April 12, 2010

Chemistry Inventions

What Happened and When?


  • A Chronology of Notable Achievements

Democritus (465 BC)

First to conceive matter in the form of particles, which he called atoms.

Alchemists (about 1000-1650)

Attempted to (1) change lead and other base metals to gold; (2) discover a
universal solvent; and (3) discover a life-prolonging elixir. Used plant products and
arsenic compounds to treat diseases.

Boyle, Sir Robert (1637-1691)

Formulated fundamental gas laws. First to conceive the possibility of small
particles combining to form molecules; distinguished between compounds and mixtures;
studied air and water pressures, desalination, crystals and electrical phenomena.

Priestley, Joseph (1733-1804)

Discovered oxygen, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide.

Scheele, C.W. (1742-1786)

Discovered chlorine, tartaric acid, sensitivity of silver compounds to light
(photochemistry); and oxidation of metals.

Le Blanc, Nicholas (1742-1806)

Invented a process for making soda ash from sodium sulfate, limestone and coal.

Lavoisier, A.L. (1743-1794)

Discovered nitrogen; studied acids and described composition of many organic
compounds. Generally regarded as the father of chemistry.

Volta, A. (1745-1827)

Invented the electric battery, a series of "piles" or stacks of
alternating layers of silver and zinc, or copper and zinc, separated by paper soaked in
brine (electrolyte). See Activity (1).

Berthollet, C.L. (1748-1822)

Corrected Lavoiser’s theory of acids; discovered bleaching power of
chlorine; studied combining weights of atoms (stoichiometry).

Jenner, Edward (1749-1823)

Discoverer of vaccination for prevention of smallpox (1776).

Dalton, John (1766-1844)

The first great chemical theorist; proposed atomic theory (1807); stated law of
partial pressure of gases. His ideas led to laws of multiple proportions, constant
composition and conservation of mass.

Avogadro, A. (1776-1856)

Proposed principle that equal volumes of gases contain the same number of
molecules. The number (6.02 x 1023 for 22.41 litres of any gas) is a fundamental constant
that applies to all chemical units.

Davy, Sir Humphry (1778-1829)

Laid foundation of electrochemistry, studied electroysis of salts in water and
other electrochemical phenomena; isolated Na and K.

Gay-Lussac, J.L. (1778-1850)

Discovered boron and iodine, studied acids and bases and discovered indicators
(litmus); improved production method for H2SO4, did basic research on behavior of gases
versus temp and on the ratios of gas volumes in chemical reactions.

Berzelius J.J. (1779-1850)

Classified minerals chemically; discovered and isolated many elements (Se, Th,
Si, Ti, Zr); coined the terms isomer and catalyst; noted existence of radicals;
anticipated discovery of colloids.

Faraday, Michael (1791-1867)

Extended Davy’s work in electrochemistry. He developed theories of
electrical and mechanical energy, electrolysis, corrosion, batteries, and
electrometallurgy.

Wohler, F. (1800-1882)

First to synthesize an organic compound (urea, 1828) (a rearrangement reaction).
This discovery was the beginning of synthetic organic chemistry.

Goodyear, Charles (1800-1860)

Discovered vulcanization of rubber (1844) by sulphur, inorganic accelerator, and
heat. Hancock in England made a parallel discovery.

Liebig, J. von (1803-1873)

Fundamental investigation of plant life (photosynthesis) and soil chemistry;
first to propose use of fertilisers. Discovered chloroform and cyanogen compounds.

Graham, Thomas (1822-1869)

Studied diffusion of solutions through membranes; established principles of
colloid chemistry.

Pasteur, Louis (1822 - 1895)

(1) First to recognize infective bacteria as disease-causing agents; (2)
developed concept of immunochemistry; (3) initiated heat-sterilization of wine and milk
(pasteurization); (4) observed optical isomers (enantiomers) in tartaric acid.

Lister, Joseph (1827-1912)

Initiated use of antiseptics in surgery, e.g., phenols, carbolic acid, cresols.

Kekulé, A. (1829-1896)

Laid foundations of aromatic chemistry; conceived of four-valent carbon and
structure of benzene ring; predicted isomeric substitutions (ortho-, meta-, para-).

