Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and how substances interact, combine, or change. In competitive exams, basic Chemistry questions test your understanding of everyday science, elements, compounds, and chemical reactions. With focused practice, candidates can quickly answer questions from inorganic, organic, and physical Chemistry. In this blog, we have provided the details of the important chemistry topics, concepts, tips and tricks.
What Is Chemistry in General Awareness/General Studies?
Chemistry is a branch of science that deals with elements, compounds, chemical reactions, and the laws governing them.
Why it appears in exams:
- Tests candidates’ basic scientific knowledge.
- Often appears in SSC, RRB, Banking exams as 1–2 straightforward questions.
- Useful for analytical reasoning and real-life applications.
Skills required to solve Chemistry questions:
- Logical understanding of elements and compounds
- Memorization of symbols, formulas, and reactions
- Basic visualization of chemical processes
Why Is Chemistry Important in Competitive Exams?
Chemistry is a scoring area with minimal calculations. Most questions are direct or concept-based, making it easy to answer if you revise formulas, symbols, and important reactions.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Chemistry General Awareness/General Studies Important Topics
For competitive exams, key Chemistry topics include elements, compounds, chemical reactions, acids & bases, and atomic structure.
| Concept | Details |
| Atom | Basic unit of matter |
| Molecule | Two or more atoms bonded together |
| Acid | Releases H⁺ ions in solution |
| Base | Releases OH⁻ ions in solution |
| Periodic Table | Arrangement of elements by atomic number |
| Chemical Reaction | Process in which substances change into new ones |
| Oxidation-Reduction | Electron transfer reactions |
| Organic Compounds | Compounds containing carbon |
Quick Memorizing Tips
Quick memorization tips to solve questions based on chemistry are as follows:
| Concept | Explanation |
| Atomic Number | Number of protons in an atom |
| Symbols of Elements | H, O, Na, Cl, etc. (memorize common ones) |
| Valency | Combining capacity of elements |
| Acids & Bases | Acid: H⁺ donor, Base: OH⁻ donor |
| Common Reactions | Combustion, neutralization, oxidation |
| Periodic Table Groups | Metals, non-metals, noble gases |
What Are the Types of Chemistry Questions in General Awareness/General Studies?
Chemistry questions usually appear in simple formats:
- Direct: Ask about a symbol, formula, or reaction.
- Indirect: Provides details, e.g., “Which gas is released when baking soda reacts with acid?”
- Story-based: Small scenario, e.g., environmental chemistry, household chemicals.
- Mixed-concept: Combines reactions, periodic table, or compound properties.
Chemistry Easy Tips for General Awareness/General Studies
Easy tips to memorize chemistry concepts are as follows:
- Memorize key symbols, atomic numbers, and formulas.
- Use flashcards for quick revision of acids, bases, and salts.
- Group elements by metals/non-metals for pattern recognition.
- Use elimination for multiple-choice questions when unsure.
Chemistry Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Tricks to solve questions based on chemistry are as follows:
- Memorize periodic table trends (atomic size, reactivity).
- Start with known elements when solving reaction-based questions.
- Use elimination for incorrect formulas or symbol options.
- Visualize reactions for story-based problems.
- Remember common acids and bases in daily life.
Solved Chemistry Questions from 2024–25 Exams
1. SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Shift 2 – Memory-Based
Q: Which gas is released when zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid?
Answer: Hydrogen (H₂)
Explanation: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂
2. RRB NTPC 2024
Q: Sodium is classified as which type of element?
Answer: Metal
Explanation: Sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Chemistry
Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for the Chemistry section are as follows:
- Confusing symbols (Na vs. K) double-check periodic table.
- Ignoring charges in ions always consider valency.
- Misreading reactions write stepwise equations.
- Overlooking common compounds memorize acids, bases, salts.
- Relying only on memory practice with previous exam questions.
FAQs
Atomic structure, periodic table, acids-bases, and common compounds.
Rarely, usually simple questions on carbon compounds.
Combustion, neutralization, oxidation-reduction, and precipitation.
Mostly yes, but understanding basics helps in tricky questions.
Sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, potassium nitrate, and ammonium chloride.
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