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 among the following methods can be used to remove the permanent hardness in water due to calcium or magnesium sulphates?
[A] Sulphonate method
[B] Nitrate method
[C] Zeolite method
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Zeolite method ]
Notes:Zeolite is hydrated Sodium Alumino-silicate capable of exchanging reversible Sodium ions for hardness producing ions in water. It is also use as softening of water. It is used to remove the permanent hardness in water due to Calcium or Magnesium sulphates.
2. What is commonly referred to as “Laughing Gas”?
[A] Nitric oxide
[B] Nitrous oxide
[C] Nitrogen penta oxide
[D] Nitrogen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrous oxide]
Notes:
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “Laughing Gas” due to the euphoric effect it produces when inhaled. Its chemical formula is N2O and it is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a relatively sweet odor and taste. It is primarily used in dentistry and surgery for its analgesic and anesthetic properties. It is also noted for its role as a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant, as well as a natural regulator of stratospheric ozone.
3. Galena & Litharge are ores of which of the following metals?
[A] Mercury
[B] Zinc
[C] Copper
[D] Lead
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lead]
Notes:
Galena and litharge are ores of lead. Galena is the most common ore of lead. It is the natural mineral form of lead (II) sulphid. Litharge is a secondary mineral that forms from the oxidation of galena ores. It is one of the natural mineral forms of Lead(II) oxide.
4. Water at 4 degree centigrade has____?
[A] minimum density
[B] maximum density
[C] No density
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [maximum density]
Notes:
Water at 4 degrees Celsius has maximum density. This is due to the unique molecular structure of water, which allows it to reach its highest density at this temperature. As water cools from higher temperatures, it becomes denser until it reaches 4 degrees. below this temperature, it begins to expand, making ice less dense than liquid water. This phenomenon is crucial for aquatic life, as it allows ice to float, insulating the water below.
5. Which of the following is not a common use of Graphite?
[A] Manufacturing of electrodes
[B] As a lubricant
[C] Manufacturing of crucibles
[D] In glass cutting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [In glass cutting]
Notes:
Graphite is renowned for its conspicuous uses owing to its unique properties like its ability to conduct electricity, which makes it ideal for electrode manufacturing. It’s also used as a lubricant and in the production of crucibles, thanks to its high melting point. However, it isn’t used in glass cutting.
6. Which of the following processes commonly use the method of adsorption?
[A] Scrubbers manufacturing
[B] Purification of solid substances
[C] Chromatography
[D] Purification of liquid substances
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chromatography]
Notes:
Adsorption, the binding of gas or liquid particles to a solid surface, is often used in chromatography – a laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture. This process is critical as it allows the separation of the compounds in the mixture, thereby enabling further analysis or purification. Apart from chromatography, adsorption is also used in scrubbers and purification of solids and liquids.
7. Ekaboron was an element predicted by Mendeleev and he leaved a space for it in his Periodic Table. Later Ekaboron was identified with _____?
[A] Gallium
[B] Scandium
[C] Technitium
[D] Germanium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Scandium]
Notes:
Ekaboron was predicted by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1871, who left a space in his Periodic Table for it. It was later identified as Scandium (element 21) in 1879 by Lars Fredrik Nilson. Scandium shares similar properties with Ekaboron, aligning with Mendeleev’s predictions.
8. What term refers to the minimum temperature at which a combustible substance begins to ignite?
[A] Fireless Temperature
[B] Ignition Temperature
[C] Static Temperature
[D] Optimum Temperature
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ignition Temperature]
Notes:
The term for the minimum temperature necessary to ignite a combustible substance is “Ignition Temperature”. It plays a critical role in fire safety and in the field of thermodynamics. Incorrect handling of substances with low ignition temperatures can lead to hazardous situations like unexpected fires or explosions. Additionally, understanding a material’s ignition temperature helps in proper storage and safe handling to prevent unwanted accidents.
9. Due to the process called vulcanization, the sticky natural rubber become stiff and more durable. Why?
[A] The short polymer chains of natural rubber are converted into long polymer chains
[B] The long polymer chains of natural rubber are broken into short polymer chains
[C] Cross Links are formed between the polymer chains
[D] The natural rubber loses water and some other substances which make it sticky
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Cross Links are formed between the polymer chains]
Notes:Natural rubber is composed of long polymer chains. These chains are independent from each other and this can move freely. For example, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene which is called Isoprene make long chains to give rise to a natural rubber. Chemical Formula is CH2=C(CH3)CH=CH2. The chains of the natural rubber also called poly-isoprene are as follows:

The chemical formula of Sulphur (S8) is

The result of vulcanization is shown in the below diagram:

In the above chemical reaction, we see that the sulfur molecule get arranged in rubber in such as way that Cross Links are formed between the polymer chains. These cross links make sure that the chains don’t move independently. The result is that the sticky natural rubber become stiff and more durable.
Devulcanization is the reverse process. Devulcanization involves the delinking of the sulfur molecules from the rubber molecules.
10. Which of these is NOT an allotropic form of carbon?
[A] Diamond
[B] Graphite
[C] Fullerene
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None of the above]
Notes:
Carbon exhibits many allotropic forms; both crystalline as well as amorphous. Diamond and graphite are two well-known crystalline forms of carbon. In 1985, third form of carbon known as fullerenes was discovered.