1.

Thermal analysis is defined as ___________

a) Measurement of concentration of materials as a function of temperature

b) Measurement of solubility of materials as a function of temperature

c) Measurement of physical properties as a function of temperature

d) Measurement of line positions of crystals as a function of temperature

Answer: c

Explanation: Thermal analysis is defined as the measurement of physical and chemical

properties of materials as a function of temperature. In practice, however the term thermal
analysis is used to cover certain specific properties only. These are enthalpy, heat capacity, mass
and coefficient thermal expansion.

2. Which of the following method can be used for the measurement of change in weight of the
oxysalts?

a) Thermoelectric analysis b) Wagner analysis c) Stockbarger analysis d) Thermal analysis

Answer: d

Explanation: Measurement of change in weight of the oxysalts and hydrates can be achieved by
thermal analysis as they decompose on heating, In which we measure the physical and chemical
properties of the materials. Wide range of materials can be studied.

3. What are the two main techniques for thermal analysis?

a) FTG AND DGG b) MSP AND FCT c) TGA AND DTA d) TSA AND DGF

Answer: c

Explanation: The two main thermal analysis techniques are thermogravimetric analysis known as
TGA which measures the change in weight with temperature and Differential thermal analysis
known as DTA which detects changes in heat content.

4. Dilatometry is also known as by which of the following names?

a) TGA b) DTA c) DSC d) TMA

Answer: d
Explanation: A fourth thermal analysis technique is Dilatometry in which the change in linear
dimension of a sample as a function of temperature is recorded. Recently it has acquired a new
name, thermomechanical analysis (TMA).

5. Which of the following statements given below is false?

a) TGA, DTA and DSC are measured using same instrument

b) TGA and DTA can be carried out simultaneously.

c) TGA, DTA and DSC are measured using different instruments.

d) TMA is a recent name of Dilatometry.

Answer: c

Explanation: With modern automatic thermal analysis equipment it I possible to do TGA, DTA
and DSC using the same instrument, with some models, TGA and DTA may be carried out
simultaneously. However, the thermal analysis equipment is necessarily rather complicated and
expensive in order that a wide variety of thermal events and properties may be studied.

6. In thermogravimetric analysis, the result obtained appear as a __________

a) Continuous chart b) Continuous parabola c) Continuous circular positions

d) Discontinuous chart

Answer: a

Explanation: Thermogravimetric is a technique for measuring the change in weight of a

substance as a function of temperature or time, the result usually appears a continuous chart
record, a schematic, typical, single step decomposition reaction.

7. What is the range of the rate in ◦Cmin-1 required during the heating process in TGA?

a) 1-20 b) 25-50 c) 100-200 d) 150-1000

Answer: a

Explanation: In the process of TGA thermogravimetric technique, the sample usually a few
milligrams in weight, is heated at a constant rate, typically in the range of 1-20 ◦Cmin-1 and a
constant weight Wi, until it begins to decompose at temperature Ti.

8. Under conditions of ______________ heating, decomposition usually take place in

thermogravimetry. Fill up the suitable option from the choices given below.

a) First order b) Second order c) Third order d) Dynamic

Answer: d

Explanation: In thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), decomposition usually take place under

dynamic heating conditions over a range of temperature Ti to Tf and a second constant weight
plateau is then observed above Tf, which corresponds to the weight of the residue Wf.

9. The Ti and Tf temperature depends on which of the following factor?

a) Cooling rate b) Mechanical property of the material

c) Thermal expansion coefficient d) Atmosphere above the sample

Answer: d

Explanation: Initial and final temperature Ti, Tf depends on variables such as heating rate, the
nature of the solid (e.g. its particle size) and the atmosphere above the sample. The effect of the
atmosphere can be dramatic.

10. What is the temperature required for the decomposition of CaCO3 in degree Celsius?

a) 200 b) 500 c) 900 d) 1200

Answer: b

Explanation: The decomposition in the thermogravimetric analysis of CaCO3 is completed in

vacuum at ~500◦C but in CO2 at one atmosphere pressure, decomposition does not even
commence until above 900◦C. Ti, Tf pertain to the particular experimental conditions, therefore
and do not necessarily represent equilibrium decomposition temperatures.

1. For the preparation of polycrystalline solids (i.e. powder), a mixture of solid starting materials
directly react with each other in the solid state. What is the range of the temperature usually
required for the solids to react together in Celsius?

a) 25 to 37 b) 1000 to 1500 c) -25 to 0 d) 2000 to 3000

Answer: b

Explanation: Solids don’t react usually at room temperature over normal scale timescale, It is
required to heat them at much higher temperature often 1000◦C to 1500◦C, in order for a
reaction to occur at an appreciable rate.

