Q1. Stainless steel contains which of the following ?
(a) Aluminium and Zinc
(b) Chromium and Carbon
(c) Zinc and Mercury
(d) Copper and Cadmium
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) Chromium and Carbon
Explanation: Stainless steel is an alloy primarily made of iron, chromium, and carbon, where chromium provides corrosion resistance and carbon adds strength.
Q2. What is mainly obtained from bauxite ?
(a) Copper
(b) Aluminium
(c) Iron
(d) Gold
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) Aluminium
Explanation: Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium, and is processed to extract alumina, which is then refined into aluminium metal.
Q3. The process by which metal surface is coated with thin layer of zinc is called
(a) Vulcanising
(b) Galvanising
(c) Electroplating
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Galvanising is the process of coating iron or steel with a thin layer of zinc to prevent rusting. It provides corrosion resistance and is widely used in construction and manufacturing.
Q4. Khetri, Kolar, Sindri and Jharia are associated with
(a) Copper, gold, fertilisers and coal
(b) Copper, gold, coal and iron
(c) Copper, gold, coal and gypsum
(d) Iron, gold, coal and copper
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Khetri is known for copper
- Kolar for gold
- Sindri for fertiliser production
- Jharia for coal mining
These locations are key to India’s mineral and industrial economy.
Q5. The common ore of aluminium is
(a) Bauxite
(b) Chromite
(c) Cryolite
(d) Monazite
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (a) Bauxite
Explanation: Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium, containing hydrated aluminium oxides. It is processed through the Bayer method to extract alumina, which is then converted into aluminium metal.
Q6. Arrange the following in the decreasing order of their carbon content
I. Cast iron
II. Wrought iron
III. Steel
(a) I, II, III
(b) II, I, III
(c) III, II, I
(d) I, III, II
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) I, III, II
Explanation: Cast iron has the highest carbon content, followed by steel, and then wrought iron, which has the least carbon. The carbon content affects their hardness, brittleness, and melting points.
Q7. Assertion: Galvanised iron pipes do not rust easily.
Reason: Zinc has a higher rate of oxidation than iron.
(a) If both A and R are true but R is not the reason for A
(b) If both A and R are true but R is the reason for A
(c) If neither A nor R is correct
(d) If A is correct but R is wrong
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (b) If both A and R are true but R is the reason for A
Explanation: Galvanisation involves coating iron with zinc, which oxidizes first, protecting the iron beneath. Thus, both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason explains the assertion.
Q8. Which of the following is not an alloy?
(a) Bronze
(b) Brass
(c) Steel
(d) Zinc
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) Zinc
Explanation:
An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals.
- Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin
- Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc
- Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon
Zinc, however, is a pure element, not a mixture, and hence not an alloy.
Q9. Iron ore mines are located in which of the following group of places ?
(a) Bokaro, Balaghat, Hazaribagh
(b) Singhbhum, Monghyr, Singareni
(c) Jharia, Raniganj, Wardha
(d) Singhbhum, Mayurbhani, Keonihar
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) Singhbhum, Mayurbhani, Keonihar
Explanation: Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Mayurbhani and Keonjhar (Odisha) are rich in iron ore deposits. These regions are part of the Chotanagpur Plateau, known for its mineral wealth, especially hematite and magnetite ores.
10. Match List I with List II
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| (a) Argentite | (1) Copper |
| (b) Bauxite | (2) Iron |
| (c) Haematite | (3) Aluminium |
| (d) Cuprite | (4) Silver |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| a | b | c | d | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| (B) | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| (C) | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| (D) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Argentite is an ore of silver. Bauxite is the principal ore of aluminium. Haematite is a major source of iron. Cuprite is an ore of copper.
Thus, the correct sequence identifying the metal extracted from each ore is 4321.
Q11. Which of the following States produces maximum quantity of lignite ?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Jammu & Kashmir
(d) Tamil Nadu
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu, especially the Neyveli region, is the largest producer of lignite in India. Lignite is a low-grade brown coal used primarily for power generation.
12. Match the columns:
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| A. Glass | 1. Phosphorus |
| B. Match | 2. Sodium chloride |
| C. Fertiliser | 3. Sodium silicate |
| D. Salt | 4. Potassium sulphate |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| (b) | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| (c) | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| (d) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Glass is manufactured using sodium silicate (A–2).
A matchstick head contains phosphorus (B–3).
Fertilisers commonly include potassium sulphate (C–1).
Salt is chemically known as sodium chloride (D–4).
Hence, the correct matching sequence is 2314.
Q13. Chemical composition of pearl is
(a) Calcium carbonate
(b) Calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate
(c) Calcium sulphate
(d) Calcium chloride
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) Calcium carbonate
Explanation: Pearls are primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), secreted by mollusks in layers around an irritant. This crystalline structure gives pearls their lustrous appearance and durability.
