2021 · Q13
Packets of potato chips are usually flushed with which one of the following gases to prevent rancidity?
general-sciencechemistry
- ACarbon dioxide
- BHydrogen
- CNitrogen
- DOxygen
Explanation
Potato chip packets are flushed with nitrogen, an inert gas, to displace oxygen from the packet. Oxygen would oxidize the fats and oils in the chips, causing rancidity and spoilage. Nitrogen does not react with the food and keeps it fresh longer. Carbon dioxide, hydrogen and oxygen are not used for this purpose. Hence nitrogen is the correct gas.