2. What are the major important factors for the solid state reactions?

a) Size of the particles b) Mechanical properties of solids

c) Thermodynamic and kinetic factors d) Environmental factors

Answer: d
Explanation: In Solid state reactions thermodynamic factors show whether or not a particular
reaction should occur by considering the change in free energy that are involved and kinetic
factors determine the rate at which the reaction occurs.

3. In the solid state reaction, which mechanism describes the reaction between MgO and Al2O3
for the formation of MgAl2O4?

a) Mannich reaction b) Aromic ion mechanism c) Wagner mechanism

d) Witting reaction

Answer: c

Explanation: The mechanism of reaction between MgO and Al2O3 involves the counter diffusion
of Mg2++ and Al3++ through the product layer followed by further reaction at two reactant-
product interfaces, and this is known as Wagner reaction.

4. In the solid state reaction when MgO and F2O3 reacts to form MgFe2O4,it is clear found that
the interfaces moved in the ratio of 1:2.7,close to the ideal value 1:3.This is can be described by
which of the following mechanism in which the movement of the interfaces is used as a marker?

a)Kirkedall Effect b) Grignard Reaction c) Michael Reaction d) Aldol Reaction

Answer: a

Explanation: In the reaction such as the formation of the MgFe2O4, in which the interfaces
between the reaction and the product can be clearly seen, perhaps due to a difference in color,
the movement of the interfaces can be used as a marker to monitor the progress of the
reaction. This effect of using a marker is known as the Kirkendall effect.

5. For the formation of ZnFe2O4 spinel which method can be used in order to achieve high
degree of homogenization?

a) Distillation method b)Vaporization method c) Coprecipitation method

d) Crystallization method

Answer: c

Explanation: In normal solid state reaction, the reactants are mixed together manually or
mechanically and the subsequent reaction rate depends largely on the degree of
homogenization achieved on mixing and the intimacy of contact between the grains. With the
Coprecipitation method it is possible a high degree of homogenization together with small
particle size and thereby speed up the reaction rate.

6. For the solid state syntheses of ferrite spinels, it is ______________ for the precursor
methods to yield phases of accurate stoichiometry
a) Important b) Not necessary c) Controllable d) Meaningless

Answer: a

Explanation: It is important for the precursor methods to yield the phases of accurate
stoichiometry by careful control of the experimental conditions since several chromites and
ferrites are valuable magnetic materials whose properties may be sensitive to purity and
stoichiometry.

7. What is the ignition temperature required for the synthesis of Manganese Chromite
MnCr2O4, a chromite spinel during the precursor method in degree Celsius?

a) 37 b) -37 c) 1100 d) 3000

Answer: c

Explanation: During the synthesis of manganese chromite using precursor method the ignition
temperature required is 1100 degree Celsius to ensure that all the manganese are present in the
divalent state.

8. The appropriate relation between the surface area of any solid with that of the particle size
can be stated as

a) Surface area of any solid increases with increase in particle size

b) Surface area of any solid is always equal to the particle size

c) Surface area of any solid increases with decrease in particle size

d) Surface area of any solid doesn’t depend at all on the particle size

Answer: c

Explanation: Surface area is always inversely related with the particle size. In the form of a single
crystal, a few grams of solid has a surface area about to equal to the area of a large postage
stamp. In the form of a finely divided powder, its surface area is about equal to the area of a
hundred meter running track. Hence surface area increases with decrease in particle size.

9. During the reactivity of solids, two stages that may usually be identified are Nucleation of the
product and its subsequent growth. When is nucleation facilitated?

a) When there is a structural similarity between the products

b) When there is structural similarity between the reactants

c) When there is structural dissimilarity between the product and the reactant

d) When there is structural similarity between the product and the reactant
Answer: d

Explanation: Nucleation is facilitated if there is structural similarity between the product and
one or both of the reactants because this reduces the amount of structural reorganization that
is necessary for nucleation to occur.

10. What is the relation between Topotactic reaction and epitactic reactions?

a) Topotactic reactions are less specific than epitactic reactions

b) Topotactic reactions are equally specific than epitactic reactions

c) Topotactic reactions are more specific than epitactic reactions

d) Topotactic reactions can’t be related to epitactic reactions

Answer: c

Explanation: Topotactic and epitactic reactions are the orientated reactions or transformation
when nucleation makes use of structural similarity. Topotactic reactions are more specific than
epitactic reaction because they require not only the structural similarity at the interface but also
that this similarity should continue into the bulk of both crystalline phases.

