1995 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 117: Environment and Ecology

Which one of the following fuels causes minimum environmental pollution?

aDiesel
bCoal
cHydrogen
dKerosene

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Hydrogen burns to form only water, so it produces no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot or sulphur dioxide. Diesel, coal and kerosene are fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide and pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and particles. Its drawbacks are cost and the difficulty of storing it, not pollution. Remember: hydrogen is the clean fuel.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Diesel gives out soot, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.
  • (b) Coal gives out ash, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide.
  • (c) Right: hydrogen.
  • (d) Kerosene releases carbon dioxide and some smoke.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.