📘 Welcome
Hi User, you have selected Read Mode.
This is Time Free Mode for your convenience to understand every question as per your Ease and Time.
Here You get Answer and Details button. After mastering this mode, you can go for a test with Test Mode on the main page designed especially with Exam Features.
This is Time Free Mode for your convenience to understand every question as per your Ease and Time.
Here You get Answer and Details button. After mastering this mode, you can go for a test with Test Mode on the main page designed especially with Exam Features.
Q1. Which of these is an example of an inexhaustible natural resource?
Sunlight is an inexhaustible natural resource because it is available in unlimited quantities and cannot be depleted by human use. Inexhaustible resources are those that are continuously available and will not run out. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are exhaustible resources because they are present in limited quantities and take millions of years to form.
Q2. Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum are classified under which type of natural resources?
Fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas are classified as exhaustible resources because they are present in limited quantities in nature and cannot be replenished quickly. Once used up, they cannot be replaced within a human lifetime. This is why their conservation is crucial. They take millions of years to form from the remains of ancient organisms.
Q3. What is the primary substance obtained from the destructive distillation of coal?
The destructive distillation of coal produces three main products: coke (solid residue), coal tar (thick black liquid), and coal gas (flammable gas). These are all valuable products with various industrial and domestic uses. Coke is used in steel making, coal tar in chemicals and roads, and coal gas as fuel.
Q4. Which product of coal distillation is a tough, porous, and black substance used as a smokeless fuel?
Coke is a tough, porous, and black substance obtained from coal. It is used as a smokeless fuel because it burns without producing much smoke. It is also used in the extraction of metals (as a reducing agent) and in the manufacture of steel. It is an important industrial fuel.
Q5. Which foul-smelling, thick black liquid obtained from coal is used in making various chemicals?
Coal tar is a thick, black, foul-smelling liquid obtained during the destructive distillation of coal. It is used to produce a wide variety of chemicals, including dyes, drugs, perfumes, paints, and synthetic fibres. It is also used in the preparation of naphthalene balls and roofing materials.
Q6. Which gas obtained during coal processing is used as a fuel in many industries?
Coal gas is a flammable gas obtained during the destructive distillation of coal. It contains methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide and is used as a fuel in many industries. It was also used for street lighting in the past. It burns with a smoky flame due to the presence of carbon monoxide.
Q7. Petroleum is a mixture of which of the following?
Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons—compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These hydrocarbons vary in chain length and structure, which gives petroleum its different fractions (like petrol, diesel, kerosene). The different boiling points of these hydrocarbons allow them to be separated by fractional distillation.
Q8. The process of separating the various components of petroleum is based on their difference in:
The separation of petroleum into its various components (fractions) is done by fractional distillation, which is based on the difference in their boiling points. The mixture is heated, and components with lower boiling points vaporise first and are collected separately, while those with higher boiling points remain as liquid.
Q9. Which petroleum product is used as fuel for heavy motor vehicles and in electric generators?
Diesel is a petroleum product used as fuel in heavy motor vehicles like trucks, buses, and trains, as well as in electric generators and industrial machinery. It has a higher boiling point than petrol and is also used in some agricultural equipment like tractors and pumps.
Q10. Which fuel is used for aviation in jet aircraft?
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is a specialised petroleum product used as fuel in jet aircraft. It is a type of kerosene that has been refined to meet the high-performance standards required for jet engines. It is lighter than diesel and has a higher flash point for safety.
Q11. Which petroleum product is used for surfacing roads and waterproofing roofs?
Bitumen is a black, sticky, semi-solid form of petroleum that is used for surfacing roads and waterproofing roofs. It is also used in making paints and coatings. Bitumen is the heaviest fraction obtained during the refining of petroleum and is also called asphalt.
Q12. Which of these is NOT a fossil fuel?
Wood is not a fossil fuel. It is a renewable biomass fuel that comes from trees. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are fossil fuels because they were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. Wood can be renewed by planting trees, unlike fossil fuels.
Q13. Natural gas is primarily composed of which hydrocarbon?
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane (CH₄), which is the simplest hydrocarbon. It also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, and butane. Methane is a clean-burning fuel, which is why natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and petroleum.
Q14. What is the common name for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?
CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It is not commonly called by any other name; it is simply referred to as CNG. LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas, which is different from CNG. CNG is used as a cleaner fuel for vehicles and is stored under high pressure as a gas.
Q15. Which resource, often found with petroleum deposits, is used as a starting material for fertilizers?
Natural gas is often found along with petroleum deposits. It is used as a starting material for the production of fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea. The methane in natural gas is used to produce ammonia, which is a key ingredient in fertilizers.
Q16. Which of the following is a petrochemical?
Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas. Paraffin wax, diesel, and plastics are all examples of petrochemicals. These products are used in a wide range of applications, from fuel to manufacturing synthetic fibres, medicines, and cosmetics.
Q17. Why are coal and petroleum referred to as ‘buried sunshine’?
