Chemistry · General Awareness

Carbon and Fossil Fuels

1,898 Questions

Review fundamental concepts regarding carbon compounds, coal distillation, and fossil fuel formation. This segment covers the chemical properties and industrial applications of natural gas and crude oil. Practicing these questions will strengthen your chemistry foundation for general science sections.

Coal distillationPetroleum formationProperties of crude oilNatural gas applications

Carbon and Fossil Fuels Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'principle' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Whenever a fire breaks out (1), the fire brigade throws water on it to cool the burning fuel to a temperature below the ignition point. The soda–acid extinguisher also works on this principle (2).
In the case of fires caused (3) by oil, sprinkling water is not effective. The oil being lighter than water always floats on the surface of the water and continews (4) to burn. In such cases the foam type fire extinguisher, containing acid and sodium bicarbonate solution, is used.
To extinguish (5) fires caused by electricity, water can not be used because this would result in electrocution of the people involved. In such cases, fire extinguisher based on carbon tetrachloride is used. The carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporises on coming in contact with the burning material. Since these (6) vapours are heavier than air, they settle on the burning material and cut off the supply of air. While using carbon tetrachloride extinguisher, it is advisable (7) to cover the mouth and nose with wet cloth to protect oneself (8) from the poisonous effect of carbon tetrachloride vapours.

  1. code

  2. theory

  3. attitude

  4. opinion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In the context of fire extinguishers, 'principle' refers to the fundamental scientific rule or theory of operation - specifically that cooling fuel below ignition point stops combustion. 'Theory' is the closest synonym for a scientific principle or underlying rule.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'extinguish' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Whenever a fire breaks out (1), the fire brigade throws water on it to cool the burning fuel to a temperature below the ignition point. The soda–acid extinguisher also works on this principle (2).
In the case of fires caused (3) by oil, sprinkling water is not effective. The oil being lighter than water always floats on the surface of the water and continews (4) to burn. In such cases the foam type fire extinguisher, containing acid and sodium bicarbonate solution, is used.
To extinguish (5) fires caused by electricity, water can not be used because this would result in electrocution of the people involved. In such cases, fire extinguisher based on carbon tetrachloride is used. The carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporises on coming in contact with the burning material. Since these (6) vapours are heavier than air, they settle on the burning material and cut off the supply of air. While using carbon tetrachloride extinguisher, it is advisable (7) to cover the mouth and nose with wet cloth to protect oneself (8) from the poisonous effect of carbon tetrachloride vapours.

  1. stop out

  2. put out

  3. lay off

  4. take off
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

To 'extinguish' a fire means to put it out completely. Among the phrasal verb options, 'put out' is the standard phrasal verb meaning to extinguish or stop a fire. 'Stop out', 'lay off', and 'take off' have different meanings.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace ‘breaks out’ as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Whenever a fire breaks out (1), the fire brigade throws water on it to cool the burning fuel to a temperature below the ignition point. The soda–acid extinguisher also works on this principle (2).
In the case of fires caused (3) by oil, sprinkling water is not effective. The oil being lighter than water always floats on the surface of the water and continews (4) to burn. In such cases the foam type fire extinguisher, containing acid and sodium bicarbonate solution, is used.
To extinguish (5) fires caused by electricity, water can not be used because this would result in electrocution of the people involved. In such cases, fire extinguisher based on carbon tetrachloride is used. The carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporises on coming in contact with the burning material. Since these (6) vapours are heavier than air, they settle on the burning material and cut off the supply of air. While using carbon tetrachloride extinguisher, it is advisable (7) to cover the mouth and nose with wet cloth to protect oneself (8) from the poisonous effect of carbon tetrachloride vapours.

  1. starts up

  2. takes place

  3. flights off

  4. escapes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'Breaks out' means to start/begin suddenly......so first option is correct.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the correct spelling of 'continews'?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Whenever a fire breaks out (1), the fire brigade throws water on it to cool the burning fuel to a temperature below the ignition point. The soda–acid extinguisher also works on this principle (2).
In the case of fires caused (3) by oil, sprinkling water is not effective. The oil being lighter than water always floats on the surface of the water and continews (4) to burn. In such cases the foam type fire extinguisher, containing acid and sodium bicarbonate solution, is used.
To extinguish (5) fires caused by electricity, water can not be used because this would result in electrocution of the people involved. In such cases, fire extinguisher based on carbon tetrachloride is used. The carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporises on coming in contact with the burning material. Since these (6) vapours are heavier than air, they settle on the burning material and cut off the supply of air. While using carbon tetrachloride extinguisher, it is advisable (7) to cover the mouth and nose with wet cloth to protect oneself (8) from the poisonous effect of carbon tetrachloride vapours.

  1. continual

  2. continuous

  3. continues

  4. conteneus
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The word 'continews' in the passage is a spelling error. In the context 'oil continues to burn', the correct spelling is 'continues' - the third person singular present tense of the verb 'continue'. 'Continual' and 'continuous' are adjectives, not verbs.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'these' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Whenever a fire breaks out (1), the fire brigade throws water on it to cool the burning fuel to a temperature below the ignition point. The soda–acid extinguisher also works on this principle (2).
In the case of fires caused (3) by oil, sprinkling water is not effective. The oil being lighter than water always floats on the surface of the water and continews (4) to burn. In such cases the foam type fire extinguisher, containing acid and sodium bicarbonate solution, is used.
To extinguish (5) fires caused by electricity, water can not be used because this would result in electrocution of the people involved. In such cases, fire extinguisher based on carbon tetrachloride is used. The carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporises on coming in contact with the burning material. Since these (6) vapours are heavier than air, they settle on the burning material and cut off the supply of air. While using carbon tetrachloride extinguisher, it is advisable (7) to cover the mouth and nose with wet cloth to protect oneself (8) from the poisonous effect of carbon tetrachloride vapours.

