Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I
(Compound)
List II
(Nature)
A. Sodium hydroxide1. Strong acid
B. Calcium oxide2. Alkali
C. Acetic acid3. Weak acid
D. Hydrochloric acid4. Base

Code :

A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
The correct option is B. The correct match is A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1.
Let’s classify each compound:
A. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): NaOH is a strong base. Soluble bases are called alkalis. NaOH is highly soluble and completely dissociates in water, making it a strong alkali. Matches with 2 (Alkali).
B. Calcium oxide (CaO): CaO is a metal oxide. Metal oxides are generally basic in nature. When dissolved in water, it forms calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), a base. Thus, CaO is a base (basic oxide). Matches with 4 (Base).
C. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH): This is an organic acid (carboxylic acid). It is a weak acid because it does not completely dissociate in water. Matches with 3 (Weak acid).
D. Hydrochloric acid (HCl): HCl is a mineral acid. It is a strong acid because it completely dissociates in water. Matches with 1 (Strong acid).
Mapping the compounds to their nature:
A. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) → 2. Alkali
B. Calcium oxide (CaO) → 4. Base
C. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) → 3. Weak acid
D. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) → 1. Strong acid
Comparing this mapping with the options provided, option B matches correctly.