I/GCSE Chemistry Question Analysis Topic: Chemistry - Short Questions
Exam Questions:
1) In detail, what are food preservatives? Name two examples.
2) Differentiate between disinfectants and antiseptics.
Answers:
For I/GCSE Chemistry, you should know:
1) After some time, most foods begin to lose their desired characteristics due to enzymes and natural chemicals. Environmental factors such as heat and microorganisms contribute to this as well. As such, food preservatives aim to preserve their nutritional traits, appearance as well as the duration of storage. Traditional methods of doing so include prohibiting exposure to air, moisture as well as microorganisms. Two examples include sodium benzoate and sodium sorbate.
2) Disinfectants are typically used on non-living objects in order to kill microorganisms. It is harmful to living tissues. Fun fact: disinfection is less potent than sterilization, which is a process that kills all types of life.
On the other hand, antiseptics are used to sanitize living tissues. An example is a 0.2% phenol solution.
Work hard for your I/GCSE Chemistry examination!
End of analysis. Great!