WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Chemistry 2018
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2018 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following raw materials is used in the plastic industry?

A. Ethene
B. Methane
C. Sulphur
D. Hydrogen
Explanation

Ethene (C₂H₄) is the primary monomer used in the production of polyethene (polyethylene), a major plastic material, through polymerization processes.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following organic compounds can undergo both addition and substitution reactions?

A. Pentane
B. Benzene
C. Propane
D. Hexane
Explanation

Benzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, undergoes electrophilic substitution (e.g., nitration) due to its stable ring and addition reactions (e.g., hydrogenation to cyclohexane) under specific conditions, unlike alkanes which primarily undergo substitution.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following represents a redox reaction?

A. AgNO₃(aq) + KCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + KNO₃(aq)
B. HNO₃(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaNO₃(aq) + H₂O(l)
C. CaCO₃(s) → CaO(s) + CO₂(g)
D. 2H₂S(g) + SO₂(g) → 2H₂O(l) + 3S(s)
Explanation

In this reaction, S in H₂S is oxidized from -2 to 0 in S, and S in SO₂ is reduced from +4 to 0 in S, making it a redox (reduction-oxidation) process; others are precipitation, neutralization, or decomposition without electron transfer.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The process of extraction of iron from its ore is

A. decomposition
B. oxidation
C. reduction
D. sublimation
Explanation

Iron ore (Fe₂O₃) is reduced to iron metal using carbon monoxide in the blast furnace: Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂, where Fe³⁺ gains electrons to form Fe.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

What is the solubility of a salt if 0.4 g of it is obtained on evaporating 200 cm³ of its saturated solution to dryness?

A. 0.08 g dm⁻³
B. 2.0 g dm⁻³
C. 8.0 g dm⁻³
D. 80.0 g dm⁻³
Explanation

Solubility is the mass dissolved in 1 dm³. 0.4 g in 200 cm³ (0.2 dm³) means in 1 dm³: (0.4 g / 0.2 dm³) = 2.0 g dm⁻³.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

An acidic salt has

A. double anions in its aqueous solution
B. a single cation in its aqueous solution
C. hydrogen ions in its aqueous solution
D. hydrogen atoms in its aqueous solution
Explanation

Acidic salts, like NaHSO₄, hydrolyze in water to produce H⁺ ions, making the solution acidic (pH < 7), due to the weak base-strong acid nature.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

A reaction is endothermic if the

A. reaction vessel feels cool during the reaction
B. enthalpy change is negative
C. bond forming energy exceeds bond breaking energy
D. heat of formation of reactants exceeds heat of formation of products
Explanation

Endothermic reactions absorb heat from surroundings, cooling the vessel; ΔH > 0, and bond breaking requires more energy than forming releases.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

In which of the following compounds does hydrogen form ionic compound?

A. CH₄
B. HCl
C. NH₃
D. NaH
Explanation

NaH is sodium hydride, an ionic compound where H⁻ (hydride ion) bonds with Na⁺; others are covalent.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Consider the following reaction equation: Br₂ + 2KI → 2KBr + I₂. Bromine is reacting as

A. an oxidizing agent
B. a reducing agent
C. an acid
D. a base
Explanation

Br₂ gains electrons (oxidizes I⁻ to I₂), acting as oxidizing agent; I⁻ is reducing agent.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

An organic compound has the empirical formula CH₂. If its molar mass is 42 g mol⁻¹, what is its molecular formula? [H = 1.0, C = 12.0]

A. C₂H₄
B. C₃H₆
C. C₃H₄
D. C₄H₈
Explanation

Empirical mass = 14 g/mol. n = 42 / 14 = 3. Molecular = (CH₂)₃ = C₃H₆.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Ethene is produced from ethanol by

A. decomposition
B. hydrolysis
C. ozonolysis
D. dehydration
Explanation

Dehydration of ethanol (C₂H₅OH) with conc. H₂SO₄ removes H₂O to form ethene (C₂H₄).

