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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Which of the following has the lowest boiling point among hydrides of Group 16 elements?
Boiling points of hydrides depend on intermolecular forces, which vary based on molecular mass and hydrogen bonding strength.
Step 1: Identify Group 16 Hydrides and Their Boiling Points
Group 16 elements (chalcogens) form hydrides with the general formula H₂X. Let's list their boiling points:
Step 2: Analyze Intermolecular Forces
H₂O has exceptional boiling point due to strong hydrogen bonding between oxygen (highly electronegative) and hydrogen. However, S, Se, and Te are less electronegative, so H₂S, H₂Se, and H₂Te exhibit only weak dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces:
Among H₂S, H₂Se, and H₂Te, molecular mass increases down the group, strengthening London dispersion forces. H₂S has the smallest molecular mass (34 g/mol) among these three, resulting in the weakest intermolecular forces.
The correct answer is (B) H₂S with a boiling point of -60°C, the lowest among the group.
In the Nernst equation at 25°C, what is the value of (2.303RT/F)?
At 25°C (298 K), (2.303RT/F) = (2.303 × 8.314 × 298)/96485 ≈ 0.0592 V. This is commonly used in half-cell potential calculations.
A first-order reaction is 75% complete in 45 minutes. What is the half-life of this reaction?
For a first-order reaction, the relationship between time, concentration, and rate constant follows a logarithmic decay pattern that connects to the half-life.
Step 1: Apply the First-Order Rate Law
For a first-order reaction, we use the integrated rate equation that relates remaining concentration to time.
Since the reaction is 75% complete, 25% of the reactant remains, so [A]0[A]t=0.25 or [A]t[A]0=4
Step 2: Calculate Half-Life Using the Half-Life Formula
The half-life for a first-order reaction is independent of initial concentration and is given by:
The half-life of the reaction is 22.5 minutes.
The answer is (B) 22.5 minutes.
Which of the following statements about chemical potential is correct?
At equilibrium, the chemical potential of a substance is the same in all phases present. This is the condition for phase equilibrium.
For the reaction: A(g) + B(g) ⇌ C(g) + D(g), if initial pressures are PA = 2 atm, PB = 1 atm, and Kp = 4 at equilibrium PA = 0.5 atm, what is the equilibrium pressure of C?
Initial: PA = 2, PB = 1. Change: -1.5 for A, -1.5 for B, +1.5 for C and D. Equilibrium: PA = 0.5, PB = -0.5 (invalid). Using Kp: 4 = (PC × PD)/(0.5 × PB). Since stoichiometry is 1:1:1:1, PC = PD = 1.5 atm.
What is the IUPAC name of the complex [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+?
Understanding:
We must determine the correct IUPAC name of the complex ion [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+.
Step 1: Determine the oxidation state of cobalt.
Let the oxidation state of Co be x. Each NH3 is neutral and each Cl− carries −1 charge:
So cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state.
Step 2: Name the ligands in alphabetical order.
According to 2005 IUPAC recommendations, anionic ligands ending in "-ide" replace the old "-o" suffix. Chloride becomes chlorido and ammonia becomes ammine. Alphabetically, "ammine" (a) comes before "chlorido" (c), so the order is: tetraammine then dichlorido.
Step 3: Assemble the full name.
The metal is cobalt in oxidation state +3, giving cobalt(III). The complete IUPAC name is tetraamminedichloridocobalt(III) ion.
Answer:
The correct IUPAC name is tetraamminedichloridocobalt(III) ion.
Quick Tip:
Under 2005 IUPAC rules, anionic ligands are named as "chlorido", "bromido", etc. (not the older "chloro", "bromo"). NEET questions increasingly use this updated nomenclature.
The coordination number and oxidation state of platinum in [Pt(en)2Cl2]2+ are respectively:
Understanding:
We must find the coordination number (CN) and oxidation state of Pt in [Pt(en)2Cl2]2+.
Step 1: Calculate coordination number.
