UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 86
Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Heptachlor
- Mercury
- Lead
- Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Poorly disposed electronics can release beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury and lead; heptachlor and plutonium are not typical computer e-waste constituents.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Beryllium can be present in electronic connectors and component alloys.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Cadmium may be found in older batteries and electronic components.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Chromium compounds occur in metal finishes and corrosion-resistant parts.
Statement/Item 4: Incorrect - Heptachlor is an organochlorine pesticide, not a characteristic computer component.
Statement/Item 5: Correct - Mercury may occur in switches and older displays/lighting components.
Statement/Item 6: Correct - Lead can be present in solder and cathode-ray tube glass.
Statement/Item 7: Incorrect - Plutonium is a radioactive nuclear material, not ordinary computer e-waste.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes false items 4, 7 and excludes true items 2, 5.
B: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.
C: Incorrect - includes false items 4, 7 and excludes true items 1, 3, 6.
D: Incorrect - includes false items 4, 7.