Question

In order to prevent the spoilage of potato chips, they are packed in plastic bags in an atmosphere of _____

• A. Chlorine
• B. hydrogen
• C. nitrogen
• D. oxygen

Answer 1

The correct option is C

nitrogen

Explanation:

• When the oil or fat in any food is exposed to air for a long time, the oxidation of these substances starts to occur which leads to a foul smell. This process is termed as rancidity.
• Oxygen molecule $\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ present in air leads to the oxidation of oil or fat in any food.
• In order to avoid the rancidity of potato chips, nitrogen gas $\left({\mathrm{N}}_2\right)$ is filled in the potato chips bags.
• Nitrogen gas is a very stable and less reactive gas due to the presence of a triple bond $\left(\mathrm{N}\equiv \mathrm{N}\right)$ in it. It provides an inert atmosphere to the chips and therefore, the oxidation of oil or fats present in the chips does not occur.

Final Answer:

Hence, the correct option is C.