Each en ligand donates 2 donor atoms, and each Cl donates 1:
Step 2: Calculate oxidation state of Pt.
Let oxidation state of Pt be x. en is neutral, each Cl− is −1:
Answer:
The coordination number is 6 and the oxidation state of platinum is +4.
Quick Tip:
Always multiply the number of each ligand by its denticity to get the coordination number. Bidentate ligands like en, ox, and bipy each contribute 2 to the CN.
Which of the following complexes exhibits optical isomerism?
Understanding:
We must identify which complex can exist as non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers), i.e., shows optical isomerism.
Step 1: Screen each complex for a plane of symmetry.
Step 2: Analyse [Co(en)3]3+.
This is a tris(bidentate) octahedral complex. With three bidentate en ligands wrapped around the metal, the complex belongs to the D3 point group, which has no plane of symmetry, centre of inversion, or improper rotation axis. It therefore exists as Δ (right-handed) and Λ (left-handed) enantiomers.
Answer:
[Co(en)3]3+ exhibits optical isomerism because it is a chiral, non-superimposable tris-bidentate octahedral complex.
Quick Tip:
Tris-bidentate octahedral complexes (e.g., [M(en)3]n+, [M(ox)3]n−) are the classic examples of optical isomerism in coordination chemistry.
According to crystal field theory, the crystal field stabilisation energy (CFSE) for [Fe(H2O)6]2+ (high spin, d6) in terms of Δo is:
Understanding:
We must calculate the CFSE for [Fe(H2O)6]2+.
Step 1: Write the high-spin d6 electron configuration.
For high spin d6: electrons fill t2g and eg with maximum spin:
(4 electrons in t2g, 2 electrons in eg)
Step 2: Calculate CFSE.
Answer:
The CFSE for high-spin [Fe(H2O)6]2+ is −0.4Δo.
Quick Tip:
For high-spin d6: remember the configuration is t2g4eg2, not t2g6. A common error is to assume low-spin, which gives t2g6 and CFSE =−2.4Δo.
Which of the following pairs of complexes represents linkage isomers?
Understanding:
We must identify which pair are linkage isomers — complexes with the same molecular formula where an ambidentate ligand is bonded through different donor atoms.
Step 1: Check each option.
Step 2: Confirm.
Linkage isomerism requires an ambidentate ligand (NO2−, SCN−, CN−) bonded through different atoms. Only Option A meets this definition.
Answer:
The pair in Option A are linkage isomers, as NO2− coordinates through N in one and through O in the other.
Quick Tip:
The four common types of isomerism to distinguish: linkage, ionisation, coordination, and hydrate. Always check whether the same ambidentate ligand is involved before calling a pair "linkage isomers".
The number of unpaired electrons in [MnBr4]2− (tetrahedral) is:
Understanding:
We must find the number of unpaired electrons in the tetrahedral complex [MnBr4]2−.
Step 1: Determine spin state.
In a tetrahedral field, Δt≈94Δo, which is small. Weak-field ligands like Br− always give high-spin tetrahedral complexes.
Step 2: Fill d5 in high-spin tetrahedral.
In a tetrahedral field, the d orbitals split into e (lower, 2 orbitals) and t2 (upper, 3 orbitals). For high-spin d5:
All five electrons are unpaired (one in each d orbital by Hund's rule).
Step 3: Count unpaired electrons.
Answer:
The number of unpaired electrons in [MnBr4]2− is 5.
Quick Tip:
All tetrahedral complexes are effectively high-spin because Δt is only 94Δo, too small to force pairing. Low-spin tetrahedral complexes are essentially unknown.
How many geometrical isomers are possible for the square planar complex [Pt(NH3)(py)(Cl)(Br)]?
Understanding:
We must find the number of geometrical isomers for a square planar complex of type [MABCD] — four different monodentate ligands.
Step 1: Apply the general rule.
