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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

101.

Which of the following is the expression for longitudinal diffusion in the column, if ‘γ’ represents obstruction factor, ‘dM’ represents particle diameter, ‘DM’ represents Solute diffusion co-efficient and ‘λ’ represents function for packing uniformity?(a) λ dM(b) 2 γ DM(c) DM γ(d) λ/dMThe question was posed to me in a job interview.Query is from Column Efficiency and Column Resolution in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) 2 γ DM

Explanation: LONGITUDINAL diffusion is given as, B = 2 γ DM.It is ALSO called axial diffusion.

102.

In which of the following detectors, the carrier gas is excited by a radioactive source and the atoms of carrier gas are excited to a metastable state?(a) Argon ionisation detector(b) Thermionic emission detector(c) Flame ionization detector(d) Electron capture detectorI have been asked this question in an online quiz.Query is from Detection System of Gas Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Argon IONISATION detector

Explanation: In Argon ionisation detector, the carrier GAS is excited by a radioactive source and the atoms of carrier gas are excited to a metastable STATE. It uses argon as carrier gas.

103.

Gas-solid chromatography is based on which of the following processes?(a) Partition of the analyte between a gaseous mobile phase and a stationary liquid phase(b) Adsorption of gaseous substances on solid surface(c) Ion exchange(d) Large molecules cannot penetrate through the gelThe question was posed to me during an interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Gas Solid Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (b) Adsorption of GASEOUS SUBSTANCES on solid SURFACE

The BEST explanation: Gas-solid chromatography is based on the adsorption of gaseous substances on a solid surface. It is useful for the separation of rare gases.

104.

Which of the following columns can be used in Gas-solid chromatography?(a) Open tubular column(b) Analytical column(c) Separation column(d) Guard columnThis question was addressed to me in an interview for job.My enquiry is from Gas Solid Chromatography topic in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) Open TUBULAR column

Easiest EXPLANATION: Open tubular column can be used in Gas-solid chromatography. Analytical/separation column and guard column is used in LIQUID chromatography.
105.

Bulk property detectors used in liquid chromatography does not respond to which of the following properties?(a) Refractive index(b) Density(c) Properties of solutes(d) Dielectric constantThis question was posed to me during an online exam.My question is based upon Detection System of Liquid Chromatography in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right answer is (C) Properties of solutes

The best explanation: Bulk PROPERTY detectors respond only to bulk properties of the MOBILE phase. It does not respond to properties of solutes.

106.

Retention distance is the distance between point of injection and minimum peak in the recorder or computer generated chart.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an internship interview.This intriguing question comes from Chromatographic Behaviour of Solutes topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) False

For explanation I would say: RETENTION distance is the distance between point of injection and maximum peak in the RECORDER. The CHART is drawn between time and concentration of the SOLUTE.

107.

Slow injection of large samples leads to band broadening and loss of resolution.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in an online interview.This intriguing question originated from Gas Chromatography in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

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The correct choice is (a) True

Easiest EXPLANATION: SLOW injection of LARGE samples leads to band broadening and loss of resolution. Hence, for desired column EFFICIENCY, samples should not be too large.

108.

What must be done to the solid samples for it to be introduced into the column without using solid injection syringes in gas chromatography?(a) Introduced in hot-zone of the column(b) Dissolved in volatile liquids(c) Introduced using rotary sample valve(d) Introduced using sampling loopsThe question was asked at a job interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Gas Chromatography topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The correct answer is (b) DISSOLVED in volatile liquids

The explanation is: SOLID samples must be dissolved in volatile liquids for introducing it into the COLUMN. They can be introduced directly using solid injection SYRINGES.

109.

In which of the following detector is the eluent mixed with hydrogen and burned and then mixed with ozone and its intensity is measured?(a) Sulphur chemiluminescense detector(b) Thermal conductivity detector(c) Flame ionization detector(d) Electron capture detectorI got this question in an online interview.The question is from Detection System of Gas Chromatography topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) Sulphur chemiluminescense detector

The best I can explain: In Sulphur chemiluminescense detector, the eluent is mixed with HYDROGEN and burned and then mixed with ozone and its intensity is MEASURED. The resultant is a measure of sulphur compounds PRESENT.

