Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

This section includes 7 InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Current Affairs knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

The first used Mortar was:(a) Lime mortar(b) Mud mortar(c) Cement mortar(d) Organic mortar

Answer» Right choice is (b) Mud mortar

Explanation: In ancient times, mud was extensively used for various purposes.  It was also used as mortar material. Mud was mixed with water and used.
2.

30 (in)(cm2)/(yr)(s)(lbm)(ft2) to all SI units.(a) 5.72×10-11(b) 4.76×10-12(c) 8.73×10-11(d) 4.45×10-12

Answer» The correct answer is (a) 5.72×10-11

To explain: 1 lbm  = 454 g,  1 ft = 12×2054 centimetres and 1yr = 365×24×60×60 sec.
3.

A relation of distance with time is given as d = 25(1-exp(-0.021t)) µm where d is in microns and t in seconds. What is the relation if d is in inches and t in minutes?(a) 25(1-exp(-0.021t)) in(b) 1.64(1-exp(0.26t)) in(c) 3.84(1-exp(0.26t)) in(d) 9.84(1-exp(1.26t)) in

Answer» The correct choice is (d) 9.84(1-exp(1.26t)) in

Explanation: Each term in an equation must have same dimensions and units as every other term to which it is added or subtracted or equated.
4.

What is the unit of b?(a) L/K(b) L/(K)(atm)(c) L/(K)(atm)(mole)(d) None of the mentioned

Answer» The correct choice is (b) L/(K)(atm)

To explain I would say: Unit of b = unit of V / (unit of T)(Unit of P).
5.

What is released during the production of clinker?(a) CaCO3(b) CO2(c) Ca(OH)2(d) CO

Answer» Correct choice is (b) CO2

The best explanation: Specifically, CO2 is released during calcination of limestone, which goes on to form clinkers ahead.  It occurs in upper, cooler end of kiln (precalciner) at temperatures of 600-900^oc.
6.

What is the mole percent of HCl in the product?(a) 16(b) 24(c) 26(d) 40

Answer» Right answer is (b) 24

Explanation: Moles of HCl produced in the reaction = 24 moles.
7.

In what form should lime be present in the brick earth?(a) Paste(b) Lump(c) Clinker(d) Powder

Answer» Right option is (d) Powder

To explain: Lime should be present in the brick earth in the form of very finely powdered state so as to prevent the flaking of bricks.
8.

___________ footing is used in load bearing masonry construction.(a) Isolated(b) Strap(c) Strip(d) Pile

Answer» Right option is (c) Strip

Easiest explanation: The strip footing bears a whole load of an entire wall.  It is a continuous footing that runs below the wall.
9.

Pier foundation is also called:(a) Caisson(b) Box(c) Bridge(d) Girder

Answer» Correct answer is (a) Caisson

Best explanation: Caisson foundation is often used in the construction of bridge piers, hence it is also called pier foundation.  Caisson can be floated to the site and sunk to the required position. It is used under water also.
10.

Which of the below is not a preliminary consideration for building a foundation?(a) Bearing capacity of soil(b) Ground water condition(c) Settlement control(d) Soil organisms

Answer» The correct choice is (d) Soil organisms

To explain I would say: Bearing capacity of soil, ground water conditions and settlement control are all very important parameters to be considered while selecting the right foundation. Every soil contains organisms, foundation should be able to withstand their activities.
11.

28 lbm/ft. is eqal to(a) 41.7 kg/m(b) 41.7 g/cm(c) 41.7 g/ft(d) None of the mentioned

Answer» Right choice is (a) 41.7 kg/m

For explanation I would say: 1 lbm = 454 gm, 1ft = 0.3084 m.
12.

__________ are statements of equivalent values of different units in the form of ratios.(a) Fraction factor(b) Conversion factor(c) Expand factor(d) None of the mentioned

Answer» Right answer is (b) Conversion factor

Explanation: Conversion factor are statements of equivalent values of different units in the form of ratios.
13.

