Question

Methane, ammonia and hydrogen were respectively mixed in the ratio of ___________ in Urey and Miller’s experiment.

• A. 2 : 1 : 2
• B. 2 : 2 : 1
• C. 1 : 2 : 1
• D. 1 : 2 : 2

Hint:

Urey–Miller experiment supports chemical evolution by simulating a reducing primitive atmosphere.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Urey–Miller experiment.
The Urey–Miller experiment was designed to simulate the primitive Earth’s atmosphere to study the origin of organic molecules.
Step 2: Composition of the gas mixture.
In the experimental setup, methane (CH\textsubscript{4}), ammonia (NH\textsubscript{3}), and hydrogen (H\textsubscript{2}) were mixed in a specific ratio to represent the reducing atmosphere of early Earth.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A), (B), (C): Incorrect — these ratios do not match the standard experimental composition.
(D): Correct — methane : ammonia : hydrogen were mixed in the ratio 1 : 2 : 2.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct ratio used in the Urey–Miller experiment was 1 : 2 : 2.