UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I
Question 60: Science and Technology
With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements :
- 1.It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
- 2.It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
- 3.It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
All three are correct. Green hydrogen, made by electrolysis of water with renewable power, can be burned directly in internal combustion engines and turbines. It can be blended with natural gas in pipelines for heat and power. It also feeds hydrogen fuel cells, which run vehicles by combining hydrogen with oxygen to give electricity and water.
- 1. Hydrogen can fuel internal combustion engines.
- 2. It can be blended with natural gas for heat and power.
- 3. It powers fuel-cell vehicles.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Only one undercounts the valid uses.
- (b) Only two undercounts; all three uses are valid.
- (c) Correct: combustion, blending and fuel cells are all valid uses.
- (d) Green hydrogen has all these uses, so not none.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.