2004 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies

Question 129: Science and Technology

Salts of which of the following elements provide colours to fireworks?

aZinc and sulphur
bPotassium and mercury
cStrontium and barium
dChromium and nickel

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Strontium salts give red flames and barium salts give green, so they are the colouring agents in fireworks. Potassium salts are in fireworks mainly as oxidisers. The other elements named are not the standard colourants. Remember: red from strontium, green from barium, blue from copper, yellow from sodium.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Zinc and sulphur are not the usual colourants.
  • (b) Potassium is an oxidiser and mercury is not used for colour.
  • (c) Correct: strontium (red) and barium (green).
  • (d) Chromium and nickel are not the usual colourants.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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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.