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Chemistry Basics
Asked 24 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2021
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Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because
2021Sci & Tech
Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because
Explanation
Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because of its dipolar nature. Water molecules have a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, making it a polar molecule. This polarity allows water to form hydrogen bonds with other polar or charged substances, facilitating the dissolution of a wide range of solutes.
Consider the following pairs: Commonly used/consumed materials - Sources 1. Asafoetida - Lichen 2. Carmine - Cochineal 3. Lapis lazuli - Mineral 4. Shellac - Lac insect. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
2017Sci & Tech
Consider the following pairs: Commonly used/consumed materials - Sources 1. Asafoetida - Lichen 2. Carmine - Cochineal 3. Lapis lazuli - Mineral 4. Shellac - Lac insect. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Explanation
In the given pairs, the sources are correctly matched for Carmine, which is obtained from the Cochineal insect, and Shellac, which comes from the Lac insect. However, the sources for Asafoetida and Lapis lazuli are incorrectly matched. Asafoetida is derived from plant resin, not lichen. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) 2 and 4 only.
In a dry cell (battery), which of the following are used as electrolytes?
2009Sci & Tech
In a dry cell (battery), which of the following are used as electrolytes?
Explanation
In a dry cell (battery), the electrolytes used can be either ammonium chloride or zinc chloride, with the latter being a common replacement in modern batteries.
With reference to ionic compounds, consider the following statements: 1. Ionic compounds are insoluble in alcohol. 2. Ionic compounds in the solid state are good conductor of electricity. Which of these statements is/are correct?
2003Sci & Tech
With reference to ionic compounds, consider the following statements: 1. Ionic compounds are insoluble in alcohol. 2. Ionic compounds in the solid state are good conductor of electricity. Which of these statements is/are correct?
Explanation
In the context of ionic compounds, the statements provided are as follows: 1. Ionic compounds do not dissolve in alcohol. 2. Solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity. The correct answer is option (d), which means that neither of the statements is accurate.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
2003Sci & Tech
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Explanation
Liquid sodium is utilized as a coolant in fast breeder nuclear reactors because of its effective heat transfer abilities.
In an atom, the order of filling up of the orbitals is governed by
2001Sci & Tech
In an atom, the order of filling up of the orbitals is governed by
Explanation
The Aufbau principle explains that electrons occupy orbitals based on their energy levels in an increasing order.
Which one of the following is NOT radioactive?
2001Sci & Tech
Which one of the following is NOT radioactive?
Explanation
Zirconium is the only non-radioactive element among the options provided. Astatine, Francium, and Tritium are all radioactive elements.
Assertion (A): Large cold storage plants use ammonia as refrigerant while domestic refrigerators use chlorofluorocarbons. Reason (R): Ammonia can be liquefied at ambient temperature and low pressure.
2000Sci & Tech
Assertion (A): Large cold storage plants use ammonia as refrigerant while domestic refrigerators use chlorofluorocarbons. Reason (R): Ammonia can be liquefied at ambient temperature and low pressure.
Explanation
In large cold storage plants, ammonia is used as a refrigerant, while chlorofluorocarbons are used in domestic refrigerators. The assertion that ammonia can be liquefied at ambient temperature and low pressure is false as it actually requires high pressure to liquefy at ambient temperature.
Match List-I with List-II: List-I: A. German silver B. Solder C. Bleaching powder D. Hypo | List-II: 1. Tin 2. Nickel 3. Sodium 4. Chlorine
2000Sci & Tech
Match List-I with List-II: List-I: A. German silver B. Solder C. Bleaching powder D. Hypo | List-II: 1. Tin 2. Nickel 3. Sodium 4. Chlorine
Explanation
In this chemistry question, you were asked to match items in List-I with their corresponding elements in List-II. German silver is composed of nickel, solder contains tin, bleaching powder includes chlorine, and hypo consists of sodium. The correct matching is German silver with nickel, solder with tin, bleaching powder with chlorine, and hypo with sodium. So, the correct option is (d) A-2; B-1; C-4; D-3.
Aluminium surfaces are often 'anodized'. This means the deposition of a layer of
2000Sci & Tech
Aluminium surfaces are often 'anodized'. This means the deposition of a layer of
Explanation
Anodizing is a process that forms a protective layer of aluminium oxide on aluminium surfaces.
Consider the following statements: Hard water is not suitable for 1. drinking 2. washing clothes with soap 3. use in boilers 4. irrigating crops. Of these statements
2000Sci & Tech
Consider the following statements: Hard water is not suitable for 1. drinking 2. washing clothes with soap 3. use in boilers 4. irrigating crops. Of these statements
Explanation
In the given statements, it is stated that hard water is not suitable for drinking, washing clothes with soap, use in boilers, and irrigating crops. The correct option is (b), which means statements 2 and 3 are correct. Hard water affects the effectiveness of soap and leads to scale build-up in boilers. It is not recommended for washing clothes with soap or for use in boilers, but it is suitable for drinking and irrigation.
Assertion (A): To dilute sulphuric acid, acid is added to water and not water to acid. Reason (R): Specific heat of water is quite large.
1999Sci & Tech
Assertion (A): To dilute sulphuric acid, acid is added to water and not water to acid. Reason (R): Specific heat of water is quite large.
Explanation
When diluting sulphuric acid, it is important to add acid to water slowly to avoid a sudden and potentially dangerous reaction. The specific heat of water, which is relatively high, is not the primary factor influencing this process.
