Inorganic non-metals in plant construction MCQs With Answer

Introduction:
Inorganic non-metals in plant construction are vital for B. Pharm students to understand material selection, chemical compatibility, and process safety. This concise guide covers key inorganic non-metal materials—silica, glass, carbon (graphite), sulfur, halogens and ceramics—and their roles in pharmaceutical plants, such as glass reactors, ceramic filters, silica gel desiccants, and graphite seals. Emphasis is on corrosion mechanisms, leaching risk, sterilization compatibility, and regulatory hygiene concerns. Mastery of these concepts helps prevent contamination, ensure equipment longevity, and optimize material choice for reactors, piping, and containment. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which inorganic non-metal is most commonly used as the primary material for laboratory and reactor glassware due to its thermal stability?

• Borosilicate glass
• Soda-lime glass
• Quartz glass
• Tempered glass

Correct Answer: Borosilicate glass

Q2. Silica gel is primarily used in pharmaceutical plants as:

• A catalyst for hydrogenation
• A desiccant and drying agent
• A metal chelator
• A structural alloy

Correct Answer: A desiccant and drying agent

Q3. Which property of graphite makes it useful for seals and packing in high-temperature pharmaceutical equipment?

• Electrical insulation
• High chemical reactivity
• Lubricity and high thermal stability
• Magnetic permeability

Correct Answer: Lubricity and high thermal stability

Q4. Which halogen is most associated with chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking in stainless steel components?

• Bromine
• Fluorine
• Chlorine (chlorides)
• Iodine

Correct Answer: Chlorine (chlorides)

Q5. Which inorganic non-metal oxide forms the passive layer that protects many metals from corrosion when present as a phosphate treatment?

• Silicon dioxide
• Phosphorus pentoxide (phosphate layer)
• Sulfur trioxide
• Nitrogen oxide

Correct Answer: Phosphorus pentoxide (phosphate layer)

Q6. What is the main contamination risk associated with glass reactors in sensitive pharmaceutical synthesis?

• Metal ion leaching from glass
• Organic polymer degradation
• Emission of chlorine gas
• Formation of carbonates

Correct Answer: Metal ion leaching from glass

Q7. Activated carbon, an inorganic non-metallic form of carbon, is commonly used for:

• Neutralizing acids
• Adsorbing organic impurities and colors
• Providing structural support in reactors
• Acting as an oxidizing agent

Correct Answer: Adsorbing organic impurities and colors

Q8. Which non-metallic material has the highest purity and is preferred for UV-grade optical components in pharmaceutical analyzers?

• Soda-lime glass
• Borosilicate glass
• Fused quartz (silica)
• Ceramic porcelain

Correct Answer: Fused quartz (silica)

Q9. Sulfur dioxide exposure in plant construction can primarily cause which material issue?

• Alkali metal embrittlement
• Sulfide formation and accelerated corrosion
• Increased thermal conductivity
• Polymer cross-linking

Correct Answer: Sulfide formation and accelerated corrosion

Q10. Which inorganic non-metal is essential as a stationary phase support in many chromatographic separations used in pharma labs?

• Aluminum metal
• Silica (silicon dioxide)
• Graphite oxide
• Calcium carbonate

Correct Answer: Silica (silicon dioxide)

Q11. Borosilicate glass is preferred over soda-lime glass in pharma plants mainly because it has:

• Lower thermal expansion and better chemical resistance
• Higher sodium content
• Greater flexibility
• Lower melting point

Correct Answer: Lower thermal expansion and better chemical resistance

Q12. Which inorganic non-metallic compound is commonly used as a neutral, inert lining for corrosive acid storage vessels?

• Lead plating
• Glass lining (glass-lined steel)
• Uncoated carbon steel
• Wood composite lining

Correct Answer: Glass lining (glass-lined steel)

Q13. In pharmaceutical plant design, ceramic materials are often chosen for their:

• High electrical conductivity
• Poor thermal stability
• Excellent chemical inertness and thermal resistance
• Ability to corrode under acidic conditions

Correct Answer: Excellent chemical inertness and thermal resistance

Q14. Which inorganic non-metal is associated with biofouling control due to its disinfectant gas form when used carefully in plants?

• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Chlorine (chlorine gas or hypochlorite)
• Argon

Correct Answer: Chlorine (chlorine gas or hypochlorite)

Q15. Fluorine-containing inorganic coatings such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are valued in pharma plants for:

• High solubility in water
• Excellent chemical inertness and low surface energy
• High electrical conductivity
• Biodegradability

Correct Answer: Excellent chemical inertness and low surface energy

Q16. Which inorganic non-metal compound is commonly used as a high-surface-area stationary phase modifier in solid-phase extraction?

