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500 One-liner Chemistry Concepts for UPSC

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Part 1: Matter and Atomic Structure

  1. Father of Modern Chemistry: Antoine Lavoisier.
  2. Atom: The smallest particle of an element that takes part in a chemical reaction.
  3. Proton: Positively charged particle discovered by Goldstein (named by Rutherford).
  4. Electron: Negatively charged particle discovered by J.J. Thomson.
  5. Neutron: Neutral particle discovered by James Chadwick.
  6. Nucleus: Central part of the atom containing Protons and Neutrons (Nucleons); discovered by Rutherford.
  7. Atomic Number (Z): Equal to the number of Protons in the nucleus.
  8. Mass Number (A): Sum of Protons + Neutrons.
  9. Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with same Atomic Number but different Mass Number (e.g., C-12, C-14).
  10. Isobars: Atoms of different elements with same Mass Number but different Atomic Number (e.g., Argon and Calcium).
  11. Isotones: Atoms with the same number of neutrons.
  12. Deuterium: “Heavy Hydrogen” (D2​O is Heavy Water), used as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
  13. Tritium: Radioactive isotope of Hydrogen.
  14. Avogadro’s Number: 6.022×1023 particles (atoms/molecules) in 1 mole.
  15. Valence Electrons: Electrons in the outermost shell; they determine chemical properties.
  16. Cation: Positively charged ion (formed by loss of electrons).
  17. Anion: Negatively charged ion (formed by gain of electrons).
  18. Oxidation: Loss of electrons (LEO).
  19. Reduction: Gain of electrons (GER).
  20. Redox Reaction: A reaction where oxidation and reduction happen simultaneously.
  21. Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC): The 5th state of matter (super-cooled gas).
  22. Plasma: The 4th state of matter (super-heated ionized gas, found in stars/neon signs).
  23. Sublimation: Solid turns directly into gas (e.g., Camphor, Dry Ice, Iodine).
  24. Deposition: Gas turns directly into solid (Frost).
  25. Evaporation: Surface phenomenon occurring at any temperature below boiling point.

Part 2: Periodic Table Trends

  1. Modern Periodic Law: Properties of elements are a periodic function of their Atomic Number (Moseley).
  2. Mendeleev’s Periodic Table: Based on Atomic Mass.
  3. Periods: 7 horizontal rows.
  4. Groups: 18 vertical columns.
  5. Lightest Element: Hydrogen.
  6. Lightest Metal: Lithium (Li).
  7. Heaviest Metal (Natural): Osmium (Os) / Iridium (Ir) (Osmium is densest).
  8. Liquid Metal at Room Temp: Mercury (Hg).
  9. Liquid Non-metal at Room Temp: Bromine (Br).
  10. Most Abundant Element in Universe: Hydrogen.
  11. Most Abundant Element in Earth’s Crust: Oxygen > Silicon > Aluminum.
  12. Most Abundant Metal in Earth’s Crust: Aluminum.
  13. Most Electronegative Element: Fluorine.
  14. Highest Electron Affinity: Chlorine.
  15. Inert Gases (Noble Gases): Group 18 (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn); strictly non-reactive.
  16. Halogens: Group 17 (F, Cl, Br, I); means “Salt-formers”.
  17. Alkali Metals: Group 1 (highly reactive, stored in kerosene like Sodium).
  18. Alkaline Earth Metals: Group 2.
  19. Coinage Metals: Copper, Silver, Gold (Group 11).
  20. Strategic Metal: Titanium (used in defense/aerospace).
  21. Wolfram: Ore of Tungsten (symbol W); highest melting point among metals.

Part 3: Acids, Bases, and Salts (Very Important)

  1. Acid: Proton donor; turns Blue Litmus Red.
  2. Base: Proton acceptor; turns Red Litmus Blue.
  3. pH Scale: Measure of acidity/basicity (0 to 14).
  4. pH of Water: 7 (Neutral).
  5. pH of Blood: 7.35 – 7.45 (Slightly Alkaline).
  6. Strongest Acid: Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) or Sulphuric Acid (H2​SO4​).
  7. Aqua Regia (Royal Water): Mixture of HCl and HNO3​ (Nitric Acid) in ratio 3:1; dissolves Gold.
  8. King of Chemicals: Sulphuric Acid (H2​SO4​), used in car batteries.
  9. Vinegar: Acetic Acid (CH3​COOH).
  10. Orange/Lemon: Citric Acid.
  11. Tamarind/Grapes: Tartaric Acid.
  12. Tomato: Oxalic Acid (also used to remove ink stains).
  13. Curd/Sour Milk: Lactic Acid.
  14. Ant Sting/Bee Sting: Formic Acid (Methanoic Acid).
  15. Apple: Malic Acid.
  16. Rancid Butter: Butyric Acid.
  17. Soda Water/Soft Drinks: Carbonic Acid (H2​CO3​).
  18. Stomach Acid: Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).
  19. Milk of Magnesia: Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)2​); used as an Antacid.
  20. Caustic Soda: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH); used in soap making.
  21. Caustic Potash: Potassium Hydroxide (KOH); used in soft soaps.
  22. Quick Lime: Calcium Oxide (CaO).
  23. Slaked Lime: Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2​); used in whitewashing.
  24. Limewater: Clear solution of Calcium Hydroxide; turns milky with CO2​.

