NEET Chemistry - MCQ Practice Questions
Chemistry is the section where NEET candidates can gain the most in the least time, provided the three branches are revised as three separate habits. This set covers physical chemistry calculations, organic reactions and mechanisms, and inorganic chemistry including periodic properties, chemical bonding and coordination compounds. Organic questions show the mechanism step by step so the logic carries over to unfamiliar reactions.
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In which of the following pairs do both species have the same geometry?
Understanding:
We need to identify the pair where both species have the same molecular geometry.
Formula:
Molecular geometry is determined by VSEPR theory based on the number of bond pairs and lone pairs:
Step 1: Analyse Option A — NH3 and BF3.
NH3: 3 bond pairs + 1 lone pair ⇒ trigonal pyramidal.
BF3: 3 bond pairs + 0 lone pairs ⇒ trigonal planar.
Different geometries.
Step 2: Analyse Option B — H2O and CO2.
H2O: 2 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs ⇒ bent (V-shaped).
CO2: 2 double bonds + 0 lone pairs ⇒ linear.
Different geometries.
Step 3: Analyse Option C — PCl3 and SO32−.
PCl3: P has 3 bond pairs + 1 lone pair ⇒ trigonal pyramidal.
SO32−: S has 3 bond pairs + 1 lone pair ⇒ trigonal pyramidal.
Both are trigonal pyramidal.
Step 4: Analyse Option D — SF4 and XeF4.
SF4: 4 bond pairs + 1 lone pair (sp3d) ⇒ see-saw (seesaw) shape.
XeF4: 4 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs (sp3d2) ⇒ square planar.
Different geometries.
Answer:
PCl3 and SO32− both have 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair on the central atom, giving both a trigonal pyramidal geometry.
Quick Tip:
When checking if two molecules share geometry, always count both bond pairs AND lone pairs. Two molecules with the same bond-pair count but different lone-pair counts will have different shapes even if they have the same number of atoms.
The standard EMF of a cell is 1.10 V. The equilibrium constant K for the cell reaction at 25°C is closest to: (Given: FRT=0.0257 V, n=2)
Understanding:
We need to find the equilibrium constant K from the standard EMF.
Formula:
The relation between Ecell∘ and K is:
Step 1: Rearrange for logK
Step 2: Find K
Using FRT=0.0257 V:
Answer:
The equilibrium constant is approximately 1.57×1037.
Quick Tip:
When using the ln form with FRT=0.0257 V, note that e85.6=1085.6/2.303=1037.16, giving ≈1.57×1037.
The conductivity of a 0.01 M solution of KCl is 1.41×10−3 S cm−1. The molar conductivity Λm of this solution is:
Understanding:
We need to calculate molar conductivity from conductivity and concentration.
Formula:
where c must be in mol cm−3 (i.e., mol mL−1×10−3, or convert using 1 L=1000 cm3).
Step 1: Convert concentration to mol cm−3
Step 2: Calculate Λm
Answer:
The molar conductivity of the KCl solution is 141 S cm2 mol−1.
Quick Tip:
A very common error is forgetting to convert c from mol L−1 to mol cm−3. Always divide by 1000 when κ is in S cm−1.
For the electrochemical cell: Zn∣Zn2+(1 M)∥Cu2+(1 M)∣Cu, the standard reduction potentials are ECu2+/Cu∘=+0.34 V and EZn2+/Zn∘=−0.76 V. Which statement is correct?
Understanding:
We must calculate the standard cell EMF and assess spontaneity.
Formula:
A positive Ecell∘ indicates a spontaneous reaction (ΔG∘<0).
Step 1: Calculate Ecell∘
Step 2: Assess spontaneity
Since ΔG∘<0, the reaction is spontaneous.
Answer:
The standard EMF is +1.10 V and the cell reaction is spontaneous.
Quick Tip:
Always use Ecell∘=Ecathode∘−Eanode∘ (both as reduction potentials). Never reverse the sign of the cathode.
During the electrolysis of aqueous CuSO4 solution using copper electrodes, which of the following correctly describes what happens at the anode?