  1. fire extinguisher

  2. water

  3. carbon tetrachloride

  4. burning material
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'these vapours' appears immediately after explaining that carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporizes. 'These' is a demonstrative adjective referring back to the carbon tetrachloride vapours just mentioned. Option C correctly identifies the antecedent.

Multiple choice

Which of the following could replace 'advisable' as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable option according to the corresponding number in the passage.

Whenever a fire breaks out (1), the fire brigade throws water on it to cool the burning fuel to a temperature below the ignition point. The soda–acid extinguisher also works on this principle (2).
In the case of fires caused (3) by oil, sprinkling water is not effective. The oil being lighter than water always floats on the surface of the water and continews (4) to burn. In such cases the foam type fire extinguisher, containing acid and sodium bicarbonate solution, is used.
To extinguish (5) fires caused by electricity, water can not be used because this would result in electrocution of the people involved. In such cases, fire extinguisher based on carbon tetrachloride is used. The carbon tetrachloride liquid vaporises on coming in contact with the burning material. Since these (6) vapours are heavier than air, they settle on the burning material and cut off the supply of air. While using carbon tetrachloride extinguisher, it is advisable (7) to cover the mouth and nose with wet cloth to protect oneself (8) from the poisonous effect of carbon tetrachloride vapours.

  1. unwise

  2. learnt

  3. sensible

  4. compulsory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the context, 'advisable' means it's a good idea or recommendation to use a wet cloth for protection. 'Sensible' is the closest synonym because it means showing good judgment or practical wisdom. 'Compulsory' means mandatory, 'unwise' is the opposite, and 'learnt' is grammatically incorrect as an adjective here.

Multiple choice

What is the full form of LPG?

  1. Light petrol gas

  2. Liquid petrol gas

  3. Liquefied petroleum gas

  4. Liquefied piped gas

  5. Liquid phosphorus gas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, the full form of the LPG is liquefied petroleum gas.

Multiple choice

Which of the following plays an important part in the formation of coal?

  1. Starch of plants

  2. Chlorophyll of plants

  3. Gum and resins of plants

  4. Cellulose of plants

  5. Sucrose of the plants
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The cellulose of the plants is acted upon by bacteria, which removes the hydrogen and oxygen from the cellulose, leaving a residue rich in carbon which is known as coal.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements about natural gas is false?

  1. Natural gas is a fossil fuel.

  2. The energy obtained is in the form of solar energy.

  3. Natural gas consists primarily of carbon-monoxide.

  4. Natural gas is found in deep underground rock formations.

  5. Natural gas can be used to produce hydrogen.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Natural gas is a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a natural gas liquid?

  1. <font size="2">Methane</font>

  2. Ethane

  3. Butane

  4. Propane
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) are hydrocarbons that condense out of natural gas during processing. Methane (CH4) is the lightest alkane and remains gaseous at standard temperature and pressure, unlike ethane, propane, and butane which can be liquefied. Therefore methane is not classified as an NGL.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a type of crude oil?

  1. Paraffin base

  2. Asphatic base

  3. Mixed base

  4. Sulphur base
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Crude oil is classified into three main types based on composition: paraffin base (high paraffin wax), naphthenic/asphaltic base (high asphalt content), and mixed base (intermediate). There is no "sulphur base" classification. While crude oils can be sour (high sulfur) or sweet (low sulfur), sulfur content is a property, not a classification base.

Multiple choice

The process of conversion of higher molecular weight hydrocarbon into lower molecular weight hydrocarbon is called

  1. cracking

  2. isomerisation

  3. aromatisation

  4. cyclisation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Cracking is the petroleum refining process that breaks larger, higher molecular weight hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, lower molecular weight molecules. This is done through thermal cracking (heat) or catalytic cracking (catalysts). Isomerisation rearranges molecular structure, aromatisation creates aromatic rings, and cyclisation forms ring structures - none of these reduce molecular weight like cracking does.

Multiple choice

Which is not the third generation petrochemical?

  1. Synthetic rubber

  2. Plasticisers

  3. Resins

  4. Natural gas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Third-generation petrochemicals are the final products derived from basic petrochemicals, such as synthetic rubber, plasticisers, and resins. Natural gas is a raw fossil fuel feedstock used to produce petrochemicals, not a petrochemical product itself. Therefore, it is not considered any generation of petrochemical.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements;

  1. Oil and grease help to reduce friction.
  2. The substance, which reduces friction, is a lubricant.
  3. Shoes and tyres are formed to reduce friction.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Only 1 and 2

  4. Only 1 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. Oil and grease help to reduce friction and increase the movability. Statement 2 is also correct. A lubricant is a substance introduced to reduce friction between moving surfaces. Statement 3 is incorrect. Shoes and tyres are formed to increase the friction.