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Chemistry Question 137 – AP-EAMCET 2025

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Identify the herbicides from the following a) DDT b) Aldrin c) Sodium chlorate d) Nicotine e) Sodium arsenite

Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests. They are broadly classified based on the type of pest they target, such as insecticides (for insects), herbicides (for weeds), fungicides (for fungi), etc.

Step 1: Analyze the given chemicals and their classifications✦ Active

We need to identify which of the listed chemicals are herbicides. Let's examine each option:

a) DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane): This is a well-known synthetic organochlorine insecticide, not a herbicide.

b) Aldrin: This is also an organochlorine insecticide, primarily used for soil insects, not a herbicide.

c) Sodium chlorate (NaClO3): This compound is a broad-spectrum herbicide, defoliant, and desiccant. It is used to control a wide variety of plants.

d) Nicotine: This is a natural alkaloid primarily used as an insecticide, especially in older formulations, and is also a stimulant. It is not a herbicide.

e) Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2): This is a highly toxic compound that has been historically used as a broad-spectrum herbicide, insecticide, and rodenticide. Due to its toxicity, its use as a herbicide is restricted or banned in many places, but it is chemically classified as one.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Remember that some chemicals can have multiple uses, but we are looking for their primary or recognized classification as a herbicide.

Step 2: Identify the herbicides from the list○ Expand

Based on the analysis in Step 1, the chemicals classified as herbicides are:

- Sodium chlorate (c)

- Sodium arsenite (e)

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

It's important to distinguish between insecticides (kill insects) and herbicides (kill plants/weeds).

Step 3: Match with the given options○ Expand

The correct combination of herbicides is 'c' and 'e'. Let's check the provided answer options:

1. c, e

2. a, d

3. b, c

4. d, e

Option 1 correctly lists 'c' and 'e'.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Always double-check your selected options against the question's requirements.

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