MCQs on Chemistry in Everyday Life – Class 12 NCERT
MCQs on Chemistry in Everyday Life – Class 12 NCERT (Organic Chemistry)
Course: CBSE Class 12 Chemistry
Section: Organic Chemistry – NCERT Based MCQs
Topic: Chemistry in Everyday Life
The following 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and framed as per CBSE board examination standards. Each question is followed by the correct answer and a detailed, concept-clearing explanation. The questions are arranged in a section-wise format to ensure systematic coverage of the chapter Chemistry in Everyday Life.
Section A: Drugs and Their Classification
Q1. Which of the following is the correct definition of a drug?
(a) Any chemical substance used in industries
(b) Any substance that cures all diseases
(c) A chemical substance used to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases
(d) Any addictive substance
Answer: (c)
Explanation: As per NCERT, a drug is a chemical substance of low molecular mass that interacts with macromolecular targets and is used for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
Q2. Drugs that reduce pain without causing unconsciousness are called
(a) Tranquilizers
(b) Analgesics
(c) Antipyretics
(d) Antibiotics
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Analgesics relieve pain by acting on the central nervous system or pain receptors without causing loss of consciousness.
Q3. Which of the following is a non-narcotic analgesic?
(a) Morphine
(b) Codeine
(c) Aspirin
(d) Heroin
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Aspirin is a non-narcotic analgesic. Morphine, codeine, and heroin are narcotic analgesics that can cause addiction.
Q4. Antipyretics are drugs used to
(a) Reduce pain
(b) Reduce blood pressure
(c) Reduce fever
(d) Induce sleep
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Antipyretics lower elevated body temperature during fever. Examples include paracetamol and aspirin.
Q5. Which drug is commonly used as both an analgesic and antipyretic?
(a) Ibuprofen
(b) Paracetamol
(c) Penicillin
(d) Diazepam
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Paracetamol is widely used to relieve pain and reduce fever but has negligible anti-inflammatory action.
Section B: Antihistamines and Tranquilizers
Q6. Antihistamines are primarily used to treat
(a) Viral infections
(b) Allergic reactions
(c) Bacterial infections
(d) Depression
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Antihistamines block the action of histamine released during allergic reactions, preventing symptoms like sneezing and itching.
Q7. Which of the following is an antihistamine?
(a) Penicillin
(b) Chlorpheniramine
(c) Aspirin
(d) Morphine
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Chlorpheniramine is a common antihistamine used in allergy medications.
Q8. Tranquilizers are drugs that
(a) Kill bacteria
(b) Relieve pain
(c) Reduce mental tension and anxiety
(d) Cure insomnia permanently
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Tranquilizers act on the central nervous system to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental agitation.
Q9. Which of the following is a commonly used tranquilizer?
(a) Diazepam
(b) Aspirin
(c) Penicillin
(d) Paracetamol
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Q10. Overuse of tranquilizers may lead to
(a) Immunity
(b) Addiction
(c) Resistance
(d) Vaccination
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Continuous use of tranquilizers can cause physical and psychological dependence.
Section C: Antibiotics
Q11. Antibiotics are effective against
(a) Viruses only
(b) Bacteria only
(c) Both viruses and bacteria
(d) All microorganisms
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Antibiotics specifically act against bacteria and are ineffective against viral infections.
Q12. Which of the following is a broad-spectrum antibiotic?
(a) Penicillin
(b) Chloramphenicol
(c) Aspirin
(d) Ibuprofen
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria. Chloramphenicol is one such example.
Q13. Penicillin was discovered by
(a) Louis Pasteur
(b) Alexander Fleming
(c) Robert Koch
(d) Edward Jenner
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, marking a major breakthrough in medical science.
Q14. Antibiotic resistance occurs due to
(a) Overuse of antibiotics
(b) Proper dosage
(c) Vaccination
(d) Balanced diet
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Excessive or improper use of antibiotics allows bacteria to develop resistance.
Q15. Which of the following is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic?
(a) Chloramphenicol
(b) Tetracycline
(c) Penicillin G
(d) Ciprofloxacin
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Narrow-spectrum antibiotics act against specific types of bacteria. Penicillin G mainly acts on gram-positive bacteria.
Section D: Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Q16. Antiseptics are chemicals that
(a) Kill all microorganisms in water
(b) Prevent growth of microorganisms on living tissues
(c) Cure viral diseases
(d) Act as antibiotics
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Antiseptics are applied to living tissues to prevent infection without damaging cells.