Nobel, Alfred (1833-1896)

Invented dynamite, smokeless powder, blasting gelatin. Established international
awards for achievements in chemistry, physics and medicine.

Mendeléev, D.I. (1834-1907)

Discovered periodicity of the elements and compiled the first Periodic Table.

Hyatt, J.W. (1837-1920)

Initiated plastics industry (1869) by invention of Celluloid (nitrocellulose
modified with camphor).

Perkin, Sir W.H. (1838-1907)

Synthesized first organic dye (mauveine, 1856) and first synthetic perfume
(coumarin). His work on dyes was continued and expanded by Hofmann in Germany.

Beilstein, F.K. (1838-1906)

Compiled Handbuchder organischen Chemie, a multi-volume compendium of properties
and reactions of organic chemicals.

Gibbs, Josiah W. (1839-1903)

Stated three principal laws of thermodynamics; expounded nature of entropy and
phase rule and the relation between chemical, electric and thermal energy.

Chardonnet, H. (1839-1924)

First to produce a synthetic fibre (nitrocellulose) with properties similar to
rayon.

Boltzmann, L. (1844-1906)

Developed kinetic theory of gases, their viscosity and diffusion properties are
summarized in Boltzmann’s Law.

Roentgen, W.K. (1845-1923)

Discovered x-radiation (1895). Awarded Nobel Prize in 1901.

Le Chatelier, H.L. (1850-1936)

Fundamental research on equilibrium reactions (Le Chatelier’s Law),
combustion of gases, and metallurgy of iron and steel.

Becquerel, H. (1851-1908)

Discovered radioactivity, deflection of electrons by magnetic fields and gamma
radiation. Nobel Prize 1903 (with the Curies).

Moisson, H. (1852- 907)

Developed electric furnace for making carbides and preparing pure metals;
isolated fluorine (1886). Nobel Prize 1906.

Fischer, Emil (1852-1919)

Basic research on sugars, purines, uric acid, enzymes, nitric acid, ammonia.
Pioneer work in sterochemistry. Nobel Prize 1902.

Thomson, Sir J.J. (1856-1940)

Research on cathode rays resulted in proof of existence of electrons (1896).
Nobel Prize 1906.

Arrhenius, Svante (1859 - 1927)

Fundamental research on rates of reaction versus temperature, expressed by the
Arrhenius equation; and on electrolytic dissociation. Nobel Prize 1903.

Hall, Charles Martin (1863-1914)

Invented method of aluminium manufacture by electrochemical reduction of alumina.
Parallel discovery by Heroult in France.

Baekeland, Leo H. (1863-1944)

Invented phenolformaldehyde plastic (1907), the first completely synthetic resin
(Bakelite).

Nernst, Walther Hermann (1864-1941)

Awarded Nobel Prize in 1920 for his work in thermochemistry, did basic research
in electrochemistry and thermodynamics.

Werner, A. (1866-1919)

Introduced concept of coordination theory of valence (complex chemistry). Nobel
Prize in 1913.

Curie, Marie (1867-1934)

Discovered and isolated radium; research on radioactivity of uranium. Nobel Prize
1903 (with Becquerel) in physics; in chemistry 1911.

Haber, F. (1868-1924)

Synthesized ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, the first industrial fixation of
atmospheric nitrogen (the process was further developed by Bosch). Nobel Prize 1918.

Rutherford, Sir Ernest (1871-1937)

First to prove radioactive decay of heavy elements and to carry out a
transmutation reaction (1919). Discovered half-life of radioactive elements. Nobel Prize
1908.

Lewis, Gilbert N. (1875-1946)

Proposed electron-pair theory of acids and bases; authority on thermodynamics.

Aston, F.W. (1877-1945)

Pioneer work on isotopes and their separation by mass spectrograph. Nobel Prize
1922.

Fischer, Hans (1881-1945)

Basic research on porphyrins, chlorophyll, carotene, synthesized hemin. Nobel
Prize 1930.

