Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry (Science and Technology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1996Science and Technology · Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Q1. Which one of the following elements is alloyed with iron to produce steel which can resist high temperatures and also have high hardness and abrasion resistance?
Explanation
Option (b) is correct: Chromium is added to iron to produce stainless steel and other high-performance alloys. It provides resistance to oxidation and high temperatures while also increasing hardness and abrasion resistance. Chromium’s ability to form a protective oxide layer makes it essential for producing steel that can withstand harsh conditions. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
Aluminium is used for lightweight and corrosion-resistant alloys but not for high-temperature or abrasion resistance. Nickel primarily enhances toughness and corrosion resistance but does not directly improve abrasion resistance as much as chromium. Tungsten contributes to high-temperature strength and wear resistance, especially in tool steels, but chromium is the primary alloying element for the application.
UPSC 1996Science and Technology · Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Q2. Which one of the following is not an essential micronutrient for plants?
Explanation
Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in very small quantities (typically less than 100 mg/ kg of plant dry matter). Despite their minimal requirement, these nutrients play a critical role in various physiological and biochemical processes necessary for plant growth and development. Sodium is not considered an essential micronutrient for most plants. It may play a role in some specific plants, such as C₄ plants, but it is not universally required as a micronutrient. Other important micronutrients are Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Chlorine (Cl), Nickel (Ni).
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1996
(b) Chromium
2
1996
(c) Sodium
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry (Science and Technology), asked from 1996 to 2008. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry?
Questions on Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry (Science and Technology) are available for 11 years, from 1996 to 2008. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
