JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Chemistry 2010
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2010 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

How many electrons are transferred in reducing one Mn atom in the reaction MnO2 + 4HCl → MnCl2 + 2H2O + Cl2?

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

Manganese in MnO2 has an oxidation state of +4 and in MnCl2 has +2. The change (4 - 2 = 2) indicates 2 electrons are transferred per Mn atom.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

20 cm³ of 0.1 M NH4OH is neutralized with 20.05 cm³ of 0.1 M HCl, liberating 102 J. What is the heat of neutralization?

A. -51.0 kJ mol⁻¹
B. +57.3 kJ mol⁻¹
C. +57.0 kJ mol⁻¹
D. +51.0 kJ mol⁻¹
Explanation

Moles of NH4OH = 0.1 × 0.02 = 0.002 mol. Heat liberated = 102 J. ΔH = -102 / 0.002 = -51000 J/mol = -51.0 kJ mol⁻¹ (exothermic, hence negative).

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

What is the effect of increasing pressure on the equilibrium ZnO(s) + H2(g) ⇌ Zn(s) + H2O(l)?

A. Shifts left
B. Shifts right
C. No effect
D. Produces more ZnO
Explanation

H2 (gas) is on the left, and no gases are on the right. Increasing pressure favors the side with fewer gas moles, shifting the equilibrium to the right.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

What is the volume of air containing 10 cm³ of oxygen?

A. 20 cm³
B. 25 cm³
C. 50 cm³
D. 100 cm³
Explanation

Air contains approximately 20% oxygen by volume. To get 10 cm³ of oxygen, the volume of air required is 10 / 0.2 = 50 cm³.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

The reaction Mg + H2O → MgO + H2 occurs with

A. Excess Mg ribbon
B. Excess cold water
C. Very hot water
D. Steam
Explanation

Magnesium reacts with steam to form magnesium oxide (MgO) and hydrogen gas (H2), but does not react significantly with cold or hot water.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Steam passed over red-hot carbon produces

A. H2, O2, CO2
B. H2, CO2
C. H2, CO
D. H2, H2CO3
Explanation

The reaction C + H2O → CO + H2 (water-gas shift reaction) produces carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which set contains an efflorescent, deliquescent, and hygroscopic substance, respectively?

A. Na2SO4, H2SO4, CaCl2
B. Na2CO3·H2O, FeSO4·7H2O, H2SO4
C. Na2CO3·10H2O, FeCl3, H2SO4
D. H2SO4, FeSO4·7H2O, MgCl2
Explanation

Na2CO3·10H2O loses water to air (efflorescent), FeCl3 absorbs water and dissolves (deliquescent), H2SO4 absorbs water vapor (hygroscopic).

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Exhaust from high-sulphur petrol contains

A. CO, SO3
B. CO, SO2
C. CO, SO2, SO3
D. CO, H2S
Explanation

Combustion of high-sulphur petrol produces carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) as primary pollutants.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Oxygen-demanding wastes pollute water by

A. Depleting oxygen for aquatic life
B. Increasing oxygen for aquatic life
C. Increasing other gases
D. Depleting other gases
Explanation

Oxygen-demanding wastes consume dissolved oxygen during decomposition, reducing oxygen available for aquatic organisms.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which pair can form a higher oxide with oxygen?

A. NO, H2O
B. CO, CO2
C. SO2, NO
D. CO2, H2O
Explanation

SO2 can form SO3, and NO can form NO2. Other pairs do not form higher oxides (e.g., CO2 and H2O are stable).

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Gas X turns wet lead ethanoate paper black, and gas Y bleaches litmus paper. The elements in X and Y are

A. H, S; Cl
B. H, O; Cl
C. H, S; C, O
D. H, Cl; S, O
Explanation

Gas X is H2S (forms black PbS with lead ethanoate), and gas Y is Cl2 (bleaches litmus). Elements: H, S (in H2S); Cl (in Cl2).

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which sulphide is insoluble in dilute HCl?

A. Na2S
B. ZnS
C. CuS
D. FeS
Explanation

CuS has a very low solubility product and remains insoluble in dilute HCl, unlike Na2S, ZnS, and FeS.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Chlorine in water with sunlight evolves

A. HCl
B. HOCl
C. O2
D. Cl2O2
Explanation

In sunlight, Cl2 reacts with water: Cl2 + H2O → 2HCl + ½O2, evolving oxygen gas.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which metal does not form a stable trioxocarbonate(IV)?