Q17. Which of the following is used as an antiseptic?
(a) Phenol (1%)
(b) Phenol (40%)
(c) Bleaching powder
(d) Formalin
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Dilute phenol (1%) is used as an antiseptic, whereas concentrated phenol acts as a disinfectant.
Q18. Disinfectants differ from antiseptics because they
(a) Are used on living tissues
(b) Are harmless chemicals
(c) Are used on non-living objects
(d) Cure diseases
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Disinfectants are applied to non-living surfaces like floors and instruments to kill microorganisms.
Q19. Which substance is commonly used to disinfect drinking water?
(a) Phenol
(b) Chlorine
(c) Iodine
(d) Alcohol
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Chlorine is widely used to disinfect water by killing harmful microbes.
Q20. Iodoform is used as
(a) Antibiotic
(b) Antipyretic
(c) Antiseptic
(d) Analgesic
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Iodoform releases iodine slowly and is used as an antiseptic for wound dressing.
Section E: Soaps and Detergents
Q21. Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of
(a) Carboxylic acids
(b) Sulphonic acids
(c) Long-chain fatty acids
(d) Mineral acids
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids like stearic acid.
Q22. Which of the following soaps is used for bathing?
(a) Sodium soap
(b) Potassium soap
(c) Calcium soap
(d) Magnesium soap
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Potassium soaps are soft soaps and are commonly used for bathing.
Q23. The cleaning action of soap is due to
(a) Acidic nature
(b) Basic nature
(c) Emulsification of grease
(d) Oxidation of dirt
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Soap molecules form micelles that trap grease, allowing it to be washed away with water.
Q24. Soaps are ineffective in hard water because
(a) They are insoluble
(b) They form scum with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions
(c) They decompose
(d) They lose basicity
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Calcium and magnesium ions in hard water form insoluble scum with soap, reducing cleansing action.
Q25. Synthetic detergents are preferred over soaps because they
(a) Are biodegradable
(b) Work in soft water only
(c) Work in hard water
(d) Are cheaper
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Detergents do not form insoluble salts with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions, so they are effective in hard water.
Section F: Food Additives and Chemicals
Q26. Food preservatives are added to
(a) Increase nutrition
(b) Improve colour
(c) Prevent spoilage
(d) Increase sweetness
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Preservatives inhibit microbial growth and prevent food spoilage.
Q27. Which of the following is a common food preservative?
(a) Sodium benzoate
(b) Sodium chloride
(c) Glucose
(d) Ethanol
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Sodium benzoate is widely used to preserve acidic foods and beverages.
Q28. Artificial sweeteners are preferred over sugar because they
(a) Are cheaper
(b) Provide more energy
(c) Are low-calorie
(d) Are natural
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Artificial sweeteners provide sweetness without adding significant calories.
Q29. Which artificial sweetener is suitable for diabetic patients?
(a) Glucose
(b) Sucrose
(c) Saccharin
(d) Fructose
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Saccharin is not metabolized by the body and hence safe for diabetics.
Q30. Excessive intake of artificial sweeteners may cause
(a) Weight gain
(b) Health issues
(c) Energy loss
(d) Immunity boost
Answer: (b)
Explanation: NCERT cautions against excessive use of artificial sweeteners due to possible side effects.
Section G: Miscellaneous Applications
Q31. Which chemical is used as a tranquilizer and hypnotic?
(a) Chloramphenicol
(b) Diazepam
(c) Aspirin
(d) Penicillin
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Diazepam reduces anxiety and induces sleep at higher doses.
Q32. Detergents are sodium salts of
(a) Fatty acids
(b) Sulphonic acids
(c) Carboxylic acids
(d) Alcohols
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Synthetic detergents are sodium salts of long-chain alkyl sulphonic acids or alkyl benzene sulphonic acids.
Q33. Which of the following is biodegradable?
(a) Branched detergents
(b) Soaps
(c) Non-biodegradable detergents
(d) Plasticizers
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Soaps are biodegradable, whereas many detergents are not.
Q34. The hydrophobic part of soap is
(a) –COO⁻ group
(b) –OH group
(c) Long hydrocarbon chain
(d) Na⁺ ion
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The long hydrocarbon chain repels water and attaches to grease.