Understanding:
We need to identify the anode reaction when aqueous CuSO4 is electrolysed with copper electrodes.
Step 1: Identify the anode process
At the anode, oxidation occurs. When the electrode itself is made of an active (reactive) metal like copper, the electrode dissolves preferentially over the oxidation of water, because the oxidation potential of copper is more favourable than that of water.
Step 2: Write the anode reaction
Step 3: Identify other electrode reactions
At the cathode, Cu2+ ions from solution are reduced and deposited:
This is the principle used in electrorefining of copper.
Answer:
At the anode, copper dissolves into the solution as Cu2+ ions.
Quick Tip:
With inert electrodes (like Pt or graphite) and aqueous CuSO4, the anode would evolve O2. With active copper electrodes, the metal itself oxidises — this distinction is a classic NEET trap.
Using the Nernst equation, the electrode potential E for Zn2+/Zn at 25°C when [Zn2+]=0.001 M is: (Given: EZn2+/Zn∘=−0.76 V, 20.0592=0.0296 V)
Understanding:
We must apply the Nernst equation to find the electrode potential at non-standard concentration.
Formula:
For the reduction half-reaction Zn2++2e−→Zn:
Step 1: Substitute values
Step 2: Round the result
Answer:
The electrode potential for Zn2+/Zn at [Zn2+]=0.001 M is −0.849 V.
Quick Tip:
For a reduction half-cell, decreasing the ion concentration makes the potential more negative. The Nernst equation for a reduction is E=E∘−n0.0592logQ, where Q=[Zn2+]1 for this half-reaction.
How many Faradays of charge are required to deposit 27 g of aluminium (Al) from a molten AlCl3 solution? (Molar mass of Al=27 g mol−1)
Understanding:
We need to find the charge (in Faradays) needed to deposit 27 g of Al.
Formula:
From Faraday's first law:
where ne is the number of electrons per atom and F=96500 C mol−1.
Rearranged:
Step 1: Find moles of Al
Step 2: Determine electrons required
The cathode half-reaction is:
So 1 mol of Al requires 3 mol of electrons.
Step 3: Convert to Faradays
Answer:
Depositing 27 g (1 mol) of Al requires 3 Faradays of charge.
Quick Tip:
Faradays required = moles of substance × n (electrons per ion). For Al3+, n=3, so 1 mol always needs 3 F.
According to Kohlrausch's law, the limiting molar conductivity of NH4OH can be calculated from the limiting molar conductivities of NH4Cl, NaOH, and NaCl. The correct expression is:
Understanding:
We need to derive Λm∘(NH4OH) using Kohlrausch's law and the given strong electrolytes.
Step 1: Write individual ionic contributions
By Kohlrausch's law:
Step 2: Combine to get Λm∘(NH4OH)
The target is:
Subtracting Λm∘(NaCl) from the sum of the first two:
Answer:
The correct expression is Λm∘(NH4OH)=Λm∘(NH4Cl)+Λm∘(NaOH)−Λm∘(NaCl).
Quick Tip:
The Hess's law analogy works here — add the equations that give the ions you need and cancel the unwanted ions by subtracting an equation that contains them.
The Gibbs energy change ΔG∘ for the cell reaction Zn+Cu2+→Zn2++Cu at 25°C is: (Given: Ecell∘=1.10 V, F=96500 C mol−1)
Understanding:
We must calculate ΔG∘ for the Daniell cell reaction.
Formula:
Step 1: Substitute values
Step 2: Confirm sign
Since Ecell∘>0, ΔG∘<0, confirming a spontaneous reaction.
Answer:
The standard Gibbs energy change for the reaction is −212.3 kJ mol−1.
Quick Tip:
The unit check: C mol−1×V=C×J C−1×mol−1=J mol−1. Divide by 1000 to get kJ mol−1.
The resistance of a conductivity cell filled with 0.01 M KCl solution is 150 Ω at 25°C. If the resistance when filled with 0.01 M NaOH solution is 300 Ω, and the conductivity of 0.01 M KCl is 1.41×10−3 S cm−1, the conductivity of 0.01 M NaOH is:
Understanding:
We must use the cell constant to find the conductivity of NaOH solution.
