Which of the following detergents is non-biodegradable? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Which of the following detergents is non-biodegradable?
A. Soap
B. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)
C. Sodium lauryl sulfate
D. Branched alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS)
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Detergents with branched hydrocarbon chains (ABS) resist bacterial degradation and persist in water bodies causing foam and pollution. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are biodegradable and preferred. Soap is biodegradable but forms scum with hard water. Sodium lauryl sulfate is used in shampoos and is biodegradable. Environmental regulations now mandate the use of linear chain detergents.

Discuss this Question (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!

Practice More chemistry Questions

Question #1
A solution with a pH of 2 is how many times more acidic than a solution with a pH of 5?
A. 1000 times
B. 10 times
C. 3 times
D. 100 times

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
pH difference = 3 units. Since pH is logarithmic (base 10), [H⁺] ratio = 10³ = 1000. So pH 2 solution has 1000 times greater H⁺ concentration, making it 1000 times more acidic.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry
Question #2
The ore of mercury is:
A. Galena
B. Cinnabar
C. Bauxite
D. Magnetite

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Cinnabar is HgS, the chief ore of mercury. Bauxite (Al), galena (Pb), magnetite (Fe). Mercury is extracted by roasting cinnabar in air: HgS + O₂ → Hg + SO₂.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry
Question #3
The valency of nitrogen in NO₂ is:
A. 5
B. 3
C. 2
D. 4

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
In NO₂, each oxygen has valency 2; with two oxygens, total combining capacity = 4. Thus nitrogen's covalency is 4. The structure involves a coordinate bond. Oxidation state of N is +4. Valency is number of bonds formed: N forms two single bonds and one coordinate bond with O, total 4 bonds. In NO, valency is 2.

This question belongs to: Science chemistry