Langmuir, Irving (1881-1957)

Fundamental research on surface chemistry, monomolecular films, emulsion
chemistry. Also electric discharges in gases, cloud seeding, etc. Nobel Prize 1932.

Staudinger, Hermann (1881-1965)

Fundamental research on high-polymer structure, catalytic synthesis,
polymerization mechanisms, resulting eventually in development of stereospecific catalysts
by Ziegler and Natta (stereoregular polymers). Nobel Prize 1963.

Flemming, Sir Alexander (1881-1955)

Discovered penicillin (1928); initiated antibiotics. Nobel Prize 1945. The
science was developed in the U.S. by Selman A. Waksman.

Moseley, Henry G.J. (1887-1915)

discovered the relation between frequency of x-rays emitted by an element and its
atomic number, thus indicating the element’s true position in the Periodic Table.

Adams, Roger (1889-1971)

Noted educator and contributor to industrial research in catalysis and structural
analysis. Priestley Medal.

Midgley, Thomas (1889-1944)

Discovered tetraethyllead and antiknock treatment for gasoline (1921) and
fluorocarbon refrigerants early research on synthetic rubber.

Ipatieff, Vladimir N. (1890?-1952)

Basic research and development of catalytic alkylation and isomerisation of
hydrocarbons (with Herman Pines).

Banting, Sir Frederick (1891-1941)

Isolated the insulin molecule. Nobel Prize 1923.

Chadwick, Sir James (1891-1974)

Discovered the neutron (1932) Nobel Prize 1935.

Urey, Harold C. (1894-1981)

Discovered heavy isotope of hydrogen (deuterium). Nobel Prize 1934. A leader of
he Manhattan Project. Made original contributions to theories of he origin of the universe
and of life processes.

Carothers, Wallace (1896-1937)

Polymerization research resulting in synthesis of neoprene (polychloroprene) and
of nylon (polyamide).

Kistiakowsky, George B. (1900-1982)

Developed the detonating device used in first atomic bomb.

Heisenberg, W.K. (1901-1976)

Research in quantum mechanics resulting in development of the orbital theory of
chemical bonding. Stated Uncertainity Principle. Nobel Prize 1932.

Fermi, Enrico (1901-1954)

First to achieve a controlled nuclear fission reaction (1939); basic research on
subatomic particles. Nobel Prize 1938.

Lawrence, Ernest O. (1901-1958)

Invented the cyclotron in which first synthetic elements were created. Nobel
Prize 1939.

Libby, Wilard F. (1908-1980)

Developed radiocarbn dating technique based on carbon-14. Nobel Prize 1960.

Crick, F.H.C (1916- ) with Watson,
James D.


Elucidated structure of DNA molecule (1953) resulting in development of
gene-splicing (recombinant DNA) techniques.

Woodward, Robert W. (1917-1979)

Nobel Prize 1965 for his brilliant syntheses of such compounds as cholesterol,
quinine, chlorophyll and cobalamin.

