📌 How to Use
First read the questions carefully using the Read section. Use the Details button to understand concepts clearly. After completing reading, click Practice Quiz to test yourself.
📘 Study MCQs
Q1. Your car engine has started making knocking noises and the mechanic says the petrol quality is poor. Which fuel property does this relate to, and what could you consider?
• Octane rating of petrol – consider using higher octane fuel
• Viscosity of diesel – add more engine oil
• Color of kerosene – change fuel brand
• Sulphur content – use more air in tires
Answer: Octane rating of petrol – consider using higher octane fuel
Knocking occurs when fuel burns unevenly in the engine. Petrol with a higher octane rating resists knocking better. This relates to petroleum refining where different fractions have different combustion properties.
Q2. During winter, your scooter’s engine is hard to start in the morning. Which petroleum product’s property are you dealing with?
• Kerosene’s viscosity
• Petrol’s volatility
• Bitumen’s stickiness
• LPG’s odor
Answer: Petrol’s volatility
In cold weather, petrol doesn’t vaporize easily (low volatility), making engines hard to start. Petrol is a light fraction from petroleum refining that should vaporize quickly for easy ignition.
Q3. You notice black smoke coming from your neighbor’s car exhaust. What does this indicate about their fuel combustion?
• Perfect combustion
• Incomplete combustion of fuel
• Too much air in mixture
• Use of CNG fuel
Answer: Incomplete combustion of fuel
Black smoke indicates unburnt carbon particles from incomplete combustion. This wastes fuel and causes pollution. Proper engine maintenance ensures complete combustion, similar to how clean fuels like CNG burn more completely.
Q4. Your cooking gas cylinder finishes unusually quickly this month. Which PCRA tip should you follow first?
• Keep flame on high always
• Use a pressure cooker and keep lids covered
• Keep windows closed while cooking
• Use bigger pots always
Answer: Use a pressure cooker and keep lids covered
Pressure cookers cook food faster using less fuel. Keeping lids covered prevents heat loss. These PCRA-recommended habits help conserve LPG, a petroleum product, saving money and resources.
Q5. Your geyser takes too long to heat water, increasing your electricity bill. What fuel-efficient alternative exists?
• Solar water heater
• More powerful electric geyser
• Heating water on LPG stove
• Using hot stones
Answer: Solar water heater
A solar water heater uses inexhaustible solar energy instead of exhaustible electricity (often generated from coal). It’s a sustainable solution that applies the concept of replacing exhaustible with inexhaustible resources.
Q6. Road in front of your house develops potholes every monsoon. Which petroleum product should proper road construction include?
• Kerosene for cleaning
• Bitumen for waterproof binding
• Petrol for smoothing
• Lubricating oil for flexibility
Answer: Bitumen for waterproof binding
Bitumen, a petroleum product, is used in asphalt roads as a binder that waterproofs the surface. Proper application prevents water seepage and potholes, showing how petroleum products solve infrastructure problems.
Q7. You’re camping and need a smokeless fuel for cooking that’s easy to carry. Which option applies knowledge of processed fuels?
• Wood collected nearby
• Charcoal made from wood
• Dry leaves and twigs
• Coke or LPG cylinder
Answer: Coke or LPG cylinder
Coke (from coal) and LPG (from petroleum) are processed fuels that burn smokelessly. Wood and charcoal produce smoke. This choice applies knowledge of fuel processing for cleaner domestic use.
Q8. Your candle drips wax excessively and doesn’t last long. What petroleum product quality should you check?
• Paraffin wax purity
• Kerosene color
• Bitumen hardness
• Petrol odor
Answer: Paraffin wax purity
Good candles use high-quality paraffin wax from petroleum refining. Pure paraffin wax has a higher melting point, reducing dripping and increasing burn time, showing how petroleum products affect daily items.
Q9. During power cuts, your kerosene lamp produces black soot on the ceiling. What does this indicate?
• Wick is too short
• Kerosene is adulterated
• Lamp glass is clean
• Fuel is burning perfectly
Answer: Kerosene is adulterated
Black soot indicates incomplete combustion, often due to kerosene mixed with heavier oils. Pure kerosene burns cleaner. This problem shows why fuel quality matters, relating to petroleum refining standards.