110.

Which of the following is not an advantage of gas-solid chromatography?(a) Increased column life(b) Can be used for separation of rare gases(c) Leads to semi-permanent retention of the analyte(d) Ability to retain some components that cannot be easily retained by other gas chromatography methodI have been asked this question in an online interview.This intriguing question originated from Gas Solid Chromatography topic in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Leads to semi-permanent retention of the ANALYTE

To EXPLAIN I would say: Gas-solid CHROMATOGRAPHY leads to semi-permanent retention of the analyte. Hence, it is USED for limited applications.

111.

Filter photometer detector is primarily responsive to which of the following compounds/elements?(a) Volatile sulphur or phosphorous compounds(b) Nitrogen(c) Halogen(d) PotassiumThe question was asked in my homework.My doubt is from Detection System of Gas Chromatography topic in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) Volatile sulphur or phosphorous compounds

Explanation: FLAME photometric detector is primarily RESPONSIVE to volatile sulphur or phosphorous compounds. It is also responsive to tin and nitrogen.
112.

The distribution coefficients of Gas-solid chromatography are greater than that of Gas-liquid chromatography.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in my homework.The doubt is from Gas Solid Chromatography topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) True

Easy EXPLANATION: The distribution coefficients of Gas-solid CHROMATOGRAPHY are GREATER than that of Gas-liquid chromatography. The stationary phase is a solid particle.

113.

Gas-solid chromatography can be used only for separation of certain low molecular weight gaseous species.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in an online quiz.The origin of the question is Gas Solid Chromatography topic in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The correct option is (a) True

Easy explanation: Gas-solid chromatography can be used only for separation of certain low MOLECULAR weight GASEOUS species. This is because of gas-solid chromatography, semi-permanent RETENTION of ANALYTE only takes place.

114.

Which of the following is a special adsorbent used in gas-solid chromatography?(a) Molecular sieves(b) Silica gel(c) Alumina(d) StarchThis question was posed to me in final exam.My doubt stems from Gas Solid Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right answer is (a) MOLECULAR sieves

The best I can EXPLAIN: Molecular sieves are a special ADSORBENT used in gas-solid CHROMATOGRAPHY. It is used in open tubular columns.

115.

Which of the following is not a disadvantage of Pneumatic pumps used in liquid chromatography?(a) Pulsed output(b) Dependent on solvent viscosity(c) Dependent on back pressure(d) Inconvenient for solvent gradient elutionI got this question in an online quiz.This intriguing question originated from Liquid Chromatography in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (a) Pulsed output

Explanation: Pneumatic pumps PROVIDE PULSE free output. They are INEXPENSIVE.
116.

Syringe pumps used in High pressure liquid chromatography are most suitable for which of the following columns?(a) Capillary columns(b) Guard columns(c) Short-fast columns(d) Small bore columnsThis question was addressed to me during an interview.Asked question is from High Pressure Liquid Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» CORRECT answer is (d) Small bore columns

The best I can explain: SYRINGE PUMPS used in HIGH pressure liquid CHROMATOGRAPHY are most suitable for small bore columns. It is the most commonly used piston type pump.
117.

Which of the following amino-acids is measured at a wavelength of 440nm using photometric systems?(a) Proline(b) Alanine(c) Glutamine(d) ValineThe question was asked in an interview for job.Origin of the question is Amino-Acid Analysers topic in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» CORRECT choice is (a) PROLINE

To explain: Proline and hydroxyproline are measured at 440nm. All the other AMINO acids are measured at 570nm.
118.

Which of the following detectors has a non-volatile bead of rubidium silicate placed above the flame tip?(a) Argon ionisation detector(b) Thermionic emission detector(c) Flame ionization detector(d) Electron capture detectorI have been asked this question in an interview.The above asked question is from Detection System of Gas Chromatography topic in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (b) Thermionic emission detector

The explanation: Thermionic emission detector has a non-volatile bead of rubidium silicate placed above the FLAME TIP. It is maintained at about 180V with respect to the COLLECTOR.