Part 4: Chemical Names of Common Substances (High Yield)

  1. Common Salt: Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
  2. Baking Soda: Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3​).
  3. Washing Soda: Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate (Na2​CO3​⋅10H2​O).
  4. Bleaching Powder: Calcium Oxychloride (CaOCl2​).
  5. Plaster of Paris (POP): Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate (CaSO4​⋅21​H2​O).
  6. Gypsum: Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate (CaSO4​⋅2H2​O); used to make POP and cement.
  7. Blue Vitriol: Copper Sulphate (CuSO4​⋅5H2​O).
  8. Green Vitriol: Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO4​).
  9. White Vitriol: Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4​).
  10. Epsom Salt: Magnesium Sulphate.
  11. Chile Saltpetre: Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3​).
  12. Indian Saltpetre: Potassium Nitrate (KNO3​); used in gunpowder/fertilizer.
  13. Laughing Gas: Nitrous Oxide (N2​O).
  14. Tear Gas: Chloroacetophenone or Chloropicrin.
  15. Dry Ice: Solid Carbon Dioxide (CO2​).
  16. Heavy Water: Deuterium Oxide (D2​O).
  17. Marsh Gas: Methane (CH4​).
  18. Producer Gas: CO + N2​.
  19. Water Gas: CO + H2​.
  20. Gammaxene: Benzene Hexachloride (BHC); an insecticide.
  21. Hypo: Sodium Thiosulphate; used in photography fixer.
  22. Vermilion (Sindoor): Mercuric Sulphide (HgS).
  23. Fool’s Gold: Iron Pyrite (FeS2​).
  24. Philosopher’s Wool: Zinc Oxide (ZnO).
  25. Lunar Caustic: Silver Nitrate (AgNO3​); used in voter’s ink.
  26. Artificial Rain: Silver Iodide (AgI).

Part 5: Metals, Non-Metals & Metallurgy

  1. Malleability: Property of metals to be beaten into sheets (Gold is most malleable).
  2. Ductility: Property of metals to be drawn into wires (Gold is most ductile).
  3. Sonorous: Property of producing ringing sound.
  4. Lustre: Iodine is a non-metal but has lustre.
  5. Conductor: Graphite is a non-metal but conducts electricity.
  6. Ore: Mineral from which metal can be profitably extracted.
  7. Gangue: Impurities present in the ore.
  8. Calcination: Heating ore in absence of air (for Carbonate ores).
  9. Roasting: Heating ore in presence of air (for Sulphide ores).
  10. Smelting: Reduction of ore with carbon.
  11. Galvanization: Coating Iron with Zinc to prevent rusting.
  12. Rusting: Formation of Hydrated Iron Oxide (Fe2​O3​⋅xH2​O); weight of iron increases after rusting.
  13. Anodizing: Coating Aluminum with a layer of oxide to prevent corrosion.
  14. Bauxite: Ore of Aluminum.
  15. Haematite/Magnetite: Ores of Iron.
  16. Cinnabar: Ore of Mercury.
  17. Galena: Ore of Lead.
  18. Pitchblende: Ore of Uranium (discovered by Madam Curie).
  19. Monazite Sand: Source of Thorium (abundant in Kerala beaches).
  20. Amalgam: Alloy of Mercury with any other metal (Iron does NOT form amalgam).
  21. Thermite Reaction: Reaction of Iron Oxide with Aluminum (used to join railway tracks).
  22. Sodium Storage: Stored in Kerosene (reacts violently with water).
  23. Phosphorus Storage: Stored in Water (catches fire in air).

Part 6: Alloys (Mixtures of Metals)

  1. Brass: Copper + Zinc (Cu + Zn).
  2. Bronze: Copper + Tin (Cu + Sn).
  3. German Silver: Cu + Zn + Ni (Contains NO Silver).
  4. Gun Metal: Cu + Sn + Zn.
  5. Solder (Fuse wire): Lead + Tin (Pb + Sn); low melting point.
  6. Stainless Steel: Iron + Chromium + Nickel + Carbon.
  7. Chromium in Steel: Adds corrosion resistance.
  8. Carbon in Steel: Adds hardness.
  9. Duralumin: Aluminum + Copper (used in aircraft bodies).
  10. Magnalium: Al + Mg (used in balances/instruments).
  11. Nichrome: Nickel + Chromium (used in heating elements).
  12. Type Metal: Pb + Sb + Sn (used in printing).
  13. Rose Metal: Bi + Pb + Sn (Low melting point).
  14. Alnico: Al + Ni + Co (Used to make permanent magnets).
  15. 24 Carat Gold: 100% Pure (too soft for jewelry).
  16. 22 Carat Gold: 22 parts Gold + 2 parts Copper/Silver.

