Which of the following is used as a drying agent (dehydrating agent)? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Explanation:
Ostwald process: Catalytic oxidation of NH₃ with air over a platinum-rhodium gauze catalyst at ~800°C to form NO, then NO₂, finally absorbed in water to give HNO₃. Fe is Haber catalyst for NH₃. V₂O₅ is for SO₂ oxidation. Ni for hydrogenation. Pt-Rh alloy gauze provides high surface area and mechanical strength, reducing cost. Nitric acid is used in fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), explosives, and nitration.

Explanation:
Ernest Rutherford is generally credited with the discovery of the proton in 1919 through the nuclear reaction: ¹⁴N + α particle → ¹⁷O + proton. Eugen Goldstein earlier observed canal rays (positive rays) which were later identified as protons by Rutherford. Thomson discovered electron, Chadwick neutron. So Rutherford is the accepted discoverer.

Explanation:
Boron trifluoride (BF₃) has covalent bonds where boron shares three electrons with three fluorine atoms. Although BF₃ can accept a lone pair to form coordinate bonds (as in BF₄⁻), its own bonds are polar covalent. Ionic bonding occurs between metal and non-metal.