Q1. Which non-metal is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that makes up approximately 78% of Earth’s atmosphere?
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Hydrogen
d) Carbon dioxide
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Correct Answer: b) Nitrogen
Explanation: Nitrogen (N2) is a diatomic molecule and one of the most abundant non-metal elements on Earth. It exists as a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas in its molecular form and makes up approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere by volume. Nitrogen is essential for life as it is a component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. It is also used in various industrial processes, such as the production of ammonia for fertilizers, as a protective gas in food packaging, and as a coolant in cryogenic applications.
Q2. Which non-metal is a yellowish-brown, pungent gas with the chemical formula SO2 and is produced primarily by the burning of fossil fuels?
a) Oxygen
b) Sulfur dioxide
c) Hydrogen sulfide
d) Nitrogen dioxide
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Correct Answer: b) Sulfur dioxide
Explanation: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a non-metal compound gas with a pungent odor and a yellowish-brown color. It is produced primarily by the burning of fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities, such as coal and oil, as well as volcanic eruptions. Sulfur dioxide is a major air pollutant and can contribute to acid rain formation, smog, and respiratory issues when present in high concentrations. Industrially, sulfur dioxide is used in the production of sulfuric acid, bleaching agents, and preservatives.
Q3. Which non-metal is a reddish-brown gas with the chemical formula NO2 and is a component of air pollution and smog?
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Carbon monoxide
d) Nitrogen dioxide
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Correct Answer: d) Nitrogen dioxide
Explanation: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas and a major component of air pollution and smog. It is formed through the combustion of fossil fuels at high temperatures, such as those in vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes. Nitrogen dioxide contributes to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and environmental damage, including the formation of acid rain and photochemical smog. It is regulated as a criteria air pollutant due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Q4. Which non-metal is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula CO2 and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle and photosynthesis?
a) Carbon monoxide
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Methane
d) Nitrous oxide
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Correct Answer: b) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a non-metal compound gas that is colorless, odorless, and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle and photosynthesis. It is produced through natural processes such as respiration, volcanic eruptions, and decomposition, as well as human activities such as combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation. Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis in plants, where it is converted into organic compounds and oxygen with the help of sunlight. It is also a greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change when present in high concentrations in the atmosphere.
Q5. Which non-metal is a toxic, colorless gas with the chemical formula H2S and is commonly associated with the smell of rotten eggs?
a) Hydrogen peroxide
b) Hydrogen sulfide
c) Sulfur dioxide
d) Nitric oxide
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Correct Answer: b) Hydrogen sulfide
Explanation: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic, colorless gas with a characteristic smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. It is produced naturally by the decay of organic matter containing sulfur compounds and is found in volcanic gases, natural gas deposits, and sewage systems. Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and even death at high concentrations. It is also flammable and poses a risk of fire or explosion in certain conditions.
Q6. Which non-metal is a colorless gas with the chemical formula NH3 and is commonly used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content?
a) Nitrous oxide
b) Nitric acid
c) Ammonia
d) Nitrogen gas
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Correct Answer: c) Ammonia
Explanation: Ammonia (NH3) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is commonly used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content. It is produced industrially through the Haber-Bosch process, which combines nitrogen from the air and hydrogen derived from natural gas or petroleum under high pressure and temperature. Ammonia is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is applied to soils to enhance crop yields. It is also used in various industrial processes, such as the production of fertilizers, explosives, and cleaning agents.
Q7. Which non-metal is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula O3 and is found in the Earth’s stratosphere where it forms the ozone layer?
a) Oxygen
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Ozone
d) Nitrogen
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Correct Answer: c) Ozone
Explanation: Ozone (O3) is a non-metal compound gas that is a triatomic form of oxygen. It is a colorless gas with a distinct pungent odor and is found in the Earth’s stratosphere, where it forms the ozone layer. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface. Ozone is produced naturally through the interaction of ultraviolet radiation with oxygen molecules in the stratosphere. However, human activities, such as the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have led to ozone depletion, resulting in the formation of the ozone hole.
Q8. Which non-metal is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula CH4 and is the main component of natural gas?
a) Methane
b) Ethylene
c) Propane
d) Butane
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Correct Answer: a) Methane
Explanation: Methane (CH4) is a non-metal compound gas and the main component of natural gas. It is a colorless, odorless gas with a slightly sweet odor and is highly flammable. Methane is formed naturally through anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in environments such as wetlands, landfills, and the digestive systems of animals. It is also produced through human activities such as the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels, agricultural practices, and waste management. Methane is an important energy resource used for heating, cooking, electricity generation, and as a feedstock in the production of various chemicals.
Q9. Which non-metal is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula HCl and is highly soluble in water, forming hydrochloric acid?
a) Chlorine
b) Hydrogen chloride
c) Hydrogen bromide
d) Hydrogen fluoride
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Correct Answer: b) Hydrogen chloride
Explanation: Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a non-metal compound gas that is colorless, odorless, and highly soluble in water, forming hydrochloric acid. It is produced industrially through the reaction of hydrogen gas with chlorine gas or as a byproduct of various chemical processes. Hydrogen chloride is used in the production of PVC plastics, as a precursor for organic compounds, and in the purification of metals. When dissolved in water, hydrogen chloride forms hydrochloric acid (HCl), a strong acid widely used in industrial and laboratory applications, including metal cleaning, pH regulation, and pickling of steel.
Q10. Which non-metal is a yellowish-brown, corrosive gas with the chemical formula Cl2 and is commonly used for water disinfection and bleaching?
a) Chlorine
b) Fluorine
c) Bromine
d) Iodine
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Correct Answer: a) Chlorine
Explanation: Chlorine (Cl2) is a non-metal element gas that is yellowish-brown in its gaseous form and is highly reactive and corrosive. It is commonly used for water disinfection, sanitation, and bleaching in various industries, including water treatment plants, swimming pools, and pulp and paper manufacturing. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water by disrupting their cellular structures. It is also used in the production of PVC plastics, solvents, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.