Question

Which of the following compounds can be used as antifreeze in automobile radiators?
(A) Glycol
(B) Nitrophenol
(C) Ethyl alcohol
(D) Methyl alcohol

Answer 1

Understand the role of radiators in automobiles. Now identify the specific task that the compound is supposed to perform in the component. Compare the chemical properties of the compounds mentioned in the options and determine the correct answer.

Complete step by step solution:
Radiators are heat exchangers used for the transfer of thermal energy i.e. heat from a given medium to another medium. They are used for cooling as well as for heating.
It is always a source of heat to its surrounding environment, although they may be used for heating or cooling as well.
In automobiles radiators are used for cooling internal combustion engines that often get heated up when the automobile is in motion. This is done to maintain the efficiency of the parts as well as to prevent excess heat to be formed which can prove dangerous to the automobile and its parts.
An antifreeze agent is used in radiators as well as in mechanical equipment in environments below the freezing point to prevent the freezing of important heat transfer fluids. One such antifreeze compound is ethylene glycol as it has lower freezing point than water.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: It is important to understand the mode of heat transfer applied in radiators. Although the name suggests the type radiation, the transfer of heat to a large extent is through convection and not radiation. So do not get confused between radiation and radiators and make errors.