Formula:
The cell constant G∗=κ×R, so:
and then:
Step 1: Calculate the cell constant
Step 2: Calculate κNaOH
Answer:
The conductivity of 0.01 M NaOH solution is 7.05×10−4 S cm−1.
Quick Tip:
The cell constant G∗ (in cm−1) is a property of the cell geometry alone — it is the same regardless of the solution. Calibrate it with a known solution (KCl), then apply it to the unknown.
Which of the following has the highest lattice energy?
Understanding:
We need to identify the compound with the highest lattice energy among the given options.
Formula:
Lattice energy is given by the Born–Landé equation (qualitatively):
where z+ and z− are the charges on the cation and anion respectively, and r++r− is the interionic distance.
Step 1: Identify ionic charges and sizes.
Step 2: Compare MgO and CaO.
Both have charge product = 4, but Mg2+ (ionic radius ≈0.72 A˚) is smaller than Ca2+ (ionic radius ≈1.00 A˚). The smaller interionic distance in MgO gives it a higher lattice energy.
Answer:
MgO has the highest lattice energy due to the combination of high ionic charges (+2 and −2) and the small ionic radii of Mg2+ and O2−.
Quick Tip:
When comparing lattice energies, always check the charge product first — doubly charged ions dominate. Among those with equal charges, the smaller the ions, the greater the lattice energy.
The oxidation state of sulphur in H2S2O7 (pyrosulphuric acid) is:
Understanding:
We need to find the oxidation state of sulphur in H2S2O7.
Formula:
Using the rule that the sum of all oxidation states in a neutral compound equals zero:
Step 1: Assign known oxidation states.
Step 2: Set up and solve the equation.
Answer:
The oxidation state of sulphur in H2S2O7 is +6.
Quick Tip:
In all oxoacids of sulphur in its highest oxidation form (like H2SO4, H2S2O7, H2S2O8), the oxidation state of S is +6. Pyrosulphuric acid is simply H2SO4+SO3.
Which of the following statements correctly explains the anomalous behaviour of fluorine compared to other halogens?
Understanding:
We need to identify the correct reason for fluorine's anomalous behaviour among halogens.
Step 1: Recall key properties of fluorine.
Fluorine is the smallest halogen and belongs to Period 2. Its valence shell is n=2, which contains only 2s and 2p subshells — there are no d-orbitals available in the second period.
Step 2: Consequences of no d-orbitals.
Step 3: Evaluate other options.
Answer:
Fluorine's anomalous behaviour arises from the absence of d-orbitals in its valence shell, which limits its covalency and contributes to its role as the strongest oxidising halogen.
Quick Tip:
The absence of d-orbitals is the single most important reason for the anomalous behaviour of all second-period elements (F, O, N) compared to their heavier congeners.
Which of the following correctly represents the products when Cl2 reacts with excess NaOH solution at 70°C?
Understanding:
We need to identify the products of the reaction of Cl2 with excess NaOH at 70°C.
Step 1: Recall the temperature-dependent disproportionation of Cl2 with NaOH.
The reaction of Cl2 with NaOH proceeds differently depending on temperature:
Products: sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).
Products: sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium chlorate (NaClO3).
Step 2: Identify what forms at 70°C.
At higher temperatures, NaOCl (formed initially) undergoes further disproportionation to give NaClO3:
So the final products at 70°C are NaCl and NaClO3.
Answer:
When Cl2 reacts with excess NaOH at 70°C, the products are NaCl and NaClO3.
Quick Tip:
A simple memory aid: **Cold NaOH → hypochlorite (OCl−); Hot NaOH → chlorate (ClO3−)**. This pattern holds for all halogens reacting with alkali.
The correct order of solubility of alkaline earth metal sulphates in water is:
Understanding:
We need to arrange the sulphates of alkaline earth metals (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in increasing order of solubility in water.
Step 1: Recall the trend in solubility of Group 2 sulphates.