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Consider the following equilibrium reaction: B₂(g) ⇌ 2AB₃(g) ΔH = +X kJ mol⁻¹ the backward reaction will be favoured by

A. a decrease in pressure
B. an increase in pressure
C. a decrease in temperature
D. an introduction of a positive catalyst
Explanation

Forward endothermic (ΔH > 0), so backward (exothermic) favored by decreasing temperature, per Le Chatelier's principle.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

What is the mass of solute in 500 cm³ of 0.005 mol dm⁻³ H₂SO₄? [H = 1.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.0]

A. 0.490 g
B. 0.049 g
C. 0.245 g
D. 0.0245 g
Explanation

Number of moles = concentration × volume = 0.005 mol dm⁻³ × 0.5 dm³ = 0.0025 mol. Molar mass of H₂SO₄ = 2(1) + 32 + 4(16) = 98 g mol⁻¹. Mass = 0.0025 × 98 = 0.245 g.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Pure water can be made to boil at a temperature lower than 100°C by

A. reducing its quantity
B. decreasing the external pressure
C. distilling it
D. increasing the external pressure
Explanation

Boiling point decreases with reduced pressure, as vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure at lower temperature; used in vacuum distillation.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following salts has the highest solubility at 20°C?

A. NaCl
B. KNO₃
C. Na₂SO₄
D. KCl
Explanation

At 20°C, solubility: NaCl ~36 g/100g water, KNO₃ ~31 g/100g, KCl ~34 g/100g, Na₂SO₄ ~19 g/100g; NaCl has the highest.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

When undissolved salt is added to a saturated solution, the

A. dissolves and the solution becomes super saturated
B. dissolves and the solution becomes unsaturated
C. added salt remains undissolved and the solution remains saturated
D. dissolves and crystals are formed
Explanation

A saturated solution holds maximum solute at that temperature; excess undissolved salt remains, maintaining equilibrium without change.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

When substance X was added to a solution of bromine water, the solution became colourless. X is likely to be

A. propane
B. propene
C. propanoic acid
D. propanol
Explanation

Propene (alkene) decolorizes Br₂ water via addition reaction, forming dibromopropane; alkanes, acids, alcohols do not.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The preferential discharge of ions during electrolysis is influenced by the

A. mechanism of electrolysis
B. electrolytic reactions
C. nature of the electrode
D. type of electrolytic cell
Explanation

Electrode nature (inert vs reactive) affects ion discharge; inert (Pt) follows standard potential, reactive may alter.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The valence electrons of ¹²Mg are in the

A. 3s orbital
B. 2pₓ orbital
C. 2s orbital
D. 1s orbital
Explanation

Mg atomic number 12, electron config 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²; valence electrons in 3s orbital.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Stainless steel is an alloy comprising of

A. Fe and C
B. Fe and Ni
C. Fe, C and Ni
D. Fe, C and Al
Explanation

Stainless steel is primarily iron with carbon and nickel for corrosion resistance and strength.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The number of hydrogen ions in 1.0 dm³ of 0.02 mol dm⁻³ tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid is [N_A = 6.02 × 10²³]

A. 1.2 × 10²²
B. 1.2 × 10²³
C. 2.4 × 10²²
D. 2.4 × 10²³
Explanation

H₂SO₄ provides 2 H⁺, so moles H⁺ = 2 × 0.02 = 0.04 mol. Number = 0.04 × 6.02 × 10²³ = 2.408 × 10²² ≈ 2.4 × 10²².

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The most suitable substance for putting out petrol fire is

A. water
B. carbon (IV) oxide
C. fire blanket
D. sand
Explanation

Sand smothers petrol (class B) fires by cutting oxygen supply; water spreads it, CO₂ for enclosed, blanket for small.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The following factors would contribute to environmental pollution except

A. production of ammonia
B. manufacture of cement
C. photosynthesis
D. combustion
Explanation

Photosynthesis consumes CO₂, reducing pollution; ammonia production, cement (dust), combustion (gases) pollute air.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The position of equilibrium in a reversible reaction is affected by

A. particle size of the reactants
B. vigorous stirring of the reaction mixture
C. presence of a catalyst
D. change in concentration of reactants
Explanation

Changing concentration shifts equilibrium to oppose change (Le Chatelier); particle size/stirring/catalyst affect rate, not position.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following processes involves the absorption of heat during melting?

A. Sublimation
B. Fusion
C. Vaporization
D. Condensation
Explanation

Fusion (melting) absorbs latent heat of fusion to overcome intermolecular forces without temperature change.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following statements best explains the differences between a gas and a vapour?

A. unlike gases, vapours are liquids at room temperature
B. unlike gases, vapour can easily be condensed into liquids
C. unlike gases, vapor is readily converted into solids
D. vapours are generally denser than gases
Explanation

Vapour refers to gaseous form of a substance that can be liquefied at or near room temperature by pressure increase; gases require much lower temperatures.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Consider the following reaction equation: 2HCl + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O, what is the volume of 0.1 mol dm⁻³ HCl that would completely neutralize 25 cm³ of 0.3 mol dm⁻³ Ca(OH)₂?