Q10. Your car’s fuel efficiency has dropped significantly. Which PCRA driving habit should you check first?
• Driving at high speeds
• Keeping tires properly inflated
• Using air conditioning
• Carrying heavy loads
Answer: Keeping tires properly inflated
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more petrol. Proper inflation can improve mileage by 3-4%, applying fuel conservation principles practically.
Q11. You need to remove sticky gum from clothes. Which petroleum-derived solvent is safe and effective?
• Petrol
• Kerosene
• LPG
• Water only
Answer: Kerosene
Kerosene, a petroleum fraction, can dissolve sticky substances like gum without damaging most fabrics. Petrol is too volatile and flammable for safe home use. This shows practical applications of petroleum products.
Q12. Your steel utensils have rust spots. What coal-derived product could have prevented this?
• Coal gas
• Coal tar paint
• Coke powder
• Ammonia from coal
Answer: Coal tar paint
Paints derived from coal tar provide excellent waterproofing and corrosion resistance. Applying such paint to metal surfaces prevents rust, demonstrating how coal derivatives solve household maintenance problems.
Q13. You’re buying a new car and concerned about pollution. Which fuel choice applies your knowledge of cleaner alternatives?
• Petrol variant
• Diesel variant
• CNG variant
• Any variant, all are same
Answer: CNG variant
CNG burns more completely than petrol or diesel, producing fewer pollutants. Choosing a CNG vehicle applies knowledge of natural gas as a cleaner fossil fuel for reducing domestic pollution contribution.
Q14. Your wooden furniture needs protection from termites. Which coal tar product can help?
• Naphthalene balls
• Coke pieces
• Coal gas spray
• Bitumen coating
Answer: Naphthalene balls
Naphthalene balls, derived from coal tar, repel insects like termites and moths. Placing them in furniture applies knowledge of coal derivatives for practical household pest control.
Q15. You want to reduce electricity bills from lighting. Which historical petroleum product’s evolution gives you perspective?
• From candles to kerosene lamps to electric bulbs
• From wood fire to electric heater
• From hand fan to electric fan
• From well water to tap water
Answer: From candles to kerosene lamps to electric bulbs
Understanding how lighting evolved from candles (wax) to kerosene lamps (petroleum) to electric bulbs (often coal-powered) shows energy progress and why conserving electricity ultimately conserves fossil fuels.
Q16. Your skin has minor burns from cooking. What petroleum-derived product provides relief?
• Petroleum jelly
• Kerosene
• Petrol
• Bitumen
Answer: Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) from petroleum refining soothes minor burns by creating a protective barrier. This shows how petroleum products have medicinal applications in domestic first aid.
Q17. You’re planning a road trip and want to save fuel. Which PCRA tip is most effective?
• Pack heavy luggage
• Maintain steady speed of 40-60 km/h
• Use air conditioning constantly
• Make frequent stops
Answer: Maintain steady speed of 40-60 km/h
Frequent acceleration and braking waste fuel. Maintaining a steady, moderate speed optimizes engine efficiency. This practical tip applies the science of fuel combustion and conservation.
Q18. Your bicycle chain squeaks and doesn’t run smoothly. Which petroleum product solves this?
• Lubricating oil
• Petrol for cleaning
• Kerosene
• Bitumen
Answer: Lubricating oil
Lubricating oil, a heavy fraction from petroleum refining, reduces friction between metal parts. Applying it to bicycle chains demonstrates how petroleum products solve mechanical problems in household items.
Q19. During festivals, you want decorative lights but worry about electricity bills. What historical energy source comparison is relevant?
• Compare candles vs electric lights
• Compare LPG vs electricity costs
• Compare solar vs wind energy
• Compare coal vs nuclear
Answer: Compare candles vs electric lights
A single electric LED bulb can provide more light than dozens of candles (made from petroleum wax) at lower cost and energy use. This shows energy efficiency progress while reminding us electricity often comes from coal.
Q20. Your rainwater harvesting system needs waterproofing. Which petroleum product is ideal?
• Bitumen coating
• Kerosene layer
• Petrol spray
• LPG injection
Answer: Bitumen coating
Bitumen’s waterproof properties make it perfect for sealing water tanks and pipes. Applying bitumen-based coatings solves domestic water conservation infrastructure problems using petroleum products.
