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JAMB Chemistry 2020
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2020 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following substances is not a homogeneous mixture?

A. Filtered sea water
B. Soft drink
C. Flood water
D. Writing ink
Explanation

A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout. Filtered sea water, soft drinks, and writing ink are homogeneous as their components are evenly distributed. Flood water is heterogeneous due to suspended particles like mud, making it non-uniform.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

There is a large temperature interval between the melting point and boiling point of a metal because

A. metals have a high melting point
B. metals conduct heat very rapidly
C. melting does not break the metallic bond but boiling does
D. the crystal lattice of metals is easily broken
Explanation

In metals, melting disrupts the lattice but the metallic bond (delocalized electrons) persists in the liquid state. Boiling requires breaking these bonds to vaporize the metal, needing much more energy, hence the large temperature interval.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

How many moles of H⁺ ions are present in 1 dm³ of a 0.5 mol/dm³ solution of H₂SO₄?

A. 2.0 moles
B. 1.0 mole
C. 0.5 mole
D. 0.25 mole
Explanation

H₂SO₄ is diprotic, releasing 2 H⁺ per molecule. For 0.5 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ in 1 dm³, moles of H₂SO₄ = 0.5. Thus, moles of H⁺ = 0.5 × 2 = 1.0 mole.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

In the reaction 2H₂S(g) + 3O₂(g) → 2H₂O(l) + 2SO₂(g), how many moles of O₂ are required to react with 4 moles of H₂S?

A. 2 moles
B. 3 moles
C. 6 moles
D. 8 moles
Explanation

The balanced equation shows 2 moles of H₂S react with 3 moles of O₂. For 4 moles of H₂S: (3/2) × 4 = 6 moles of O₂ are required.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

A gas occupies 2 dm³ at 300 K and 1 atm. At what temperature will its volume double if the pressure remains constant?

A. 400 K
B. 480 K
C. 550 K
D. 600 K
Explanation

Using Charles’s Law (V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂), V₁ = 2 dm³, T₁ = 300 K, V₂ = 4 dm³. T₂ = (V₂/V₁) × T₁ = (4/2) × 300 = 600 K.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

If 100 cm³ of oxygen gas diffuses through a porous plug in 50 seconds, how long will it take for 100 cm³ of hydrogen gas to diffuse through the same plug? [Molar mass of O₂ = 32 g/mol, H₂ = 2 g/mol]

A. 10 s
B. 12.5 s
C. 17.9 s
D. 32.0 s
Explanation

Using Graham’s Law: t₂/t₁ = √(M₂/M₁). For O₂, t₁ = 50 s, M = 32; for H₂, M = 2. t₂/50 = √(2/32) = √(1/16) = 1/4. Thus, t₂ = 50 × (1/4) = 12.5 s.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules of a substance?

A. Volume
B. Pressure
C. Temperature
D. Mass
Explanation

According to the kinetic theory of gases, the average kinetic energy of molecules is directly proportional to the absolute temperature (in Kelvin): KE = (3/2)kT.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

An increase in temperature causes an increase in the pressure of a gas in a fixed volume due to an increase in the

A. number of molecules of the gas
B. density of the molecules of the gas
C. number of collisions between the gas molecules and the walls of the container
D. number of collisions between the gas molecules
Explanation

Increasing temperature increases the kinetic energy of gas molecules, causing them to move faster and collide more frequently with the container walls, thus increasing pressure.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

The nucleus of the isotope ²³⁸₉₂U contains

A. 92 protons and 146 neutrons
B. 92 protons and 238 neutrons
C. 146 protons and 92 neutrons
D. 238 protons and 92 neutrons
Explanation

For ²³⁸₉₂U, the atomic number (92) is the number of protons, and the mass number (238) is the sum of protons and neutrons. Neutrons = 238 - 92 = 146.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

How many lone pairs of electrons are present on the central atom of the H₂O molecule?

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

In H₂O, oxygen has 6 valence electrons. It forms 2 bonds with hydrogen (using 2 electrons), leaving 4 electrons as 2 lone pairs on the oxygen atom.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

In the nuclear reaction ⁷₃Li + ¹₁H → ⁴₂He + X, what is X?

