Find the one which is not used in quarrying?
⛏️ Understanding Quarrying Materials
Quarrying is the process of extracting stone from the earth. While some methods involve cutting or wedging, a very common method for hard rock is blasting. This requires the use of explosives to break large rock masses into manageable pieces.
This question asks to identify which of the given options is NOT an explosive material used for this purpose.
🔬 Detailed Analysis of the Options
C. Marble powder
This is the correct answer. Marble powder is the fine dust created as a waste product when marble is cut, sawed, or polished. It is an inert, non-reactive powder with no explosive properties. It cannot be used to break rock; it is the result of breaking rock. It is a material to be disposed of, not a tool to be used.
A. Gun powder
Gun powder (or black powder) is a low-velocity explosive. While it has been largely replaced by more modern explosives, it was historically one of the first materials used for blasting rock and is still used in some specialized, small-scale quarrying operations. It is definitely a material used in quarrying.
B. Gun cotton
Gun cotton (nitrocellulose) is a high explosive. It is more powerful and stable than gun powder. It is a key ingredient in many modern smokeless powders and propellants and is a recognized explosive material that can be used for blasting.
D. Dynamite
Dynamite, invented by Alfred Nobel, is a classic high explosive designed specifically for blasting in construction and mining. It consists of nitroglycerin absorbed into a stabilizing medium. It is one of the most well-known explosives used in quarrying.
📊 Summary: Materials Classification
| Material | Classification | Use in Quarrying |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Powder | Explosive | Used for blasting. |
| Gun Cotton | Explosive | Used for blasting. |
| Marble Powder | Inert Waste Product | Not used for quarrying. |
| Dynamite | Explosive | Used for blasting. |
💡 Study Tips
- Tool vs. Waste: The key is to identify which item is a "tool" and which is "waste". The first, second, and fourth options are tools for breaking rock. The third option is the waste left over.
- Look for the Odd One Out: Three of the options are well-known explosives. Marble powder is clearly different; it's just dust from a type of stone.
- "Powder" Doesn't Always Mean Explosive: Don't be fooled by the word "powder". While gun powder is an explosive, marble powder is just powdered rock.