As we go down Group 2 (Be → Ba), the cationic size increases. For sulphates, the hydration enthalpy decreases more sharply than the lattice enthalpy as cation size increases. This means the net energy released on dissolving decreases, reducing solubility.
Step 2: Establish the trend.
In terms of increasing solubility (lowest to highest):
BaSO4 is practically insoluble (used as a barium meal in X-rays), while BeSO4 and MgSO4 (Epsom salt) are readily soluble.
Answer:
The correct increasing order of solubility of alkaline earth metal sulphates is:
Quick Tip:
For Group 2 salts: sulphates and carbonates become less soluble down the group (hydration enthalpy falls faster than lattice enthalpy). Hydroxides and fluorides show the opposite trend — more soluble down the group.
Which of the following transition metal ions is diamagnetic?
Understanding:
We need to identify which ion has no unpaired electrons (diamagnetic) among the given transition metal ions.
Formula:
An ion is diamagnetic if all its electrons are paired. The magnetic moment is:
where n = number of unpaired electrons. Diamagnetic ⇒n=0.
Step 1: Determine electronic configurations.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Zn2+ with a completely filled 3d10 configuration has no unpaired electrons and is diamagnetic.
Answer:
Zn2+ is the only diamagnetic ion among the given options.
Quick Tip:
Zn2+ (3d10), Cu+ (3d10), Sc3+ (3d0), and Ti4+ (3d0) are the common diamagnetic transition metal ions — memorise these for NEET.
The stability of +1 oxidation state compared to +3 oxidation state increases down Group 13. This is due to:
Understanding:
We need to explain why the +1 oxidation state becomes more stable relative to the +3 state as we descend Group 13 (B → Tl).
Step 1: Recall the inert pair effect.
In heavier elements of Groups 13–15, the ns2 electron pair becomes increasingly reluctant to participate in bond formation. This is called the inert pair effect. As the principal quantum number (n) increases, the ns electrons penetrate the core more effectively but are also poorly shielded by d and f electrons, making them more tightly held and less available for bonding.
Step 2: Consequence in Group 13.
Step 3: Evaluate other options.
Answer:
The increasing stability of the +1 oxidation state down Group 13 is due to the inert pair effect, where the ns2 electrons become increasingly resistant to participation in bonding.
Quick Tip:
The inert pair effect is most pronounced in the 6th period. In Group 14, Pb2+ is more stable than Pb4+; in Group 15, Bi3+ is more stable than Bi5+ — same principle.
On heating, which of the following compounds decomposes to give NO2 and O2?
Understanding:
We need to identify which nitrate salt, on heating, gives both NO2 and O2 as products.
Step 1: Recall the thermal decomposition pattern of metal nitrates.
The products depend on the activity/reactivity of the metal:
Step 2: Distinguish between options A and D.
Both Cu(NO3)2 and Pb(NO3)2 give NO2+O2 on heating. Among these, Pb(NO3)2 is the most commonly cited NEET example for this reaction and is a standard laboratory preparation of NO2.
The question asks which compound decomposes to give NO2 and O2 — Pb(NO3)2 is the textbook answer for this specific decomposition in NCERT.
Answer:
Pb(NO3)2 decomposes on heating to give PbO, NO2, and O2:
Quick Tip:
This reaction is the standard NCERT laboratory method for preparing NO2 gas. Remember: metal nitrates of metals between Mg and Cu in the activity series → metal oxide + NO2 + O2.
Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name of K2[PtCl4]?
Understanding:
We need to give the correct IUPAC name of K2[PtCl4].
Step 1: Identify the components of the complex.
Step 2: Determine the oxidation state of Pt.
So platinum is in the +2 oxidation state: Pt(II).
Step 3: Apply IUPAC 2013 naming rules.
Step 4: Check other options.
Answer:
The correct IUPAC name of K2[PtCl4] is potassium tetrachloridoplatinate(II).
Quick Tip:
For anionic complexes, the metal name takes the suffix -ate (e.g., platinate, ferrate, cuprate). The 2013 IUPAC rules use -ido for anionic ligands: fluorido, chlorido, bromido, cyanido, hydroxido.