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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1998
Health & Medicine
Question No. 339Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q339. Which one of the following metals does not form an amalgam?

Which one of the following metals does not form an amalgam?

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1998 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Iron

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with one or more other metals. Iron (Fe), along with platinum, tungsten, and tantalum, does not form an amalgam with mercury due to its extremely low solubility and lack of reactivity with mercury. For this reason, mercury is typically stored and transported in iron flasks.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Mercury is conventionally stored in iron containers because iron does not react with or dissolve in mercury to form an amalgam.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1998 (Q339)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Iron

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1998 Q339

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1998 GS Paper I Question 339 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1998 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (D): "Iron". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1998 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Mercury is conventionally stored in iron containers because iron does not react with or dissolve in mercury to form an amalgam.

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