Q43 · UPPSC Prelims 2025 · Set A · General Studies

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Which of the following gasses is/are lighter than air?1.Hydrogen chloride2.Sulfur dioxide3.HeliumSelect the correct answer from the code given below:

A 1 and 2
B Only 3
C 2 and 3
D Only 1

Correct answer: (b) Only 3

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2

    1 and 2. HCl and SO2 are both denser than air.

  2. B

    Only 3

    Only 3. Helium is lighter than air. Hydrogen chloride and sulphur dioxide are heavier.

  3. C

    2 and 3

    2 and 3. SO2 is heavier than air.

  4. D

    Only 1

    Only 1. HCl is heavier than air.

Summary. Official key is (b) only 3. Among the three, only helium is lighter than air. Also note: Air ~29 u — Average molar mass of dry air; He = 4 u — Second-lightest element; balloons; HCl = 36.5 u — Denser; fountain experiment; SO2 = 64 u — Denser; collected by upward displacement of air.