JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Chemistry 2003
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2003 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The quantum numbers for the last electron in the ground state of sodium (Na, atomic number 11) are

A. n=3, l=0, m=0, s=+1/2
B. n=2, l=1, m=0, s=-1/2
C. n=3, l=1, m=1, s=+1/2
D. n=2, l=0, m=0, s=+1/2
Explanation

Na: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹; last electron in 3s orbital: n=3, l=0 (s), m=0, s=+1/2.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The volume of 0.5 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ required to neutralize 25 cm³ of 0.2 mol/dm³ KOH is [1 cm³ = 0.001 dm³]

A. 5.0 cm³
B. 10.0 cm³
C. 12.5 cm³
D. 25.0 cm³
Explanation

H₂SO₄ + 2KOH → K₂SO₄ + 2H₂O; moles KOH = 0.2 × 0.025 = 0.005 mol; moles H₂SO₄ = 0.005/2 = 0.0025 mol; volume H₂SO₄ = 0.0025/0.5 = 0.005 dm³ = 10 cm³.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The type of hybridization in the carbon atom of ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH) in the carboxyl group is

A. sp
B. sp²
C. sp³
D. dsp²
Explanation

The carboxyl carbon forms one double bond (C=O) and two single bonds (C-O, C-C), requiring sp² hybridization.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is increased by adding

A. sodium chloride
B. manganese(IV) oxide
C. calcium carbonate
D. potassium nitrate
Explanation

MnO₂ acts as a catalyst, lowering the activation energy for H₂O₂ decomposition into water and oxygen.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The enthalpy change for the reaction C(s) + O₂(g) → CO₂(g) is -393.5 kJ/mol. The formation of 4.4 g of CO₂ releases [C = 12, O = 16]

A. 39.35 kJ
B. 78.70 kJ
C. 393.5 kJ
D. 1574 kJ
Explanation

Molar mass CO₂ = 44 g/mol; moles CO₂ = 4.4/44 = 0.1 mol; energy released = 0.1 × 393.5 = 39.35 kJ.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

In the electrolysis of dilute CuSO₄ solution using copper electrodes, the mass of the cathode increases because

A. Cu²⁺ ions are reduced to Cu
B. SO₄²⁻ ions are oxidized
C. Cu atoms are oxidized to Cu²⁺
D. H⁺ ions are discharged
Explanation

At the cathode, Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu; copper is deposited, increasing cathode mass.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The pH of a solution formed by mixing 50 cm³ of 0.1 M HCl with 50 cm³ of 0.1 M NaOH is

A. 1
B. 7
C. 10
D. 14
Explanation

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O; moles HCl = moles NaOH = 0.1 × 0.05 = 0.005 mol; complete neutralization forms a neutral solution, pH = 7.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The element with the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p³ belongs to

A. Group 3
B. Group 5
C. Group 7
D. Group 8
Explanation

Valence electrons: 3s²3p³ = 5 electrons; belongs to Group 5 (e.g., phosphorus).

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The compound formed when aluminium reacts with oxygen is

A. AlO
B. Al₂O₃
C. Al₃O₂
D. Al₂O
Explanation

4Al + 3O₂ → 2Al₂O₃; aluminium oxide has the formula Al₂O₃.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The IUPAC name of the compound CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CH₃ is

A. butan-1-ol
B. butan-2-ol
C. 2-methylpropan-2-ol
D. propan-2-ol
Explanation

Four-carbon chain with -OH on carbon 2: butan-2-ol.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The process used to separate a mixture of liquids with close boiling points is

A. simple distillation
B. fractional distillation
C. evaporation
D. chromatography
Explanation

Fractional distillation separates liquids based on slight differences in boiling points.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The standard electrode potential of Zn²⁺/Zn is -0.76 V and Cu²⁺/Cu is +0.34 V. The EMF of the cell Zn|Zn²⁺||Cu²⁺|Cu is

A. 0.42 V
B. 1.10 V
C. 1.52 V
D. -1.10 V
Explanation

EMF = E_cathode - E_anode = 0.34 - (-0.76) = 0.34 + 0.76 = 1.10 V.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The gas that forms a red-brown vapour when heated is

A. chlorine
B. nitrogen dioxide
C. sulphur dioxide
D. hydrogen sulphide
Explanation

NO₂ forms a red-brown vapour, especially when heated.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The functional group in CH₃COCH₃ is

A. alkene
B. alcohol
C. ketone
D. carboxylic acid
Explanation

CH₃COCH₃ (propanone) contains a C=O group, characteristic of ketones.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The effect of adding a catalyst to a reversible reaction at equilibrium is

A. shifting the equilibrium to the right
B. increasing the equilibrium constant
C. increasing the rate of attaining equilibrium
D. decreasing the activation energy of the reverse reaction only
Explanation

A catalyst speeds up both forward and reverse reactions, reducing the time to reach equilibrium without shifting it.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The monomer used to produce polyethene is

A. ethene
B. ethane
C. chloroethene
D. propene
Explanation

Polyethene is formed by polymerizing ethene (C₂H₄).