A. Fe
B. Al
C. Zn
D. Pb
Explanation

Aluminium does not form stable carbonates due to its high charge density; Fe, Zn, and Pb form stable carbonates.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

A compound Z reacts with NaOH to form a salt and water, with HCl to form a gas, and with H2SO4 to form a yellow suspension. Z is

A. NaHS
B. Na2SO3
C. NaS
D. NaHSO3
Explanation

Na2SO3 reacts with NaOH to form a salt, with HCl to form SO2 gas, and SO2 with H2SO4 forms sulphur (yellow suspension).

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Ammonia is dried using

A. H2SO4
B. CaO
C. CaCl2
D. MgSO4
Explanation

Calcium oxide (CaO) is used to dry ammonia as it does not react with it, unlike H2SO4, CaCl2, or MgSO4.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

In the reaction xCu + yHNO3 → xCu(NO3)2 + 4H2O + zNO, the coefficients x, y, z are

A. 4, 1, 2
B. 3, 8, 2
C. 2, 8, 3
D. 8, 3, 2
Explanation

Balanced equation: 3Cu + 8HNO3 → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 4H2O + 2NO. Thus, x = 3, y = 8, z = 2.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Fe2O3 in bauxite is removed by

A. Crystallization in acid
B. Dissolution in NaOH, filtration
C. Extraction with ammonia
D. Electrolysis
Explanation

Fe2O3 is insoluble in NaOH, while Al2O3 dissolves. Filtration removes Fe2O3 in the Bayer process.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

A white solid, possibly Pb(NO3)2, ZnCO3, or CaCO3, when heated, leaves a residue that is yellow when hot and white when cold. It is

A. PbO
B. CaO
C. ZnO
D. Pb(NO2)
Explanation

ZnCO3 decomposes to ZnO + CO2. ZnO is yellow when hot and white when cold, matching the description.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which compound gives a lilac flame and forms a white precipitate with BaCl2?

A. KCl
B. NaNO3
C. K2SO4
D. CaSO4
Explanation

K2SO4 contains K⁺ (lilac flame) and SO4²⁻ (forms insoluble BaSO4 with BaCl2).

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

A metal that is explosive with air and acids is extracted by

A. Electrolysis of salt solution
B. Oxide decomposition
C. Displacement by alkali metal
D. Electrolysis of fused salt
Explanation

Reactive metals like sodium are extracted by electrolysis of their fused salts (e.g., NaCl), as they react explosively with air and acids.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which statement is incorrect about the organic compound?

A. Butanoic acid effervesces with Na2CO3
B. Glucose decolorizes Na2CrO4 at 0°C
C. But-2-ene decolorizes dilute KMnO4
D. Butan-2-ol with butanoic acid forms a sweet-smelling liquid
Explanation

Glucose does not react with Na2CrO4. A: Butanoic acid reacts with Na2CO3 to release CO2. C: But-2-ene reduces KMnO4. D: Esterification forms a sweet-smelling ester.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

An anti-knock agent in engines is

A. Tetramethylsilane
B. Lead tetraethyl
C. Glycerol
D. n-Heptane
Explanation

Lead tetraethyl was historically used as an anti-knock agent to improve fuel combustion in engines.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Palm oil reacting with potash to form foam undergoes

A. Neutralization
B. Saponification
C. Etherification
D. Salting-out
Explanation

Saponification is the reaction of fats (like palm oil) with an alkali (potash) to form soap, which produces foam.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

How many isomers does C3H8O have?

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

C3H8O has three isomers: propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, and methyl ethyl ether.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Ethanol with excess H2SO4 at 170°C forms

A. Ethene by oxidation
B. Polyethene
C. Ethene by dehydration
D. Ethyne by dehydration
Explanation

Concentrated H2SO4 at 170°C dehydrates ethanol (C2H5OH) to form ethene (C2H4) by removing water.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which is not formed by the reaction of Cl2 with CH4?

