1999 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 109: Science and Technology

Match List I (Naturally occurring substances) with List II (Elements) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Diamond II. Marble III. Sand IV. Ruby List II A) Calcium B) Silicon C) Aluminium D) Carbon Codes:

aI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
bI-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
cI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
dI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Diamond is pure carbon. Marble is calcium carbonate, so it is matched with calcium. Sand is mainly silica (silicon dioxide), matched with silicon. Ruby is aluminium oxide with traces of chromium, matched with aluminium. Remember: diamond means carbon, marble means calcium, sand means silicon, ruby means aluminium.

  • I. Diamond - carbon (D).
  • II. Marble - calcium, as calcium carbonate (A).
  • III. Sand - silicon, as silica (B).
  • IV. Ruby - aluminium, as aluminium oxide (C).
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Gives diamond aluminium and ruby carbon.
  • (b) Wrong. Gives marble silicon and sand calcium.
  • (c) Wrong. Gives diamond silicon, sand aluminium and ruby carbon.
  • (d) Right. Diamond-Carbon, Marble-Calcium, Sand-Silicon, Ruby-Aluminium.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.