UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies

Question 27: Science and Technology

Which one of the following was used as a chemical weapon in the First World War?

aCarbon monoxide

bHydrogen cyanide

cMustard gas

dWater gas

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Mustard gas (sulphur mustard) was used by Germany at Ypres in 1917 and became one of the most feared chemical weapons of the First World War. It blistered skin, eyes and lungs, and lingered in the soil. Chlorine and phosgene were also used. Carbon monoxide, water gas and hydrogen cyanide were not standard battlefield weapons.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Carbon monoxide disperses too quickly in open air to work as a battlefield gas.
(b) Hydrogen cyanide was tried in small amounts but was too light to be a standard weapon.
(c) Right: mustard gas was used in the First World War.
(d) Water gas is a fuel gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.