Science Inventions First Discovered

No. Question Answer
01 The theory of relativity was propounded by Albert Einstein
02 The principal metal used in manufacturing steel is Iron
03 An alimeter is used for measuring Altitude
04 Oology is the study of Birds eggs
05 Radioactivity was discovered by Henry Bacquerel
06 The metal used in storage batteries is Lead
07 The instrument used to measure the relative humidity of air is Hygrometer
08 Barometer was invented by Torricelli
09 The unit of power is Watt
10 Radium was discovered by Marie and Pierrie Curie
11 The existence of isotopes was discovered by Frederick Soddy
12 Dynamo was invented by Michael Faraday
13 The nuclear reactor was invented by Enrico Ferni
14 The law of gravitation was propounded by Sir Isaac Newton
15 Crescograph was invented by J.C.Bose
16 Crescograph is used to measure the Rate of growth of a plant
17 Galileo’s first scientific discovery was Pendulum
18 Microscope was invented by Aaton Van Leewen Hock
19 The scientist who is known as father of modern biology is Aristotle
20 The first person to see a cell under microscope was Robert Hooke
21 The smallest flowering plant is Worffia
22 The four blood groups were discovered by Karl Landsteiner
23 Sodium was discovered by Sir Humphry Davy
24 The atomic number of oxygen is Eight
25 The basic building blocks of proteins are Amino acids
26 The botanical name of the cotton plant is Gossipium Hirsutum
27 An Electroscope is used to Detect charges on a body
28 The unit of loudness is Phon
29 An ammeter is used to measure Electric current
30 Plant that eat insects are called Insectivorous plants
31 Fruits that are formed without fertilization are called Parthenocarpic
32 Plants that flower only once in their lifetime are called Mono carpic
33 The botanical name for rice is Oryza Sativa
34 Penicillin is obtained from Mould
35 The largest tree in the world is Seguoia Gigantica
36 Herpetology is the study of Reptiles
37 Entomology is the study of Insects
38 Ornithology is the study of Birds
39 Ichtyology is the study of Fishes
40 Osteology is the study of Bones
41 The botanical name for brinjal is Solanum melongenal
42 The botanical name for onion is Allium Cepa
43 The study of sound is called Acoustics
44 The study of heavenly bodies is called Astronomy
45 The study of tissues is called Histology
46 Electric Lamp was invented by Thomas alva Edison
47 The fear of crowd is called Ochlophobia
48 The fear of books is called Bibliophobia
49 The fear of going to bed is called Clinophobia
50 The symbol of gold is Au
51 The symbol of sodium is Na
52 The symbol of Sr stands for Strontium
53 The symbol Rb stands for Rubidium
54 The symbol Md stands for Mendelevium
55 Calcium sulphate is commonly called Plaster of Paris
56 Sodium carbonate is commonly called Washing Soda
57 Sodium chloride is commonly known as Common Salt
58 The chemical name of Chloroform is Trichloromethane
59 The chemical name of baking powder is Sodium bicarbonate
60 The chemical name of bleaching powder is Calcium hypochlorite
61 The formula HCL stands for Hydrochloric Acid
62 The formula H2SO4 stands for Sulphuric Acid
63 The formula CHCI3 stands for Trichloromethane
64 The formula H2O2 stands for Hydrogen peroxide
65 A fungus which can only survive on other living organisms is called Obligate Parasite
66 A plant which lives in the dark is called Scotophyte
67 A plant adapted to live in dry places is called a Xerophyte
68 A plant adapted for growth in water is called a Hydrophyte
69 Bifocal lens was invented by Benjamin Franklin
70 Cement was invented by Joseph Aspdin
71 Laser was invented by Dr.Charles H.Townes
72 Electromagnet was invented by William Sturgeon
73 Rayon was invented by Sir Joseph Swann
74 Thermostat is an instrument used for regulating Constant temperature
75 The science of organic forms and structures is known as Morphology
76 Phycology is the study of Algae
77 Tata Institute of Fundamental Research was established in 1945
78 CSIR stands for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
79 ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation
80 The first human being to land on moon was Neil Armstrong
81 The first Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma
82 ISAC stands for ISRO Satellite Centre
83 VSSC stands for Vikram Sarabhai space Centre
84 The headquarters of ISRO is located at Bangalore
85 VSSC is located at Thiruvananthapuram
86 ISAC is located at Bangalore
87 National Science Centre is located at New Delhi
88 Central Tobacco Research Institute is located at Rajahmundry
89 Indian Institute of Horticultural Research is located at Bangalore
90 The Atomic Energy Commission was set up in August 1948
91 The first Indian Satellite was Aryabhatta
92 The first Indian Satellite was launched in the year 1975
