Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions on “P-Block Elements – Sulphur Dioxide”.
1. What is the chemical formula of sulfur dioxide?
a) SO2
b) SO6
c) SO3
d) S2O3
Answer: a
Clarification: Sulfur dioxide is the most commonly known oxide of sulfur, which occurs naturally and can be prepared in labs too. Industrially, it is an essential gas to produce a variety of chemicals involving SO2 as the chief component. For e.g. contact process for producing sulfuric acid.
2. Which of the following causes acid rain?
a) Carbonic acid
b) Sulfurous acid
c) CFCs
d) Hydrogen chloride
Answer: b
Clarification: Sulfurous acid causes acid rain. When sulfur is burned or sulfur compounds are released into the atmosphere, it rises up in the atmosphere to mix with water vapor to form sulfurous acid, H2SO3 or it reacts with more oxygen to form sulfur trioxide which forms sulfuric acid, H2SO4 on mixing with vapor and precipitating as acid rain.
3. Which of the following is not a property of sulfur dioxide?
a) Colorless
b) Bent molecule
c) Odorless
d) Polar molecule
Answer: c
Clarification: Sulfur dioxide has a very nasty, pungent and sharp smell. It is a choking gas, released when sulfur compounds are burned in excess oxygen. It is a colorless gas and bears a bent shape with polarity due to the electronegativity of the oxygen atom. The structural formula is –O – S = O.
4. Which reagent is used in qualitative testing for presence of sulfur dioxide?
a) Sodium Chloride
b) Iron (II) sulfate
c) Vanadium (V) oxide
d) Potassium permanganate
Answer: d
Clarification: Acidified potassium permanganate is used to test the presence of SO2. A filter paper or cotton wool dipped in acidified KMnO4 is held over the gas, the former decolorizes, confirming the presence of gas.
5. What is the primary component of food preservative E220?
a) Sulfur dioxide
b) Sodium benzoate
c) Sodium glutamate
d) Potassium sorbate
Answer: a
Clarification: Sulfur dioxide is coded as preservative E220 when used in Europe. It is known for its antimicrobial properties and ability to prevent oxidation. It is responsible for maintaining the colorful appearance and prevents rotting.
6. Which of the following is a suffocating gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuels?
a) Sulfur dioxide
b) Carbon monoxide
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Nitrogen dioxide
Answer: b
Clarification: Incomplete combustion of fuels results in the release of carbon monoxide due to limited amount of oxygen burning the fuel. Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant, meaning it tends to block oxygen supply to cell and cause death due to suffocation.
7. Which of the following is not a criterion for air pollutants monitored by U.S – EPA?
a) Sulfur dioxide
b) Ozone
c) Mercury
d) Lead
Answer: c
Clarification: Mercury is not included in the list of criteria for monitoring air pollutants by U.S. – EPA. The criteria air pollutants are carbon monoxide, lead, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter
8. Which compound is used as a reducing bleach for papers
a) Sulfur trioxide
b) Sulfur
c) Sulfur dioxide
d) Hydrogen sulfide