Part 7: Carbon and its Compounds

  1. Catenation: Ability of Carbon to form long chains with itself.
  2. Allotropes: Different physical forms of the same element.
  3. Diamond: Hardest natural substance; bad conductor; Brilliant due to Total Internal Reflection.
  4. Graphite: Soft, lubricant, good conductor of electricity.
  5. Fullerene (Buckminsterfullerene): C60​; looks like a soccer ball.
  6. Graphene: A single layer of graphite; strongest material known.
  7. Hydrocarbons: Compounds of Carbon and Hydrogen.
  8. Saturated Hydrocarbons: Single bonds (Alkanes).
  9. Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Double/Triple bonds (Alkenes/Alkynes).
  10. Isomers: Compounds with same formula but different structure (e.g., Butane and Iso-butane).
  11. Benzene: C6​H6​ (Aromatic compound).
  12. Toluene: Methylbenzene.
  13. Functional Groups: -OH (Alcohol), -COOH (Carboxylic Acid), -CHO (Aldehyde).
  14. Ethanol: Drinking alcohol (C2​H5​OH).
  15. Methanol: Wood spirit; poisonous (causes blindness).
  16. Denatured Alcohol: Ethanol mixed with poisonous methanol to prevent drinking.
  17. Absolute Alcohol: 100% pure Ethanol.
  18. Power Alcohol: Mixture of Petrol + Ethanol (used as fuel).
  19. Rectified Spirit: 95% Ethanol + 5% Water.
  20. Esterification: Reaction of Acid + Alcohol = Ester (Sweet/Fruity smell).
  21. Saponification: Process of making soap (Hydrolysis of fat with alkali).

Part 8: Fuels and Combustion

  1. Fossil Fuels: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas.
  2. Coal Types: Peat (lowest quality), Lignite (Brown coal), Bituminous (Household), Anthracite (Best quality, high carbon).
  3. Coke: Purest form of carbon; obtained by destructive distillation of coal.
  4. Petroleum: “Rock Oil” or “Black Gold”.
  5. Fractional Distillation: Process to separate petroleum components (Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene).
  6. Knocking: Metallic sound in engines due to bad fuel.
  7. Anti-Knock Agent: Tetra Ethyl Lead (TEL) – Banned now due to lead pollution.
  8. Octane Number: Measures quality of Petrol (Higher is better).
  9. Cetane Number: Measures quality of Diesel.
  10. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): Butane + Propane.
  11. Ethyl Mercaptan: Added to LPG to detect leakage (smell of rotten cabbage).
  12. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Mostly Methane (CH4).
  13. Biogas (Gobar Gas): Methane + CO2​.
  14. Hydrogen Fuel: Highest calorific value; pollution-free; “Fuel of the Future”.
  15. Calorific Value: Heat produced by burning 1 kg of fuel.
  16. Fire Triangle: Fuel + Oxygen + Heat.
  17. Soda-Acid Fire Extinguisher: Contains Sodium Bicarbonate + Sulphuric Acid (CO2​ is released).
  18. Combustion: An oxidation reaction releasing heat and light.
  19. Spontaneous Combustion: Catching fire without external heat (e.g., White Phosphorus).

Part 9: Polymers, Plastics, and Fibres

  1. Polymer: Large molecule made of repeating units called Monomers.
  2. Natural Polymer: Cellulose, Starch, Protein, Rubber.
  3. Natural Rubber: Polymer of Isoprene.
  4. Vulcanization: Process of heating rubber with Sulphur to make it hard and elastic (invented by Charles Goodyear).
  5. Synthetic Rubber: Neoprene (Polymer of Chloroprene).
  6. Thermoplastics: Soften on heating, can be remolded (e.g., Polythene, PVC).
  7. Thermosetting Plastics: Do not soften on heating, cannot be remolded (e.g., Bakelite, Melamine).
  8. Bakelite: Phenol + Formaldehyde; used in electrical switches/handles (First synthetic plastic).
  9. Melamine: Used for unbreakable crockery.
  10. Polythene: Polymer of Ethylene ($C_2H_4$).
  11. PVC: Poly Vinyl Chloride; used for pipes, raincoats.
  12. Teflon (PTFE): Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene; used for non-stick cookware.
  13. Nylon-6,6: First fully synthetic fibre; made from Adipic Acid + Hexamethylene Diamine.
  14. Rayon: “Artificial Silk”; made from regenerated cellulose (wood pulp).
  15. Polyester (Terylene/Dacron): Ester polymer; wrinkle-free fabric.
  16. Kevlar: High-strength fibre used in Bulletproof Vests.
  17. Lexan: Used in bulletproof glass.
  18. Biodegradable Polymer: PHBV (Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate).

