Cooking gas supplied in cylinders by gas agencies is in the form of

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

Cooking gas, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is stored under high pressure in cylinders.
This high pressure forces the gas to change its state into a liquid, a process known as liquefaction.
Storing it as a liquid is highly efficient, as it allows a large amount of fuel to be contained in a portable cylinder.
When the cylinder valve is opened, the pressure drops, and the liquid turns back into a gas for use.

Option B: Although cooking gas is used in its gaseous state for burning, it is not stored or transported in this form. Storing it as a gas would be very inefficient in terms of volume.
Option C: The conditions of pressure and temperature within a standard cooking gas cylinder are not sufficient to turn LPG into a solid.
Option D: LPG is a mixture of pure substances (propane, butane) that are liquefied. It is not a solution, which consists of a solute dissolved in a solvent.

Visual 1: Diagram - A cross-section of an LPG cylinder showing the liquid phase at the bottom and the gaseous phase at the top, with an arrow indicating the gas flowing out when the valve is opened. This helps visualize the two states present inside the cylinder.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing States of matter and properties of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
This is a general science question, but understanding the properties of compressed gases is crucial for safety in both home and hospital environments.
Safety Note: LPG cylinders should always be stored upright to ensure that only gas, not liquid, escapes from the valve. Liquid withdrawal can cause dangerously large flames.
Hospital Context: Medical gases like oxygen are also stored under pressure in cylinders, though they are typically stored as compressed gases, not liquids (liquid oxygen requires cryogenic temperatures). Nurses must be trained in the safe handling of all gas cylinders.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks about the state of cooking gas inside the supply cylinder.
Recall or deduce the name for bottled cooking gas: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
The term 'Liquefied' is the key clue. It directly states that the gas has been turned into a liquid.
Consider the purpose of putting gas in a cylinder: to store a large amount in a small space. Compressing a gas into a liquid is a common and effective way to do this.
Evaluate the options based on this understanding. 'Liquid' is the only option that aligns with the term 'Liquefied' and the principle of efficient gas storage.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: States of matter and properties of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Stem keywords: Cooking gas, cylinders, form
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.