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The compound responsible for the smell of rotten eggs is

A. sulphur dioxide
B. hydrogen sulphide
C. carbon disulphide
D. sulphur trioxide
Explanation

H₂S has a characteristic rotten egg smell.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The mass of silver deposited when a current of 2 A is passed through a silver nitrate solution for 965 seconds is [Ag = 108, 1 F = 96500 C]

A. 1.08 g
B. 2.16 g
C. 4.32 g
D. 10.8 g
Explanation

Q = I × t = 2 × 965 = 1930 C; moles Ag = 1930/96500 = 0.02 mol; mass Ag = 0.02 × 108 = 2.16 g.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The property of elements that increases across a period from left to right is

A. atomic radius
B. electronegativity
C. metallic character
D. ionization energy
Explanation

Electronegativity increases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge, attracting electrons more strongly.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The industrial process used to extract iron from its ore is

A. electrolysis
B. fractional distillation
C. blast furnace reduction
D. catalytic cracking
Explanation

Iron is extracted from hematite in a blast furnace using carbon monoxide as a reducing agent.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The molecular formula of a compound with empirical formula CH₂ and vapour density of 42 is [C = 12, H = 1]

A. C₂H₄
B. C₃H₆
C. C₄H₈
D. C₆H₁₂
Explanation

Molar mass = 2 × 42 = 84; empirical mass CH₂ = 14; n = 84/14 = 6; molecular formula = (CH₂)₆ = C₆H₁₂.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The reaction CH₃CH=CH₂ + HBr → CH₃CHBrCH₃ is an example of

A. substitution
B. addition
C. elimination
D. rearrangement
Explanation

Propene undergoes electrophilic addition with HBr across the double bond.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The compound used to soften hard water is

A. CaCO₃
B. Na₂CO₃
C. MgSO₄
D. KCl
Explanation

Sodium carbonate precipitates Ca²⁺ as CaCO₃, softening hard water.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The coordination number of the central ion in [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ is

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
Explanation

Six NH₃ ligands are bonded to Co³⁺, giving a coordination number of 6.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The volume of a gas at 27°C and 760 mmHg is 250 cm³. Its volume at 127°C and 800 mmHg is

A. 200 cm³
B. 240 cm³
C. 280 cm³
D. 300 cm³
Explanation

P₁V₁/T₁ = P₂V₂/T₂; V₂ = (760 × 250 × 400)/(800 × 300) ≈ 280 cm³ (T in Kelvin: 27°C = 300 K, 127°C = 400 K).

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The substance used to vulcanize rubber is

A. sulphur
B. chlorine
C. carbon
D. hydrogen
Explanation

Sulphur forms cross-links in rubber, increasing its strength and elasticity.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The equilibrium constant Kc for the reaction 2HI(g) ⇌ H₂(g) + I₂(g) will increase if

A. temperature is increased
B. pressure is increased
C. HI concentration is increased
D. a catalyst is added
Explanation

The reaction is endothermic; increasing temperature shifts equilibrium to the right, increasing Kc.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The major pollutant from automobile exhausts is

A. carbon dioxide
B. carbon monoxide
C. sulphur dioxide
D. nitrogen dioxide
Explanation

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion in engines.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The oxidation number of nitrogen in NH₄NO₃ is

A. +3 and +5
B. -3 and +5
C. +3 and -5
D. -3 and -5
Explanation

NH₄⁺: N = -3 (4H = +4, total = +1); NO₃⁻: N = +5 (3O = -6, total = -1).

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The process of converting linear alkanes to branched alkanes is called

A. cracking
B. reforming
C. polymerization
D. distillation
Explanation

Reforming restructures alkanes to improve fuel quality, often producing branched isomers.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The half-life of a radioactive isotope is 12 hours. The fraction of the original sample remaining after 36 hours is

A. 1/8
B. 1/4
C. 1/2
D. 1/16
Explanation

36/12 = 3 half-lives; fraction remaining = (1/2)³ = 1/8.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The compound formed when ethanol is heated with concentrated H₂SO₄ at 180°C is

A. ethene
B. ethanal
C. ethanoic acid
D. diethyl ether
Explanation

Concentrated H₂SO₄ dehydrates ethanol to ethene (C₂H₄) at 180°C via elimination.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The raw material used in the production of cement is

A. gypsum
B. limestone
C. bauxite
D. hematite
Explanation

Limestone (CaCO₃) is heated with clay to produce cement clinker.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The type of isomerism exhibited by CH₃CH₂CH=CHCH₃ is

A. optical
B. geometric
C. structural
D. positional
Explanation

Pent-2-ene has a double bond, allowing cis-trans (geometric) isomerism.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The gas used in the Haber process for ammonia production is

A. oxygen
B. nitrogen
C. carbon dioxide
D. chlorine
Explanation

N₂ reacts with H₂ to form NH₃ in the Haber process under high pressure and temperature.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

What volume of 0.1 M NaOH is required to neutralize 25 cm³ of 0.2 M H₂SO₄? [1 cm³ = 0.001 dm³]

A. 25 cm³
B. 50 cm³
C. 100 cm³
D. 200 cm³
Explanation

H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O; moles H₂SO₄ = 0.2 × 0.025 = 0.005 mol; moles NaOH = 0.005 × 2 = 0.01 mol; volume NaOH = 0.01/0.1 = 0.1 dm³ = 100 cm³.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

In the redox reaction 2MnO₄⁻ + 5C₂O₄²⁻ + 16H⁺ → 2Mn²⁺ + 10CO₂ + 8H₂O, the reducing agent is

A. MnO₄⁻
B. C₂O₄²⁻
C. H⁺
D. Mn²⁺
Explanation

C₂O₄²⁻ is oxidized to CO₂, losing electrons, making it the reducing agent.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The product of the reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄ is

A. ethyl ethanoate
B. ethanal
C. ethene
D. diethyl ether
Explanation

Esterification produces ethyl ethanoate (CH₃COOC₂H₅) from ethanol and ethanoic acid.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

The rate of a chemical reaction is increased by

A. decreasing the temperature
B. increasing the concentration of reactants
C. reducing the surface area of reactants
D. removing a catalyst
Explanation

Increasing reactant concentration increases collision frequency, speeding up the reaction.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2003

Acid rain is primarily caused by the emission of

A. carbon monoxide
B. sulphur dioxide
C. methane
D. ozone
Explanation

SO₂ reacts with water in the atmosphere to form H₂SO₄, contributing to acid rain.

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