Part 10: Glass, Cement, and Ceramics

  1. Glass: An amorphous solid or Super-cooled Liquid (not a true solid).
  2. Main component of Glass: Silica ($SiO_2$ – Sand).
  3. Annealing: Slow cooling of glass to remove internal stress and prevent cracking.
  4. Soda Glass (Soft Glass): Used for bottles, window panes.
  5. Flint Glass: High refractive index; used for optical lenses/prisms.
  6. Pyrex (Borosilicate Glass): Heat resistant; used for lab equipment/kitchenware.
  7. Crookes Glass: Contains Cerium Oxide; cuts off UV rays (used in sunglasses).
  8. Photochromatic Glass: Darkens in sunlight; contains Silver Iodide.
  9. Etching of Glass: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) is used to write on glass (dissolves silica).
  10. Cement: Mixture of Silicates and Aluminates of Calcium (Joseph Aspdin invented Portland Cement).
  11. Raw materials for Cement: Limestone ($CaCO_3$) and Clay.
  12. Gypsum in Cement: Added (2-3%) to slow down the setting time.
  13. Setting of Cement: Exothermic reaction (release of heat) involving hydration.
  14. Concrete: Mixture of Cement + Sand + Gravel + Water.
  15. RCC: Reinforced Cement Concrete (Concrete with steel rods for strength).
  16. Mortar: Mixture of Cement + Sand + Water (for binding bricks).

Part 11: Chemistry in Medicine (Drugs)

  1. Analgesics: Painkillers (e.g., Aspirin, Paracetamol, Morphine).
  2. Antipyretics: Drugs that lower body temperature (fever reducers).
  3. Antibiotics: Kill bacteria (e.g., Penicillin, Streptomycin).
  4. First Antibiotic: Penicillin (discovered by Alexander Fleming from Penicillium fungus).
  5. Antiseptics: Applied to living tissues to kill germs (e.g., Dettol, Tincture of Iodine).
  6. Dettol: Mixture of Chloroxylenol and Terpineol.
  7. Disinfectants: Applied to non-living objects (floors) to kill germs (e.g., 1% Phenol).
  8. Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid (e.g., Magnesium Hydroxide, Ranitidine).
  9. Tranquilizers: Used for mental stress/anxiety (e.g., Equanil, Valium).
  10. Anesthetics: Cause loss of sensation (Chloroform, Nitrous Oxide, Ether).
  11. Chloroform: Kept in dark bottles to prevent formation of poisonous Phosgene gas.
  12. Aspirin: Acetylsalicylic Acid; prevents heart attacks (blood thinner).
  13. Quinine: Anti-malarial drug obtained from Cinchona bark.
  14. Sulpha Drugs: Synthetic antibacterial drugs (e.g., Sulphanilamide).

Part 12: Fertilizers and Explosives

  1. Essential Nutrients: N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
  2. Urea: $NH_2CONH_2$; first organic compound synthesized in lab (by Wohler).
  3. Nitrogen content in Urea: 46%.
  4. Bio-fertilizers: Rhizobium, Blue-green algae (fix atmospheric nitrogen).
  5. Vermicompost: Using earthworms to create compost.
  6. Gunpowder (Black Powder): Mixture of Potassium Nitrate ($KNO_3$) + Charcoal + Sulphur.
  7. Dynamite: Invented by Alfred Nobel (used Nitroglycerine absorbed in Kieselguhr).
  8. TNT: Trinitrotoluene (High explosive).
  9. RDX: Research Department Explosive (Cyclonite); also called C-4 (US) or Hexogen (Germany).
  10. Picric Acid: Tri-nitro-phenol (TNP); explosive yellow dye.

Part 13: Water and Solutions

  1. Universal Solvent: Water.
  2. Soft Water: Lathers easily with soap.
  3. Hard Water: Does not lather easily; contains Ca/Mg salts.
  4. Temporary Hardness: Due to Bicarbonates of Ca and Mg.
  5. Removal of Temporary Hardness: Boiling or Clark’s method (adding lime).
  6. Permanent Hardness: Due to Chlorides and Sulphates of Ca and Mg.
  7. Removal of Permanent Hardness: Washing Soda ($Na_2CO_3$), Permutit process, or Ion Exchange.
  8. BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand): Measure of organic pollution in water (High BOD = High Pollution).
  9. COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): Measures total pollutants (organic + inorganic).
  10. Potable Water: Fit for drinking.
  11. Desalination: Removing salt from seawater (Reverse Osmosis).
  12. Chlorination: Adding Chlorine to kill bacteria in water.
  13. Ozonation: Using Ozone to purify water (no taste/odor left).
  14. Alum (Phitkari): Used for Coagulation of mud particles in muddy water.
  15. Solubility: Gases are less soluble in water at high temperatures (why fish die in hot water).