A. Neutron
B. ⁴₂He
C. Proton
D. Deuterium
Explanation

Balancing the reaction: ⁷₃Li + ¹₁H → ⁴₂He + X. Mass numbers: 7 + 1 = 4 + X, so X’s mass = 4. Atomic numbers: 3 + 1 = 2 + X, so X’s atomic number = 2. Thus, X is ⁴₂He.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

The elements P, Q, R, and S have 1, 2, 3, and 7 electrons in their outermost shells, respectively. Which element is most likely to be a metal?

A. P
B. Q
C. R
D. S
Explanation

Elements with 1-3 valence electrons tend to be metals, as they lose electrons to form positive ions. R, with 3 valence electrons, is most likely a metal (e.g., aluminum in Group 13).

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

The pollutants that are likely to be present in an industrial environment are

A. H₂S, SO₂, and oxides of carbon
B. NH₃, HCl, and CO
C. CO, NO₂, and NH₃
D. Dust, NO, and Cl₂
Explanation

Industrial processes often emit H₂S (from sulfur compounds), SO₂ (from burning sulfur-containing fuels), and CO/CO₂ (from combustion), making these the most likely pollutants.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following gases dissolves in water vapor to produce acid rain during rainfall?

A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen(II) oxide
C. Sulphur(IV) oxide
D. Carbon(II) oxide
Explanation

Sulphur(IV) oxide (SO₂) dissolves in water vapor to form sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃), which can oxidize to sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), contributing to acid rain.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Water in a town supply is chlorinated to make it free from

A. bad odor
B. bacteria
C. temporary hardness
D. permanent hardness
Explanation

Chlorination is used in water treatment to kill bacteria and disinfect the water, ensuring it is safe for consumption.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

On which of the following does the solubility of a gaseous substance depend? I. Nature of solvent. II. Temperature. III. Pressure. IV. Nature of solute.

A. I, II, and IV
B. I, III, and IV
C. II, III, and IV
D. I, II, III, and IV
Explanation

Gas solubility depends on the nature of the solvent and solute (chemical compatibility), temperature (solubility decreases with increasing temperature), and pressure (Henry’s Law: solubility increases with pressure).

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

An aqueous solution consists of

A. solute particles dissolved in water
B. gas particles dispersed in liquid
C. solid particles dispersed in liquid
D. solid particles dispersed in solid
Explanation

An aqueous solution is a solution where the solvent is water, and the solute (which can be solid, liquid, or gas) is dissolved in it.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

A sample of orange juice has a pH of 3.80. What is the concentration of hydroxide ions in the juice? [Kw = 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ at 25°C]

A. 1.6 × 10⁻¹¹ M
B. 6.3 × 10⁻¹¹ M
C. 6.3 × 10⁻⁴ M
D. 1.6 × 10⁻⁴ M
Explanation

pH = 3.80, so [H⁺] = 10⁻³.⁸⁰ ≈ 1.58 × 10⁻⁴ M. Using Kw = [H⁺][OH⁻], [OH⁻] = 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ / 1.58 × 10⁻⁴ ≈ 6.3 × 10⁻¹¹ M.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Arrange the following compounds in order of increasing acidity (weakest to strongest): CH₃OH, C₆H₅CH₃, CH₃COOH, HCl.

A. C₆H₅CH₃ < CH₃OH < CH₃COOH < HCl
B. CH₃COOH < CH₃OH < C₆H₅CH₃ < HCl
C. CH₃OH < C₆H₅CH₃ < CH₃COOH < HCl
D. C₆H₅CH₃ < CH₃COOH < CH₃OH < HCl
Explanation

C₆H₅CH₃ (toluene) has no acidic protons. CH₃OH (methanol, pKa ~15) is a weak acid. CH₃COOH (acetic acid, pKa ~4.76) is stronger. HCl is a strong acid (pKa ~ -7). Order: C₆H₅CH₃ < CH₃OH < CH₃COOH < HCl.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following is an acid salt?

