Given below are two statements : One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the…
2022
Given below are two statements : One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R) :
Assertion (A) : Soil Pollution due to detergents affects the root growth of the plants and depresses the growth of soil micro-organisms.
Reason (R) : Presence of detergents in soil makes the soil more acidic.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
Answer: C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct — ConceptAn assertion–reason item requires two separate tests: first establish the truth of each statement, then test whether the reason supplies the mechanism…
- A.
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- B.
Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
- C.
(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D.
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
An assertion–reason item requires two separate tests: first establish the truth of each statement, then test whether the reason supplies the mechanism for the assertion. Soil pH below 7 is acidic and pH above 7 is alkaline; either extreme can disturb nutrient availability, roots, and microbial activity.
Application
Assess the assertion: detergent residues introduce surfactants, builders, salts, and other chemicals into soil. These pollutants can disturb soil structure and biological activity, inhibit microorganisms, and restrict healthy root growth. The assertion is therefore true.
Assess the reason: common laundry detergents and detergent-rich greywater are generally alkaline. Their input tends to raise soil pH rather than make the soil more acidic. The reason is therefore false.
Cross-check
The two truth tests are consistent because detergent-related ecological harm does not require acidification.
Alkalinity and sodium can alter soil pH, structure, and nutrient availability.
Surfactants, salts, and changed soil conditions can suppress microbial activity and healthy root development.
Result
The supported combination is: Assertion (A) is correct, but Reason (R) is not correct.