Question

Which of the following is Indian saltpetre?

• A. \(NaNO_3\)
• B. \(KNO_3\)
• C. \(CsNO_3\)
• D. \(Mg(NO_3)_2\)

Hint:

Important common names: \[ KNO_3 \rightarrow \text{Indian saltpetre} \] \[ NaNO_3 \rightarrow \text{Chile saltpetre} \] \[ Na_2CO_3\cdot 10H_2O \rightarrow \text{Washing soda} \] \[ CaOCl_2 \rightarrow \text{Bleaching powder} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall common names of nitrate salts.
NaNO\(_3\) = Chile saltpetre (mined in Chile). KNO\(_3\) = Indian saltpetre or saltpetre (historically mined in India). These names are standard mnemonics in p-block chemistry.

Step 2: Identify the answer.
Indian saltpetre = KNO\(_3\). \[ oxed{KNO_3} \]