• Silica bonded phases (silica-based sorbents)
• Polyethylene beads
• Stainless steel filings
• Copper oxide powder

Correct Answer: Silica bonded phases (silica-based sorbents)

Q17. What is a major disadvantage of using soda-lime glass for process vessels in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

• Excessive thermal shock resistance
• Higher alkali leaching and lower chemical resistance
• Too inert for catalytic processes
• Excessive cost compared to borosilicate

Correct Answer: Higher alkali leaching and lower chemical resistance

Q18. Which non-metal gas is a frequent oxidant that can cause oxidative degradation of plant components if not controlled?

• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Helium
• Argon

Correct Answer: Oxygen

Q19. In the context of pharmaceutical plant piping, which inorganic non-metal additive can accelerate pitting corrosion in stainless steel?

• Sulfate ions
• Chloride ions
• Carbonate ions
• Phosphate ions

Correct Answer: Chloride ions

Q20. Which inorganic non-metallic material is most commonly used for high-temperature insulation and kiln linings?

• Organic polyurethane foam
• Mineral wool and ceramic fiber
• Plastic foam
• Wood chips

Correct Answer: Mineral wool and ceramic fiber

Q21. Phosphate passivation of steel surfaces is primarily done to:

• Improve electrical conductivity
• Promote rapid corrosion
• Form a protective, adhesive layer to reduce corrosion
• Increase surface wettability for cleaning solvents

Correct Answer: Form a protective, adhesive layer to reduce corrosion

Q22. Which inorganic non-metal is central to the formation of silica-based chromatographic supports and adsorbents?

• Phosphorus
• Carbon
• Silicon (as silicon dioxide)
• Sulfur

Correct Answer: Silicon (as silicon dioxide)

Q23. Which inorganic non-metal element in gaseous form is used as an inert purging gas to prevent oxidation during sensitive pharmaceutical syntheses?

• Oxygen
• Nitrogen
• Chlorine
• Fluorine

Correct Answer: Nitrogen

Q24. Asbestos, historically used in plant construction, is now restricted primarily because it is:

• Highly electrically conductive
• Non-heat-resistant
• Carcinogenic when fibers are inhaled
• Too flexible for insulation

Correct Answer: Carcinogenic when fibers are inhaled

Q25. Which inorganic non-metal is often monitored as a contaminant because chloride ions can catalyze pitting in stainless steel reactors?

• Sulfate
• Chloride
• Nitrate
• Carbonate

Correct Answer: Chloride

Q26. Glass-lined steel is chosen in pharmaceutical reactors primarily to:

• Increase electrical conductivity
• Provide a chemically inert, smooth, and cleanable surface
• Allow controlled leaching of sodium
• Absorb UV radiation

Correct Answer: Provide a chemically inert, smooth, and cleanable surface

Q27. Which inorganic non-metal is commonly used as a flame retardant additive on construction materials due to its char-forming ability?

• Chlorine gas
• Phosphorus-containing compounds
• Elemental carbon only
• Silica gel

Correct Answer: Phosphorus-containing compounds

Q28. In pharmaceutical filtration, ceramic membranes are often preferred over polymeric ones because they offer:

• Lower chemical resistance
• Higher temperature tolerance and chemical stability
• Disposable convenience
• Greater flexibility for piping

Correct Answer: Higher temperature tolerance and chemical stability

Q29. Which inorganic non-metal plays a critical role in catalyst supports and is prone to forming silanol groups that affect surface chemistry?

• Carbon black
• Silica (silicon dioxide)
• Calcium oxide
• Graphite oxide

Correct Answer: Silica (silicon dioxide)

Q30. Which of the following inorganic non-metal gases is most hazardous in confined plant areas due to rapid displacement of oxygen?

• Carbon dioxide
• Hydrogen
• Oxygen
• Nitrogen

Correct Answer: Nitrogen

Q31. Which inorganic non-metallic compound is widely used as a pH-neutral desiccant and in column drying procedures?

• Calcium chloride
• Silica gel
• Sodium hydroxide
• Hydrochloric acid

Correct Answer: Silica gel

Q32. Which inorganic non-metal is responsible for acid rain formation and can corrode plant materials when present as gaseous emissions?

• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen gas
• Oxygen gas
• Argon

Correct Answer: Sulfur dioxide

Q33. For sterile pharmaceutical processing, glass is often preferred because it is:

• Porous and absorptive
• Non-autoclavable
• Inert, easily sterilized, and non-porous
• Reactive with solvents

Correct Answer: Inert, easily sterilized, and non-porous

Q34. Which inorganic non-metal is associated with the risk of forming toxic hydrogen sulfide under reducing conditions in plant sludge?