Q21. You need to remove paint from old furniture. Which solvent from petroleum works best?
• Turpentine substitute (white spirit)
• LPG
• Petrol
• Kerosene for lamps
Answer: Turpentine substitute (white spirit)
White spirit, a petroleum-derived solvent, effectively removes oil-based paints. Safer than petrol for home use, it demonstrates practical applications of petroleum refining products in DIY projects.
Q22. Your car’s windshield gets foggy in rain. What coal-derived product helps visibility?
• Wipers made from coal-based plastics
• Coke powder on glass
• Coal tar coating
• Ammonia solution from coal
Answer: Wipers made from coal-based plastics
Many plastics in wiper blades and car parts come from petrochemicals (originally from coal or petroleum). This shows how fossil fuel derivatives improve safety in everyday products.
Q23. You’re choosing between electric and gas water heater. Which energy source consideration matters most?
• Color of the heater
• Initial cost only
• Long-term cost and energy source availability
• Brand name only
Answer: Long-term cost and energy source availability
Electricity often comes from coal (exhaustible), while LPG comes from petroleum (exhaustible). Considering long-term availability and cost applies knowledge of exhaustible resources to domestic decisions.
Q24. Your leather shoes have mold in monsoon. What coal tar product prevents this?
• Naphthalene balls in shoe rack
• Coke pieces in shoes
• Coal gas spray
• Bitumen polish
Answer: Naphthalene balls in shoe rack
Naphthalene balls’ sublimation creates vapor that inhibits mold growth. Placing them in storage areas applies knowledge of coal tar derivatives for practical household mold prevention.
Q25. You want to reduce cooking fuel costs. Which method applies fuel conservation principles?
• Soak pulses before cooking
• Cook on high flame always
• Keep kitchen windows open
• Use oversized pots
Answer: Soak pulses before cooking
Soaking reduces cooking time, saving LPG fuel. This simple habit applies PCRA-style conservation: using less exhaustible resource (LPG) for the same outcome, saving money and resources.
Q26. Your picnic stove won’t light easily. Which fuel property should you check?
• LPG cylinder pressure
• Kerosene color
• Petrol odor
• Bitumen thickness
Answer: LPG cylinder pressure
Low pressure in LPG cylinders (due to low gas or cold temperature) affects vaporization and ignition. Understanding that LPG is stored as liquid but burns as gas helps troubleshoot this common problem.
Q27. You’re building a house and want energy-efficient walls. What mineral resource knowledge helps?
• Gypsum for plasterboard insulation
• Graphite for writing on walls
• Sulphur for wall color
• Mica for decorative shine
Answer: Gypsum for plasterboard insulation
Gypsum plasterboards provide thermal insulation, reducing need for heating/cooling energy. Knowing local resources (like gypsum in Ramban/Jammu) helps choose materials that conserve energy long-term.
Q28. Your homemade pickles need preservation. What historical use of coal tar is relevant?
• Coal tar as food preservative (not safe!)
• Coal tar dyes for color
• Coal tar in medicine
• Coal tar for waterproofing jars
Answer: Coal tar as food preservative (not safe!)
Historically, some used coal tar derivatives as preservatives, but many are toxic. This teaches why we now use safer methods, showing evolution in applying chemical knowledge to domestic food storage.
Q29. You want to reduce plastic bag use. What petrochemical knowledge motivates this?
• Plastics come from petroleum
• Plastics come from trees
• Plastics are biodegradable
• Plastics are made from water
Answer: Plastics come from petroleum
Most plastics are petrochemicals from exhaustible petroleum. Reducing plastic bag use conserves this resource and reduces waste, applying classroom knowledge to environmentally conscious daily choices.
Q30. Your car’s old battery terminals are corroded. What petroleum product cleans them?
• Petroleum jelly after cleaning
• Petrol pour
• Kerosene soak
• Bitumen paste
Answer: Petroleum jelly after cleaning
After cleaning terminals, applying petroleum jelly prevents corrosion by creating a protective, waterproof layer. This practical use of a petroleum product solves a common vehicle maintenance problem.
