1
Which among the following acids is naturally present in curd (yogurt)?
🔬 Chemistry — Acids, Bases & Salts
Chemistry — Acids, Bases & Salts
By Priya Sharma · Static GK Expert
50 Questions Science & Technology
A comprehensive collection of 20 high-quality objective questions focusing on the fundamental properties, chemical reactions, and real-world applications of acids, bases, and salts.
2
What is the common chemical name of the substance used as a bleaching agent in the textile industry and for disinfecting water?
3
An aqueous solution turns red litmus into blue. What is the likely pH value of this solution?
4
Which acid is secreted by the glands in the stomach lining to help in the digestion of food?
5
Which of the following salts is used in the manufacture of glass and soap?
6
The stinging hair of nettle leaves injects which acid into the skin causing a burning sensation?
7
Plaster of Paris is produced by heating which substance at 373 K?
8
What is the chemical formula for baking soda?
9
Which indicator turns pink in an alkaline solution?
10
What happens when an acid reacts with a metal carbonate?
11
Which of the following is a strong base?
12
What is the pH range of human blood?
13
Which gas is evolved when a metal reacts with a dilute acid?
14
Which of the following is an example of a mineral acid?
15
What is the primary function of antacids like Magnesium hydroxide in the stomach?
16
Which substance is commonly known as 'Common Salt'?
17
Universal indicator is used to determine what aspect of a chemical solution?
18
Which acid is present in Tamarind?
19
Which salt is used in the preparation of fire extinguishers?
20
What is the nature of the reaction between an acid and a base called?
21
Which gas is released when sodium bicarbonate reacts with a dilute acid?
22
Which of the following is considered a 'Lewis Base'?
23
What is the chemical name of the compound used as a fire retardant and in the removal of permanent hardness of water?
24
Which among these is a characteristic property of a salt formed by a strong acid and a weak base?
25
What is the chemical formula of the substance commonly known as 'Gypsum'?
26
Which of the following indicators is colourless in an acidic medium and turns pink in a basic medium?
27
Which acid is abundantly found in Oranges and Lemons?
28
What happens to the pH of a solution when the concentration of Hydrogen ions (H+) increases?
29
Which of the following salts is used in the process of electroplating and as a preservative in food?
30
What is the chemical name of the bleaching powder?
31
Which acid is used in the manufacture of lead storage batteries (car batteries)?
32
What is the range of pH on the pH scale?
33
Which of the following is a 'deliquescent' substance?
34
Which plant is known as the natural source of Formic acid (Methanoic acid)?
35
Which among the following is NOT an organic acid?
36
What is the colour of Methyl Orange indicator in a basic solution?
37
Which salt is responsible for the 'temporary hardness' of water?
38
The process of dissolving an acid or a base in water is a/an _______ process.
39
Which of the following is a basic salt?
40
What is the common name of 'Calcium sulfate hemihydrate'?
41
Which of the following compounds is used as a standard laboratory reagent to identify the presence of carbonates and bicarbonates by evolving CO2?
42
Which acid is added to soft drinks to provide a sharp, tangy taste and acts as a preservative?
43
When a solution of Copper(II) Sulphate reacts with an alkali, what is the color of the precipitate formed?
44
Which among the following is a 'Diborate' salt commonly used in the manufacture of borosilicate glass and as a cleansing agent?
45
Which indicator exhibits a distinct color change from yellow in acidic medium to red in basic medium?
46
What is the chemical name of the substance commonly known as 'Caustic Soda'?
47
Which salt is responsible for the 'permanent hardness' of water that cannot be removed by boiling?
48
Which acid is chemically known as 'Oil of Vitriol'?
49
What is the result of the reaction between an acid and a metal oxide?
50
Which property defines a 'Lewis Acid' according to the electronic concept of acids and bases?
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Important Notes — Chemistry — Acids, Bases & Salts
Fundamentals of Acids, Bases, and Salts
In the context of competitive exams like UPSC and SSC, the chemistry of acids, bases, and salts forms the backbone of General Science. Understanding these substances is crucial for answering conceptual and applied questions.
Properties and Definitions
- Acids: These are substances that taste sour and turn blue litmus paper red. Chemically, they donate hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in an aqueous solution.
- Examples: Citric acid (lemons), Lactic acid (curd), Acetic acid (vinegar), and Oxalic acid (tomatoes).
- Strong Acids: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$), and Nitric acid ($HNO_3$).
- Bases: These are bitter to taste, soapy to touch, and turn red litmus paper blue. They release hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) in water. Bases that dissolve in water are called Alkalis.
- Examples: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Calcium hydroxide [$Ca(OH)_2$], and Magnesium hydroxide [$Mg(OH)_2$ or Milk of Magnesia].
- Salts: Formed by the reaction between an acid and a base, a process known as Neutralization.
- Equation: Acid + Base $\rightarrow$ Salt + Water.
The pH Scale and Indicators
The pH scale is a logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14 used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It was introduced by S.P.L. Sørensen in 1909.
- pH < 7: Indicates an Acidic solution (the lower the value, the stronger the acid).
- pH = 7: Indicates a Neutral solution (e.g., Pure water).
- pH > 7: Indicates a Basic (Alkaline) solution (the higher the value, the stronger the base).
Important Indicators
- Litmus: A natural dye extracted from Lichen (a Thallophyte). It is purple in neutral solutions.
- Phenolphthalein: Colorless in acid; turns pink in basic solutions.
- Methyl Orange: Turns red in acidic solutions and yellow in basic solutions.
- Universal Indicator: A mixture of several indicators that show different colors at different pH levels.
Industrial and Daily Life Applications
Common salts and compounds frequently featured in SSC and state-level exams:
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Known as common salt, essential for human health and chemical industries.
- Sodium Bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$): Known as Baking Soda. It is used in fire extinguishers and for making food fluffy.
- Sodium Carbonate ($Na_2CO_3 \cdot 10H_2O$): Known as Washing Soda; used for softening hard water and in the glass/soap industry.
- Bleaching Powder ($CaOCl_2$): Used for disinfecting drinking water and bleaching cotton in the textile industry.
- Plaster of Paris ($CaSO_4 \cdot \frac{1}{2}H_2O$): Prepared by heating Gypsum ($CaSO_4 \cdot 2H_2O$) at 373 K. It is used in making statues and surgical casts.
- pH in Human Body: The human body works optimally within the narrow pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Stomach acidity (HCl) is essential for digestion, but excess causes indigestion, treated with antacids like Milk of Magnesia.
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About the Author
PS
Priya Sharma Static GK Expert
Indian History · Geography · Polity & Economy Specialist
With 8+ years of teaching static GK for competitive exams, Priya has helped thousands of students master the foundational subjects that appear year after year in UPSC, SSC, and Railway exams. She focuses on making history, geography, and polity approachable through well-structured MCQs and memorable explanations.