Coal and petroleum are called ‘buried sunshine’ because they were formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that had stored energy from the sun through photosynthesis. This energy is released when they are burned. The energy stored in fossil fuels is essentially sunlight that was captured millions of years ago.
Q18. Which industry primarily uses coke as a reducing agent?
Coke is used as a reducing agent in the steel industry to extract iron from iron ore in blast furnaces. It provides the carbon needed to reduce iron oxides and also supplies heat for the process. Coke is essential in the production of steel, which is a key material in construction and manufacturing.
Q19. What is the main reason for advocating the use of CNG over petrol in vehicles?
CNG is advocated over petrol because it burns more cleanly, producing fewer pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. It is considered an environmentally friendly fuel. While it may also be cheaper, the primary reason is its lower environmental impact.
Q20. Naphthalene balls, used to repel moths, are derived from:
Naphthalene balls are made from naphthalene, a white crystalline substance obtained from coal tar. They are used as a moth repellent and also in the manufacture of certain chemicals. They sublimate (change from solid to gas) at room temperature, releasing a characteristic smell.
Q21. Which process is used to convert heavy fractions of petroleum into lighter, more useful hydrocarbons?
Cracking is a process used in petroleum refining to break down large, heavy hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, lighter ones that are more useful, such as petrol and diesel. This increases the yield of valuable products from crude oil. Carbonisation is the conversion of wood or coal into coke, and distillation is the separation of components.
Q22. The slow process of conversion of dead vegetation into coal is called:
Carbonisation is the slow process by which dead vegetation (plant matter) is converted into coal over millions of years under high temperature and pressure. The plant material loses water, gases, and other volatile matter, becoming richer in carbon. This process is also known as coalification.
Q23. Which fraction of petroleum is commonly used as a fuel for stoves, lamps, and lanterns?
Kerosene is a fraction of petroleum used as a fuel for stoves, lamps, and lanterns, especially in rural areas. It is also used as a cleaning solvent and as a component in jet fuel (ATF). It has a boiling range between petrol and diesel.
Q24. Which substance, obtained from coal tar, is used as a starting material for manufacturing explosives?
Toluene is a hydrocarbon obtained from coal tar. It is used as a starting material in the manufacture of explosives like TNT (trinitrotoluene). Benzene, phenol, and ammonia are also coal tar products but are used for other purposes. Toluene is also used as a solvent and in the production of dyes and perfumes.
Q25. What does PCRA stand for, an organization that advises on saving fuel?
PCRA stands for Petroleum Conservation Research Association. It is an Indian government organisation that promotes fuel conservation and efficient use of petroleum products. It runs awareness campaigns and advises the public on saving fuel through better driving habits and vehicle maintenance.
Q26. In India, the location of the first successful oil well was in:
The first successful oil well in India was drilled in Digboi, Assam, in 1867. Digboi is considered the birthplace of the Indian oil industry. It is still operational, making it one of the oldest continuously producing oil fields in the world. Mumbai High is an offshore field discovered later.
Q27. Which of the following is a characteristic of an exhaustible natural resource?
Exhaustible natural resources have a limited stock in nature. They are present in finite quantities and can be exhausted by human consumption. Fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas are examples of exhaustible resources. Once used, they cannot be replaced within a human lifespan.
Q28. Which petroleum product is used as a solvent for dry cleaning?
Petroleum ether (or petroleum spirit) is a highly volatile hydrocarbon fraction obtained from petroleum. It is used as a solvent in dry cleaning, as a degreasing agent, and in the manufacturing of paints and varnishes. It evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
Q29. What is the main environmental concern associated with burning fossil fuels?
The main environmental concern associated with burning fossil fuels is air pollution. Burning fossil fuels releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These contribute to global warming, acid rain, and respiratory diseases. Water and noise pollution are also concerns but to a lesser extent.
Q30. The main element present in all types of coal is:
The main element present in all types of coal is carbon. The percentage of carbon varies depending on the type of coal: anthracite (highest carbon content, about 90-95%), bituminous (about 70-80%), lignite (about 60-70%), and peat (about 50-60%). Coal is essentially a carbon-rich rock formed from ancient plant matter.
Q31. Which of these is a use of paraffin wax obtained from petroleum?
Paraffin wax, obtained from petroleum, is used in making candles, as a component of Vaseline (petroleum jelly), and in the preparation of ointments, creams, and cosmetics. It is a solid, white, odourless substance that is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Q32. The major offshore oil field in India is:
Mumbai High (now called Bombay High) is the major offshore oil field in India, located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Maharashtra. It was discovered in 1974 and is the largest oil field in India, contributing significantly to the country’s petroleum production. Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Kalol are onshore fields.
Q33. Which resource is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and petroleum?
Natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and petroleum because it burns more efficiently and produces fewer pollutants. It emits less carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. Wood, charcoal, and coke are not cleaner alternatives; they still produce significant pollution.
Q34. Which product is used as a fuel for light motor vehicles like cars and motorcycles?
