JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Chemistry 2022
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2022 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

A gas sample with an initial volume of 32.5 dm³ is heated and expands to 975 dm³ at constant pressure. What is the ratio of the final absolute temperature to the initial absolute temperature?

A. 30:1
B. 3:1
C. 2:1
D. 1:30
Explanation

By Charles’ law (V/T = constant at constant pressure), V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂. Given V₁ = 32.5 dm³, V₂ = 975 dm³, T₂/T₁ = V₂/V₁ = 975/32.5 = 30. Thus, the ratio is 30:1. [Note: Original answer B (3:1) was incorrect; corrected to A.]

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Two cylinders A and B contain 50 cm³ of oxygen and nitrogen, respectively, at the same temperature and pressure. If cylinder A has 5.0 moles of oxygen, how many moles of nitrogen are in cylinder B?

A. 5.0
B. 4.0
C. 3.5
D. 2.5
Explanation

Avogadro’s law states that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain the same number of moles. Thus, 50 cm³ of nitrogen in B has the same 5.0 moles as oxygen in A.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

When does a liquid begin to boil?

A. When its vapour pressure equals the atmospheric pressure
B. When its volume expands rapidly
C. When its temperature reaches 100°C
D. When its volume slightly increases
Explanation

A liquid boils when its vapour pressure equals the atmospheric pressure, allowing vapour bubbles to form within the liquid.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

A particle with 8 protons, 9 neutrons, and 7 electrons is represented as?

A. ¹⁷O⁺
B. ¹⁶O⁺
C. ¹⁷O⁻
D. ¹⁶O⁻
Explanation

With 8 protons, the element is oxygen (O). Mass number = 8 + 9 = 17. With 7 electrons (1 less than protons), it has a +1 charge, so it is ¹⁷O⁺.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Using the periodic table section below, which letters indicate an alkali metal and a noble gas, respectively?
| | G | X | | J | E | | | L |
| I | | 5 | 6 | 7 | | | 10 | 11 |
| U | M | R | 14 | 15 | | 17 | 18 |

A. M and E
B. G and E
C. R and L
D. G and L
Explanation

Alkali metals are in Group 1 (G), and noble gases are in Group 18 (L). Thus, G and L represent an alkali metal and a noble gas.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Using the periodic table section above, which element can form a covalent compound?

A. G
B. M
C. R
D. L
Explanation

Covalent compounds form between non-metals. R (likely Group 14, e.g., carbon) is a non-metal and can form covalent compounds, unlike G (alkali metal), M (likely metal), or L (noble gas).

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which letter in the periodic table section represents a non-metal that is solid at room temperature?

A. T
B. J
C. R
D. X
Explanation

Non-metals solid at room temperature include carbon (Group 14). R, likely carbon, fits this description. [Note: T is not in the table, but C is correct based on context.]

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What did Millikan determine in his oil drop experiment?

A. Charge-to-mass ratio of the electron
B. Mass of the electron
C. Charge of the electron
D. Mass of the proton
Explanation

Millikan’s oil drop experiment measured the charge of the electron by balancing gravitational and electric forces on charged oil droplets.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

The stability of ionic solids is primarily due to?

A. Negative electron affinity of atoms
B. Lattice energy
C. Electron pair sharing
D. Positive ionization potentials
Explanation

Lattice energy, the energy released when gaseous ions form a solid lattice, stabilizes ionic solids.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which statement is false about isotopes of the same element?

A. They have the same number of protons
B. They have different atomic masses
C. They have the same chemical properties
D. They have different numbers of electrons
Explanation

Isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons (in neutral atoms) but different numbers of neutrons, so D is false.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Why is helium used in observation balloons?

A. Light and combustible
B. Light and non-combustible
C. Heavy and combustible
D. Heavy and non-combustible
Explanation

Helium is lighter than air and non-combustible, making it safe for balloons, unlike hydrogen.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Burning chloromethane-based plastics in the open releases which gas?

A. Ethane
B. Chlorine
C. Hydrogen chloride
D. Ethene
Explanation

Burning chloromethane (CH₃Cl) releases hydrogen chloride (HCl) due to the presence of chlorine.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Deliquescent substances are also?

