The volatile diluents added to paint is known as

🔬 Understanding "Volatile Diluent"

To answer this question correctly, it's important to break down the key terms:

• Volatile: In chemistry, this means a substance that evaporates easily at normal temperatures. Think of the smell of gasoline or nail polish remover—those are volatile liquids evaporating.
• Diluent: This is a substance used to dilute or thin another substance. In paint, it reduces the thickness (viscosity).

Therefore, a "volatile diluent" is a liquid that thins the paint and then disappears (evaporates) as the paint dries. This perfectly describes the function of a thinner or solvent.

⚖️ Deconstructing the Options: Why Thinner is Correct

Let's analyze why 'Thinner' is the right answer and the other options are incorrect.

(a) Drier

A drier is an additive, but it's not a diluent. Its function is to act as a catalyst to speed up the chemical drying process (oxidation and polymerization) of the binder, like linseed oil. It doesn't thin the paint; it just makes it harden faster.

(b) Pigment

A pigment is a finely ground solid powder. Its job is to provide color and opacity. It is the opposite of a volatile liquid diluent.

(d) Distemper

Distemper is not an ingredient; it is a type of paint itself. It's a traditional, water-based paint, typically used for interior walls. You wouldn't add distemper to another paint as a diluent.

💡 Study Tips for Paint Terminology

• Volatile = Vanishes: Connect the word "volatile" with "vanish." The thinner is the part of the paint that vanishes into the air as it dries.
• Thinner's Job is in its Name: The primary role of a thinner is to make the paint thinner and easier to apply.
• Drier vs. Thinner: This is a common point of confusion. Remember: Drier affects drying *time* (makes it faster). Thinner affects paint *consistency* (makes it flow better).
• Know the States of Matter: Pigments are solids. Thinners are liquids. This simple distinction helps eliminate incorrect options.