Onion smell remains in one solution and decreases in another. What is the usual nature of the solution in which the smell decreases?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Basic
Onion is an olfactory indicator because its characteristic smell changes in different chemical media. In a basic medium, the onion odour is reduced or becomes difficult to detect, whereas it generally persists in an acidic medium. Thus a decrease in smell indicates a basic solution, making option A correct. This observation is not a test for insolubility, and neutral or acidic descriptions do not match the usual indicator response.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Basic
Why is this the correct answer?
Onion is an olfactory indicator because its characteristic smell changes in different chemical media. In a basic medium, the onion odour is reduced or becomes difficult to detect, whereas it generally persists in an acidic medium. Thus a decrease in smell indicates a basic solution, making option A correct. This observation is not a test for insolubility, and neutral or acidic descriptions do not match the usual indicator response.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