1. What are the starting materials for crystallization?

a) Gas, aqueous solution, foam b) Liquid, aqueous solution, emulsion

c) Solid, gas, melt, solid aerosol d) Aqueous solution, melt, glass or gel

Answer: d

Explanation: Aqueous solution, melt, glass or gel, is usually homogenous, single phase and
amorphous. This may greatly facilitate formation of crystalline product, since long range
diffusion of ions may not be necessary and the product my form at lower temperature.

2. What is the range of temperature for the crystallization process in ◦C?

a) 1000-1500 b) 2000-3000 c) 25-100 d) 0-25

Answer: c

Explanation: Crystalline phases are prepared at low temperature range such as 25-100 degree
Celsius whereas much high temperatures would be required for a normal solid state synthesis.
Crystals usually form at low temperatures but due to the release of heat of fusion during
crystallization, the entropy of the universe increases thus the second law of thermodynamics is
not altered.

3. What are molecular sieve zeolites?

a) Aluminosilicate framework structures b) Aromatic hydrocarbons

c) Aliphatic hydrocarbons d) Silicate structures

Answer: a

Explanation: Zeolites are hydrated Aluminosilicate framework structures which contain large
channels and cavities such that a variety of organic and inorganic substances may enter the
zeolite structure.

4. What are the starting materials for zeolite synthesis?

a) Aqueous solution of silicate and aluminate cations

b) Aqueous solution of silicate and aluminate anions

c) Powdered silicon and aluminium metal

d) Non-nano silicon and aluminium metal

Answer: b

Explanation: Starting materials for zeolite structures are aqueous solution of silicate and
aluminate anions which are mixed together with alkali. A gel forms by a process of
copolymerization of the silicate and aluminate anions and on subsequent heat treatment, under
a high water vapour pressure, crystals of zeolite are produced.

5. Crystallization of melts is very similar to crystallization of solutions, what is the factor that
differentiates the crystallization of melt and solutions?

a) Size of the particles b) Environmental factors

c) Temperature d) Entropy

Answer: c

Explanation: Melts are high temperature liquids whereas solutions are liquids at low
temperatures. Thus on melting together the solid starting materials, complete homogenization
occurs and recrystallization takes place on subsequent cooling of the melt.

6. Crystallization of melts is a valuable method for which of the following number of crystals?

a) Single b) Double c) Triple d) Polycrystals(more than 3)

Answer: a
Explanation: Crystallization of melts is a valuable method for growing single crystals since in the
presence of liquid phase and in the absence of too many crystal nuclei, large crystals readily
grow.

7. Lithium disilicate Li2Si2O5, can be called which of the following materials?

a) Glass-ceramic b) Metal-organic c) Melts d) Metal-inorganic

Answer: a

Explanation: Li2Si2O5 is a glass ceramic material, which is a crystalline material of glassy

intermediates and an important component of several commercial glass-ceramics. Crystalline
Li2Si2O5 melts at 1032oC.

8. What is the transition temperature region required during the preparation of glass-ceramic
material, lithium disilicate in oC?

a) -25 to 0 b) 0 to 25 c) 25 100 d) 300 to 500

Answer: d

Explanation: Transition temperature is the temperature region where the polymer transition
occurs from a hard, glassy material to a soft, rubbery material. Transition temperature required
during the preparation of lithium disilicate is 450oC and on heating at 500 to 700oC
crystallization of LI2Si2O5 occurs readily after few hours.

9. Which of the following is the type of reaction for the formation of gaseous PtO2 at 1200oC or
higher?

a) Exothermic reaction b) Endothermic reaction

c) Both exothermic and endothermic reaction

d) Neither exothermic nor endothermic reaction

Answer: b

Explanation: The formation of gaseous PtO2 at 1200oC or higher is an endothermic reaction

which can be used for chemical transport. The PtO2 diffuses at lower temperatures where it
may deposit well-formed crystals of platinum metal.

10. Which method is used for the purification of certain metals which uses metal and iodine to
form a gaseous iodide?

a) Van Arkel method b) Zone refining c) Electrolysis d)Distillation

Answer: a
Explanation: Van Arkel method is used for the purification of certain metals makes uses of an
exothermic reaction between metal and iodine to form a gaseous iodide, example CrI2. Since
the formation of metal iodide is exothermic, and so the metal is redeposited at a higher
temperature.