Q31. You need emergency lighting during power failure. Which fuel choice balances safety and practicality?
• Kerosene lamp with proper ventilation
• Candle under blanket
• Petrol lantern indoors
• LPG stove flame for light
Answer: Kerosene lamp with proper ventilation
Kerosene lamps provide good light but need ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. This choice applies knowledge of fuel combustion safety in domestic emergency situations.
Q32. Your cheap sunglasses don’t block UV rays. What mineral resource should proper sunglasses use?
• Glass with graphite coating
• Plastic with mica layers
• Glass with proper UV filters
• Plastic with sulphur tint
Answer: Glass with proper UV filters
While not directly fossil fuel, understanding that quality materials (unlike cheap imitations) protect health relates to wise resource use. Proper sunglasses use specialized materials, just as proper fuels use appropriate refining.
Q33. You’re painting your house and want durable exterior paint. What coal product knowledge helps?
• Coal tar-based paints weather well
• Coke powder makes paint shiny
• Coal gas makes paint dry fast
• Ammonia from coal lightens color
Answer: Coal tar-based paints weather well
Paints containing coal tar derivatives resist weathering and moisture better. Choosing such paints applies knowledge of coal products for long-lasting domestic solutions, saving repainting costs.
Q34. Your garden soil lacks nutrients. What natural resource byproduct can help?
• Compost from kitchen waste
• Coke pieces from coal
• Bitumen from roads
• Kerosene from lamps
Answer: Compost from kitchen waste
While not fossil fuel, composting applies the principle of resource recycling. Just as we should conserve exhaustible fossil fuels, we should recycle biodegradable waste to reduce need for chemical fertilizers (often made from natural gas).
Q35. Your winter blanket smells musty. What coal derivative product removes odors?
• Naphthalene balls in storage
• Coke powder sprinkled
• Coal tar soap
• Bitumen rubbed on fabric
Answer: Naphthalene balls in storage
Storing blankets with naphthalene balls prevents musty odors and moth damage. This seasonal household practice successfully applies knowledge of coal tar derivatives for practical home care.
Q36. You’re buying a pressure cooker gasket. What petroleum product knowledge ensures quality?
• Rubber from petrochemicals
• Metal from coal
• Plastic from mica
• Glass from gypsum
Answer: Rubber from petrochemicals
Synthetic rubber for gaskets comes from petrochemicals. A quality gasket ensures pressure cooker efficiency, saving LPG fuel. This connects petroleum products to kitchen efficiency and fuel conservation.
Q37. Your homemade candles tunnel (burn down middle). What wax quality issue is this?
• Paraffin wax purity problem
• Kerosene contamination
• Bitumen mixed in
• Petrol added accidentally
Answer: Paraffin wax purity problem
Candle tunneling often occurs with low-quality paraffin wax that melts unevenly. High-quality paraffin wax from proper petroleum refining burns evenly, solving this common household candle problem.
Q38. You want to reduce holiday decoration costs. What energy comparison is insightful?
• Electric decorative lights vs traditional oil lamps
• Plastic vs cloth decorations
• Expensive vs cheap materials
• Local vs imported items
Answer: Electric decorative lights vs traditional oil lamps
Modern LED lights use far less electricity (often from coal) than oil lamps use oil. But both use exhaustible resources. This perspective helps make informed, conservation-minded choices for celebrations.
Q39. Your metal gate rusts constantly. What long-term solution uses petroleum products?
• Regular painting with coal tar-based paint
• Weekly kerosene wiping
• Monthly petrol spray
• Yearly bitumen coating
Answer: Regular painting with coal tar-based paint
Coal tar-based paints provide superior rust prevention. Proper initial application and maintenance using this petroleum/coal derivative solves persistent household metal corrosion problems economically.
Q40. You’re choosing school supplies. What petroleum product awareness matters?
• Plastic rulers vs wooden ones
• Graphite in pencils vs ink pens
• Paper quality vs price
• Eraser color vs function
Answer: Plastic rulers vs wooden ones
Plastic rulers come from petroleum, wooden ones from renewable trees. Choosing durable wooden or metal items reduces plastic waste, applying knowledge of petrochemicals to environmentally conscious shopping.
