Chemistry Interview Questions and Answers
Ques 16. Explain the concept of chirality in organic chemistry.
Chirality refers to the property of molecules that are non-superimposable on their mirror images. Chiral molecules often have a central asymmetric carbon atom.
Example:
The amino acid alanine is chiral, with a central carbon bonded to four different groups (H, NH2, COOH, and a side chain).
Ques 17. Define the term 'isothermal process' in thermodynamics.
An isothermal process is a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant temperature. During such a process, the system's internal energy remains constant.
Example:
An ideal gas expanding slowly in a thermally conducting container is an example of an isothermal process.
Ques 18. What is the role of coenzymes in biological reactions?
Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes in facilitating biochemical reactions. They often act as carriers of functional groups or electrons.
Example:
NAD+ and FAD are coenzymes involved in electron transfer reactions in cellular respiration.
Ques 19. Explain the concept of Le Chatelier's principle.
Le Chatelier's principle states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed by an external change, the system will adjust itself to counteract the change and restore a new equilibrium.
Example:
Increasing the concentration of reactants in a reversible reaction will shift the equilibrium towards the formation of products.
Ques 20. Define the terms 'oxidation' and 'reduction' in redox reactions.
Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. Together, they constitute a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction.
Example:
In the reaction Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu, zinc (Zn) undergoes oxidation, and copper (Cu) undergoes reduction.
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