• Sulfur
• Oxygen
• Chlorine
• Fluorine

Correct Answer: Sulfur

Q35. Which ceramic property is most important when selecting materials for high-purity pharmaceutical reactors?

• High porosity to trap contaminants
• Low chemical inertness
• High purity, low leachables, and chemical inertness
• Electrical conductivity

Correct Answer: High purity, low leachables, and chemical inertness

Q36. Which inorganic non-metal compound is often used in chromatography stationary phases after chemical modification to reduce silanol activity?

• Trimethylsilyl bonded silica
• Unmodified alumina
• Activated carbon powder
• Calcium carbonate fillers

Correct Answer: Trimethylsilyl bonded silica

Q37. Which non-metal element is often incorporated in coatings to provide antimicrobial surfaces in plant environments (in ionic form)?

• Chloride ions only
• Silver is a metal, not a non-metal
• Elemental sulfur coatings
• Halogen-release systems (e.g., chlorine-based)

Correct Answer: Halogen-release systems (e.g., chlorine-based)

Q38. Which inorganic non-metal oxide is the principal constituent of most ceramic filters used for sterile filtration?

• Aluminum oxide (alumina)
• Magnesium oxide
• Iron oxide
• Lead oxide

Correct Answer: Aluminum oxide (alumina)

Q39. Which property of silica makes it a concern for worker safety during handling in powdered form?

• High flammability
• Toxic heavy metal content
• Respirable crystalline silica causing silicosis
• Radioactivity

Correct Answer: Respirable crystalline silica causing silicosis

Q40. In steam sterilization (autoclaving), which inorganic non-metal material maintains dimensional stability and is commonly used for instrument trays?

• Wooden trays
• Glass fiber reinforced plastic
• Stainless steel with ceramic or glass components
• Polyethylene foam

Correct Answer: Stainless steel with ceramic or glass components

Q41. Which inorganic non-metal is a key concern in water quality for pharma plants because it can catalyze decomposition or contamination of products?

• Sodium metal
• Chloride ions and dissolved halides
• Elemental phosphorus
• Solid sulfur

Correct Answer: Chloride ions and dissolved halides

Q42. Which inorganic non-metallic filler is often added to cement used in plant foundations to improve durability?

• Organic fibers
• Silica fume (microsilica)
• Lead powder
• Alkyd resins

Correct Answer: Silica fume (microsilica)

Q43. Which inorganic non-metal is used in packaging atmosphere control to inhibit oxidation of sensitive pharmaceutical products?

• Oxygen
• Nitrogen
• Chlorine
• Hydrogen sulfide

Correct Answer: Nitrogen

Q44. Which inorganic non-metal element in powdered form is a major fire and explosion hazard when dispersed in air in confined plant spaces?

• Sodium chloride
• Carbon (fine dust such as activated carbon)
• Silica gel beads
• Alumina pellets

Correct Answer: Carbon (fine dust such as activated carbon)

Q45. Which inorganic non-metal compound is commonly used to neutralize acidic waste streams from pharmaceutical processes?

• Sodium hydroxide (inorganic base)
• Ethyl acetate
• Polyethylene glycol
• Acetic acid

Correct Answer: Sodium hydroxide (inorganic base)

Q46. Which inorganic non-metal oxide is commonly present as a contaminant on glass and can affect surface wettability and cleaning?

• Siloxane residues only
• Silica and adsorbed alkali oxides
• Elemental sulfur layer
• Metallic iron film

Correct Answer: Silica and adsorbed alkali oxides

Q47. In pharmaceutical electrode materials for electrochemical processes, which inorganic non-metal form is often used as an inert electrode?

• Graphite
• Gold metal only
• Aluminum foil
• Cellulose paper

Correct Answer: Graphite

Q48. Which inorganic non-metal is critical to monitor because fluoride ions can etch glass and damage silica-based equipment?

• Chloride
• Fluoride
• Sulfate
• Nitrate

Correct Answer: Fluoride

Q49. Which inorganic non-metal element is used as an oxygen scavenger in closed loop systems to minimize oxidative degradation?

• Sodium
• Phosphorus (as sodium sulfite or hydrazine are used; phosphorus itself is not common)
• Sulfur (in form of sulfite compounds)
• Chlorine

Correct Answer: Sulfur (in form of sulfite compounds)

Q50. When selecting non-metallic materials for cleanroom surfaces, which characteristic of inorganic non-metals is most critical to maintain product purity?

• High porosity to trap particles
• Low leachables, low particulate shedding, and chemical inertness
• High organic content
• Magnetic responsiveness

Correct Answer: Low leachables, low particulate shedding, and chemical inertness

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com