USAT-M chemistry tests you on FSc-level topics. Organic chemistry and chemical bonding are the biggest areas. Here are the key topics and 20 practice questions with answers.
Most tested chemistry topics in USAT-M
- Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes), functional groups, IUPAC naming, reactions (addition, substitution, combustion)
- Chemical bonding: ionic, covalent and metallic bonds, Lewis structures, electronegativity, polarity
- Acids and bases: pH, strong and weak acids, neutralisation, buffer solutions, indicators
- Electrochemistry: oxidation and reduction, galvanic cells, electrolysis, electrode reactions
- Atomic structure: electron configuration, periodic trends, isotopes
- Chemical equilibrium: Le Chatelier's principle, Kc and Kp, factors affecting equilibrium
- Thermochemistry: exothermic and endothermic reactions, enthalpy, Hess's law
20 practice MCQs with answers
1. The pH of a neutral solution at 25°C is:
A) 0 B) 7 C) 14 D) 1
Answer: B
2. Which type of bond involves the sharing of electrons?
A) Ionic bond B) Covalent bond C) Metallic bond D) Hydrogen bond
Answer: B
3. Alkanes have the general formula:
A) CnH2n B) CnH2n+2 C) CnH2n-2 D) CnHn
Answer: B
4. Oxidation involves:
A) Gain of electrons B) Loss of electrons C) Gain of protons D) Loss of neutrons
Answer: B
5. A strong acid in water:
A) Partially dissociates B) Does not dissociate C) Completely dissociates D) Forms a buffer
Answer: C
6. Le Chatelier's principle states that when a system at equilibrium is disturbed:
A) The equilibrium shifts to increase the disturbance B) The equilibrium shifts to reduce the disturbance C) The reaction stops D) The rate doubles
Answer: B
7. The IUPAC name of CH₃-CH₂-OH is:
A) Methanol B) Propanol C) Ethanol D) Butanol
Answer: C
8. An exothermic reaction:
A) Absorbs heat from surroundings B) Releases heat to surroundings C) Has no energy change D) Only occurs at high temperatures
Answer: B
9. The most electronegative element is:
A) Oxygen B) Nitrogen C) Chlorine D) Fluorine
Answer: D
10. In electrolysis, reduction occurs at the:
A) Anode B) Cathode C) Both electrodes D) Electrolyte
Answer: B
11. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different:
A) Protons B) Electrons C) Neutrons D) Charges
Answer: C
12. Which functional group is present in alcohols?
A) -COOH B) -OH C) -CHO D) -NH₂
Answer: B
13. The reaction between an acid and a base is called:
A) Oxidation B) Reduction C) Neutralisation D) Hydrolysis
Answer: C
14. Alkenes undergo which type of reaction with halogens?
A) Substitution B) Addition C) Elimination D) Condensation
Answer: B
15. The atomic number of an element is the number of:
A) Neutrons B) Protons C) Electrons + Protons D) Neutrons + Protons
Answer: B
16. A buffer solution resists changes in:
A) Temperature B) Concentration C) pH D) Pressure
Answer: C
17. Which of the following is a carboxylic acid?
A) CH₃OH B) CH₃CHO C) CH₃COOH D) CH₃NH₂
Answer: C
18. Hess's law is related to:
A) Rate of reaction B) Enthalpy change C) Equilibrium constant D) Electrode potential
Answer: B
19. In a galvanic cell, the anode is:
A) Where reduction occurs B) Where oxidation occurs C) Always positive D) Made of copper only
Answer: B
20. The electron configuration of sodium (Na, atomic number 11) is:
A) 2, 8 B) 2, 9 C) 2, 8, 1 D) 2, 8, 3
Answer: C
How to prepare for chemistry in USAT-M
Most students score lower in chemistry than biology because they try to memorise without understanding. For USAT-M, focus on understanding reactions. Ask yourself: what is being gained or lost in this reaction? Why does this happen? That thinking helps with MCQs more than memorising formulas.
Do 20 chemistry MCQs every day and review every wrong answer against your FSc textbook. For biology MCQs for USAT-M, see our USAT-M biology practice questions. For full timed tests, use our USAT pre-medical practice tests.
Common questions
Which chemistry topics come in USAT-M?
Organic chemistry (hydrocarbons, functional groups), chemical bonding, acids and bases, electrochemistry and reaction types are the most tested. Based on FSc Part I and II chemistry.
Is chemistry harder than biology in USAT-M?
Most students find chemistry harder because it requires understanding concepts rather than memorisation. But with regular MCQ practice, the score improves quickly.
How many chemistry MCQs are in USAT-M?
The exact split is in the official HEC USAT-M sample paper on the ETC portal. Download it and check the marks breakdown.