oxide is commonly used in construction and as a drying agent.
9. Which among the following can be used as a preservative in Tomato Juice?
[A] Sodium Chloride
[B] Sodium carbonate
[C] Sodium benzoate
[D] Sodium Lauril Sulphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sodium benzoate]
Notes:
Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a preservative in food and beverages, including tomato juice. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, extending shelf life. It is effective in acidic environments, such as those found in tomato products, where the pH is typically below 4.6. Sodium chloride (salt) can also act as a preservative but is primarily used for flavor. Sodium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulfate are not suitable preservatives for tomato juice.
10. Acid rain is capable of damaging the buildings and historic monuments which are made up of rocks such as limestone and marble. Which among the following is the end product of such reaction?
[A] Quick Lime
[B] Calcium Carbonate
[C] Calcium Hydroxide
[D] Gypsum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gypsum]
Notes:
When sulfuric, and nitric acids, present in the acid rain reacts with the calcite in marble and limestone, it get dissolve and formed gypsum and washed off by the water. The rain can dissolve limestone and marble through direct contact.