The comprehensive analysis and targeted preparation, candidates are encouraged to practise the NEET Surface Chemistry important questions and topic-wise weightage from previous NEET examinations. Resources such as NEET previous year question papers and mock tests with solutions are available for practice.
NEET Surface Chemistry Important Questions are from topics such as Adsorption isotherms, factors affecting adsorption and the application of adsorption in catalysis, rates of reactions, the role of catalysts and heterogeneous versus homogeneous catalysis.
The exam demands a strong conceptual framework, analytical skills, and the ability to apply theoretical principles to problem-solving. In the last five years, NEET Surface Chemistry important question topics have consistently covered topics like adsorption, catalysis, colloids, and complexation reactions.
This article provides an analytical overview of question patterns categorised NEET Chemistry chapter wise weightage, and offers a downloadable PDF version with all the resources you will need for your preparation.
Schedule regular self-assessments by taking chapter-wise tests or NEET mock exams will give you insight into your progress and areas that need more attention.
By studying the frequency, difficulty level, and variations of surface chemistry questions, we offer an in-depth look into the key areas that candidates should focus on.
NEET Surface Chemistry Important Questions PDF FREE Download
NEET Surface Chemistry important question topics
An analysis of the previous year NEET papers shows that questions on surface chemistry have repeatedly tested specific core concepts, such as:
| Topic | Key Concepts |
| Adsorption | Adsorption isotherms, factors affecting adsorption and the application of adsorption in catalysis. |
| Catalysis | Rates of reactions, the role of catalysts and heterogeneous versus homogeneous catalysis. |
| Colloids and Emulsions | Properties and behaviour of colloidal systems, including the Tyndall effect |
| Surface Phenomena and Interactions | Surface energy, wetting, capillarity and related chemical processes |
| Miscellaneous/Application-based | Industrial catalysis and environmental chemistry. |
Also Check: Updated NEET Chemistry Syllabus, Newly Added and Deleted Topics
NEET Surface Chemistry Important Questions Pattern Analysis
An overview of the NEET pattern reveals that the NEET exam favours questions that not only test students’ ability to recall theoretical concepts but also the application of these concepts to solve problems. The following observations have been made from past examinations:
- Direct Theoretical Questions: These questions require candidates to recall definitions, formulas, and typical reaction mechanisms. For example, questions may focus on the definition of adsorption or the distinctions between physisorption and chemisorption.
- Semi-Analytical Problems: Questions often provide numerical data or graphs (such as adsorption isotherm curves) and require candidates to analyze and interpret the data.
- Application-Based Queries: In some cases, questions integrate surface phenomena with other chemistry topics, such as reaction kinetics or equilibrium concepts. For instance,questions may discuss the role of catalysts in industrial processes and ask students to derive conclusions based on experimental data.
- Comparative and Variation Questions: Many examinations include questions that compare similar concepts. A notable example is a comparison between adsorption in solids versus absorption in liquids.
The complexity of questions ranges from basic understanding to multi-step problem-solving that involves reading a scenario, applying appropriate formulas, and carrying out calculations.
Also Read: Inorganic Chemistry Chapters for NEET
Topic-wise Breakdown
Detailed categorisation of surface chemistry topics reveals key areas that recur on the NEET exam:
- Adsorption:
- Types: Physical vs. Chemical adsorption
- Isotherms: Langmuir and Freundlich models
- Factors affecting adsorption: Temperature, pressure, nature of adsorbate and adsorbent
- Applications: Catalysis, gas masks, separation processes
- Catalysis:
- Role of catalysts in lowering activation energy
- Heterogeneous vs. Homogeneous catalysis
- Kinetic studies and turnover frequency
- Influence on reaction rate and yield
- Colloids:
- Properties of colloidal systems
- Stability of colloids and the role of emulsifiers
- The Tyndall effect and colloidal particle size determination
- Applications in industry and medicine
- Surface Phenomena (Wetting, Capillarity, etc.):
- Surface tension and its measurement
- Intermolecular forces responsible for wetting and adhesion
- Practical examples in everyday life: Capillary action in plants
Mastery of these topics is essential because they form the backbone of many exam questions. A recurring theme is the application of the theoretical basis to interpret diagrams, graphs, and experimental setups.
Also Read: NEET Chemistry Chapter Wise Weightage
Important Formulas and Definitions
Adsorption Isotherm:
Q = f(P), where Q is the amount adsorbed at pressure P. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms are widely used in quantitative surface studies.
Surface Tension (γ): It is defined as the amount of work required to increase the surface area of a liquid by a unit area.
