The Very Useful Chemistry Quiz

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Methylated spirits is a very common household chemical - but what is its main component? acetone turpentine ethanol (alcohol) water

2. Most people have used superglue at one stage or another, but what is its major chemical component? alpha-cyano acrylate specially-treated honey styrene acetone

3. Bleach is another useful household chemical. It is often referred to as "chlorine bleach", but this is a misnomer. What is the main component of household bleach? sodium chloride sodium hypochlorite hydrochloric acid sodium hydroxide

4. Nail polish remover is something that us girls just can't do without. Which of the following has been used as the active ingredient in nail polish remover? methanol ethanol acetone limonene

5. If you've been in the unfortunate situation of having to use a fire extinguisher to fight a fire (or had the chance to use one at a fire safety course, like me!), you've probably noticed that there are lots of different types. One of these types is the "dry ice" extinguisher. What is dry ice? solid carbon dioxide frozen ethanol water ice liquid nitrogen

6. The humble pencil is something found in just about every household. Often called "lead pencils", the substance in the middle of the pencil that does the writing actually isn't lead at all; what is it? graphite ink of course it's lead! black chalk

7. I've already mentioned superglue in this quiz. Another common adhesive used around the home is woodworking glue, also known as PVA glue, Aquadhere and many other names. What is the major component of this adhesive? poly (vinyl acetate) cellulose natural rubber polyamide

8. Aspirin can be found in many household medicine cabinets. But what is it chemically? acetylsalicylic acid acetaminophen paracetamol ibuprofen

9. "Antifreeze" is used in car radiators to stop the liquid that cools the engine from, well, freezing when it gets cold outside. Water is one component of antifreeze; what is the other main component? sodium chloride benzene acetone ethylene glycol

10. If you wanted to lighten your hair at home, what is the active ingredient in the dye preparation that will lighten your hair? hydrogen peroxide acetic acid sodium hydroxide phenol