1998 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies

Question 107: Science and Technology

Which one of the following metals does not form amalgams?

aZinc
bCopper
cMagnesium
dIron

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Mercury dissolves many metals to form amalgams, including zinc, copper and magnesium, but iron does not form an amalgam with it. That is why mercury is stored and transported in iron flasks. Amalgams are used in dentistry and in extracting gold and silver from ores. Remember iron as the usual exception in this kind of question.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Zinc forms an amalgam with mercury.
  • (b) Copper forms an amalgam with mercury.
  • (c) Magnesium forms an amalgam with mercury.
  • (d) Right: iron does not form an amalgam, so mercury is carried in iron flasks.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.