Q41. Your car’s engine overheats in traffic. What petroleum product failure might cause this?
• Engine oil degradation
• Petrol quality
• LPG pressure
• Kerosene contamination
Answer: Engine oil degradation
Engine oil (lubricating oil from petroleum) cools and lubricates engines. Degraded oil fails to prevent overheating. Regular oil changes using proper quality oil solve this common vehicle problem.
Q42. You need to store seasonal clothes long-term. What coal derivative protects them?
• Naphthalene balls in storage boxes
• Coke pieces in pockets
• Bitumen coating on fabric
• Coal gas spray in wardrobe
Answer: Naphthalene balls in storage boxes
Naphthalene balls’ insect-repelling vapors protect stored clothes from moths and silverfish. This common household practice effectively applies knowledge of coal tar derivatives for practical storage solutions.
Q43. Your kitchen chimney grease filter is clogged. What petroleum solvent cleans it?
• Hot soapy water
• Kerosene or degreaser
• Petrol (dangerous!)
• LPG spray
Answer: Kerosene or degreaser
Grease-cutting degreasers often contain petroleum-derived solvents similar to kerosene. Soaking filters in such solutions dissolves grease, demonstrating practical application of petroleum product properties for kitchen maintenance.
Q44. You want to reduce room heating costs. What mineral resource knowledge helps?
• Gypsum plasterboard insulation
• Marble flooring for coolness
• Slate roof for style
• Graphite walls for writing
Answer: Gypsum plasterboard insulation
Gypsum board insulation reduces heat loss, requiring less heating fuel (coal, electricity, LPG). Using local resources like Jammu’s gypsum for home insulation applies resource knowledge to domestic energy conservation.
Q45. Your picnic food spoils quickly. What historical preservative knowledge warns you?
• Some coal tar derivatives are toxic preservatives
• Bitumen preserves food
• Kerosone kills bacteria
• Petrol keeps food fresh
Answer: Some coal tar derivatives are toxic preservatives
Historically, some harmful coal tar derivatives were used as preservatives. Knowing this warns against unsafe “traditional” methods and emphasizes modern safe preservation (coolers, etc.) for domestic food safety.
Q46. Quality rubber patches and adhesive come from petrochemicals. Proper repair using these petroleum products solves frequent puncture problems, unlike temporary fixes that use inappropriate materials.
• Proper rubber patch with adhesive
• Kerosene soak
• Petrol injection
• Bitumen smear
Answer: Proper rubber patch with adhesive
Q47. You’re designing a rain shelter. What local stone resource knowledge helps?
• Slate from Ramsu/Jammu for roofing
• Marble from Kashmir for floor
• Graphite for walls
• Sulphur for color
Answer: Slate from Ramsu/Jammu for roofing
Slate stone from local areas like Ramsu provides excellent waterproof, durable roofing. Using local resources reduces transportation energy (fuel) and supports sustainable construction, applying resource geography knowledge.
Q48. Your diesel generator produces excessive smoke. What maintenance need does this indicate?
• Fuel filter clogging
• Air filter cleaning needed
• Oil change required
• All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Black smoke indicates incomplete combustion from clogged filters or poor maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures clean burning, applying knowledge of fuel combustion principles to solve domestic generator problems.
Q49. You’re disposing of old medicines. What coal tar connection is relevant?
• Many medicines contain coal tar derivatives
• Medicines contain bitumen
• Pills have kerosene coatings
• Syrups contain petrol
Answer: Many medicines contain coal tar derivatives
Compounds from coal tar are used in medicines like aspirin and antiseptics. Proper disposal (not flushing) prevents water pollution, applying knowledge of chemical origins to responsible domestic waste management.
Q50. You want to teach kids about energy conservation through a home experiment. Which simple demonstration works?
• Compare how long different candles burn
• Compare fuel used to boil water in open pot vs pressure cooker
• Compare electric bulb vs CFL brightness
• Compare bicycle vs car speed
Answer: Compare fuel used to boil water in open pot vs pressure cooker
Boiling the same water amount shows the pressure cooker uses less LPG fuel/time. This hands-on demonstration applies PCRA conservation principles visibly, teaching fuel efficiency through direct domestic experience.