For a square planar complex with four different ligands (MABCD), the number of geometrical isomers is 3. This is because we can place each ligand in a fixed position (say top) and arrange the remaining three, but after removing duplicates from mirror equivalence, exactly 3 distinct geometric arrangements emerge.
Step 2: Enumerate them.
Label positions as 1 (top), 2 (right), 3 (bottom), 4 (left). Fix A at position 1. The three isomers arise from which ligand is placed trans to A:
1. A trans to B (→ C and D are trans to each other)
2. A trans to C (→ B and D are trans to each other)
3. A trans to D (→ B and C are trans to each other)
These three arrangements are all distinct. Note these are geometric, not optical, isomers (though some may also be optically active).
Answer:
There are 3 geometrical isomers for the square planar complex [Pt(NH3)(py)(Cl)(Br)].
Quick Tip:
For square planar [MABCD]: geometric isomers = 3. For [MA2BC]: 2 isomers (cis/trans). For [MA2B2]: 2 isomers (cis/trans). Memorise these counts.
Which of the following aqueous complex ions will give a white precipitate with AgNO3 solution immediately upon mixing?
Understanding:
We must identify which complex releases the most free Cl− ions in solution immediately, giving the most precipitate with AgNO3. The question asks which gives a precipitate "immediately" — all options with ionisable chloride will, but the question implies the one that precipitates all three Cl− ions is most definitive. However, since all A, B, C do precipitate, the question specifically tests how many Cl− are outside the coordination sphere.
Step 1: Count ionisable (outer sphere) chloride ions for each complex.
Step 2: Identify the correct answer.
The complex that ionises to give the maximum free Cl− immediately (3 ions) is [Co(NH3)6]Cl3. This is the classic Werner's experiment result: it gives a white precipitate (AgCl) with 3 equivalents of AgNO3.
Answer:
[Co(NH3)6]Cl3 gives 3 free Cl− ions in solution, producing the most AgCl precipitate immediately.
Quick Tip:
This is Werner's classic molar conductance / AgNO3 test. Chlorides inside the coordination sphere do NOT precipitate with AgNO3 immediately — only outer-sphere (ionic) chlorides do.
The hybridisation and geometry of [Ni(CN)4]2− are respectively:
Understanding:
We must determine the hybridisation and geometry of [Ni(CN)4]2−.
Step 1: Determine the d8 configuration under strong field.
Free Ni2+ ([d8]): electron configuration is 3d8. With strong-field CN−, the two unpaired electrons in the 3d orbitals are forced to pair:
This vacates one 3d orbital.
Step 2: Determine hybridisation.
The vacant 3d orbital, along with 4s and two 4p orbitals, hybridise to form four dsp2 hybrid orbitals:
This gives a square planar geometry.
Step 3: Contrast with weak-field.
[Ni(Cl)4]2− (weak field) is sp3 and tetrahedral (2 unpaired electrons, paramagnetic). [Ni(CN)4]2− is diamagnetic.
Answer:
[Ni(CN)4]2− has dsp2 hybridisation and a square planar geometry.
Quick Tip:
d8 metal ions with strong-field ligands (e.g., Ni2+, Pd2+, Pt2+) always adopt square planar geometry with dsp2 hybridisation.
Which of the following statements about the trans-effect in square planar complexes is correct?
Understanding:
We must identify the correct statement about the trans-effect in square planar complexes.
Step 1: Define the trans-effect.
The trans-effect is a kinetic phenomenon: a ligand already coordinated to a metal labilises (weakens and facilitates substitution of) the ligand situated trans to it. It is observed most prominently in square planar complexes, especially of Pt2+.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
Answer:
The trans-effect is a kinetic phenomenon in which a coordinated ligand labilises the ligand trans to it during substitution reactions in square planar complexes.
Quick Tip:
Distinguish: trans-effect = kinetic (rate of substitution); trans-influence = thermodynamic (ground-state bond weakening). NEET questions often test this distinction.