A. Efflorescent
B. Anhydrous
C. Hygroscopic
D. Insoluble
Explanation

Deliquescent substances absorb water and dissolve in it, a trait shared with hygroscopic substances, though deliquescence is more extreme.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

How do colloids differ from suspensions?

A. Colloids do not scatter light, suspensions do
B. Colloids can be filtered, suspensions cannot
C. Colloids can be separated by a membrane, suspensions cannot
D. Colloids scatter light and do not settle, suspensions settle
Explanation

Colloids scatter light (Tyndall effect) and do not settle, while suspensions settle over time and may not scatter light as effectively.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Why does solubility of most solutes in water increase with temperature?

A. Solute molecules collide more
B. Dissolution is endothermic
C. Solute molecules dissociate more
D. Dissolution releases heat
Explanation

Most solids’ dissolution in water is endothermic, so increasing temperature favors solubility by providing energy to break solute bonds.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which solution has a pH less than 7?

A. Na₂SO₄
B. Na₂CO₃
C. NH₄Cl
D. NaCl
Explanation

NH₄Cl, from a weak base (NH₃) and strong acid (HCl), forms an acidic solution (pH < 7) due to NH₄⁺ hydrolysis.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What is the pH of a 2.0 × 10⁻³ M solution of sodium hydroxide?

A. 3.0
B. 5.0
C. 9.4
D. 11.3
Explanation

NaOH is a strong base, so [OH⁻] = 2.0 × 10⁻³ M. pOH = -log(2.0 × 10⁻³) ≈ 2.7. pH = 14 - 2.7 = 11.3.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

In silver-plating a metal M, the metal M is the?

A. Anode
B. Cathode
C. Electrolyte
D. Electrode
Explanation

In silver-plating, metal M is the cathode, where Ag⁺ ions are reduced to deposit silver.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

How many moles of copper are deposited by passing 3F of electricity through a copper(II) sulphate solution? [F = 96500 C mol⁻¹]

A. 0.5
B. 1.0
C. 1.5
D. 3.0
Explanation

Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu. 2F deposits 1 mole of Cu. Thus, 3F deposits 3/2 = 1.5 moles.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

The reaction Fe(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → FeSO₄(aq) + H₂(g) illustrates?

A. Oxidation
B. Reduction
C. Redox reaction
D. Neutralization
Explanation

Fe is oxidized to Fe²⁺, and H⁺ is reduced to H₂, indicating a redox reaction.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which reaction is a redox reaction?

A. KCl + H₂O → K⁺ + Cl⁻
B. Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂
C. AgNO₃ + KCl → AgCl + KNO₃
D. HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
Explanation

Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂ involves oxidation of Fe (0 to +2) and reduction of H⁺ to H₂, a redox reaction.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

For an equilibrium reaction with ΔH < 0, the forward reaction is favored at?

A. High temperatures
B. Low temperatures
C. All temperatures
D. All pressures
Explanation

For an exothermic reaction (ΔH < 0), low temperatures favor the forward reaction per Le Chatelier’s principle, as heat is a product.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which process increases entropy?

A. Cooling a liquid
B. Condensation of water vapour
C. Mixing NaCl and sand
D. Freezing of water
Explanation

Mixing NaCl and sand increases disorder (entropy). The other processes increase order, decreasing entropy.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which gas turns orange potassium dichromate solution to green?

A. Sulfur(IV) oxide
B. Hydrogen sulphide
C. Sulfur(VI) oxide
D. Hydrogen chloride
Explanation

Sulfur(IV) oxide (SO₂) reduces orange dichromate (Cr₂O₇²⁻) to green chromium(III) ions (Cr³⁺).

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What are the products when sodium reacts with ethanol?

A. Sodium ethoxide and water
B. Sodium ethoxide and hydrogen
C. Sodium hydroxide and ethene
D. Sodium ethanoate and hydrogen
Explanation

Sodium reacts with ethanol to form sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa) and hydrogen: 2C₂H₅OH + 2Na → 2C₂H₅ONa + H₂.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What is the general formula of alkanones?

