All of the following substances are derived from petroleum EXCEPT
Asphalt
DDT
Cellulose
Polystyrene
nylon
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is cellulose.
Explanation:
Petroleum, often called crude oil, is a natural resource refined into various hydrocarbons, forming the base for many synthetic materials and products. Asphalt, DDT, polystyrene, and nylon are all petroleum-derived, but cellulose is not. Here’s a breakdown of why:
- Asphalt: This is a sticky, black, and highly viscous material derived from the heaviest components of crude oil. After crude oil undergoes fractional distillation, what remains can be processed into asphalt. It’s widely used for road paving and roofing materials due to its water-resistance and durability.
- DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane): DDT is a synthetic pesticide that was extensively used in the mid-20th century to control insect populations. It’s derived from petroleum hydrocarbons and was found to have harmful environmental effects, leading to its ban in many countries.
- Polystyrene: This is a synthetic polymer derived from the monomer styrene, which is sourced from petroleum. It is widely used in the production of plastics, including foam insulation and disposable coffee cups, due to its lightweight and moldable properties.
- Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic polymer and part of a family of polyamides made from petroleum-derived compounds. It was initially developed as a replacement for silk and is now used in a range of textiles and industrial applications due to its strength and flexibility.
- Cellulose: Unlike the others, cellulose is not derived from petroleum. It’s a naturally occurring organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants, composed of long chains of glucose molecules. Cellulose is a key structural component in plants and is used to make products such as paper, textiles, and even food additives. It’s renewable and biodegradable, contrasting with the other listed substances, which are synthetic and petroleum-based.
In summary, cellulose is the only material listed here not derived from petroleum. It is a natural, plant-based substance, whereas the others are products of petrochemical processes.