93 ASLV stands for Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
94 INSAT stands for Indian National Satellite
95 The fear of women is known as Gynophobia
96 The fear of men is known as Androphobia
97 The scientist who developed the Quantum theory was Max Plonck
98 The steam engine was invented by James Watt
99 The botanical name of tea is Camellia Sinensis
100 Logarithms were devised by John Napier
101 The acid used in a car battery is Sulphuric acid
102 The system for writing by blind people was invented by Louis Braille
103 The parachute was used for the first time by J.P.Blanchard
104 The German physicit who first demonstrated the existence of Radio waves was Henrich Hertz
105 The instrument that records the intensity of earthquakes is Seismograph
106 The laws of floating bodies was discovered by Archimedes
107 The density of milk is measured by a Lactometer
108 Fountain pen was invented by L.E.Waterman
109 The instrument used to measure the pressure of gases is the Monometer
110 Bhaskara I was a famous Astronomer
111 The first atomic power station established in India was the Tarapore Atomic Power Station
112 The role of heredity was demonstrated by Mendel
113 The instrument used to measure the concentration of salt water is the Salinometer
114 Spectroscopy is the study of Anders John Angstrom
115 Dactylography is the study of Finger Prints
116 A tangent galvanometer is used to study the Strength of direct current
117 The fruit of Oak is called Acron
118 ZETA stands for Zero Energy Thermonuclear Assembly
119 The formula C6H5OH stands for Phenol
120 Michael Faraday worked as an assistant under another scientist whose name was Sir Humphry Davy
121 Vulcanised rubber was invented by Charles Goodyear
122 The symbol Zn stands for Zinc
123 The symbol He stands for Helium
124 Celluloid was invented by A.Parker
125 Glider was invented by Sir George Caley
126 Safety matches was invented by J.E.Lundstrom
127 Radio valve was invented by Sir J.A.Fleming
128 Space Applications Centre is located at Ahmedabad
129 Atomic Energy Commission is located at Mumbai
130 Dynamics is the study of Movements of bodies
131 Statics is the study of Forces acting on bodies at rest
132 Mechanics is the study of Forces acting on bodies
133 Zoology is the study of Animal life
134 Botany is the study of Plant life
135 Psychology is the study of Human mind
136 The first American to orbit earth was John H.Glen
137 The electro-cardiograph was invented by William Einthoven
138 The molecular formula of cane sugar is C12H22O11
139 A compound which contains only hydrogen and Carbon is called a Hydrocarbon
140 The liquid used to preserve specimens of plans and animals is Formalin
141 The law of segregaton was propounded by Mendel
142 Auriscope is used to detect Ear disorders
143 The three states of matter are Solid,liquid and gas
144 The scientific name for blood platelets is Thrombocytes
145 The response of a plant to heat is called Thermotropism
146 The response of a plant to touch is called Trigmotropism
147 The symbol Zr stands for Zirconium
148 Nickel was discovered by Cronstledt
149 Manganese was discovered by Gahn
150 The common name for pottasium carbonate is Potash
151 Bismuth was discovered by Valentine
152 The biggest plant seed is Cocodemer
153 Toxicology is the study of Poisons
154 Virology is the study of Viruses
155 Paleontology is the study of Fossils
156 Calorimeter is used to measure Quantity of heat
157 Chronometer was invented by John Harrison
158 Stethoscope was invented by William Stockes
159 Spinning frame was invented by Sir Richard Arkwright
160 Al stands for Aluminium
161 Gd stands for Gadolinium
162 Ir stands for Iridium
163 Bi stands for Bismuth
164 The Chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3
165 The chemical formula of common salt is Nacl
166 The chemical formula of washing soda is Na2CO3,IOH2O
167 The chemical formula of lime soda is CaCO3
168 The chemical formula of chloroform is CHcl3
169 The study of grasses is known as Agrostology
170 The study of antiquities is known as Archaeology
171 The study of the duration of life is known as Chronobiology
172 The study of bacteria is known as Bacteriology
173 Nylon was invented by Dr.Wallace H.Carothers
174 Electric razor was invented by Jacob Schick
175 The symbol of silver is Ag
176 The symbol of silicon is Si
177 The symbol of titanium is Ti
178 Calcium oxide is commonly known as Quick lime
179 A deviation of light passing from one medium to another is known as Refraction
180 An apparatus for generation of atomic energy is called a Reactor
181 A machine used for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy is called a Generator
182 The first Indian woman in space was Kalpana Chawla
183 The revolver was invented by Samuel Colt
184 The refrigerator was invented by J.Perkins