Part 14: Environmental Chemistry & Pollution

  1. Troposphere: Lowest layer; all weather happens here.
  2. Stratosphere: Contains the Ozone Layer (protects from UV rays).
  3. Ozone Hole: Depletion of ozone layer (prominent over Antarctica).
  4. Main culprit for Ozone Depletion: CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) / Freons.
  5. Montreal Protocol (1987): Global agreement to ban CFCs.
  6. Greenhouse Effect: Trapping of heat by atmospheric gases.
  7. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Water Vapour > $CO_2$ > Methane > Ozone > $N_2O$.
  8. Kyoto Protocol: Agreement to reduce GHG emissions.
  9. Acid Rain: Rain with pH < 5.6; caused by $SO_2$ and $NO_2$.
  10. Effects of Acid Rain: Stone Leprosy (Yellowing of Taj Mahal), soil acidification.
  11. Smog: Smoke + Fog.
  12. London Smog (Classical): Sulphurous smog (Reducing in nature).
  13. Los Angeles Smog (Photochemical): Caused by vehicle exhaust ($NO_x$ + Hydrocarbons + Sunlight) $\rightarrow$ PAN (Peroxyacetyl Nitrate).
  14. PAN: Strong eye irritant in smog.
  15. Carbon Monoxide (CO): Silent Killer; binds to Hemoglobin 200x faster than Oxygen (Carboxyhemoglobin).
  16. Lead Pollution: Damages nervous system (Brain).
  17. Fly Ash: Pollutant from thermal power plants (burnt coal dust).
  18. Particulate Matter (PM 2.5): Fine dust particles < 2.5 microns; enters lungs/bloodstream.
  19. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): Leakage of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) from Union Carbide plant.
  20. Minamata Disease: Mercury poisoning (eating contaminated fish).
  21. Itai-Itai Disease: Cadmium poisoning (painful bones).
  22. Blue Baby Syndrome: Nitrate contamination in water.
  23. Black Foot Disease: Arsenic poisoning (common in West Bengal groundwater).
  24. Eutrophication: Excessive nutrients (phosphates) in lakes causing algal bloom and fish death.
  25. Bio-magnification: Concentration of toxins (like DDT) increases at higher food chain levels.

Part 15: Food Chemistry

  1. Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches (Energy givers).
  2. Monosaccharides: Glucose, Fructose.
  3. Disaccharides: Sucrose (Cane sugar), Lactose (Milk sugar).
  4. Polysaccharides: Starch, Cellulose, Glycogen.
  5. Sweetest Natural Sugar: Fructose (Fruit sugar).
  6. Table Sugar: Sucrose (Glucose + Fructose).
  7. Milk Sugar: Lactose.
  8. Artificial Sweeteners: Saccharin (first), Aspartame (cold foods only), Sucralose.
  9. Food Preservatives: Prevent spoilage.
  10. Sodium Benzoate: Most common preservative for jams/squashes.
  11. Sodium Metabisulphite: Preservative for dried fruits.
  12. Vinegar: Preserves pickles (Acidic medium kills bacteria).
  13. Pasteurization: Heating milk to kill bacteria (Louis Pasteur).
  14. Fermentation: Anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol/acid by yeast/bacteria.
  15. Enzymes: Biological catalysts (Proteins).
  16. Zymase: Enzyme in yeast that converts glucose to ethanol.
  17. Invertase: Converts sucrose to glucose/fructose.
  18. Proteins: Polymers of Amino Acids; building blocks of body.
  19. Peptide Bond: Linkage between amino acids.
  20. Essential Amino Acids: Cannot be made by body; must be in diet.
  21. Vitamins: Vital micronutrients.
  22. Water Soluble Vitamins: B and C (Must be taken daily, lost in urine).
  23. Fat Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, K (Stored in liver/fat).
  24. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Contains Cobalt.
  25. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Heat sensitive (destroyed by cooking).
  26. Iodine Test: Detects Starch (turns Blue-Black).

Part 16: Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry

  1. Radioactivity: Discovered by Henry Becquerel.
  2. Radium/Polonium: Discovered by Marie Curie (Madam Curie).
  3. Alpha Particles ($\alpha$): Helium nuclei ($He^{2+}$); heavy, low penetration.
  4. Beta Particles ($\beta$): Fast moving electrons; medium penetration.
  5. Gamma Rays ($\gamma$): Electromagnetic waves; highest penetration power.
  6. Half-Life: Time taken for half the radioactive atoms to decay.
  7. Nuclear Fission: Splitting of heavy nucleus (Uranium) into lighter ones; releases energy.
  8. Principle of Atom Bomb: Uncontrolled Nuclear Fission.
  9. Principle of Nuclear Reactor: Controlled Nuclear Fission.
  10. Fuel in Reactor: Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239.
  11. Moderator: Slows down neutrons (e.g., Graphite, Heavy Water).
  12. Control Rods: Absorb neutrons (e.g., Cadmium or Boron rods).
  13. Coolant: Removes heat (e.g., Liquid Sodium, Water).
  14. Nuclear Fusion: Combining light nuclei to form heavy one; releases huge energy.
  15. Source of Sun’s Energy: Nuclear Fusion (Hydrogen $\rightarrow$ Helium).
  16. Hydrogen Bomb: Based on Nuclear Fusion (more powerful than Atom bomb).
  17. Carbon-14 Dating: Used to determine age of fossils/biological remains.
  18. Uranium Dating: Used to determine age of Earth/Rocks.
  19. Cobalt-60: Isotope used in Cancer treatment (Radiation therapy).
  20. Iodine-131: Used to treat Thyroid disorders (Goitre).
  21. Sodium-24: Used to detect blood clots/circulatory disorders.