Key Pointers for Answering NEET Surface Chemistry Questions
- Understand and memorise fundamental definitions and formulas.
- Practice drawing graphs and interpreting isotherm data.
- Utilise past year NEET question papers to identify frequently tested areas.
- Focus on the mechanism of adsorption and the role of surface area.
NEET Surface Chemistry Important Questions: High Weightage Topics & Question Types
Here is a list of examples of frequently asked NEET Surface Chemistry questions, categorised by typical topic weightage:
| High-Weightage Topic | Types of Questions Asked | Example Question |
| Adsorption | Conceptual questions on physisorption vs. chemisorption | Which of the following is an example of physisorption? |
| Factors Affecting Adsorption | Effect of temperature, pressure, and nature of adsorbent | Which factor affects adsorption the most? |
| Adsorption Isotherms | Mathematical/logical application of Freundlich & Langmuir isotherms | What is the range of ‘n’ in the Freundlich adsorption isotherm equation? |
| Catalysis | Role of catalysts, homogeneous vs. heterogeneous catalysis | Which statement about catalysis is correct? |
| Colloids & Emulsions | Tyndall effect, Brownian movement, types of colloids | Which of the following is an example of a lyophilic colloid? |
| Enzyme Catalysis | Characteristics, mechanism, and specificity | Which enzyme follows the lock and key mechanism? |
Also Read: How to Prepare Chemistry Section for NEET 2025?
Top 15 NEET Surface Chemistry Important Question with Answers
1. What is the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction?
Answer: A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy without being consumed in the reaction.
2. Which of the following is an example of a lyophobic colloid?
a) Gelatin
b) Starch
c) Gold sol
d) Protein
Answer: c) Gold sol
Explanation: Lyophobic colloids are solvent-hating and irreversible, e.g., metal sols like gold sol.
3. What is the charge on As2S3 sol?
Answer: Negative charge.
Explanation: As2S3 sol is negatively charged due to the adsorption of S²⁻ ions.
4. Which phenomenon is responsible for the stability of colloidal solutions?
Answer: Brownian motion and charge on colloidal particles.
Explanation: Brownian motion prevents settling, while the charge on particles prevents coagulation.
5. What is the coagulation value of an electrolyte?
Answer: The minimum amount of electrolyte (in millimoles) required to coagulate 1 liter of a colloidal solution.
6. Which of the following is NOT a colligative property?
a) Osmotic pressure
b) Elevation in boiling point
c) Adsorption
d) Depression in freezing point
Answer: c) Adsorption
Explanation: Adsorption is a surface phenomenon, not a colligative property.
7. What is the shape of a micelle formed by soap in water?
Answer: Spherical.
Explanation: Soap molecules form spherical micelles with hydrophobic tails inward and hydrophilic heads outward.
8. Which of the following is an example of positive sol?
a) Fe(OH)3 sol
b) As2S3 sol
c) Gold sol
d) Starch sol
Answer: a) Fe(OH)3 sol
Explanation: Fe(OH)3 sol is positively charged due to the adsorption of Fe³⁺ ions.
9. What is the effect of temperature on adsorption?
Answer: Adsorption decreases with an increase in temperature.
Explanation: Adsorption is an exothermic process, so it is favored at lower temperatures.
10. What is the Freundlich adsorption isotherm equation?
Answer: x/m =kn are constants.
11. Which of the following is used to coagulate blood in case of injury?
a) Ferric chloride
b) Sodium chloride
c) Potassium chloride
d) Calcium chloride
Answer: a) Ferric chloride
Explanation: FeCl3 helps in the coagulation of blood by neutralising the charge on colloidal blood particles.
12. What is the role of activated charcoal in gas masks?
Answer: It adsorbs poisonous gases and impurities due to its high surface area.
13. Which of the following is an example of physical adsorption?
a) Adsorption of H2 on Ni
b) Adsorption of O2 on Pt
c) Adsorption of water on silica gel
d) Adsorption of CO on Pd
Answer: c) Adsorption of water on silica gel
Explanation: Physical adsorption (physisorption) involves weak van der Waals forces.
14. What is the Tyndall effect?
Answer: The scattering of light by colloidal particles, making the path of light visible.
Explanation: It is used to distinguish between colloidal solutions and true solutions.
15. What is the Hardy-Schulze rule?
Answer: The greater the valency of the coagulating ion, the greater its coagulating power.
Explanation: For example, Al³⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ for coagulating negatively charged sols.
Access a comprehensive set of practice questions with detailed solutions by downloading this free PDF for offline revision.
This resource is specially tailored to address both the conceptual and calculation challenges in NEET preparation.
Also Read: NEET Chemistry Question Paper