A. K₂SO₄·Al₂(SO₄)₃·24H₂O
B. CuSO₄·Cu(OH)₂
C. Zn(OH)Cl
D. NaHSO₄
Explanation

An acid salt contains a replaceable hydrogen ion. NaHSO₄ has one H⁺ that can be replaced, making it an acid salt. A is a double salt, B and C are basic salts.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

How many grams of H₂SO₄ are required to prepare 0.350 dm³ of a 6.00 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ solution? [Molar mass of H₂SO₄ = 98 g/mol]

A. 206 g
B. 103 g
C. 98 g
D. 51 g
Explanation

Moles of H₂SO₄ = 6.00 × 0.350 = 2.1 moles. Mass = moles × molar mass = 2.1 × 98 = 205.8 g ≈ 206 g.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

During the electrolysis of CuSO₄ solution using carbon electrodes, what are the products at the anode and cathode, respectively?

A. Copper and oxygen
B. Oxygen and copper
C. Hydrogen and copper
D. Copper and hydrogen
Explanation

At the cathode, Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu (copper deposits). At the anode, 2H₂O → O₂ + 4H⁺ + 4e⁻ (oxygen gas is produced). Thus, oxygen at the anode, copper at the cathode.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Calculate the mass of magnesium produced by the electrolysis of MgCl₂ in a cell operating at 500 A for 24 hours. [Molar mass of Mg = 24 g/mol, F = 96500 C/mol]

A. 27 g
B. 54 g
C. 108 g
D. 216 g
Explanation

Charge Q = I × t = 500 × (24 × 3600) = 43,200,000 C. For Mg²⁺, n = 2. Mass = (Q × M) / (n × F) = (43,200,000 × 24) / (2 × 96500) ≈ 107.7 g ≈ 108 g.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

In the reaction MnO₄²⁻ + 2Cl⁻ + 4H⁺ → Mn²⁺ + Cl₂ + 2H₂O, the change in oxidation number of manganese is

A. +2 to +4
B. +6 to +2
C. +4 to +2
D. +6 to +4
Explanation

In MnO₄²⁻, Mn is +6 (4O at -2 = -8, so +6 - 8 = -2). In Mn²⁺, Mn is +2. Change in oxidation number: +6 to +2 (a decrease of 4, indicating reduction).

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

In which of the following reactions does the entropy change (ΔS) for the forward reaction equal the negative of the entropy change for the backward reaction?

A. H₂(g) + O₂(g) → H₂O(l)
B. Cu²⁺(aq) + Fe(s) → Fe²⁺(aq) + Cu(s)
C. N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g)
D. N₂(g) + H₂(g) → N₂H₂(g)
Explanation

For a reversible reaction, ΔS_forward = -ΔS_backward. In B, Cu²⁺ + Fe → Fe²⁺ + Cu, the number of particles and phases remains the same (all in aqueous/solid states), so entropy changes are minimal and reversible. Other reactions involve gases with significant entropy changes.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

For the reaction A → B, the enthalpy change for the forward reaction is +50 kJ/mol. What is the enthalpy change for the backward reaction?

A. +50 kJ/mol
B. -50 kJ/mol
C. +100 kJ/mol
D. -100 kJ/mol
Explanation

For a reversible reaction, ΔH_forward = -ΔH_backward (Hess’s Law). If ΔH_forward = +50 kJ/mol, then ΔH_backward = -50 kJ/mol.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

For the reaction A ⇌ B, how is the equilibrium constant for the forward reaction related to that of the backward reaction?

A. They are equal
B. Their sum is one
C. Their product is one
D. Their difference is zero
Explanation

For A ⇌ B, K_forward = [B]/[A], K_backward = [A]/[B]. Thus, K_forward × K_backward = ([B]/[A]) × ([A]/[B]) = 1.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following equilibria shows no net shift when the volume of the system is decreased?