Part 17: Miscellaneous Chemical Facts

  1. Soap: Sodium or Potassium salts of long chain fatty acids (Stearic/Palmitic acid).
  2. Saponification By-product: Glycerol (Glycerine).
  3. Detergents: Sodium salts of sulphonic acids; work well even in hard water.
  4. Micelles: Clusters of soap molecules that trap dirt/oil.
  5. Litmus: Dye extracted from Lichen plant.
  6. pH < 7: Acidic.
  7. pH > 7: Basic.
  8. Buffer Solution: Resists change in pH (e.g., Blood).
  9. Catalyst: Changes speed of reaction without being consumed.
  10. Promoter: Increases activity of catalyst (e.g., Molybdenum in Haber process).
  11. Poison (Catalytic): Decreases activity of catalyst.
  12. Haber Process: Industrial manufacture of Ammonia ($NH_3$); Iron is catalyst.
  13. Contact Process: Industrial manufacture of Sulphuric Acid ($V_2O_5$ is catalyst).
  14. Ostwald Process: Manufacture of Nitric Acid ($HNO_3$).
  15. Bayer’s Process: Purification of Bauxite (Aluminum ore).
  16. Hydrogenation of Oils: Vegetable Oil + $H_2$ $\rightarrow$ Vanaspati Ghee (Catalyst: Nickel).
  17. Sublimation Examples: Camphor, Naphthalene balls, Dry Ice, Iodine, Ammonium Chloride.
  18. Efflorescence: Loss of water of crystallization to air (e.g., Washing soda loses weight).
  19. Deliquescence: Absorbing moisture from air and dissolving in it (e.g., Caustic Soda).
  20. Hygroscopic: Absorbing moisture without dissolving (e.g., Quick Lime, Silica Gel).
  21. Silica Gel: Used as a drying agent (desiccant) in packaging.
  22. Colloids: Heterogeneous mixture with particle size between solution and suspension (e.g., Milk, Fog).
  23. Tyndall Effect: Scattering of light by colloidal particles (why beam of light is visible in dust).
  24. Emulsion: Colloid of liquid in liquid (e.g., Milk, Face cream).
  25. Aerosol: Solid or Liquid in Gas (e.g., Smoke, Fog, Hairspray).
  26. Foam: Gas in Liquid (e.g., Whipped cream, Soap lather).
  27. Gel: Liquid in Solid (e.g., Jelly, Cheese, Butter).
  28. Brownian Motion: Zig-zag motion of colloidal particles.
  29. Chromatography: Technique to separate pigments/colors.
  30. Distillation: Separating liquids with different boiling points.

Part 18: Elements and Their Specific Trivia

  1. Lightest Solid Metal: Lithium (Li).
  2. Heaviest Natural Element: Uranium (U).
  3. Densest Element: Osmium (Os) (Note: Iridium is a close second).
  4. Element kept in Water: White Phosphorus (catches fire in air).
  5. Element kept in Kerosene: Sodium and Potassium (react violently with moisture).
  6. Metal that melts on palm: Gallium (Ga) and Cesium (Cs) (Melting point $\approx 30^\circ C$).
  7. Best Conductor of Electricity: Silver (Ag).
  8. Best Conductor of Heat: Silver.
  9. Metal used in filaments: Tungsten (Symbol: W) due to high melting point ($3422^\circ C$).
  10. Gas used in electric bulbs: Argon or Nitrogen (to prevent oxidation of filament).
  11. Gas used in fluorescent tubes: Mercury vapour + Argon.
  12. Gas used in advertising signs: Neon (Orange-red glow).
  13. Yellow Street Lights: Contain Sodium vapour.
  14. White Street Lights: Contain Mercury vapour.
  15. Flashlight of Cameras: Magnesium (burns with dazzling white light) or Xenon gas.
  16. Stranger Gas: Xenon (Xe).
  17. Radioactive Liquid Metal: Francium (Fr).
  18. Rarest Element on Earth: Astatine (At).
  19. Most malleable metal: Gold (Au).
  20. Most poisonous metal: Plutonium.
  21. Liquid Non-metal: Bromine (Reddish-brown liquid).
  22. Element found in Human Blood: Iron (Fe) in Hemoglobin.
  23. Element found in Chlorophyll: Magnesium (Mg).
  24. Element present in Insulin: Zinc (Zn).
  25. Element used in Galvanization: Zinc.

