UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Assertion (A): Phenyl is used as a household germicide. Reason (R): Phenyl is a phenol derivative and phenol are an effective germicide.

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  1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of ACorrect
  2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true, but R is false
  4. DA is false, but R is true

Explanation

The correct answer is A because both statements are scientifically accurate and linked. Phenyl, commonly used in households for cleaning floors and bathrooms, is a commercial disinfectant formulated from coal tar oil and phenolic compounds. Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, possesses powerful antiseptic and germicidal properties that allow it to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Therefore, the fact that phenyl is a derivative of phenol directly explains why it is used as an effective household germicide.
science-and-technology: Assertion (A): Phenyl is used as a household germicide. Reason (R): Phenyl is a phenol derivative and phenol are an effe
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