Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?
General Science ·Previously asked in UPPCS Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services 2025
View the full solved paper: UPPCS Prelims 2025 - GS Paper I
Question
Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?
(Acid) — (Acid found in)
1. Lactic acid — Curd
2. Tartaric acid — Grapes
3. Acetic acid — Potato
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
- A. 1 and 2
- B. Only 3 (Correct answer)
- C. 2 and 3
- D. Only 1
Correct Answer
Option B — Only 3
Detailed Solution & Explanation
The correct answer is Only 3.
Key Points
- 3. Acetic acid — Potato is NOT correctly matched. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is found in vinegar, not potato. Dilute acetic acid of about 5-8% *is* vinegar.
- 1. Lactic acid — Curd ✓. Produced when *Lactobacillus* bacteria ferment the lactose in milk.
- 2. Tartaric acid — Grapes ✓. Also present in tamarind.
- Only pair 3 is wrong, giving option (b).
Additional Information
- Natural acids worth memorising:
- Citric acid — citrus fruits (lemon, orange)
- Malic acid — apple
- Oxalic acid — tomato, spinach
- Formic (methanoic) acid — ant sting and nettle sting
- Butyric acid — rancid butter
- Ascorbic acid — Vitamin C, in amla and citrus fruits
- Tannic acid — tea
- Glacial acetic acid is pure (anhydrous) acetic acid, so called because it freezes to an ice-like solid just below room temperature at about 16.6°C.
- A baking soda paste relieves an ant sting because the mild base neutralises the formic acid injected.
Topics covered: Chemistry Acids