119.

Which of the following is the disadvantage of hydrogen, which can be used as carrier gas in gas chromatography?(a) Dangerous to use(b) Expensive(c) Reduced sensitivity(d) High densityThis question was posed to me in an internship interview.Question is from Gas Chromatography topic in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (a) DANGEROUS to use

Explanation: Hydrogen is dangerous to use. It has BETTER THERMAL conductivity and lower density.

120.

Which of the following is not a desirable feature of the ovens used in gas chromatography?(a) It must have a fast rate of heating(b) Power consumption should be kept low(c) It must have maximum thermal gradients(d) It should have proper insulationI had been asked this question during an online interview.I want to ask this question from Gas Chromatography topic in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) It must have MAXIMUM thermal gradients

Easiest explanation: The OVENS used in gas CHROMATOGRAPHY must have maximum thermal gradients. The TEMPERATURE must be uniform over the whole column.
121.

In which of the following methods are liquid samples injected into the column in gas chromatography?(a) Gas tight syringe(b) Micro-syringe(c) Rotary sample valve(d) Solid injection syringesThis question was addressed to me in a national level competition.My query is from Gas Chromatography in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) Micro-syringe

For explanation I would say: Liquid SAMPLES injected into the column in GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY using micro-syringe. Syringes of various capacities are available.
122.

Sample injection port must be maintained at a temperature at which rapid vapourisation occurs but thermal degradation does not occur.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in a national level competition.My question is from Gas Chromatography in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (a) True

The explanation: SAMPLE injection port MUST be MAINTAINED at a TEMPERATURE at which rapid vapourisation occurs but thermal degradation does not occur. The column is maintained at a different temperature.

123.

Which of the following is not a desired characteristic of pulse dampers or flow smootheners used in liquid chromatography?(a) Easy mobile phase change over(b) Constant flow must be maintained(c) Should be effective at low system pressure(d) Maximal dead volumeThis question was addressed to me in my homework.My question is from Liquid Chromatography in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right choice is (d) MAXIMAL dead volume

For explanation I would say: PULSE dampers are USED to avoid variations in flow. They MUST have MINIMAL dead volume.

124.

Which of the following detectors depend on Snell’s law at the interface between the cell wall and the flowing liquid to deflect the light beam?(a) Electrochemical detectors(b) Fluorescence detectors(c) Refractive index detectors(d) Thermal conductivity detectorsI have been asked this question in final exam.The above asked question is from Detection System of Liquid Chromatography topic in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (C) Refractive index detectors

To explain: Refractive index detectors depend on Snell’s law at the interface between the cell wall and the flowing liquid to deflect the LIGHT BEAM. Changes in refractive index are monitored by a POSITION sensor.

125.

Which of the following detectors can detect almost any component?(a) Combining two UV detectors(b) Combining RI and UV detectors(c) Mass detector(d) Laser-based detectorsThe question was asked in an interview.My enquiry is from Detection System of Liquid Chromatography topic in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right answer is (b) Combining RI and UV DETECTORS

Explanation: Combining RI and UV detectors almost any component can be detected. In some cases, SINGLE detection system MAY give incorrect results.

126.

Given below is the diagram of Ultraviolet detector used in liquid chromatography. Identify the unmarked component.(a) Collimator(b) Lens(c) Monochromator(d) Quartz windowThe question was asked by my college professor while I was bunking the class.Question is from Detection System of Liquid Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (d) QUARTZ window

Explanation: The PART that is not MARKED is quartz window. This detector is used to detect components that ABSORB any wavelength in the UV-Visible region.

127.

Which of the following components cannot be retained by gas-liquid columns but can be separated by using gas-solid chromatography?(a) Formaldehyde(b) Hydrogen sulphide(c) Benzene(d) Carbon dioxideI have been asked this question in an interview for internship.This interesting question is from Gas Solid Chromatography in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right answer is (B) HYDROGEN sulphide

To elaborate: Hydrogen sulphide cannot be RETAINED by gas-liquid columns. It can be SEPARATED using gas-solid CHROMATOGRAPHY.

128.

