UPSC Prelims 2020 – Question 76

Here is Question No. 76 a part of our series on UPSC Prelims 2020

Q76. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following?

1. Construction of base road
2. Improvement of agricultural soil
3. Production of cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

• Steel slag is a by-product of the steel-making process. It is produced during the separation of the molten steel from impurities in steelmaking furnaces. The slag occurs as a molten liquid and is a complex solution of silicates and oxides that solidify upon cooling.
• Statement 1 is correct: Steel slags can be used in the construction of base roads in order to replace natural aggregates, which reduces the environmental impact.
• Statement 2 is correct: Steel slag can be used in the agricultural sector due to its ability to correct soil acidity, as it contains some nutrients for the plants and also as silicate fertilizer that is capable of providing silicon to the plants.
• Statement 3 is correct: Steel slag used in cement and concrete production as aggregate or as additional cementing materials have a significant positive impact on the environment due to its long- term strength and durability.

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