SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 40

SSC GD Const 2025 (English) - 19 Feb 2025 - Shift 3 • General Awareness • Q40

Which group 17 element gets its name for being a yellow-green dense gas with a choking smell?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Chlorine.

  • Chlorine is a Group 17 element (Halogen) in the periodic table and is known for the following characteristics:
    • It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature.
    • It has a dense and toxic nature.
    • Emits a choking, pungent smell—used in WWI as a chemical weapon.
    • The name “chlorine” comes from the Greek word "chloros", meaning pale green.
    • It is used in water purification, disinfectants, and bleach.

Other Options:

Argon

  • Group 18 element (Noble Gas).
  • Colorless, odorless, and inert gas.
  • Does not react easily and has no smell.
  • Commonly used in light bulbs and welding.

Helium

  • Group 18 element (Noble Gas).
  • Colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
  • Very light—used in balloons and cryogenics.
  • Has no choking smell and is non-reactive.

Krypton

  • Also a Group 18 noble gas.
  • Colorless, odorless, and rare in the atmosphere.
  • Used in high-performance lighting.
  • Not yellow-green and has no smell.