JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Chemistry 2008
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2008 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

The compound CH3CH2COOH is

A. acetic acid
B. propanal
C. propanol
D. propanoic acid
Explanation

CH3CH2COOH has three carbons with a carboxyl group (-COOH), identifying it as propanoic acid (C3H6O2). Acetic acid (A) is CH3COOH (two carbons), propanal (B) is CH3CH2CHO (an aldehyde), and propanol (C) is CH3CH2CH2OH (an alcohol). Thus, D is correct.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Alkaline hydrolysis of naturally occurring fats and oils yields

A. fats and acids
B. soaps and glycerol
C. margarine and butter
D. esters
Explanation

Alkaline hydrolysis (saponification) of fats and oils with a base (e.g., NaOH) produces soap (fatty acid salts) and glycerol. Option A is incorrect as fats are consumed, C refers to food products, and D describes the starting triglycerides (esters).

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which statement is incorrect about the acids HBr, HNO3, H2CO3, and H2SO4?

A. They have a pH less than 7
B. They turn blue litmus red
C. They neutralize alkalis to form salts
D. They dissolve marble to liberate CO2
Explanation

HBr, HNO3, H2CO3, and H2SO4 have pH < 7 (A), turn blue litmus red (B), and neutralize alkalis (C). HBr, a non-oxidizing acid, does not effectively react with marble (CaCO3) to liberate CO2, unlike the others, making D incorrect.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

If the cost of electricity to deposit 1 g of magnesium is N5.00, how much would it cost to deposit 10 g of aluminium? [Al=27, Mg=24, F=96500 C/mol]

A. N10.00
B. N27.00
C. N33.33
D. N44.44
Explanation

Mg²⁺ requires 2 moles of electrons per 24 g (2 × 96500 C/g). Charge for 1 g Mg = (2 × 96500) / 24 = 8033.33 C. Al³⁺ requires 3 moles per 27 g. Charge for 10 g Al = (3 × 96500 × 10) / 27 = 107222.22 C. Cost = (107222.22 / 8033.33) × 5 ≈ N33.33 (C). A, B, and D are incorrect.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

During electrolysis of CuSO4 solution using copper electrodes, 16000 coulombs deposits how much copper at the cathode? [Cu=63.5, F=96500 C/mol]

A. 5.30 g
B. 10.60 g
C. 15.90 g
D. 21.20 g
Explanation

Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu. 1 mole Cu (63.5 g) requires 2 × 96500 = 193000 C. For 16000 C, moles Cu = 16000 / 193000 ≈ 0.0829 mol. Mass = 0.0829 × 63.5 ≈ 5.27 g, closest to 5.30 g (A). B likely assumes doubled charge, which is incorrect.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which represents a carboxylic acid?

A. RCOOR
B. RCHO
C. RCOOH
D. RCOR
Explanation

Carboxylic acids have the -COOH group (RCOOH, C). RCOOR (A) is an ester, RCHO (B) is an aldehyde, and RCOR (D) is a ketone.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which statement is incorrect about alkenes?

A. They undergo addition reactions with halogens
B. They are saturated hydrocarbons
C. They contain at least one double bond
D. Ethene is an example
Explanation

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond (C), undergo addition with halogens (A), and include ethene (D). B is incorrect as alkenes are unsaturated, unlike alkanes. This replaces the original question where all options were correct.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Elements with atomic numbers ³R, ¹⁹U, ²⁴S, ²⁰T, ¹⁹Y. Which is not true?

A. R is an isotope of hydrogen
B. U and Y are isotopes
C. R, U, S, and T are metals
D. T is a noble gas
Explanation

R (³H, tritium) is a hydrogen isotope (A). U and Y (¹⁹K) are potassium isotopes (B). R, U, S (²⁴Cr), and T (²⁰Ca) are metals or metalloids (C). T (²⁰Ca) is a metal, not a noble gas (D), making D incorrect.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Nitrogen is best separated from a nitrogen-oxygen mixture by passing over

A. potassium hydroxide
B. heated magnesium
C. heated phosphorus
D. calcium chloride
Explanation

Heated magnesium forms Mg3N2 with nitrogen, removing it and leaving oxygen (B). Potassium hydroxide (A) absorbs CO2, phosphorus (C) reacts with oxygen, and calcium chloride (D) absorbs water.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Water is 'hard' if it

A. forms ice easily
B. requires warming to dissolve NaCl
C. forms insoluble scum with soap
D. contains nitrates
Explanation

Hard water contains Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions, forming insoluble scum with soap (C). A, B, and D do not define hardness.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Sodium hydroxide pellets are

A. deliquescent
B. hygroscopic
C. efflorescent
D. hydrated
Explanation

NaOH pellets absorb moisture and dissolve, indicating deliquescence (A). Hygroscopic (B) substances absorb moisture without dissolving, efflorescent (C) lose water, and hydrated (D) implies bound water.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which structural formula is different? A: CH3CH2CH2CH2OH, B: CH3OCH2CH2CH3, C: CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3, D: CH3COCH2CH3

