Q20 · UPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Consider the following:1.Aerosols2.Foam agents3.Fire retardants4.Lubricants In the making ofhow many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

A Only one
B Only two
C Only three
D All four

Correct answer: (c) Only three

Explanation

  1. A

    Only one

    Only one. HFCs appear in more than one of the listed uses.

  2. B

    Only two

    Only two. Aerosols, foam blowing and fire suppression all use HFCs.

  3. C

    Only three

    Only three. Aerosols, foam agents and fire retardants / suppression. Lubricants are not an HFC use-class here.

  4. D

    All four

    All four. Lubricants are oils, not HFC applications in this listing.

Summary. Official key is (c) only three. Hydrofluorocarbons replaced CFCs in aerosols, foam blowing and some fire-extinguishing systems. They are refrigerants too. They are not used as lubricants, so four is too many.