Part 19: Chemistry of Fireworks & Colors

  1. Green Flame in Fireworks: Barium (Ba).
  2. Red/Crimson Flame in Fireworks: Strontium (Sr).
  3. Yellow Flame: Sodium (Na).
  4. Blue Flame: Copper (Cu).
  5. White Dazzling Light: Magnesium (Mg) or Aluminum (Al).
  6. Orange Flame: Calcium (Ca).
  7. Smell of Rotten Eggs: Hydrogen Sulphide ($H_2S$).
  8. Smell of Rotten Fish: Phosphine ($PH_3$) or Ozone ($O_3$) in some contexts.
  9. Smell of Bitter Almonds: Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN).
  10. Garlic Odor: White Phosphorus.

Part 20: Compounds in Daily Life (Advanced)

  1. Rat Poison: Zinc Phosphide ($Zn_3P_2$).
  2. Mosquito Coils: Contain Pyrethrum (extracted from Chrysanthemum) or Allethrin.
  3. Safety Matches (Head): Potassium Chlorate + Antimony Trisulphide.
  4. Match Box Surface: Red Phosphorus + Powdered Glass.
  5. Nail Polish Remover: Acetone (Propanone).
  6. Permanent Ink stains removal: Oxalic Acid.
  7. Rust stain removal: Oxalic Acid.
  8. Photography Film: Coated with Silver Bromide ($AgBr$) – Light sensitive.
  9. Fixer in Photography: Sodium Thiosulphate (Hypo) – dissolves unexposed AgBr.
  10. Silvering of Mirrors: Coating glass with Silver Nitrate ($AgNO_3$) + Glucose (Reducing agent).
  11. Voter’s Ink (Indelible Ink): Silver Nitrate ($AgNO_3$).
  12. Artificial Rain (Cloud Seeding): Silver Iodide ($AgI$) or Dry Ice ($Solid CO_2$).
  13. Antidote for Poisoning: Activated Charcoal (adsorbs toxins).
  14. Iodized Salt: NaCl + Potassium Iodate ($KIO_3$) or Potassium Iodide ($KI$).
  15. Smelling Salt: Ammonium Carbonate (revives fainted persons).

Part 21: Industrial Chemicals & Processes

  1. Haber Process: Ammonia ($NH_3$). Catalyst: Iron + Molybdenum.
  2. Contact Process: Sulphuric Acid ($H_2SO_4$). Catalyst: Vanadium Pentoxide ($V_2O_5$).
  3. Ostwald Process: Nitric Acid ($HNO_3$). Catalyst: Platinum gauze.
  4. Solvay Process: Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda).
  5. Dow Process: Extraction of Magnesium or Phenol.
  6. Hall-Heroult Process: Extraction of Aluminum.
  7. Frasch Process: Extraction of Sulphur from underground deposits.
  8. Bayer Process: Refining Bauxite to Alumina.
  9. Zone Refining: Used to get Ultra-pure metals (Silicon/Germanium for semiconductors).
  10. Mond Process: Purification of Nickel.
  11. Van Arkel Method: Purification of Zirconium/Titanium.
  12. Cupellation: Refining of Silver.
  13. Electrolysis of Water: Anode $\rightarrow$ Oxygen; Cathode $\rightarrow$ Hydrogen.
  14. Petroleum Refining: Fractional Distillation.
  15. Cracking: Breaking large hydrocarbons into smaller ones (to get Petrol).

Part 22: Organic Chemistry Applications

  1. Formalin: 40% solution of Formaldehyde (HCHO); preserves biological specimens.
  2. Chloroform ($CHCl_3$): Anaesthetic; forms poisonous Phosgene ($COCl_2$) in sunlight.
  3. Iodoform ($CHI_3$): Yellow powder; used as antiseptic.
  4. Carbon Tetrachloride ($CCl_4$): Fire extinguisher (Pyrene) for electrical fires; also dry cleaning solvent.
  5. Freon: $CF_2Cl_2$ (Refrigerant/Coolant).
  6. Tear Gas: Chloropicrin ($CCl_3NO_2$) or CS gas.
  7. Mustard Gas: Chemical weapon used in WWI ($C_4H_8Cl_2S$).
  8. Marsh Gas: Methane ($CH_4$).
  9. Vinegar: 5-8% Acetic Acid solution.
  10. Glacial Acetic Acid: 100% pure Acetic acid (freezes like ice in winter).
  11. Gasohol: 90% Petrol + 10% Ethanol.
  12. Antifreeze: Ethylene Glycol (lowers freezing point of water in car radiators).
  13. Glycerine (Glycerol): Used in cosmetics/soaps; by-product of soap industry.
  14. Urea: First organic compound made in lab ($NH_2CONH_2$).
  15. Aspirin: Acetyl Salicylic Acid (Analgesic/Antipyretic).
  16. Oil of Wintergreen: Methyl Salicylate (used in Iodex/pain balms).
  17. Mothballs: Naphthalene (sublimes).
  18. LPG leakage smell: Ethyl Mercaptan (Sulphur compound).