A. CH3Cl
B. C2H5Cl
C. CH2Cl2
D. CHCl3
Explanation

Chlorination of methane (CH4) produces CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl3, and CCl4. C2H5Cl (ethyl chloride) is not formed.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

The general formula of an alkyl halide is

A. CnH2n-2X
B. CnH2n+1X
C. CnH2n+2X
D. CnH2nX
Explanation

Alkyl halides have the formula CnH2n+1X, where X is a halogen (e.g., CH3Cl).

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which are made by polymerization?

A. Nylon, soap
B. Nylon, rubber
C. Soap, butane
D. Margarine, nylon
Explanation

Nylon and rubber are polymers formed by polymerization. Soap and margarine involve other processes (saponification, hydrogenation).

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Starch is converted to ethanol by

A. Distillation
B. Fermentation
C. Isomerization
D. Cracking
Explanation

Fermentation converts starch to ethanol through enzymatic breakdown and yeast action.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Co(II), Cu(II), and Fe ions in ink are separated by

A. Crystallization
B. Distillation
C. Sublimation
D. Chromatography
Explanation

Chromatography is used to separate metal ions based on their differential migration rates.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which is a mixture?

A. Sugar
B. Sea-water
C. NaCl
D. Iron filings
Explanation

Sea-water is a mixture of water, salts, and other substances. Sugar, NaCl, and iron filings are pure substances.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

How many CO2 molecules are produced from 10.0 g CaCO3 reacting with 0.2 dm³ of 1 M HCl? [Ca=40, C=12, O=16, NA=6.02×10²³]

A. 1.00×10²³
B. 6.02×10²³
C. 6.02×10²²
D. 6.02×10²¹
Explanation

Molar mass of CaCO3 = 100 g/mol. Moles CaCO3 = 10/100 = 0.1 mol. Moles HCl = 0.2 × 1 = 0.2 mol. Reaction: CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O. HCl is limiting (0.2 mol HCl produces 0.1 mol CO2). Molecules = 0.1 × 6.02×10²³ = 6.02×10²².

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

What is the mass of C2H2 produced from CaC2 + 2H2O at STP? [C=12, Ca=40, GMV=22.4 dm³]

A. 1.0 g
B. 2.0 g
C. 2.6 g
D. 3.8 g
Explanation

Reaction: CaC2 + 2H2O → C2H2 + Ca(OH)2. Molar mass of C2H2 = 26 g/mol. At STP, 1 mol C2H2 = 22.4 dm³ ≈ 26 g. Thus, mass ≈ 2.6 g.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

If the amount of O2 in 2.76 L at 0.825 atm and 300 K is halved, what is the new pressure?

A. 1.650 atm
B. 0.825 atm
C. 0.413 atm
D. 0.275 atm
Explanation

Using PV = nRT, if the number of moles (n) is halved, and V and T remain constant, P is halved: 0.825 / 2 = 0.413 atm.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Which compound has the lowest vapour density? [O=16, Cl=35.5, H=1, C=12]

A. Ethanoic acid
B. Propanol
C. Dichloromethane
D. Ethanal
Explanation

Vapour density = molar mass / 2. Ethanoic acid (60/2 = 30), Propanol (60/2 = 30), Dichloromethane (85/2 = 42.5), Ethanal (44/2 = 22). Ethanal has the lowest.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

The rate of gaseous diffusion is related to density (d) by

A. r = k/d
B. r = kd
C. r = k/√d
D. r = k√d
Explanation

Graham’s law states that the rate of diffusion (r) is inversely proportional to the square root of density: r = k/√d.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

An isotope with atomic number 17 and mass number 36 has

A. 53 neutrons, 17 protons
B. 17 neutrons, 36 protons
C. 19 neutrons, 17 protons
D. 36 neutrons, 17 protons
Explanation

Atomic number = 17 (protons). Mass number = 36. Neutrons = 36 - 17 = 19.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

The bond between elements X (atomic number 12) and Y (atomic number 9) is

A. Ionic
B. Covalent
C. Metallic
D. Coordinate
Explanation

Element X (Mg, atomic number 12) and Y (F, atomic number 9) form MgF2, an ionic compound due to the large electronegativity difference.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2010

Element Z has isotopes: 90% ¹⁶Z and 10% ¹⁸Z. What is the relative atomic mass?

A. 16.0
B. 16.2
C. 17.0
D. 17.8
Explanation

Relative atomic mass = (0.9 × 16) + (0.1 × 18) = 14.4 + 1.8 = 16.2.

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