Petrol (or gasoline) is a petroleum product used as fuel for light motor vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and scooters. It is a lighter fraction of petroleum with a lower boiling point than diesel. Petrol engines require a spark ignition, making it suitable for smaller vehicles. Diesel is used for heavier vehicles.
Q35. The impurities present in petroleum after extraction are removed by:
The impurities present in petroleum after extraction are removed by the process of refining. Refining involves the separation of petroleum into various useful fractions by fractional distillation. This process removes unwanted substances like water, sulphur compounds, and other contaminants, producing usable products like petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
Q36. What is the purpose of adding a strong smell (ethyl mercaptan) to LPG?
Ethyl mercaptan is added to LPG to give it a strong, unpleasant smell (like rotten eggs). LPG is naturally odourless, so this added smell helps in detecting leaks easily. If there is a leak, the smell alerts people to the danger of fire or explosion. It is a safety measure.
Q37. Which of these is NOT obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum?
Coal gas is NOT obtained from petroleum; it is obtained from the destructive distillation of coal. Lubricating oil, asphalt, and fuel oil are all products obtained from the fractional distillation (refining) of petroleum. Coal gas is a product of coal processing, not petroleum.
Q38. The full form of LPG is:
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a mixture of propane and butane, stored as a liquid under pressure in cylinders. It is widely used as a domestic cooking fuel. It is liquefied to make it easier to store and transport. CNG is Compressed Natural Gas.
Q39. Why should we use fossil fuels judiciously?
Fossil fuels should be used judiciously because they are limited and non-renewable resources, they cause significant environmental pollution, and they are becoming increasingly expensive as they deplete. Conservation is essential to ensure these resources last longer and to reduce the environmental impact.
Q40. Which material, derived from coal tar, is used in making medicines like aspirin?
Phenol, also called carbolic acid, is obtained from coal tar. It is used as a starting material for making medicines like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), as well as for disinfectants, dyes, and plastics. Phenol is an important industrial chemical. Benzene, naphthalene, and toluene also come from coal tar but have other uses.
Q41. In the context of resources, what does ‘conservation’ mean?
Conservation of resources means using them wisely, efficiently, and with care to prevent waste and ensure they last as long as possible. It does not mean using more, banning their use, or simply finding new deposits. Conservation includes practices like reducing consumption, reusing, and recycling.
Q42. Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a product derived from:
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is derived from petroleum. It is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained during the refining process. It is used in cosmetics, ointments, and as a skin moisturiser. It is not derived from coal tar, natural gas, or shale oil.
Q43. What are the tiny marine organisms whose decay led to the formation of petroleum called?
The formation of petroleum is mainly due to the decay of tiny marine organisms called plankton (including algae and other microorganisms) that settled at the bottom of ancient seas. Over millions of years, their remains were covered by sediments and transformed into petroleum under high heat and pressure. Dinosaurs and larger organisms did not contribute significantly.
Q44. Which fuel is stored under high pressure as a liquid in cylinders for domestic cooking?
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is stored under high pressure as a liquid in cylinders for domestic cooking. It is compressed to keep it in liquid form for easier transport and storage. When the valve is opened, it turns back into gas and burns at the burner. CNG is stored in high-pressure cylinders as a gas.
Q45. Which of the following is a use of lubricating oil?
Lubricating oil is used to reduce friction between moving parts in engines and machinery. It also helps prevent rust and corrosion and carries away heat generated by friction. It is an essential product for the smooth operation of mechanical equipment. It is obtained from the heavier fractions of petroleum.
Q46. The purest form of coal, with the highest carbon content, is:
Anthracite is the purest form of coal with the highest carbon content (about 90-95%). It is hard, black, and burns with a blue flame, producing very little smoke. Peat has the lowest carbon content (about 50%), followed by lignite and bituminous coal. The higher the carbon content, the higher the quality of coal.
Q47. Which substance, obtained from coal, is used in the manufacture of steel and in water purification?
Coke is used in the manufacture of steel as a fuel and reducing agent. It is also used in water purification (in sand filters) and in the production of synthetic fuels. Coal tar, coal gas, and ammonia are also coal products but are not directly used in steel making. Coke is the solid residue left after destructive distillation of coal.
Q48. The term ‘fossil fuel’ is used because these resources are:
The term ‘fossil fuel’ refers to fuels that are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals (fossils) over millions of years. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are all fossil fuels because they originated from the buried remains of organisms. They are not just “dug out” or “found near fossils.”
Q49. Which of these is a step towards conserving petrol/diesel while driving?
All of these are steps that help conserve petrol and diesel while driving. Regular maintenance ensures efficient engine performance, switching off the engine at red lights reduces idling fuel consumption, and correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency. These are simple practices promoted by PCRA.
Q50. Petrochemicals are important because they are used to make:
Petrochemicals are used to make fertilizers (like urea), synthetic fibres (like polyester, nylon), and plastics (like polyethylene, PVC). They are also used in making medicines, paints, detergents, and many other products. Petrochemicals are essential to modern industry and daily life.