What is the selectivity of C4H7Cl relative to C4H8Cl2?(a) 0.25(b) 0.50(c) 0.75(d) 1.00

Answer» The correct option is (a) 0.25

For explanation I would say: Selectivity = 10 (gm moles of C4H7Cl)/40 (gm moles of C4H8Cl2).
14.

Steining is a component of which of the below type of foundation?(a) Pile(b) Strap(c) Isolated(d) Well

Answer» Right answer is (d) Well

Best explanation: Well foundation is a type of deep foundation. It is shaped like a well. The well is dug, filled with sand/concrete. Steining is the wall provided to the well and it is built over a wedge shaped portion, called well curb.
15.

What is the partial pressure of SO2?(a) 20 atm(b) 40 atm(c) 60 atm(d) 80 atm

Answer» Correct choice is (d) 80 atm

Easy explanation: Pi = (Xi)(Ptotal).
16.

What happens to raw bricks if an excess of alumina is present?(a) Becomes hard(b) Becomes brittle(c) Decay(d) Shrinkage

Answer» The correct answer is (d) Shrinkage

Easy explanation: Raw bricks develop shrinkage, cracks, warping in presence of excess alumina.  Other three changes happen on burnt bricks or final brick product due to excess of other constituents.
17.

Sulphur in cement is present in what amount?(a) 0.5 – 6 g(b) 1 – 2.5%(c) 0.5 – 6%(d) 1 – 2.5g

Answer» Correct choice is (b) 1 – 2.5%

To explain: The presence of ingredients is expressed in percentage.  Iron oxide is present in 0.5-6% and sulphur 1-2.5%.
18.

Excess of oxides of iron makes the brick:(a) Red in colour(b) Black in colour(c) Dark blue in colour(d) Yellow in colour

Answer» The correct option is (c) Dark blue in colour

The explanation is: Iron oxide imparts the red colour to the brick.  Presence of magnesia makes brick yellowish and manganese makes it black.  Excess of oxides of iron makes the brick dark blue on burning.
19.

Excess of Alkali in cement results in:(a) Dry cement paste(b) Efflorescence(c) Less plasticity(d) Unsound cement

Answer» Right option is (b) Efflorescence

The explanation: Efflorescence is the formation of powdery substance on the surface of masonry or concrete work.  Alkalis usually get carried away by flue gases during heating.  In excess quantity, they result in alkali-aggregate reaction.
20.

Green cement is:(a) Green coloured cement(b) Cement mixed with plant products(c) Cement mixed with recycled materials(d) Cement mixed with green algae

Answer» Right answer is (c) Cement mixed with recycled materials

To elaborate: Green cement is a cementitious material which employs the use of optimized recycled materials.  These can meet or even exceed the functional performance of Portland cement.
21.

The fineness modulus of sand lies in the range:(a) 1-2(b) 0.5-1(c) 2-3(d) 2.5-3.5

Answer» Right answer is (c) 2-3

The best explanation: Fineness modulus is an index number which represents average size of sand particles.  It is calculated after conducting sieve analysis.
22.

How can one understand the completion of the burning of lime?(a) Blue flame at the top disappears(b) Blue flame appears at the top(c) Smoke is released in huge quantity(d) Red flame appears at the top

Answer» The correct choice is (a) Blue flame at the top disappears

The best explanation: A blue flame indicates complete combustion, implying no wastage of resources.  Hence, we can ensure the proper burning of lime.
23.

What is the meaning of soundness of cement?(a) Ability to flow when mixed(b) Ability to make ringing noise when struck(c) Ability to form strong and sound structure(d) Ability to retain volume after setting.

Answer» Correct choice is (d) Ability to retain volume after setting.

Easy explanation: When cement paste hardens and sets, it should not undergo any volume change.  Soundness ensures this and is tested using Autoclave expansion test.
24.

Which of the following is a property of Fat Lime?(a) Shakes very slowly(b) Contains clay(c) High degree of plasticity(d) Poor binding property

Answer» Right choice is (c) High degree of plasticity

Best explanation: Fat Lime is pure lime.  The rest of the 3 options describe properties of poor lime.
25.

