Question

Assertion A: Environmental pollution load is decreased when fly ash is added during cement production.
Reason R: Fly ash is waste which displays excellent property to reduce clinker which results in less amount of raw material.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer:

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

In Assertion-Reason questions, try adding the word "BECAUSE" between the two sentences. If the combined sentence makes logical sense, R is usually the correct explanation for A.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: This question explores industrial waste management and sustainable manufacturing. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, often considered an environmental pollutant if not managed.

Step 1: Evaluate Assertion A.
Adding fly ash to cement production (creating Portland Pozzolana Cement) significantly reduces environmental load. It diverts waste from landfills and reduces the energy-intensive production of traditional clinker. Thus, A is correct.

Step 2: Evaluate Reason R.
Fly ash has pozzolanic properties, meaning it reacts with calcium hydroxide to form cementitious compounds. By replacing a portion of the clinker with fly ash, manufacturers use less limestone and fuel, effectively utilizing a waste product as a valuable raw material. Thus, R is correct.

Step 3: Determine the relationship.
The reason R explains $why$ the pollution load decreases (waste utilization and reduction in raw material extraction/processing). Therefore, R is the correct explanation for A.