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

Alkanones (ketones) have the formula RCOR, with a carbonyl group (C=O).

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Sulphur’s six solid-state forms are an example of?

A. Isomerism
B. Allotropy
C. Isotopy
D. Isomorphism
Explanation

Allotropy is when an element exists in multiple physical forms in the same state, like sulphur’s rhombic and monoclinic forms.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

How are aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons distinguished?

A. Action of bromine
B. Polymerization
C. Oxidation reaction
D. Reduction reaction
Explanation

Aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., alkenes) decolorize bromine water via addition, while aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene) undergo substitution, not decolorizing bromine.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What is the role of sodium chloride in soap preparation?

A. Purify the soap
B. Separate soap from glycerol
C. Decompose fat or oil
D. React with glycerol
Explanation

Sodium chloride 'salts out' soap, reducing its solubility to separate it from glycerol and the aqueous solution.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What is the functional group in ethanol?

A. Alkene
B. Alkyne
C. Alkanol
D. Aldehyde
Explanation

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is an alkanol (alcohol) with the -OH functional group.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

In the reaction C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O, the hydrocarbon C₃H₈ is?

A. Propane
B. Propene
C. Propyne
D. Propanol
Explanation

C₃H₈ is an alkane with 3 carbons, propane. The reaction is combustion, producing CO₂ and H₂O.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which orbitals of carbon are hybridized in methanol?

A. 1s and 2p
B. 1s and 2s
C. 2s and 2p
D. 2p and 3p
Explanation

In methanol (CH₃OH), carbon is sp³ hybridized, mixing one 2s and three 2p orbitals to form four sp³ orbitals.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What type of reaction occurs when ethene reacts with bromine water?

A. Addition
B. Substitution
C. Dehydration
D. Pyrolysis
Explanation

Ethene (C₂H₄) undergoes an addition reaction with bromine water, forming 1,2-dibromoethane by breaking its double bond.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Why is sodium hydroxide used in preparing ethene from ethanol?

A. To dry the ethene
B. To remove carbon dioxide
C. To remove sulfur(IV) oxide
D. To neutralize the mixture
Explanation

Sodium hydroxide absorbs CO₂ impurities during ethene preparation, purifying the gas.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which hydrocarbon gives a white precipitate with aqueous NaOH and is soluble in excess NaOH?

A. Methane
B. Ethane
C. Propane
D. None of the above
Explanation

Hydrocarbons like methane, ethane, and propane are non-polar and do not react with NaOH to form precipitates or dissolve.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

How does a catalyst affect a reaction’s activation energy?

A. Increases it
B. Decreases it
C. No effect
D. Doubles it
Explanation

A catalyst lowers activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway, increasing the reaction rate.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which factor increases the rate of a chemical reaction?

A. Decreasing temperature
B. Increasing pressure for solids
C. Increasing reactant concentration
D. Decreasing surface area
Explanation

Increasing reactant concentration increases collision frequency, thus increasing the reaction rate.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

In hydrogen production from natural gas, how is carbon(IV) oxide removed?

A. Washing under pressure
B. Passing through lime water
C. Using ammoniacal copper(I) chloride
D. Drying with phosphorus(V) oxide
Explanation

CO₂ is removed by washing under pressure with water or a solvent (e.g., potassium carbonate), which absorbs CO₂.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

What is the functional group in propanol?

A. -COOH
B. -CHO
C. -OH
D. -C=O
Explanation

Propanol (C₃H₇OH) is an alcohol with the -OH (hydroxyl) functional group.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Chemistry · 2022

Which ion forms a white precipitate with aqueous NaOH that dissolves in excess NaOH?

A. Ca²⁺
B. Mg²⁺
C. Zn²⁺
D. Cu²⁺
Explanation

Zn²⁺ forms Zn(OH)₂ precipitate with NaOH, which dissolves in excess to form [Zn(OH)₄]²⁻. Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ precipitates do not dissolve, and Cu²⁺ forms a blue precipitate.

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