Q35. The hydrophilic part of soap is
(a) Hydrocarbon chain
(b) –COO⁻ group
(c) Benzene ring
(d) Alkyl group
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The carboxylate ion is water-loving and helps soap dissolve in water.
Section H: Environmental, Health & Practical Aspects
Q36. Which of the following detergents is considered biodegradable?
(a) Branched-chain alkyl benzene sulphonates
(b) Straight-chain alkyl benzene sulphonates
(c) Phosphate detergents
(d) Cationic detergents
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Straight-chain detergents are biodegradable because microorganisms can easily break their linear hydrocarbon chains, reducing environmental pollution.
Q37. The major environmental problem caused by non-biodegradable detergents is
(a) Soil erosion
(b) Eutrophication
(c) Water pollution
(d) Acid rain
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Non-biodegradable detergents persist in water bodies, causing excessive foaming and reducing oxygen availability for aquatic life.
Q38. Which compound is used as a cleansing agent as well as a disinfectant?
(a) Sodium bicarbonate
(b) Phenol
(c) Glucose
(d) Urea
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Phenol acts as a disinfectant in higher concentration and as an antiseptic in dilute form, making it useful for sanitation.
Q39. Detergents are more effective than soaps in acidic water because
(a) They do not form insoluble salts
(b) They are basic in nature
(c) They hydrolyse faster
(d) They have shorter chains
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Detergents do not react with calcium or magnesium ions present in acidic or hard water, so their cleansing action remains effective.
Q40. Which of the following substances is used as a food antioxidant?
(a) Sodium benzoate
(b) Potassium nitrate
(c) Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
(d) Sodium chloride
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Antioxidants like BHA prevent oxidation of fats and oils in food, thereby preventing rancidity.
Q41. The function of antioxidants in food is to
(a) Enhance flavour
(b) Improve colour
(c) Prevent microbial growth
(d) Prevent oxidation
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Antioxidants slow down oxidation reactions that spoil food, especially fats and oils.
Q42. Which of the following is an example of a cationic detergent?
(a) Sodium stearate
(b) Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
(c) Sodium dodecyl sulphate
(d) Sodium benzoate
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Cationic detergents contain positively charged ammonium ions and are often used as germicides and fabric softeners.
Q43. Which detergent is commonly used as a fabric softener?
(a) Anionic detergent
(b) Non-ionic detergent
(c) Cationic detergent
(d) Soap
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Cationic detergents neutralize static charge on fabrics, making them soft and fluffy.
Q44. Excessive use of preservatives in food may lead to
(a) Improved digestion
(b) Nutrient enrichment
(c) Health hazards
(d) Faster cooking
Answer: (c)
Explanation: NCERT highlights that overconsumption of chemical preservatives can have adverse effects on health.
Q45. Which of the following chemicals is used to treat insomnia?
(a) Chloramphenicol
(b) Diazepam
(c) Penicillin
(d) Paracetamol
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Diazepam is a tranquilizer that induces sleep and relieves anxiety when used in controlled doses.
Q46. Which drug is used to reduce anxiety without inducing sleep at low doses?
(a) Morphine
(b) Diazepam
(c) Aspirin
(d) Ibuprofen
Answer: (b)
Explanation: At low doses, diazepam acts as an anti-anxiety agent without causing drowsiness.
Q47. The use of antibiotics is ineffective in treating
(a) Tuberculosis
(b) Typhoid
(c) Influenza
(d) Pneumonia
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Influenza is caused by viruses, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
Q48. Which of the following is NOT a function of detergents?
(a) Cleansing
(b) Emulsification
(c) Disinfection
(d) Removal of grease
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Detergents are cleansing agents but do not act as disinfectants.
Q49. Artificial sweeteners are avoided during cooking because
(a) They caramelize
(b) They decompose at high temperature
(c) They react with metals
(d) They increase calories
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Many artificial sweeteners break down at high temperatures and lose their sweetness.
Q50. Chemistry in everyday life primarily helps us understand
(a) Industrial manufacturing
(b) Laboratory techniques
(c) Application of chemicals in daily activities
(d) Nuclear reactions
Answer: (c)
Explanation: This chapter focuses on how chemicals are used in medicines, food, cleaning agents, and health-related applications in daily life.
✅ Chapter Completion Status
- Total MCQs: 50 / 50 ✔
- Strictly NCERT-based
- CBSE Board Exam Ready
- Covers drugs, detergents, soaps, food additives, environmental and health aspects