Which one of the following is the best example of desiccant ?

Silica gel

Polystyrene

Sodium chloride

Sodium carbonate

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2020

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Silica gel is the best example of a desiccant among the given options.

A desiccant is a substance that absorbs or adsorbs water, thus creating or maintaining a state of dryness. Silica gel is widely used for this purpose due to its porous structure, which allows it to adsorb a significant amount of water vapour.

Silica gel is often found in small packets in product packaging (like electronics, shoes, leather goods, etc.) to protect them from moisture damage. While other substances like calcium chloride or activated alumina are also used as desiccants, silica gel is a common and effective example. Polystyrene is a type of plastic. Sodium chloride (common salt) can absorb moisture (hygroscopic) but is not primarily used as a general industrial desiccant in the same way as silica gel. Sodium carbonate can absorb moisture to form hydrates but is also not the primary example of a desiccant.

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