Which one among the following is called philosopher’s wool?
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- AZinc bromide
- BZinc nitrate
- CZinc oxideCorrect
- DZinc chloride
Explanation
Zinc oxide is known as philosophers wool because of the way it was historically produced by alchemists. When zinc metal is burned in the presence of air, it undergoes oxidation to form zinc oxide. This process results in white, light, and fluffy wool like tufts that collect on the surface of the container. Due to its white, fibrous appearance resembling wool and its discovery during ancient chemical experiments, it earned the traditional name philosophers wool. It is widely used today in ointments, sunscreens, and industrial applications.
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