What is the advantage of using precalciner?(a) Fine grained cement(b) Larger clinker size(c) Fuel efficiency(d) Sound cement

Answer» Right answer is (c) Fuel efficiency

Explanation: Almost 95% of calcination is completely over in the precalciner, if 50-60% of fuel is added to this chamber.  Hence fuel in the kiln required is less.
26.

How much does a bag of cement weigh?(a) 1 kg(b) 25 kg(c) 50 kg(d) 35 kg

Answer» The correct answer is (c) 50 kg

The explanation is: The weight of one bag of cement is 50 kg everywhere.  It is the standard measurement.  In the manufacturing unit of cement, it is packed in bags of 50kg.
27.

Which of the following ions causes the cement to set quickly?(a) Sulphate(b) Carbonate(c) Chloride(d) Nitrate

Answer» The correct option is (a) Sulphate

To explain I would say: Sulphate arrests slaking and hence cement can set quickly and become stronger.
28.

Volume using Kay`s method? Use z = 0.95.(a) 123 cm^3/g mol(b) 223 cm^3/g mol(c) 323 cm^3/g mol(d) 423 cm^3/g mol

Answer» Right answer is (c) 323 cm^3/g mol

Explanation: v = zRT/P.
29.

What function does iron oxide perform in cement?(a) Increases strength(b) Makes cement sound(c) Increases setting time(d) Acts as flux

Answer» The correct answer is (d) Acts as flux

The best explanation: Iron oxide acts as a flux, in addition to being responsible for imparting colour to cement.  If the temperature goes higher, then iron oxide reacts with aluminium and calcium and results in the formation of calcium aluminate ferrite.
30.

How many types of cement are there based on the ability to set in presence of water?(a) 2(b) 3(c) 4(d) 5

Answer» Correct answer is (a) 2

For explanation I would say: The 2 types are hydraulic and non-hydraulic cement.  Hydraulic cement sets and becomes adhesive due to reaction with water.  Non-hydraulic cement does not set under-water or in wet conditions.
31.

What is the fractional conversion of C4H8 to C4H7Cl?(a) 0.022(b) 0.044(c) 0.066(d) 0.088

Answer» Right answer is (a) 0.022

To elaborate: Fractional conversion = 10/450.
32.

Which one is an incorrect conversion(a) 1 inch = 2.54 cm(b) 1 mile = 5280 ft.(c) 1 ft. = 12 inch(d) None of the mentioned

Answer» Correct answer is (d) None of the mentioned

To explain: All above mentioned are correct conversions of length.
33.

25 Kg is(a) 2.500 g(b) 2.5000 g(c) 55 lb(d) 0.055 lb

Answer» Right choice is (d) 0.055 lb

Explanation: 1 lb = 454 gm.
34.

The quantity of water to be added for hydrating 100kg of lime is:(a) 10 litres(b) 1 litre(c) 15 litres(d) 32 litres

Answer» Right choice is (d) 32 litres

To explain I would say: Quantity of water to be added depends on composition of lime, method of slaking, form of lime required (dry or putty).   Practically water up to 100 litres can also be added for lime putty.
35.

Which of the following types of cement is used in marine structures?(a) Expanding cement(b) High alumina cement(c) Blast furnace slag cement(d) White cement

Answer» The correct option is (c) Blast furnace slag cement

For explanation I would say: Blast furnace slag cement is obtained by combining slag and cement clinkers.  These have less heat of hydration and are not affected by sea water.  Hence, can be used for marine structures.
36.

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has been classified into how many grades?(a) 2(b) 3(c) 10(d) 5

Answer» Correct choice is (b) 3

For explanation: There was only one grade of OPC before 1987 and was according to IS 269-1976.  It was revised in 1991 and IS 1489-1991 included 3 grades namely, 33 grade, 43 grade and 53 grade.
37.

Conversion factor to change inches in to cm. is(a) 1/2.54(b) 2.54(c) 1/12(d) 12

Answer» Correct choice is (b) 2.54

To elaborate: 1 in. = 2.54 cm.
38.

