Which of the following detergents is non-biodegradable? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Which of the following detergents is non-biodegradable?
A. Soap
B. Sodium lauryl sulfate
C. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)
D. Branched alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS)
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Detergents with branched hydrocarbon chains (ABS) resist bacterial degradation and persist in water bodies causing foam and pollution. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are biodegradable and preferred. Soap is biodegradable but forms scum with hard water. Sodium lauryl sulfate is used in shampoos and is biodegradable. Environmental regulations now mandate the use of linear chain detergents.

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Question #1
The bond in HF is:
A. Non-polar covalent
B. Ionic
C. Coordinate
D. Polar covalent

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
HF has a polar covalent bond due to large electronegativity difference between H (2.1) and F (4.0), causing unequal sharing. It is not ionic because the difference is not extreme enough (>1.7 is typical but borderline). The bond is polar.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry
Question #2
Which of the following metals reacts with cold water?
A. Copper
B. Iron
C. Sodium
D. Silver

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The reactivity of metals with water depends on their position in the reactivity series. Sodium and potassium are highly reactive alkali metals that react vigorously and exothermically with cold water to form hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Iron reacts only with steam, while copper and silver do not react with water.

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Question #3
The catalyst used in the hydrogenation of oils is:
A. Nickel
B. Platinum
C. Vanadium pentoxide
D. Iron

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Nickel (finely divided) catalyzes the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated vegetable oils to form solid vanaspati ghee. It provides surface for reaction. Platinum and palladium also work but are expensive. Iron is used in Haber process. V₂O₅ in Contact process.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry