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 2008Science and Technology · Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Q1. What are Rubies and Sapphires chemically known as?
Explanation
Option (b) is correct: Rubies and sapphires are both varieties of the mineral corundum, which is chemically known as aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). The difference between rubies and sapphires lies in the trace elements present in them. Rubies get their red color from the presence of trace amounts of chromium. Sapphires can come in various colors, but they are typically blue due to trace amounts of iron and titanium. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is the chemical compound for quartz, Lead tetroxide (Pb₄O₆) is a compound containing lead and oxygen and Boron nitride (BN) is a compound of boron and nitrogen. All three are not related to rubies or sapphires.
UPSC 2008Science and Technology · Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Q2. Which one of the following is also called Stranger Gas?
Explanation
Option (c) is correct: Xenon: Approximately 0.0000087% of Earth’s atmosphere, known as "stranger gas" due to its unusual behavior among noble gases. Unlike other noble gases, xenon can form compounds with other elements, such as xenon fluorides. It is used in high-intensity discharge lamps and flash lamps for bright illumination, explored as an anesthetic agent and in imaging techniques for the brain, heart, and lungs, and utilized in ion propulsion systems for satellites, contributing to efficient space travel. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:
Argon (Ar): Approximately 0.934% of Earth’s atmosphere, used in welding to create an inert atmosphere, in incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs to protect filaments from oxidation, and has potential as a neuroprotectant in medical applications. Neon: Neon (Ne) makes up about 0.0018% of Earth’s atmosphere. It is known for its use in neon signs that emit a reddish-orange glow. Neon is also used in lasers with helium to create specific light wavelengths. It helps detect leaks by identifying trace gases and is used as a cryogenic material for preserving biological specimens. Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), also called laughing gas, is colorless, odorless, and non-flammable. It has anesthetic properties and is used for minor surgeries and dental procedures. In the culinary field, it is used in whipped cream dispensers. In racing, it enhances engine power by allowing more fuel to burn, improving performance.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2008
(b) Aluminium oxide
2
2008
(c) Xenon
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.