30 mile/hour is equal to(a) 25.26 ft./sec(b) 35.36 ft./sec(c) 45.46 ft./sec(d) 55.56 ft./sec

Answer» Correct answer is (c) 45.46 ft./sec

To explain I would say: 1 mile = 5280 ft. and 1 hr. = 3600 sec.
39.

By which of the following ways is lime obtained?(a) Naturally(b) Quarrying(c) Burning limestone(d) Crushing limestone

Answer» Right answer is (c) Burning limestone

To explain: It is not available naturally.  It is obtained by burning limestone, shells of sea animals and boulders of limestone from old river beds.
40.

Who invented Portland cement and in which year?(a) William Aspdin, 1824(b) William Aspdin, 1840s(c) Joseph Aspdin, 1840s(d) Joseph Aspdin, 1824

Answer» Correct answer is (b) William Aspdin, 1840s

For explanation I would say: Joseph Aspdin patented Portland cement in 1824.  William Aspdin, his son is regarded as the inventor of modern Portland cement due to his developments in 1840s.
41.

Which machine is used for making holes in a wall? (a) Grinder machine (b) Hand drilling machine (c) Bench type drilling machine (d) Welding machine

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) Hand drilling machine 

42.

3.5 mile is equal to(a) 18480 ft.(b) 2217600 in.(c) 56327 m(d) All of the mentioned

Answer» The correct choice is (d) All of the mentioned

The best I can explain: 1 mile = 5280 ft., 1 ft. = 12 in., 1 in. = 2.54 cm.
43.

1 bar pressure is equal to(a) 10 KN/m2(b) 100 KN/m2(c) 1000 KN/m2(d) 10000 KN/m2

Answer» The correct answer is (b) 100 KN/m2

To elaborate: . 1 bar pressure is equal to 100 KN/m2.
44.

Which one of the following is an advantage of Kiln burning over clamp burning?(a) Burning is not complete(b) Requires more fuel(c) No wastage of lime(d) Time effective

Answer» Right option is (d) Time effective

Best explanation: Clamp burning takes weeks to burn limestone, whereas kiln burning takes only hours.  Kiln burning operation involves loading, burning, cooling and unloading.  All these lead to wastage of lime in some amount.
45.

The desired condition of the refrigerant at entry to the compressor is (a) liquid refrigerant (b) dry and saturated vapour refrigerant (c) wet refrigerant (d) None of the above

Answer»

(b) dry and saturated vapour refrigerant

The desired condition of the refrigerant at entry to the compressor is dry and saturated vapour refrigerant.

46.

The Pascal (Pa) unit of pressure can be written as:(a) N.m-2(b) mg/mL(c) MmHg(d) Kg .m2

Answer» The correct answer is (a) N.m-2

Easy explanation: The Pascal (Pa) unit of pressure is Force/Area.
47.

Why is the middle portion in a continuous kiln widened?(a) To accommodate more fuel(b) To collect lime at bottom(c) To allow the flow of limestone from top(d) To accommodate hot gases of combustion

Answer» Right option is (d) To accommodate hot gases of combustion

To elaborate: The kiln has two sections – upper one to store limestone and lower one to collect lime.  As burning continues, hot gases are releases.  These are then accommodated in the middle portion.
48.

What is the most dominant constituent of cement?(a) Silica(b) Lime(c) Magnesia(d) Alumina

Answer» The correct answer is (b) Lime

The best explanation: Cement contains about 60-65% of lime.  Silica constitutes 17-25%, alumina 3-8% and magnesia 1-3%.
49.

Temperature can`t be expressed as?(a) Celsius(b) Fahrenheit(c) Rankine(d) None of the mentioned

Answer» The correct option is (d) None of the mentioned

For explanation I would say: All a, b, c are the units of temperature.
50.

When quantities with units are added or subtracted, they need to be expressed in the ______ unit.(a) Different(b) Same(c) Derived(d) Fundamental

Answer» Right choice is (b) Same

Easiest explanation: When quantities with units are added or subtracted, they need to be expressed in the same unit.