A. 150 cm³
B. 75 cm³
C. 30 cm³
D. 25 cm³
Explanation

Moles Ca(OH)₂ = 0.3 × 0.025 = 0.0075 mol. Ratio 1:2, moles HCl = 0.015 mol. Volume HCl = 0.015 / 0.1 = 0.15 dm³ = 150 cm³.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Cu and HNO₃ are not suitable for preparing hydrogen gas because of their

A. reactivity and oxidation respectively
B. conductivity and corrosiveness respectively
C. melting point and reduction respectively
D. electronegativity and solubility respectively
Explanation

Cu is below H in reactivity series, doesn't displace H₂; HNO₃ is oxidizing, oxidizes H₂ to water instead of liberating it.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following formula cannot be empirical formula?

A. CH
B. C₂
C. C₂₅
D. C₂₄
Explanation

Empirical formula shows simplest ratio; C₂ implies CH₀ or non-integer H, impossible for hydrocarbons; others possible with H.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

One of the criteria for confirming the purity of benzene is to determine its

A. heat capacity
B. boiling point
C. mass
D. colour
Explanation

Pure substances have sharp boiling/melting points; deviation indicates impurities.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

When chlorine is passed through a sample of water, the pH of the water sample would be

A. <7
B. >7
C. =7
D. 0
Explanation

Cl₂ + H₂O → HCl + HOCl, producing acid (HCl), lowering pH below 7.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

How many atoms are contained in 0.2 moles of nitrogen? [N_A = 6.02 × 10²³]

A. 1.20 × 10²³
B. 2.41 × 10²³
C. 3.62 × 10²³
D. 4.82 × 10²³
Explanation

N₂ has 2 atoms per molecule, moles N atoms = 2 × 0.2 = 0.4 mol. Number = 0.4 × 6.02 × 10²³ = 2.408 × 10²³.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The strength of metallic bonds depends on the

A. charge density of the atoms
B. ductility of the metal
C. number of valence electrons
D. total number of electrons in the atom
Explanation

More valence electrons per atom allow more delocalized electrons, stronger electrostatic attraction in the 'sea' of electrons model.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

When I⁻ is added to AgNO₃ solution, crystals of AgI form on surface. This indicates that I⁻ is

A. oxidized
B. reduced
C. decomposed
D. dissociated
Explanation

Precipitation of AgI shows I⁻ dissociated from KI, reacting with Ag⁺ to form insoluble AgI; no redox, just ionic reaction.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The empirical formula of a compound containing 0.067 mol Cu and 0.066 mol O is [Cu = 63.5, O = 16.0]

A. Cu₂O
B. CuO
C. Cu₂O
D. CuO₂
Explanation

Ratio Cu:O ≈ 0.067:0.066 ≈ 1:1, so CuO.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The change in the oxidation state of iron in the reaction represented by the equation below is 2FeCl₃ + H₂S → 2FeCl₂ + S + 2HCl

A. +2 to 3
B. 3 to +2
C. 0 to +2
D. +3 to 0
Explanation

Fe in FeCl₃ is +3, in FeCl₂ is +2, reduced by H₂S.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following method can be used to separate blood cells from plasma?

A. centrifugation
B. filtration
C. chromatography
D. distillation
Explanation

Centrifugation separates denser blood cells (sediment) from lighter plasma (supernatant) based on density.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Which of the following statements about ionic radius is correct? Ionic radius

A. increases as nuclear charge increases
B. decreases as nuclear charge increases
C. decreases as nuclear charge decreases
D. remains constant as nuclear charge increases
Explanation

Higher nuclear charge pulls electrons closer, decreasing ionic radius for isoelectronic ions or in a period.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

Analysis of a hydrocarbon shows that it contains 0.92 g of carbon per gram of the compound. The mole ratio of carbon to hydrogen in the compound is [H = 1.0, C = 12.0]

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

C = 0.92g, H = 0.08g. Moles C = 0.92/12 ≈ 0.0767, H = 0.08/1 = 0.08. Ratio ≈ 0.0767:0.08 ≈ 1:1 (CH).

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Chemistry · 2018

The law of definite proportions states that

A. pure samples of the same compound contains the same elements combined in the same proportion by mass
B. pure samples of substances are in the same proportion by mass
C. chemical compounds are pure because they contain the same elements
D. matter can neither be created or destroyed
Explanation

Proust's law: A compound always contains elements in fixed mass ratio, e.g., water always 8:1 H:O by mass, regardless of source.

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