11. An elegant variation of Van Arkel purification method is to transport two substances
in__________

a) Same direction along the temperature gradient

b) Opposite direction along the temperature gradient

c) Same direction along the concentration gradient

d) Opposite direction along the concentration gradient

12. During the preparation of Ca2SnO4, Cao and SnO2 react slowly according to the equation

2CaO +SnO2→Ca2SnO4

Thus, in the presence of CO, the reaction may be greatly ______________

a)Speeded up b)Slowed down c)Affected but speed remains the same d)Unaffected

13. During the preparation of aluminium sulphide, Al2S3 what is the reaction rate at which
aluminium and sulphur react together at 800oC?

a)React very slowly b)React rapidly c)Reacts and reaches equilibrium d)Doesn’t react

14. What will be the product formation when Metallic niobium and silica, SiO2 are heated under
vacuum at 1100oC?

a) Nb5Si3 b) Nb3Si5 c) Nb2Si3 d) No product

15. What is the appropriate relation between the reactions of gases and solids?

a) Gases react slower than the solids

b) Gases react faster than the solids

c) Gases do not react at all while solids react faster

d) Both gases and solid reacts at a same rate

Answer: b

Explanation: Gases react much more quickly than do solids because mobilities are increased. In
addition, the gaseous phase is often important in normal solid state reactions under isothermal
conditions where it may act as a rapid means of transporting matter from one crystal to another.
1. In which of the following process, extra atoms or ions are inserted into the crystal structure?

a) Ion exchange method b) Intercalation c) Electrophoresis d) Crystallization

Answer: b

Explanation: Intercalation is a process in which extra atoms or ions are inserted into the crystal
structure in order to modify the structure and composition of an existing crystal so as to yield
new compounds

1. In electrochemical reduction method, one of the species present in the melt constituents
during electrolysis undergoes______________

a) Reduction b) Methylation c) Carboxylation d) Hydrolysis

Answer: a

Explanation: During electrochemical reduction method for the formation of single crystals, one
of the melt constituents undergoes reduction during electrolysis like reduction of transition
metal ions to lower valence states and the reduction of oxyanions etc.

2. Which of the following is the main component required to carry out the process of
electrolysis?

a) AC current b) Metal vessel c) Wires d) DC current

Answer: d

Explanation: Electrolysis is a method where DC current i.e. direct electric current is passed
through an ionic substance which is either in molten state or may be dissolved in a solvent, thus
chemical reactions take place at the electrodes.

3. During electrochemical reduction method, the melt constituents are composed of which of
the following materials?

a) Non metal oxide, alkali nitride, sulphide

b) Metal nitride, nonmetal halide, carbide

c) Nonmetal sulphide, alkali carbide, nitride

d) Metal oxide, alkali borate, alkali halide

Answer: d

Explanation: In electrochemical reduction method, electrolysis of melt constituents take place

resulting in a crystalline compound formation. These melt constituents are made up of metal
oxide, alkali borate (or phosphate or carbonate, etc) and an alkali halide.
4. Which of the following compound is formed when CaTiO3, CaCl2 undergoes electrolysis,
during the process of electrochemical reduction?

a) Ca4Ti7O6 b) CaTi2O4 c) CaTiO d) CaTi9O3

5. Which of the following compounds is formed when Na2MoO3, MoO3 undergoes electrolysis?

a) Na2Mo3 b) Na3Mo7 c) MoO2 d) Nab2O

6. Which one of the following options shows the property of an electrolyte that can be used in
the electrolysis process?

a) Non conducting b) Conducting c) Solid conductor d) Solid non conductor

Answer: b

Explanation: An electrolyte which is used to achieve electrolysis, is an ion conducting polymer

which contains free ions that are able to carry the current in the electrolysis process, if the
electrolyte is a solid conductor like solid salts then it will not contain free ions hence it will not
be able to carry current, thus electrolysis will not take place.

7. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the electrodes to be used in the
electrolytic process?

a) Electrodes provide necessary energy to create or discharge the ions during electrolysis

b) Electrodes are the ion conducting polymer that contains free ions to carry the current

c) Electrodes are the solid conducting materials which allows to carry the current during
electrolysis

d) Electrodes provide physical interface between the electrolyte and electrical circuit that
provides energy

Answer: d

Explanation: One of the main components of the electrolytic process is electrodes, it provides
the physical interface between the electrolyte and electrical circuit that provides the energy.
Electrodes of metals, graphite, semiconductors are widely used. Choice of suitable electrodes
depends on the electrolyte, electrodes and the manufacturing cost.

