UPSC Prelims 2000·GS1·science-and-technology·materials and robotics

A small pouch containing silica gel is often found in bottles of medicine in tablet or powder form because silica gel

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Akills bacteria
  2. Bkills germs and spores
  3. Cabsorbs moistureCorrect
  4. Dabsorbs all gases present inside the bottle

Explanation

The correct answer is C because silica gel is a powerful desiccant. It works through a process called adsorption, where its highly porous structure attracts and holds water vapor from the surrounding air. In medicine bottles, moisture can cause tablets to dissolve, decay, or lose their chemical potency. By absorbing this moisture, silica gel keeps the internal environment dry, ensuring the stability and longer shelf life of the medication. It does not possess chemical properties to kill bacteria or germs, nor does it absorb all atmospheric gases.
science-and-technology: A small pouch containing silica gel is often found in bottles of medicine in tablet or powder form because silica gel

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