Part 23: Materials: Glass, Cement, Ceramics

  1. Glass: Super-cooled liquid (amorphous solid).
  2. Etching of Glass: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF).
  3. Pyrex Glass: Borosilicate (Heat resistant).
  4. Flint Glass: Optical instruments (Prisms/Lenses).
  5. Crookes Glass: Cuts UV rays (Sunglasses); contains Cerium.
  6. Photochromic Glass: Turns dark in sun; contains Silver Iodide.
  7. Reinforced Glass: Contains wire mesh (bulletproof).
  8. Cement: Mixture of Calcium Silicates and Aluminates.
  9. Setting of Cement: Hydration (Exothermic).
  10. Gypsum in Cement: Retards setting time (prevents quick hardening).
  11. Mortar: Cement + Sand + Water.
  12. Concrete: Cement + Sand + Gravel + Water.
  13. Asbestos: Fireproof material (Ca-Mg Silicate); causes lung cancer (Asbestosis).
  14. Mica: Good conductor of heat, Bad conductor of electricity (Used in Electric Irons).
  15. Quartz: Crystalline Silica ($SiO_2$); used in watches.

Part 24: Vitamins and Biomolecules Chemical Names

  1. Vitamin A: Retinol (Deficiency: Night Blindness).
  2. Vitamin B1: Thiamine (Deficiency: Beri-Beri).
  3. Vitamin B2: Riboflavin (Deficiency: Cheilosis/Cracked lips).
  4. Vitamin B3: Niacin (Deficiency: Pellagra).
  5. Vitamin B5: Pantothenic Acid.
  6. Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine.
  7. Vitamin B7: Biotin (Good for hair).
  8. Vitamin B9: Folic Acid (Anaemia).
  9. Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin (Contains Cobalt).
  10. Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid (Deficiency: Scurvy).
  11. Vitamin D: Calciferol (Deficiency: Rickets).
  12. Vitamin E: Tocopherol (Beauty Vitamin; Sterility).
  13. Vitamin K: Phylloquinone (Blood Clotting).
  14. Enzymes: Are proteins (Biocatalysts).
  15. DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (Double Helix).
  16. RNA: Ribonucleic Acid (Single Strand).
  17. Cholesterol: A type of steroid/lipid.

Part 25: Rapid Fire Revision & Miscellany

Rapid Fire Revision — Chemistry Static Facts

Substance / TermCorrect Name / Formula / Description
Hardest Natural SubstanceDiamond
Hardest Artificial SubstanceSilicon Carbide (Carborundum) / Boron Nitride
Softest MineralTalc
Fool’s GoldIron Pyrite — FeS₂
Philosopher’s WoolZinc Oxide — ZnO
Lunar CausticSilver Nitrate — AgNO₃
Blue VitriolCopper Sulphate Pentahydrate — CuSO₄·5H₂O
Green VitriolFerrous Sulphate Heptahydrate — FeSO₄·7H₂O
White VitriolZinc Sulphate Heptahydrate — ZnSO₄·7H₂O
Oil of VitriolConcentrated Sulphuric Acid — H₂SO₄
Muriatic AcidHydrochloric Acid — HCl
Aqua Regia3 parts HCl + 1 part HNO₃ (Dissolves Au & Pt)
Baking SodaSodium Bicarbonate — NaHCO₃
Washing SodaSodium Carbonate — Na₂CO₃·10H₂O
Bleaching PowderCalcium Oxychloride — CaOCl₂
Plaster of ParisCalcium Sulphate Hemihydrate — CaSO₄·½H₂O
GypsumCalcium Sulphate Dihydrate — CaSO₄·2H₂O
Epsom SaltMagnesium Sulphate — MgSO₄·7H₂O
Chile SaltpetreSodium Nitrate — NaNO₃
Indian SaltpetrePotassium Nitrate — KNO₃
Quick LimeCalcium Oxide — CaO
Slaked LimeCalcium Hydroxide — Ca(OH)₂
Dry IceSolid CO₂
Heavy WaterD₂O (Used as Moderator in Nuclear Reactors)

Industrial / Fuel Gases

GasComposition
Producer GasCO + N₂
Water GasCO + H₂
Coal GasH₂ + CH₄ + CO (Mixture)
Natural GasMostly Methane — CH₄
LPGButane + Propane
CNGMethane — CH₄
BiogasMethane + CO₂

Environment & Pollution Static

TopicKey Gas / Chemical
Acid RainSO₂ & NO₂
Greenhouse GasesCO₂, CH₄, Water Vapour
Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs / Freons)
Bhopal Gas TragedyMethyl Isocyanate (MIC)

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