Question 1

Which salt is commonly used in the purification of drinking water to remove suspended impurities?

Accepted Answer

Potash Alum. Potash Alum is used for purification because it helps in the coagulation of suspended particles. It carries a positive charge that neutralizes the negative charge of clay particles. This salt is also chemically known as Potassium Aluminum Sulfate.

Question 2

What is the chemical name of the salt used to make bread and cakes soft and spongy?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate releases carbon dioxide gas when heated, which creates bubbles in the dough. This process causes the bread or cake to rise and become light. It is more commonly known in households as baking soda.

Question 3

Which of the following salts is used as a dehydrating agent in the preservation of meat and fish?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Chloride. Sodium Chloride preserves food by drawing out moisture through the process of osmosis. By reducing the water content, it prevents the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. This common salt has been used for food preservation since ancient times.

Question 4

The salt used by doctors to set fractured bones and in making decorative statues is?

Accepted Answer

Plaster of Paris. Plaster of Paris is the correct choice because it hardens into a solid mass when mixed with water. Chemically, it is Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate. It must be stored in moisture-proof containers to prevent it from turning into Gypsum.

Question 5

Which salt is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of glass, soap, and paper?

Accepted Answer

Sodium Carbonate. Sodium Carbonate is widely used in these industries as a flux and cleaning agent. It is often referred to as washing soda or soda ash in industrial contexts. This salt is mainly produced on a large scale via the Solvay process.

Important Salts — Set 1