Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): In expensive scientific instruments, silica gel is kept in watch-glasses or in semipermeable membrane bags.
Reason (R): Silica gel adsorbs moisture from air via adsorption, thus protects the instrument from water corrosion (rusting) and/or prevents malfunctioning.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A is false but (R) is true
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• C. A is true but (R) is false
• D. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Hint:

Silica gel is used as a desiccant in a variety of applications, including in scientific instruments, to maintain a dry environment and prevent moisture damage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the accuracy of the assertion and the reason given in the question, let's analyze them systematically.

1. Assertion (A): In expensive scientific instruments, silica gel is kept in watch-glasses or in semipermeable membrane bags.
   • This statement is true. Silica gel is often used in scientific instruments because it effectively absorbs moisture from the air. It's commonly stored in watch-glasses or semi-permeable membrane bags to maintain a dry environment inside the instruments.
2. Reason (R): Silica gel adsorbs moisture from air via adsorption, thus protects the instrument from water corrosion (rusting) and/or prevents malfunctioning.
   • This statement is also true. Silica gel works by adsorbing moisture from the environment, thus reducing humidity and the likelihood of corrosion or malfunction due to moisture accumulation. The process of adsorption makes it an excellent desiccant.
3. Correlation:
   • Both (A) and (R) are true. Additionally, (R) is the correct explanation of (A). The reason specifies the mechanism of silica gel preventing moisture-related problems in instruments, which supports the statement in the assertion about the use of silica gel in scientific instruments.

Thus, the correct answer is that both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).