About this previous year paper
This question paper evaluates a student’s conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability in Engineering Chemistry, covering molecular structure, water treatment, polymers, spectroscopy, fuels, corrosion, nanomaterials, and industrial processes. Students may answer in Hindi, English, or mixed language, making the examination flexible and learner-friendly.
The paper consists of three sections (A, B, and C), each designed to assess different levels of learning—definitions, applications, numerical problems, chemical explanations, and advanced concepts.
SECTION A — Very Short Answer Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)
This section contains seven compulsory questions, each requiring brief and direct responses.
Topics Covered:
1. Molecular Orbital Theory (MOT)
Bond order calculation of NO
Prediction of paramagnetism/diamagnetism
2. Stereochemistry
Chiral drugs and their examples
3. Electrochemistry
Important applications of the electrochemical series
4. Water Chemistry
Numerical calculation of temporary and permanent hardness from given salts
5. Polymers
Preparation and uses of PTFE
6. Fuels
Difference between GCV and NCV
7. Spectroscopy
Chromophores and auxochromes with examples
This section checks fundamental understanding, definitions, and basic numerical skills.
SECTION B — Short/Long Descriptive Questions (7 × any 3 = 21 Marks)
Students must attempt three questions out of five. These involve explanation-based and chemical-reaction-based answers.
Topics Covered:
1. Liquid Crystals
Types (nematic, smectic, cholesteric, etc.)
Applications in displays, sensors, etc.
2. Atropisomerism & Stereochemistry
Explanation of atropisomerism
Five compounds showing optical isomerism without a chiral carbon
3. Cement Chemistry
Chemical reactions involved in cement setting and hardening
4. Biogas Production
Stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, methanogenesis
Comparison of biogas vs. coal on environment
5. Organometallic Chemistry & Grignard Reagents
Definition of organometallic compounds
Preparation of Grignard reagent
Prediction of products with HCHO, CH3CHO, (CH3)2CO
This section evaluates the ability to explain processes, write mechanisms, and connect theory to real-life applications.
SECTION C — Detailed Analytical Questions (7 marks each)
Students must answer one question from each sub-section. These are higher-order questions involving structural interpretation, mechanisms, problem-solving, or industrial relevance.
Question 3 – Carbon Materials & Nanotechnology
3(a) Graphite & Fullerenes
Structure, bonding, applications
Reason for electrical conductivity & lubricating property of graphite
3(b) Carbon Nanotubes
Structure, properties
Applications of nanomaterials
Question 4 – Spectroscopy
4(a) NMR Spectroscopy
Use of TMS as a standard
Assigning structures based on NMR peaks (C10H14 isomers)
4(b) IR & UV Spectroscopy
Principle of IR
Importance of fingerprint region
Identification of chromophores in cyclopentene, toluene, butanone, methanethiol
Question 5 – Corrosion & Surface Coating
5(a) Electrochemical Theory of Corrosion
Mechanism via oxygen absorption
Effect of excess oxygen supply
How design reduces corrosion
5(b) Metallic Coatings
Difference between anodic and cathodic coatings
Galvanizing and electroplating
Behaviour of iron ship connected to magnesium (cathodic protection concept)
Question 6 – Water Treatment & Fuels
6(a) Zeolite Process
Mechanism, advantages, limitations
Numerical: lime and soda requirements for softening 10,000 L water
6(b) Proximate Analysis & Fuel Analysis
Parameters: moisture, volatile matter, ash, fixed carbon
Numerical involving GCV & NCV using bomb calorimeter data
Question 7 – Polymers & Polymerization
7(a) Polymer Chemistry
Difference between chain-growth and step-growth polymerization
Vulcanization of rubber
Preparation, properties, uses of Butyl rubber or Kevlar
7(b) Types of Polymers
Thermoplastic vs. thermosetting
Conducting polymers: examples & applications
Overall Purpose of the Question Paper
This exam assesses the student’s ability to:
Understand core chemical principles used in engineering
Apply chemistry concepts in industrial processes
Solve numerical problems related to fuels, water chemistry, and calorimetry
Explain mechanisms, reactions, and structural theories
Interpret spectroscopic data
Connect chemistry with real-world applications such as biogas, corrosion, polymers
The paper ensures that students achieve a solid foundation in Engineering Chemistry, essential for advanced subjects like Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, and Polymer Technology.