Chemistry MCQs
Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, UPSC, NDA, CDS and UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination.
1. 2,4-D, which is sold as a weed killer of the broad-leaved weeds is a synthetic version of __:
[A] Auxin Hormone
[B] Cytokinin Hormone
[C] Xylitol
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Auxin Hormone ]
Notes:
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-dichlorophenoxyethanoic acid) is a synthetic auxin frequently used as a weed killer of broad-leaved weeds. When two herbicides 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D and mixed in equal parts, it is called Agent Orange, which was used by US in Vietnam war.
2. A cotton wick dipped in pure honey when ignited with a matchstick will ______?
[A] Burn steadily
[B] Burn with a cracking sound
[C] Not burn at all
[D] Burn producing a large amount of smoke
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burn steadily]
Notes:
A cotton wick soaked in pure honey, when lit with a matchstick, will burn consistently. This is primarily due to the high sugar content of the honey acting as fuel for the flame. Contrary to common misconceptions, honey doesn’t produce much smoke or any unusual sounds during combustion.
3. White Phosphorous is represented by which among the following symbols?
[A] P1
[B] P2
[C] P3
[D] P4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [P4]
Notes:
The most important form of elemental phosphorus from the perspective of applications and chemical literature is white phosphorus. It consists of tetrahedral P4 molecules, in which each atom is bound to the other three atoms by a single bond. This P4 tetrahedron is also present in liquid and gaseous phosphorus up to the temperature of 800 °C when it starts decomposing to P2 molecules
4. 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.
5. How many parts are of other metals in a 17 carat Gold?
[A] 3
[B] 5
[C] 7
[D] 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [7]
Notes:
In 17 carat gold, the composition is 17 parts gold and 7 parts other metals, making it 70.6% gold. The term “carat” refers to the purity of gold, with 24 carats being pure gold. Thus, 17 carat gold contains 7 parts of other metals, which can include copper, silver, or palladium, used to enhance durability and alter color.
6. Under standard conditions, which of the following is the most stable form of carbon?
[A] Charcoal
[B] Graphite
[C] Diamond
[D] Amorphous Carbon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Graphite]
Notes:
Under standard conditions, Graphite is the most stable form of carbon. It is commonly used in pencils and lubricants due to its layered structure. These layers can move over each other, making graphite soft and slippery. Besides Graphite, other forms of carbon are diamond, charcoal, and amorphous carbon, each with unique properties and applications.
7. Which among the following gas has lowest auto-ignition temperature?
[A] Methane
[B] Hydrogen
[C] Ethylene
[D] Carbon Di Sulphide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Carbon Di Sulphide]
Notes:
The auto-ignition temperature of a liquid, gas or vapor is the temperature at which the substance will ignite without any external heat source. Here is the temperature of some gases:
Methane -580 °C
Hydrogen -560 °C
Propane -493 °C
Ethylene -425 °C
Acetylene -305 °C
Naphtha -290 °C
Carbon disulfide -102 °C
8. Haber Process is used to produce which among the following?
[A] Potash
[B] Ammonia
[C] Urea
[D] Nitrates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ammonia]
Notes:
The Haber Process is an industrial method for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases. Developed by Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch in the early 20th century, it operates under high pressure and temperature, using an iron catalyst. Ammonia produced is crucial for fertilizers, supporting global agriculture. The process importantly increased food production, earning Haber the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1918.
9. Which among the following impurity in drinking water causes the “Bamboo Spine” disorder?
[A] Nitrate
[B] Fluorides
[C] Arsenic
[D] Sulphides
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Fluorides]
Notes:
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease that mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. It tends to affect the spine and in late stages, the spine will fuse and this has given rise to the term “bamboo spine”. It is mainly caused due to impurities in drinking water associated with fluorides.
10. 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%