WBCS.LIVE practice question
Which gas is used to ripen fruits artificially?
Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.
Answer options
Correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: Acetylene
Explanation: ā Correct Answer: (A) Acetylene š Explanation: Acetylene gas, produced from Calcium Carbide, is commonly used for the artificial ripening of fruits like mangoes and bananas. When calcium carbide comes in contact with moisture, it releases acetylene. Ethylene is the natural hormone that ripens fruits. While acetylene mimics the action of ethylene, its use is strictly regulated or banned in many regions due to the presence of traces of arsenic and phosphorus in industrial-grade calcium carbide.