About this previous year paper
This document contains the B.Tech First Semester (2023–24) theory examination of Engineering Chemistry (BAS102).
The paper evaluates the student’s understanding of nanotechnology, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, corrosion, polymers, thermochemistry, water treatment, organic chemistry, cement chemistry, and several applied chemical processes relevant to engineering.
The paper is structured into three sections (A, B, and C), testing a range of skills from conceptual knowledge to numerical problem solving and applied chemical reasoning.
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (Conceptual Understanding)
This section contains 7 questions of 2 marks each, focusing on fundamental chemistry concepts.
Topics include:
1. Nanotechnology
Molecular self-assembly method for nanomaterial preparation
2. Spectroscopy
Beer–Lambert’s law numerical: concentration from transmittance
Effect of polar solvent on π → π* transition (solvatochromism)
3. Electrochemistry
Calculation of EMF of a galvanic cell
Writing the corresponding cell reaction
4. Cement Chemistry
Role of Gypsum in controlling setting time of cement
5. Fuel Chemistry
Gross calorific value (GCV) calculation from coal composition
6. Polymer Science
Concept of polymer blends
This section checks basic recall, conceptual clarity, and analytical application.
SECTION B – Analytical, Structural & Numerical Chemistry (7 marks each, choose any 3)
This section examines deeper understanding of molecular theory, spectroscopy, cement manufacturing, organic synthesis, and water softening.
1. Molecular Orbital Theory
MO diagrams of O₂ and NO
Calculation of bond order
Explanation of magnetic behavior
2. NMR Spectroscopy
Shielding and deshielding effects
Structure determination of organic compound C₃H₇NO from given proton NMR data
3. Cement Manufacturing
Steps in Portland cement manufacturing with labeled diagram
Chemical reactions during setting & hardening
4. Water Softening Methods
Comparison of Zeolite process vs Ion-exchange process (merits, demerits)
5. Grignard Reagent Chemistry
Preparation of Grignard reagent
Reactions of C₂H₅MgBr with aldehydes, ketones, and CO₂
This section tests K2–K3 level: explanation, diagrammatic representation, deduction, and multi-step reasoning.
SECTION C – Long Answer / Derivation / Application-Based Questions
Students must attempt one part from each numbered question (3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
These questions involve detailed descriptions, derivations, diagram drawing, and multi-stage numerical calculations.
Question 3 – Green Chemistry & Liquid Crystals
3(a) Green Chemistry
Any five principles of Green Chemistry
Green synthesis method for Paracetamol
3(b) Liquid Crystals
Classification based on temperature (thermotropic vs lyotropic)
Applications in displays, sensors, optical devices
Question 4 – Stereochemistry & Spectroscopy
4(a) Optical vs Geometrical Isomerism in Cumulative Double Bonds
Even-number cumulenes → optical isomerism
Odd-number cumulenes → cis–trans isomerism
Explanation with structural reasoning
4(b) Short Notes (any two)
UV shifts (bathochromic, hypsochromic effects)
Applications of IR spectroscopy
Molecular vibrations
Question 5 – Electrochemistry & Corrosion
5(a) Lead-Acid Storage Battery
Working principle, diagram
Charging and discharging reactions
5(b) Wet Corrosion
Mechanism (electrochemical corrosion)
Prevention by metallic coatings and corrosion inhibitors
Question 6 – Thermochemistry & Water Treatment
6(a) Bomb Calorimeter
Working with neat diagram
Numerical calculation of GCV & NCV of coal using given data
6(b) Lime-Soda Process
Principle of lime soda softening
Numerical calculation for amount of lime and soda required (considering purity)
Question 7 – Polymers
7(a) Conducting Polymers
Classification (intrinsically conducting, extrinsically conducting)
Applications: batteries, sensors, LEDs, EMI shielding
7(b) Preparation, properties & applications of 3 polymers (any three)
Examples:
Buna-S
Nylon-6,6
(More options continue in original paper)
Overall Coverage of the Question Paper
This paper thoroughly evaluates engineering-related chemistry knowledge in:
Nanomaterials & quantum effects
Molecular spectroscopy (UV, IR, NMR)
Organic reaction mechanisms (Grignard, cumulenes)
Industrial chemistry (cement, polymers, batteries)
Electrochemistry & thermochemistry
Water softening and corrosion control
Green chemistry & environmental-friendly methods
It integrates theoretical chemistry, industrial applications, and engineering problem-solving, ensuring students build a strong chemical foundation for advanced courses.