Skip to content
GK24
General ScienceMediumAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2018, GAT

Which one of the following is NOT true for bleaching powder?

  1. A.It is used as a reducing agent in chemical industries
  2. B.It is used for bleaching wood pulp in paper factories
  3. C.It is used for disinfecting drinking water
  4. D.It is used for bleaching linen in textile industry

Correct answer

A. It is used as a reducing agent in chemical industries

Explanation

The correct answer is A. Bleaching powder is an oxidising agent, not a reducing agent, so this statement is the false one.

Bleaching powder, calcium oxychloride (CaOCl₂), is made by passing chlorine gas over dry slaked lime, Ca(OH)₂. With water or a dilute acid it releases chlorine, which gives up nascent oxygen; that oxygen oxidises coloured substances into colourless ones and kills germs. This is why it is used in chemical industries as an oxidising agent, and why it bleaches and disinfects. On standing in air it slowly loses chlorine, so it is stored in airtight containers.

B is true because bleaching powder is used to bleach wood pulp in paper mills.

C is true because it is widely used to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools.

D is true because it bleaches cotton and linen in the textile industry.

Exam tip: bleaching powder is CaOCl₂, made from Cl₂ and dry slaked lime; it bleaches by oxidation.

View all
Q1.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

  1. A.anti-malarial drug
  2. B.biodiesel
  3. C.pulp for paper industry
  4. D.textile fibre
Show answer
Correct answer: D. textile fibre

The Himalayan nettle yields a strong natural fibre that can be spun and woven into cloth. Girardinia diversifolia, known as Himalayan giant nettle or allo, is a stinging shrub that grows wild in the moist forests of the Himalayas, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the North-east, as well as Nepal.

Q2.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells ? 1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. 2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do. 3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1,2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Plant cells have a cellulose wall and one large central vacuole, but they do have a plasma membrane, just like animal cells.

Q3.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements : 1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue. 2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Zika is spread mainly by the Aedes mosquito that also carries dengue, and it can pass between sexual partners. The Zika virus is a flavivirus first identified in Uganda's Zika forest in 1947.

Q4.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India ? 1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis. 2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced. 3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1 and 2 only

The vaccine protects against several pneumococcal diseases and so cuts antibiotic use, but no vaccine is free of side effects.