April 2, 2010

GK For State Public Service Examinations

1.Which among the following is the capital of west Sikkim?
(A)Gyalshing
(B) Gangtok
(C)Mangan
(D)Namchi
(E)Pelling

2.Which among the following is also called as 'Fenny capital' of Goa. ?
(A)Bardez
(B)Sattari
(C)Ponda
(D)Mapusa
(E)Mormugao

3.Who among the following was the Premier of Madras Presidency at the time of India's Independence?
(A)P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja
(B)O. P. Ramaswamy Reddiyar
(C)Tanguturi Prakasam
(D)Kala Venkata Rao
(E)Kumarasami Kamaraj

4.Which among the following regional political parties in India has the Party logo of two leaves?
(A)DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
(B)AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam )
(C)MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam )
(D)PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi)
(E)None of them

5.Which among the following organizations occupies the Centre William Rappard building in Geneva, Switzerland?
(A)International Labour Organization
(B)World Trade Organization
(C)UNESCO
(D)World Health Organization
(E)None of the above

6.Rourkela in Orissa is known as Ispat Nagari also. It is third largest city of Orissa, known for one of the largest steel plants of the Steel Authority of India Limited and also National Institute of Technology. As per some etymologists, the name Rourkela is derived from Ruhr valley which is also rich in minerals particularly iron. Where is located this Ruhr Valley?
(A)France
(B)Russia
(C)China
(D)Germany
(E)Italy

7.In context with the share markets in India, which among the following denotes the current practice of Rolling Settlementsas mandated by SEBI?
(A)T+1
(B)T+2
(C)T+3
(D)T+4
(E)T+5

8.Who among the following is known for preparing the draft of Quit India Resolution?
(A)Sardar Patel
(B)Jawahar lal Nehru
(C)Acharya Kriplani
(D)P Sitarammaiya
(E)None of them

9.Which among the following is not located in Rajasthan?
(A)Karni Mata temple.
(B)Eklingji
(C)Junagarh Fort
(D)Narwar Fort
(E)Vijay Stambh

10.Ultrasound which is upper limit of human hearing is characterized by which of the following frequencies?
(A)Above 20 KHz
(B)Above 2 KHz
(C)Above 200 KHz
(D)Below 20 KHz
(E)Below 2 KHz

11.In which year the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Resources was changed into Ministry of New & Renewable Energy ?
(A)2002
(B)2003
(C)2005
(D)2006
(E)2007

12.In context with Indian Freedom Movement , which of the following took place on June 14, 1945?
(A)Cabinet Mission Plan put forth
(B)Wavell Plan Put forth
(C)Lord Mountbatten Plan put forth
(D)Interim Government set up
(E)None of them above

13.In which of the following states of India , a festival called Chapchar Kut is celebrated in March ?
(A)Assam
(B)Mizoram
(C)Karnataka
(D)Sikkim
(E)Jammu & Kashmir

14.How many parts are of other metals in a 17 carat Gold?
(A)3
(B)4
(C)5
(D)6
(E)7

15.Who among the following is the current Supreme Commander of Iranian armed forces?
(A)Ayatollah Salehi
(B)Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
(C) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(D)Mohammad Ali Jafari
(E)Mohammad-Reza Rahimi

16.What is the current number of Rajya sabha members in India belonging to Indian National Congress?
(A)83
(B)78
(C)71
(D)67
(E)63

17.What is the name of the Upper House of the European Union?
(A)European Parliament
(B)Council of the European Union
(C)European Assembly
(D)General Council of Europe
(E)European House of People

18.Which of the following countries Lower House is called Gyelyong Tshogdu?
(A)Bhutan
(B)Myanmar
(C)Thailand
(D)Cambodia
(E)None of them

19.Which of the following countries National Animal is Siberian Tiger ?
(A)Russia
(B)China
(C)North Korea
(D)Japan
(E)South Korea

20.Who among the following musicians of Sri lanka is known to compose Sri Lankan national anthem "Sri Lanka Matha" and is considered the father of artistic Sinhala music, and founder of the modern geeta sahitya?
(A)Edward Jayakody
(B)Dushyanth Weeraman
(C)Manickam Yogeswaran
(D)Ananda Samarakoon
(E)R. A. Chandrasena