Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — Liquid sodium is employed as a coolant in nuclear reactors.
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Option (a) is correct: Liquid sodium possesses high thermal conductivity, a wide liquid range, and low neutron capture cross-section, making it an ideal coolant in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
- Option (b) is incorrect: While calcium carbonate can act as a mild abrasive in some pastes, standard formulations use various abrasives (silica, hydrated alumina), and it is not uniquely definitive compared to the direct application in (a).
- Option (c) is incorrect: Bordeaux mixture is an effective fungicide composed of copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄) and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂), not sodium sulphate.
- Option (d) is incorrect: Dental amalgams are alloys of mercury with silver, tin, and copper; zinc amalgams are used chemically as reducing agents (e.g., Clemmensen reduction), not for dental fillings.
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