A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
Explanation

A, B, and C are C4H10O isomers. D (CH3COCH2CH3) is a ketone (C4H8O), differing in molecular formula and functional group.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Alkanes have the general formula

A. CnH2n
B. CnH2n+2
C. CnH2n-2
D. CnHn
Explanation

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the formula CnH2n+2 (e.g., CH4). A is for alkenes, C for alkynes, and D is not standard.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

A liquid hydrocarbon in a jar of chlorine exposed to sunlight consumes all chlorine via

A. polymerization
B. addition
C. substitution
D. reduction
Explanation

Unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g., alkenes) undergo addition with Cl2, consuming chlorine (B). Polymerization (A), substitution (C), and reduction (D) do not fit.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

In esterification of ethanoic acid with ethanol, H2SO4 acts as

A. dehydrating agent
B. solvent
C. catalyst
D. oxidizing agent
Explanation

H2SO4 protonates the carboxylic acid, acting as a catalyst (C). It also dehydrates (A), but its primary role is catalytic.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

A sea shell in dilute HCl produces a colourless, odourless gas turning lime water milky. The shell contains

A. sodium chloride
B. calcium carbonate
C. calcium chloride
D. magnesium chloride
Explanation

CaCO3 in shells reacts with HCl to produce CO2, which turns lime water milky (B). A, C, and D do not produce CO2.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

A metal salt gives a white precipitate with NaOH, soluble in excess NaOH, and a white precipitate with NH3, soluble in excess NH3. The cation is

A. Zn²⁺
B. Ca²⁺
C. Al³⁺
D. Pb²⁺
Explanation

Zn²⁺ forms Zn(OH)2, soluble in excess NaOH ([Zn(OH)4]²⁻) and NH3 ([Zn(NH3)4]²⁺). Ca²⁺ (B) and Pb²⁺ (D) form insoluble precipitates, and Al³⁺ (C) is insoluble in excess NH3.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

The IUPAC name for CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH3 is

A. 2-methylbutane
B. 3-methylbutane
C. 2-methylpentane
D. 3-methylpentane
Explanation

Longest chain: 4 carbons (butane), methyl on carbon 2: 2-methylbutane (A). C and D suggest a 5-carbon chain, and B misplaces the methyl.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

At STP, how many litres of H2 are produced from 500 cm³ of 0.5 M H2SO4 with excess metal? [1 mol gas = 22.4 dm³]

A. 2.8 dm³
B. 5.6 dm³
C. 11.2 dm³
D. 22.4 dm³
Explanation

Moles H2SO4 = 0.5 × 0.5 / 1000 = 0.25 mol. H2SO4 → H2 (1:1). Volume H2 = 0.25 × 22.4 = 5.6 dm³ (B).

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which element is in the p-block?

A. Sodium
B. Magnesium
C. Chlorine
D. Calcium
Explanation

Chlorine (3s²3p⁵) is in the p-block. Sodium (A), Magnesium (B), and Calcium (D) are s-block.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which substance conducts electricity?

A. Sulphur
B. Graphite
C. Diamond
D. Red phosphorus
Explanation

Graphite’s delocalized electrons enable conductivity (B). Sulphur (A), diamond (C), and red phosphorus (D) are insulators.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

An organic compound with 72% C, 12% H, 16% O has an empirical formula [C=12, H=1, O=16]

A. C3H6O
B. C6H12O
C. C3H8O
D. C6H12O2
Explanation

C = 72/12 = 6, H = 12/1 = 12, O = 16/16 = 1. Ratio: 6:12:1, simplified to 3:6:1, giving C3H6O (A).

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

0.499 g of CuSO4·xH2O gives 0.346 g residue on heating. The value of x is [Cu=63.5, S=32, O=16, H=1]

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Explanation

Water lost = 0.499 - 0.346 = 0.153 g. Moles CuSO4 = 0.346 / 159.5 ≈ 0.00217 mol. Moles H2O = 0.153 / 18 ≈ 0.0085 mol. x = 0.0085 / 0.00217 ≈ 5 (D).

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which suggests a solid sample is a mixture?

A. It can be ground to a powder
B. It has a density of 2.25 g/dm³
C. It melts over a temperature range
D. It absorbs moisture
Explanation

Mixtures melt over a range due to varying components (C). A, B, and D are not specific to mixtures.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Hydrogen diffuses through a porous plug compared to oxygen

A. at the same rate
B. twice as fast
C. four times as fast
D. slower
Explanation

Graham’s law: rate ∝ 1/√M. M(H2) = 2, M(O2) = 32. Rate H2 / Rate O2 = √(32/2) = 4. Hydrogen diffuses four times faster (C).

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

How many moles of Fe2O3 are in 1 kg? [Fe=56, O=16]

A. 3.125 moles
B. 6.25 moles
C. 12.5 moles
D. 25.0 moles
Explanation

Molar mass Fe2O3 = (2 × 56) + (3 × 16) = 160 g/mol. Moles = 1000 / 160 = 6.25 mol (B).

