UPSC Science and Technology – Chapter 5: Chemistry in Everyday Life (28 MCQs)

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UPSC Science and Technology – Chapter 5: Chemistry in Everyday Life (28 MCQs) – 26 questions, subject: Science & Technology. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

The acid present in curd is:

Correct Answer: D [lactic acid]

Explanation:

Bacteria in curd convert milk sugar into lactic acid, which gives curd its sour taste.

2.  

Temporary hardness of water is due to:

Correct Answer: A [bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium]

Explanation:

removed by boiling.

3.  

Which compound is used to disinfect drinking water?

Correct Answer: B [Bleaching powder]

Explanation:

Bleaching powder (calcium oxychloride) releases chlorine, which kills germs in drinking water.

4.  

Bakelite is an example of a:

Correct Answer: D [thermosetting plastic]

Explanation:

cannot be remoulded.

5.  

The main component of CNG is:

Correct Answer: A [methane]

Explanation:

Compressed natural gas is mainly methane, which burns cleaner than petrol and diesel.

6.  

Galvanisation protects iron from rusting by coating it with:

Correct Answer: B [zinc]

Explanation:

Galvanisation coats iron with zinc, which keeps out air and water and corrodes in place of the iron.

7.  

Synthesis gas (syngas) produced by coal gasification consists mainly of:

Correct Answer: C [carbon monoxide and hydrogen]

Explanation:

Coal reacted with steam and oxygen in a gasifier gives syngas, which is mainly carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

8.  

Consider the following statements:

1. Rare earth elements include the lanthanides, scandium and yttrium.
2. Neodymium magnets are used in electric-vehicle motors.
3. Rare earth elements are found only in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]

Explanation:

Rare earths are the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, and neodymium magnets drive EV motors; statement 3 is false.

9.  

Assertion (A): Detergents can be used for washing in hard water.

Reason (R): Detergents do not form insoluble scum with calcium and magnesium ions.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

Detergents form no insoluble scum with calcium and magnesium ions, and that is exactly why they work in hard water.

10.  

Which of the following is used for setting fractured bones?

Correct Answer: C [Plaster of Paris]

Explanation:

Plaster of Paris mixed with water sets hard into gypsum, so it holds fractured bones in place.

11.  

Brass is an alloy of:

Correct Answer: C [copper and zinc]

Explanation:

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, used for utensils and fittings.

12.  

The permitted method of artificially ripening fruit in India uses:

Correct Answer: A [ethylene gas]

Explanation:

Ethylene gas in controlled ripening chambers is the permitted method; ripening with calcium carbide is prohibited.

13.  

An ant sting can be treated by applying:

Correct Answer: A [baking soda]

Explanation:

a base neutralises formic acid.

14.  

Identified single-use plastic items were banned across India from:

Correct Answer: B [1 July 2022]

Explanation:

The ban on identified single-use plastic items under the Plastic Waste Management Rules took effect on 1 July 2022.

15.  

Arrange the following in chronological order:

1. Bhopal gas tragedy
2. Plastic Waste Management Rules
3. Ban on identified single-use plastic items in India
4. Mendeleev's periodic table

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [4-1-2-3]

Explanation:

1869, 1984, 2016, 2022.

16.  

The gas used in advertising signs that glows red-orange is:

Correct Answer: D [neon]

Explanation:

Neon glows red-orange when electricity passes through it, which is why it is used in advertising signs.

17.  

Eutrophication of lakes is aggravated by which ingredient of some detergents?

Correct Answer: D [Phosphates]

Explanation:

Phosphates from detergents act as nutrients that feed algal blooms, speeding up eutrophication of lakes.

18.  

The pH of normal human blood is about:

Correct Answer: B [7.4]

Explanation:

slightly basic.

19.  
UPSC Prelims 2025

Consider the following:

I. Cigarette butts

II. Eyeglass lenses

III. Car tyres

How many of them contain plastic?

Correct Answer: C [All the three]

Explanation:

cellulose acetate filters, polymer lenses and synthetic polymers in tyres.

20.  
UPSC Prelims 2025

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.

Statement II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Answer: A [Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I]

Explanation:

phosphors of europium, terbium and yttrium give colours on screens.

21.  
UPSC Prelims 2025

Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of

Correct Answer: A [silver iodide and potassium iodide]

Explanation:

both act as nuclei in cloud seeding.

22.  
UPSC Prelims 2021

Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

Correct Answer: A [it is dipolar in nature]

Explanation:

Water's oxygen end is slightly negative and its hydrogen ends slightly positive, so it pulls apart ions and polar molecules.

23.  
UPSC Prelims 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?

Correct Answer: B [Polycarbonate]

Explanation:

BPA is a key building block of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, from which it can leach into food.

24.  
UPSC Prelims 2021

'Triclosan', considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

Correct Answer: D [Toiletries]

Explanation:

soaps, toothpaste and other personal-care products.

25.  
UPSC Prelims 2017

Consider the following pairs:

Commonly used/consumed materials – Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them

1. Lipstick – Lead
2. Soft drinks – Brominated vegetable oils
3. Chinese fast food – Monosodium glutamate

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]

Explanation:

All three pairs match: lead has been found in lipsticks, BVO in some soft drinks and MSG in fast food.

26.  
UPSC Prelims 2014

Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change?

1. Crystallization of sodium chloride
2. Melting of ice
3. Souring of milk

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: B [3 only]

Explanation:

Only souring of milk forms a new substance (lactic acid); crystallisation of salt and melting of ice are physical changes.

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