(SEM I) THEORY EXAMINATION 2022-23 ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY

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.