2004 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies
Question 127: Science and Technology
Standard 18-carat gold sold in the market contains
a82 parts gold and 18 parts other metals
b15 parts gold and 82 parts other metals
c18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals
d9 parts gold and 15 parts other metals
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Pure gold is 24 carat. 18-carat gold has 18 parts gold in 24, which is 75 per cent, so the other 6 parts are other metals, usually copper and silver, added for hardness. Remember: carat divided by 24 gives the share of gold.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 82 parts gold is a percentage, not a carat ratio.
- (b) 15 and 82 parts do not add to 24.
- (c) Correct: 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.
- (d) 9 and 15 parts give 9/24 gold, about 9 carat.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.