Match List-I (Naturally occurring substances) with List-II (Elements): List-I: A. Diamond B. Marble C. Sand D. Ruby | List-II: 1. Calcium 2. Silicon 3. Aluminium 4. Carbon
1999Sci & Tech
Match List-I (Naturally occurring substances) with List-II (Elements): List-I: A. Diamond B. Marble C. Sand D. Ruby | List-II: 1. Calcium 2. Silicon 3. Aluminium 4. Carbon
Explanation
In this question, you were asked to match naturally occurring substances with the elements they contain. Diamond contains carbon, marble contains calcium, sand contains silicon, and ruby contains aluminium. The correct match is: A-4; B-1; C-2; D-3.
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer: List-I: A. Blue vitriol B. Epsom salt C. Baking soda D. Caustic soda | List-II: 1. Sodium bicarbonate 2. Sodium hydroxide 3. Magnesium sulphate 4. Copper sulphate
1998Sci & Tech
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer: List-I: A. Blue vitriol B. Epsom salt C. Baking soda D. Caustic soda | List-II: 1. Sodium bicarbonate 2. Sodium hydroxide 3. Magnesium sulphate 4. Copper sulphate
Explanation
In this question, you had to match the substances in List I with their corresponding names in List II. Blue vitriol refers to copper sulphate, Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate, Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and Caustic soda is sodium hydroxide. The correct matching is A-4; B-3; C-1; D-2, as given in option (d).
Match List-I with List-II: List-I: A. Potassium bromide B. Potassium nitrate C. Potassium sulphate D. Monopotassium tartarate | List-II: 1. Fertiliser 2. Photography 3. Bakery 4. Gun powder
1998Sci & Tech
Match List-I with List-II: List-I: A. Potassium bromide B. Potassium nitrate C. Potassium sulphate D. Monopotassium tartarate | List-II: 1. Fertiliser 2. Photography 3. Bakery 4. Gun powder
Explanation
In the field of chemistry, different potassium compounds are used in various industries. Potassium bromide is utilized in photography, potassium nitrate is found in gunpowder, potassium sulphate acts as a fertilizer, and monopotassium tartarate is a key ingredient in bakery products. Matching these compounds with their respective industries, we find that A-2; B-4; C-1; D-3 is the correct combination.
Consider the following statements: Coke is one of the materials of the charge added to blast furnace for the production of steel/iron. Its function is to 1. act as the reducing agent 2. remove silica associated with the iron ore 3. function as fuel; to supply heat 4. act as an oxidizing agent. Of these statements
1998Sci & Tech
Consider the following statements: Coke is one of the materials of the charge added to blast furnace for the production of steel/iron. Its function is to 1. act as the reducing agent 2. remove silica associated with the iron ore 3. function as fuel; to supply heat 4. act as an oxidizing agent. Of these statements
Explanation
In the process of producing steel/iron in a blast furnace, coke is a material added to the charge. It serves the functions of acting as a reducing agent and providing fuel for heat generation. This helps in reducing the iron ore and facilitating the production process.
Which one of the following metals does not form amalgam?
1998Sci & Tech
Which one of the following metals does not form amalgam?
Explanation
Iron does not react with mercury to form an amalgam, unlike zinc, copper, and magnesium which can form these alloys.
Assertion (A): Sodium metal is stored under kerosene. Reason (R): Metallic sodium melts when exposed to air.
1998Sci & Tech
Assertion (A): Sodium metal is stored under kerosene. Reason (R): Metallic sodium melts when exposed to air.
Explanation
Sodium metal is stored under kerosene to prevent its reaction with air and moisture. This is necessary because sodium is highly reactive and can easily react with the oxygen and water vapor in the air. It is not stored under kerosene because it melts when exposed to air.
The most reactive among the halogens is
1997Sci & Tech
The most reactive among the halogens is
Explanation
Fluorine is the most reactive halogen because of its small size and high electronegativity, making it the top choice among the halogens.
The alpha particle carries two positive charge. Its mass is very nearly equal to that of
1996Sci & Tech
The alpha particle carries two positive charge. Its mass is very nearly equal to that of
Explanation
The alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons, giving it a mass that is very close to that of a helium atom.
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and
1996Sci & Tech
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and
Explanation
Stainless steel is a type of alloy that is made up of iron, chromium, and nickel. This combination gives it the property of being resistant to corrosion.
Which one of the following pairs of materials serves as electrodes in chargeable batteries commonly used in devices such as torchlights, electric shavers etc.
1995Sci & Tech
Which one of the following pairs of materials serves as electrodes in chargeable batteries commonly used in devices such as torchlights, electric shavers etc.
Explanation
Nickel and cadmium are the materials that serve as electrodes in rechargeable batteries commonly found in devices like torchlights and electric shavers. These batteries, known as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, are frequently used in portable gadgets.
Which one of the following is a mixed fertilizer?
1995Sci & Tech
Which one of the following is a mixed fertilizer?
Explanation
NPK fertilizer is a type of mixed fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are all vital nutrients for plants.
The chemical used as a 'fixer' in photography is
1995Sci & Tech
The chemical used as a 'fixer' in photography is
Explanation
Sodium thiosulphate is the chemical used as a 'fixer' in photography because it eliminates unexposed silver bromide from photographic film.