2000 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies
Question 112: Science and Technology
A small pouch containing silica gel is often found in bottles of medicine in tablet or powder form because silica gel
akills bacteria
bkills germs and spores
cabsorbs moisture
dabsorbs all gases present inside the bottle
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Silica gel is a porous form of silicon dioxide that adsorbs water vapour from the air. A sachet of it inside a medicine bottle keeps the tablets or powder dry, since moisture could spoil the medicine or make it clump. It does not kill germs or absorb all gases, only moisture.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Silica gel does not kill bacteria.
- (b) Silica gel does not kill germs or spores.
- (c) Right: silica gel absorbs moisture.
- (d) Silica gel takes up water vapour, not all gases.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.