8. For the process of electrolysis which of the following statements is appropriate?

a) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode

b) Oxidation occurs at the cathode and reduction occurs at the anode

c) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction doesn’t take place

d) Reduction occur at the cathode and oxidation doesn’t take place

9. What is the first law of electrolysis according to which the electrolytic processes take place?

a) Ohm’ s law

b) Henry’s law

c) Faraday’s law

d) Einstein’s equation

10. Which of the following states the second law of electrolysis reaction?

a) Henry’s law b) Einstein equation c) Archimedes principle d) Faraday’s law

1. A process of electroplating, in which metals ions from the solutions are

deposited on the cathode as a thin film in the presence of an applied external field
is known as____________
a) Electroless deposition b) Cathodic deposition c) Anodic oxidation
d) Thermal oxidation
Answer: b
Explanation: Cathodic deposition is a standard method of electroplating where two
metals electrodes are dipped into an electrolyte solution and on application of an external
field across the electrodes, metal ions from the solution are deposited on the cathode as a
thin film.

2. For Cathodic deposition which of the following statements is appropriate?

a) The charge is not balanced in the process of Cathodic deposition
b) Esterification take place in the electrolyte solution
c) The charge is balanced in the process of Cathodic deposition
d) Oxidation and reduction take place in the electrolyte solution but not in the
electrodes
Answer: c
Explanation: In Cathodic deposition, which is a method of electroplating with the
application of external field, the charges are always balanced and in order to balance the
charges in the process, the anodic metal gradually dissolves in the electrolyte.

3. What is the factor that differentiates between Electroless deposition and

Cathodic deposition?
a) Nature of electrolyte b) Cathode c) External field d) Anode
Answer: c
Explanation: Electroless deposition is similar to that of Cathodic deposition except that it
takes place in the absence of applied external field whereas the Cathodic deposition take
place in the presence of applied external field. Both the process are commonly used for
the deposition of nickel films.

4. What should be the nature of the material of the substrates on which the
deposition take place in Cathodic deposition?
a) Non metallic b) Metallic c) Plastic d) Wooden
5. Which of the following can be used for producing oxide films on their surfaces
during anodic oxidation?
a) La, Ce, Pr, Nd b) He, Ne, Ar, Kr c) Nh, Fl, Mc, Lv d) Al, Ta, Nb, Ti
6. The equilibrium thickness in the anodic oxidation process depends on which of
the following factor?
a) Nature of electrolyte b) Amount of electrolyte
c) Magnitude of the applied field d) Weight of the electrode
7. Which of the following process take place in the presence of required
temperature?
a) Anodic oxidation
b) Cathodic oxidation
c) Electroless deposition
d) Thermal deposition
8. Chemical vapour deposition is a method which is used to obtain which of the
following substance?
a) Semiconductors
b) Non conducting polymers
c) Conducting compounds
d) Crystalline semiconductor
Answer: d
Explanation: Chemical vapour deposition is a method that make use of some of the
principles involved in vapour phases transport reactions. It is used to obtain very pure
films of crystalline semiconductors including III-V compounds.

9. In the chemical vapour deposition the films formed are formed by

decomposition of what kind of substances?
a) Liquid molecules b) Conducting polymers c) Gaseous molecules
d) Solid molecules
Answer: c
Explanation: Chemical vapour deposition the films are formed by deposition of gaseous
molecules, the decomposition can be achieved by for example, pyrolysis (i.e. heating),
photolysis (i.e. irradiation with IR or UV light) or chemical reaction.

10. For the reaction given below which of the following statements is correct?
2SiI ⇄SiI  + Si
2 4

a) The reaction decreases to the left hand side with decreasing temperature
b) The reaction increases to the right hand side with decreasing temperature
c) The reaction decreases to the right hand with decreasing temperature
d) The reaction increases to the left hand side with decreasing temperature
11. In the process of vacuum evaporation, which of the following substrate can be
used?
a) Ceramics, glass, silicon b) Plastics c) Amorphous solids d) F-block elements
Answer: a
Explanation: During vacuum evaporation, the gaseous material deposits on the substrate
and its surroundings as film. Various substrate materials are used, depending on the
subsequent application of the film that is to be deposited. The typical substrates used are
ceramics (Al O ), glass, alkali halides, silicon, germanium, etc.
2 3