The standard enthalpy of formation of NH3 is −46 kJ mol−1. What is the enthalpy change for the following reaction?
N2(g)+3H2(g)→2NH3(g)
Understanding:
We need the enthalpy change for the formation of 2 mol of NH3 from its elements.
Formula:
Step 1: Apply Hess's Law
The standard enthalpy of formation of elements in their standard state is zero, so:
Answer:
The enthalpy change for the given reaction is −92 kJ mol−1.
Quick Tip:
The standard enthalpy of formation is always per mole of product formed. When 2 moles are produced, multiply by 2. A common error is to use −46 directly without scaling.
Given the following thermochemical equations:
C(s)+O2(g)→CO2(g),ΔH1=−393 kJ mol−1
H2(g)+21O2(g)→H2O(l),ΔH2=−286 kJ mol−1
CH4(g)+2O2(g)→CO2(g)+2H2O(l),ΔH3=−890 kJ mol−1
Using Hess's law, the standard enthalpy of formation of CH4(g) is:
Understanding:
We need ΔHf∘ for CH4(g), i.e., the enthalpy change for:
Formula:
By Hess's Law:
Step 1: Construct the target equation
Add equation 1 and 2× equation 2, then subtract equation 3:
Step 2: Verify the equation
Using ΔHrxn=∑ΔHf∘(products)−∑ΔHf∘(reactants) for combustion:
Answer:
The standard enthalpy of formation of CH4(g) is −75 kJ mol−1.
Quick Tip:
To find ΔHf∘ of a compound using combustion data, rearrange the combustion equation algebraically. Reversing equation 3 changes the sign from −890 to +890.
For the reaction H2O(l)→H2O(g) at 100°C and 1 atm, ΔHvap=40.7 kJ mol−1. What is ΔSvap for this process?
Understanding:
We need ΔSvap for vaporisation of water at its boiling point.
Formula:
At equilibrium (constant T and P), ΔG=0, so:
Step 1: Substitute values
Answer:
The entropy change of vaporisation is approximately 0.109 kJ mol−1K−1.
Quick Tip:
Trouton's rule states that ΔSvap≈88 J mol−1K−1 for most non-associated liquids. Water's value (≈109 J mol−1K−1) is higher due to hydrogen bonding.
For a reaction at constant pressure, ΔH=−500 kJ mol−1 and ΔS=−200 J mol−1K−1. Above what temperature (approximately) will the reaction become non-spontaneous?
Understanding:
We need the temperature above which ΔG>0 (reaction becomes non-spontaneous).
Formula:
The crossover temperature (where ΔG=0) is:
Step 1: Identify the spontaneity pattern
Since both ΔH<0 and ΔS<0, the −TΔS term is positive (adding to ΔG). The reaction is spontaneous at low T but becomes non-spontaneous at high T.
Step 2: Find the crossover temperature
Step 3: Interpret
Below 2500 K: ΔG<0 (spontaneous). Above 2500 K: ΔG>0 (non-spontaneous).
Answer:
The reaction becomes non-spontaneous above approximately 2500 K.
Quick Tip:
When ΔH and ΔS have the same sign, there is always a crossover temperature. Always convert ΔH to joules (or ΔS to kJ) before dividing to keep units consistent.
The bond enthalpies of H–H, Cl–Cl, and H–Cl bonds are 436, 242, and 431 kJ mol−1 respectively. The enthalpy change for the reaction
H2(g)+Cl2(g)→2HCl(g)
is:
Understanding:
We use bond enthalpies to find ΔH for the reaction.
Formula:
Step 1: Bonds broken (reactants)
Step 2: Bonds formed (products)
Two moles of HCl are formed, each with one H–Cl bond:
Step 3: Calculate ΔH
Answer:
The enthalpy change for the reaction is −184 kJ mol−1.
Quick Tip:
Bond breaking is always endothermic (positive contribution) and bond forming is always exothermic (negative contribution). A common error is reversing this sign convention.