UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 41
With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :
- Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
- Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
- Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
- Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A (1 and 3)
Explanation: PET is a recyclable polyester used in fibres and bottles; it is not universally suitable for all alcoholic contents and burning it releases greenhouse gases.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. True / qualifies - Polyester/PET fibres are blended with cotton or wool for strength and wear performance.
2. False / does not qualify - PET is not compatible with every alcoholic drink and storage condition; barriers and migration limits matter.
3. True / qualifies - Used PET bottles can be mechanically or chemically recycled into new materials.
4. False / does not qualify - Incinerating this carbon-based polymer produces CO₂ and other emissions.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Correct-selects exactly the correct statements/items identified above.
B. Incorrect-includes 2 even though PET is not compatible with every alcoholic drink and storage condition; barriers and migration limits matter.; includes 4 even though Incinerating this carbon-based polymer produces CO₂ and other emissions.; omits 1 even though Polyester/PET fibres are blended with cotton or wool for strength and wear performance.; omits 3 even though Used PET bottles can be mechanically or chemically recycled into new materials.
C. Incorrect-includes 4 even though Incinerating this carbon-based polymer produces CO₂ and other emissions.; omits 3 even though Used PET bottles can be mechanically or chemically recycled into new materials.
D. Incorrect-includes 2 even though PET is not compatible with every alcoholic drink and storage condition; barriers and migration limits matter.; omits 1 even though Polyester/PET fibres are blended with cotton or wool for strength and wear performance.