Medicines, Cleansing Agents, Food Chemicals and Materials

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The chemical name of caustic soda is:

   • A.sodium hydroxide✓ Correct Answer
   • B.sodium carbonate
   • C.sodium bicarbonate
   • D.potassium hydroxide

   Explanation: Sodium hydroxide, NaOH, is a strong base used in making soap.

2. Q2.Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered by:

   • A.Louis Pasteur
   • B.Alexander Fleming✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Robert Koch
   • D.Edward Jenner

   Explanation: Fleming observed it in 1928.

3. Q3.The chemical formula of common salt is:

   • A.KCl
   • B.NaOH
   • C.NaCl✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Na2CO3

   Explanation: It is sodium chloride.

4. Q4.Aspirin is commonly used as a:

   • A.antibiotic
   • B.pain reliever and fever reducer✓ Correct Answer
   • C.antacid
   • D.sleeping drug only

   Explanation: It is an analgesic and antipyretic.

5. Q5.The chemical formula of table sugar (sucrose) is:

   • A.C12H22O11✓ Correct Answer
   • B.C6H12O6
   • C.C2H5OH
   • D.CH3COOH

   Explanation: Glucose is C6H12O6.

6. Q6.Washing soda has the chemical name:

   • A.sodium bicarbonate
   • B.sodium sulphate
   • C.sodium nitrate
   • D.sodium carbonate✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Its hydrated form is Na2CO3·10H2O.

7. Q7.Antacids are used to:

   • A.kill bacteria
   • B.reduce fever
   • C.induce sleep
   • D.neutralise excess acid in the stomach✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Magnesium hydroxide is a common antacid.

8. Q8.A common food preservative is:

   • A.sodium hydroxide
   • B.sodium sulphate
   • C.sodium benzoate✓ Correct Answer
   • D.saccharin

   Explanation: It prevents growth of microbes in pickles and drinks.

9. Q9.Detergents are preferred to soaps for washing in hard water because they:

   • A.are always cheaper
   • B.contain no chemicals
   • C.dissolve only in oil
   • D.do not form scum with calcium and magnesium ions✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Soap forms insoluble scum in hard water.

10. Q10.Vitamin C is chemically known as:

    • A.ascorbic acid✓ Correct Answer
    • B.citric acid
    • C.lactic acid
    • D.folic acid

    Explanation: Its deficiency causes scurvy.

11. Q11.Chlorine is added to drinking water to:

    • A.kill germs✓ Correct Answer
    • B.add taste
    • C.make it harder
    • D.increase its colour

    Explanation: Bleaching powder is also used for this purpose.

12. Q12.An artificial sweetener is:

    • A.sucrose
    • B.fructose
    • C.saccharin✓ Correct Answer
    • D.glucose

    Explanation: It is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.

13. Q13.Paracetamol is a:

    • A.antibiotic
    • B.antacid
    • C.vitamin
    • D.pain reliever and fever reducer✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: It is an analgesic and antipyretic.

14. Q14.Plaster of Paris has the formula:

    • A.CaSO4·2H2O
    • B.CaSO4·½H2O✓ Correct Answer
    • C.CaCO3
    • D.CaO

    Explanation: Plaster of Paris, CaSO4·½H2O, is made by heating gypsum, which holds more water of crystallisation.

15. Q15.The difference between antiseptics and disinfectants is that antiseptics are applied to:

    • A.floors and drains only
    • B.living tissue✓ Correct Answer
    • C.non-living surfaces only
    • D.food only

    Explanation: Disinfectants are used on non-living objects.

16. Q16.Bleaching powder is chemically:

    • A.calcium carbonate
    • B.sodium hypochlorite only
    • C.calcium oxychloride (calcium hypochlorite chloride)✓ Correct Answer
    • D.calcium sulphate

    Explanation: It is made by passing chlorine over slaked lime.

17. Q17.Tranquilisers such as diazepam are used to:

    • A.kill bacteria
    • B.reduce stomach acid
    • C.reduce anxiety and tension✓ Correct Answer
    • D.lower fever

    Explanation: They act on the central nervous system.

18. Q18.Gypsum is added during cement manufacture to:

    • A.increase the colour
    • B.control the setting time✓ Correct Answer
    • C.make it magnetic
    • D.reduce the weight

    Explanation: Without it cement would set too quickly.

19. Q19.Antipyretics are drugs that:

    • A.reduce body temperature in fever✓ Correct Answer
    • B.kill all bacteria
    • C.induce vomiting
    • D.increase appetite

    Explanation: Paracetamol is an example.

20. Q20.The raw materials of ordinary glass include:

    • A.clay and gypsum only
    • B.iron ore and coke
    • C.bauxite and cryolite
    • D.sand, soda ash and limestone✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Silica from sand is the main component.