Electron capture detector is much less susceptible to contamination when nickel is used instead of tritium.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in examination.My question is from Detection System of Gas Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) True

The explanation is: Electron capture detector is much LESS SUSCEPTIBLE to CONTAMINATION when nickel is used INSTEAD of tritium. The sensitivity of nickel is less than that of tritium.

129.

Which of the following detectors can be used for detection of amino acids in protein hydrolyzates by introducing the reagent dansylchloride in the sample?(a) Electrochemical detectors(b) Fluorescence detectors(c) Refractive index detectors(d) Thermal conductivity detectorsI had been asked this question during an online exam.The above asked question is from Detection System of Liquid Chromatography in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) Fluorescence DETECTORS

To explain: Fluorescence detectors can be USED for detection of AMINO acids in protein hydrolyzates by introducing the reagent dansylchloride in the sample. Other compounds that can be DETECTED are petroleum products and natural products.

130.

Which of the following is not a disadvantage of gas-solid chromatography?(a) Strong retention of polar solutes(b) Lifetime is short(c) Occurrence of catalytic changes(d) Cannot be used for very wide range of componentsThe question was asked in an interview for internship.My doubt stems from Gas Solid Chromatography topic in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (B) Lifetime is short

The BEST I can explain: The lifetime of gas-solid chromatography is long. It can be used for geometrical ISOMERS.

131.

Trapped air in pumps of Automatic amino-acid analyzer is eliminated using which of the following ways?(a) Suction pump(b) De-aerator(c) Overcome naturally by pump pressure(d) Using pulse damperI have been asked this question in examination.I'm obligated to ask this question of Amino-Acid Analysers in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (b) De-aerator

Explanation: De-aerator is used to eliminate trapper air in PUMPS of an automatic amino-acid ANALYZER. Here, bubble-trap TYPE de-aerator is used.

132.

Amino-acids are distinguishable from each other only by one or two atoms in their structure.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in a national level competition.My question comes from Amino-Acid Analysers in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) True

To elaborate: Amino-acids are distinguishable from each other only by one or two atoms in their STRUCTURE. They are COMPONENTS of all proteins and are ESSENTIAL for growth of organisms.
133.

Which of the following conditions will cause the efficiency of the column to increase?(a) Plate number becomes greater, plate height becomes smaller(b) Plate number becomes smaller, plate height becomes smaller(c) Plate number becomes greater, plate height becomes larger(d) Plate number becomes greater, plate height becomes largerThe question was asked in my homework.My enquiry is from Column Efficiency and Column Resolution topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) PLATE number becomes greater, plate height becomes SMALLER

For EXPLANATION I would say: The efficiency of the column increases when the plate number becomes greater and the plate height becomes smaller. Column efficiency greatly DEPENDS on plate height and plate number.

134.

Which of the following is the ratio of the length of column packing to dead time?(a) Average linear rate of solute migration(b) Average linear rate of mobile migration(c) Relative migration rate(d) Selectivity factorI got this question in an interview for job.The question is from Chromatographic Behaviour of Solutes in chapter Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer» RIGHT option is (b) Average LINEAR rate of mobile MIGRATION

Explanation: Average linear rate of mobile migration is the ratio of the length of column PACKING to dead time. It influences the effectiveness of the column in SEPARATING solutes.
135.

Given below is the block diagram of gas chromatography. Identify the unmarked component.(a) Pumping system(b) Pressure regulator(c) Flow regulator(d) Sample injection systemThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.This question is from Gas Chromatography topic in portion Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (d) SAMPLE injection SYSTEM

To explain: The UNMARKED component is syringe. Hence, the answer is sample injection system. It is for the introduction of sample into the flowing GAS stream.

136.

What is the drawback that occurs in using gas chromatography for amino-acid analysis?(a) Costly(b) Cannot be used for proteins or polypeptides(c) Slow process(d) Complex in operationI had been asked this question in semester exam.The above asked question is from Amino-Acid Analysers in division Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (b) Cannot be used for proteins or polypeptides

The best EXPLANATION: GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY cannot be used for proteins or polypeptides. Further, accuracy is lost while CONVERTING amino-acids into the gaseous phase.