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

3.0 g of K2CO3 and KCl mixture in 250 cm³ solution. 25 cm³ needs 40 cm³ of 0.1 M HCl. The percentage of K2CO3 is [K=39, C=12, O=16]

A. 60%
B. 72%
C. 82%
D. 92%
Explanation

Moles HCl = 0.1 × 0.04 = 0.004 mol. K2CO3 + 2HCl → 2KCl + H2O + CO2. Moles K2CO3 = 0.004 / 2 = 0.002 mol. Total moles = 0.002 × 10 = 0.02 mol. Mass = 0.02 × 138 = 2.76 g. % = (2.76 / 3.0) × 100 ≈ 92% (D).

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

At 300 K, the solubility of KCl is 35 g/100 g water. How much KCl dissolves in 200 g water?

A. 35 g
B. 70 g
C. 105 g
D. 140 g
Explanation

Solubility = 35 g/100 g water. For 200 g water, mass = 35 × 2 = 70 g (B).

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

If 80 g of KCl is added to 100 g water at 353 K, what happens? [Solubility at 353 K = 50 g/100 g water]

A. All dissolves
B. 30 g undissolved
C. 50 g undissolved
D. 80 g undissolved
Explanation

Solubility = 50 g/100 g water. 80 g added, 50 g dissolves, 30 g remains undissolved (B).

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

If KCl’s molar mass is 74.5 g, moles dissolved in 100 g water at 343 K (solubility 45 g/100 g) is

A. 0.6 moles
B. 1.2 moles
C. 1.8 moles
D. 2.4 moles
Explanation

Solubility = 45 g. Moles = 45 / 74.5 ≈ 0.6 mol (A).

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which are not properties of alkalis?

A. Sour taste, pH < 7
B. Slippery feel, pH > 7
C. Yields NH3 with NH4⁺ salts
D. Turns phenolphthalein pink
Explanation

Alkalis have slippery feel, pH > 7 (B), yield NH3 (C), and turn phenolphthalein pink (D). Sour taste and pH < 7 (A) are acidic properties.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

A gas at 298 K has its volume and pressure quadrupled. The new temperature is

A. 298.0 K
B. 1192.0 K
C. 4768.0 K
D. 19072.0 K
Explanation

P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2. P2 = 4P1, V2 = 4V1, T1 = 298 K. T2 = (4 × 4 × 298) / 1 = 1192 K (B).

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Zn does not liberate H2 with HNO3 because

A. Zn is passive
B. HNO3 oxidizes H2 to H2O
C. Nitrogen oxides are produced
D. HNO3 is weak
Explanation

HNO3 oxidizes H2 to H2O, producing nitrogen oxides (B). Zn is not passive (A), C is a consequence, and HNO3 is strong (D).

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Which has the highest vapour pressure at 323 K? Boiling points: water (373 K), ethanol (351.3 K), toluene (383.6 K), butan-2-ol (372.5 K)

A. Water
B. Ethanol
C. Toluene
D. Butan-2-ol
Explanation

Lowest boiling point (ethanol, 351.3 K) indicates highest vapour pressure at 323 K (B).

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Two nitrogen samples: Sample 1 from air with CO2 and O2 removed, Sample 2 from N2O over heated Cu. Sample 1 is

A. purer
B. denser
C. less reactive
D. identical
Explanation

Sample 1 contains inert gases (e.g., argon), making it less reactive than pure N2 (Sample 2, C).

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

Electrolysis of CuSO4 with Pt electrodes, 0.193 A for 2 hours, deposits how much Cu? [Cu=63.5, F=96500 C/mol]

A. 0.457 g
B. 0.914 g
C. 1.828 g
D. 2.285 g
Explanation

Charge = 0.193 × 2 × 3600 = 1389.6 C. Moles Cu = 1389.6 / (2 × 96500) ≈ 0.0072 mol. Mass = 0.0072 × 63.5 ≈ 0.457 g (A).

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

For X + Y ⇌ Z, a catalyst

A. increases Z
B. increases reaction rate
C. consumes X and Y
D. shifts equilibrium
Explanation

Catalysts increase the rate of both forward and reverse reactions without affecting equilibrium (B).

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

The formula of sodium gallate (Ga, +3 oxidation state) is

A. NaGaO2
B. Na3GaO3
C. NaGa(OH)4
D. Na2GaO3
Explanation

Ga³⁺ forms [GaO2]⁻ in alkaline solution, giving NaGaO2 with Na⁺ (A).

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

NO2 and Pb compounds in a city’s atmosphere come from

A. automobile exhaust
B. coal combustion
C. biological decomposition
D. automobile exhaust and coal combustion
Explanation

NO2 comes from automobile exhaust, Pb from leaded fuel or industrial emissions (D).

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2008

To increase yield in 2A(g) + B(g) ⇌ C(g) + 3D(g), ΔH = +X kJ, use

A. increase temperature, decrease pressure
B. decrease temperature, increase pressure
C. increase temperature, increase pressure
D. decrease temperature, decrease pressure
Explanation

Endothermic reaction (+X kJ) favors products at higher temperature. Four moles of products vs. three moles of reactants favors lower pressure (A).

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