Chemistry in Everyday Life

5 min

Applied Science: Chemicals, Polymers, and Fuels

The Golden Rule

Understanding chemical compositions of common items is key for scoring. Focus on the main components of fuels and fertilisers as they are frequently asked in exams.

Exam Importance

At least 1-2 questions appear in every SSC/Railway exam.
Memorizing formulas of daily items helps in direct scoring.
High ROI topic with simple conceptual application.

Memory Hooks

CNG = Clean Natural Gas (Mainly Methane).
LPG = Liquid Petroleum Gas (Butane + Propane).
PVC = Poly-Vinyl Chloride (Used in Plastics).

Common Chemicals & Formulas

Common Name	Chemical Name	Formula
Baking Soda	Sodium Bicarbonate	NaHCO3
Washing Soda	Sodium Carbonate	Na2CO3
Bleaching Powder	Calcium Hypochlorite	CaOCl2
Gypsum	Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate	CaSO4.2H2O

Daily Use Chemicals

CNG Gas

(Methane Fuel)

Methane Fuel

CNG is mostly Methane.

LPG Cylinder

(Butane Mix)

Butane Mix

LPG contains Butane and Propane.

Cement

(Binding Agent)

Binding Agent

Gypsum slows the setting time.

Glass

(Amorphous Solid)

Amorphous Solid

Glass is a supercooled liquid.

Avoid Common Mistakes

LPG is mostly MethaneLPG is Butane and Propane

Methane is the main component of CNG, not LPG.

Glass is a regular solidGlass is supercooled liquid

Glass lacks a crystal structure, making it an amorphous solid.

Gypsum speeds up cement settingGypsum slows down setting

Gypsum is added specifically to prevent flash setting.

Check Your Knowledge

Q1.Which of the following is the main component of LPG?

Q2.Why is Gypsum added to Portland cement?

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