A. H₂(g) + I₂(g) ⇌ 2HI(g)
B. 2NO₂(g) ⇌ N₂O₄(g)
C. PCl₅(g) ⇌ PCl₃(g) + Cl₂(g)
D. ZnO(s) + CO(g) ⇌ Zn(s) + CO₂(g)
Explanation

Decreasing volume increases pressure, shifting equilibrium to the side with fewer gas moles (Le Chatelier’s principle). In A, 2 moles of gas (H₂ + I₂) form 2 moles (2HI), so there’s no shift. Other reactions have unequal gas moles on each side.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

For the general reaction xP + yQ ⇌ mR, the expression for the equilibrium constant is

A. [P]^x [Q]^y
B. [R]^m / ([P]^x [Q]^y)
C. [R]^m / [P]^x
D. m[R] / (x[P] y[Q])
Explanation

The equilibrium constant Kc for xP + yQ ⇌ mR is [R]^m / ([P]^x [Q]^y), where the coefficients become the powers of the concentrations.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following statements is true about carbon(IV) oxide (CO₂)?

A. It supports combustion
B. It is a strong acid in water
C. It is very soluble in water
D. It reacts with burning magnesium to produce magnesium oxide
Explanation

CO₂ does not support combustion, forms a weak acid (H₂CO₃) in water, and has low solubility. However, magnesium burns in CO₂: 2Mg + CO₂ → 2MgO + C, producing magnesium oxide.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

In the preparation of ammonia gas, a mixture of ammonium chloride and calcium hydroxide is heated. What gas is produced?

A. Nitrogen
B. Hydrogen
C. Ammonia
D. Oxygen
Explanation

Heating NH₄Cl with Ca(OH)₂ produces ammonia: 2NH₄Cl + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O + 2NH₃.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following combinations of gases is used for metal welding?

A. Oxygen and ethyne
B. Hydrogen and nitrogen
C. Oxygen and nitrogen
D. Hydrogen and ethyne
Explanation

Oxy-acetylene welding uses oxygen and ethyne (acetylene, C₂H₂) to produce a high-temperature flame for welding metals.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following oxides of nitrogen is unstable in air?

A. NO₂
B. N₂O
C. NO
D. N₂O₅
Explanation

NO (nitric oxide) is unstable in air as it reacts with oxygen to form NO₂: 2NO + O₂ → 2NO₂. The other oxides are more stable under normal conditions.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

The gas formed when ammonium trioxonitrate(V) is heated with sodium hydroxide is

A. hydrogen
B. nitrogen(IV) oxide
C. oxygen
D. ammonia
Explanation

NH₄NO₃ + NaOH → NaNO₃ + H₂O + NH₃. The gas produced is ammonia (NH₃).

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Safety matches contain sulphur and

A. potassium chlorate
B. potassium nitrate
C. charcoal
D. phosphorus
Explanation

Safety matches contain sulfur and potassium chlorate (KClO₃), which acts as an oxidizing agent to support combustion when struck.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Addition of an aqueous solution of barium chloride to an aqueous solution of a salt produces a white precipitate. The salt is likely to be

A. nitrate
B. sulfate
C. chloride
D. sulfide
Explanation

BaCl₂ forms a white precipitate with sulfate ions: Ba²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ → BaSO₄ (insoluble). Nitrates, chlorides, and sulfides do not form white precipitates with BaCl₂ in this context.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Sodium hydroxide solution can be conveniently stored in a container made of

A. lead
B. zinc
C. aluminum
D. copper
Explanation

NaOH reacts with lead, zinc, and aluminum to form soluble complexes or hydrogen gas. Copper does not react with NaOH, making it suitable for storage.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Which of the following is NOT used as a raw material in the Solvay process for producing sodium carbonate?

A. Sodium chloride
B. Calcium carbonate
C. Sodium carbonate
D. Ammonia
Explanation

The Solvay process uses NaCl, CaCO₃, and NH₃ to produce Na₂CO₃. Sodium carbonate is the product, not a raw material.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

Duralumin is an alloy consisting of aluminum and

A. zinc and gold
B. lead and manganese
C. manganese and magnesium
D. copper and magnesium
Explanation

Duralumin is an alloy of aluminum, copper, magnesium, and manganese, used for its strength. The closest option is copper and magnesium.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2020

In the reaction CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂, the process is known as

A. dissolution
B. slaking
C. calcination
D. hydration
Explanation

The reaction of CaO (quicklime) with water to form Ca(OH)₂ (slaked lime) is called slaking, commonly used in the production of lime.

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