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Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous:
- It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to the air.
- White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- a)1 only
- b)2 only
- c)Both 1 and 2
- d)Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous: It is a...
Statement 1: It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to the air.
Statement 2: White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.
Explanation:
White phosphorus is a highly reactive and combustible chemical that is known for its ability to ignite spontaneously in air. It is a waxy, yellowish-white solid that is made up of phosphorus atoms arranged in tetrahedral structures. When exposed to air, white phosphorus reacts with oxygen and burns rapidly, producing a bright flame and releasing toxic fumes.
White phosphorus is used in various industries, including the production of fertilizers, detergents, and smoke bombs. It has also been historically used as a weapon in warfare. However, the use of white phosphorus as a weapon has raised ethical and humanitarian concerns due to its indiscriminate effects and potential for causing severe burns and long-term health effects.
Regarding the second statement, it is not entirely accurate to say that white phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law. The use of white phosphorus as a weapon is regulated by international humanitarian law and certain treaties, but it is not prohibited in all circumstances.
The use of white phosphorus as an incendiary weapon against civilian populations or in a manner that causes excessive harm to civilians is prohibited under Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). This protocol prohibits the use of incendiary weapons that are designed to set fire to objects or cause burn injuries to persons.
However, white phosphorus can still be used in certain circumstances, such as for creating smoke screens, marking targets, or providing illumination. It is important to note that the use of any weapon, including white phosphorus, must comply with the principles of proportionality and distinction, which require minimizing harm to civilians and distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as white phosphorus is indeed a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to air. However, statement 2 is incorrect as white phosphorus munitions are not completely banned under international law, but their use is regulated and restricted to certain purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
Statement 2: White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.
Explanation:
White phosphorus is a highly reactive and combustible chemical that is known for its ability to ignite spontaneously in air. It is a waxy, yellowish-white solid that is made up of phosphorus atoms arranged in tetrahedral structures. When exposed to air, white phosphorus reacts with oxygen and burns rapidly, producing a bright flame and releasing toxic fumes.
White phosphorus is used in various industries, including the production of fertilizers, detergents, and smoke bombs. It has also been historically used as a weapon in warfare. However, the use of white phosphorus as a weapon has raised ethical and humanitarian concerns due to its indiscriminate effects and potential for causing severe burns and long-term health effects.
Regarding the second statement, it is not entirely accurate to say that white phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law. The use of white phosphorus as a weapon is regulated by international humanitarian law and certain treaties, but it is not prohibited in all circumstances.
The use of white phosphorus as an incendiary weapon against civilian populations or in a manner that causes excessive harm to civilians is prohibited under Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). This protocol prohibits the use of incendiary weapons that are designed to set fire to objects or cause burn injuries to persons.
However, white phosphorus can still be used in certain circumstances, such as for creating smoke screens, marking targets, or providing illumination. It is important to note that the use of any weapon, including white phosphorus, must comply with the principles of proportionality and distinction, which require minimizing harm to civilians and distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as white phosphorus is indeed a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to air. However, statement 2 is incorrect as white phosphorus munitions are not completely banned under international law, but their use is regulated and restricted to certain purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
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Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous: It is a...
Several photos, videos, and claims on social media allege that Israeli forces are using white phosphorous on the civilian population of Gaza.
About White Phosphorous Bombs:
- White phosphorus is a waxy, yellowish-to-clear chemical with a pungent, garlic-like odour.
- It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly and brightly when exposed to air.
- It is used in incendiary weapons by militaries around the world for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating targets at night or to inflicting damage on enemies.
- It burns at a temperature of 800°C and spontaneously ignites at up to 1,300 degrees Celsius when it is exposed to oxygen, and producing white, dense smoke, which is used by armies to create smokescreens in sensitive zones.
- White phosphorus can cause fast-moving and widespread fires on the ground.
- Once ignited, the substance is very difficult to put out, as it clings to many surfaces, including skin and clothing.
- Since it is a wax-like substance, it is very hard to remove and often lights up again when the bandages are removed.
- White phosphorus munitions are not banned under international law, but because of their incendiary effects, their use is supposed to be tightly regulated.
- Examples of White Phosphorous usage in wars:
- The British army used it in both World Wars.
- US forces, after invading Iraq, used the chemical weapon against insurgents in the city of Fallujah.
- Israel admitted that it used phosphorus shells during the battle against Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
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Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous: It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to the air. White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous: It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to the air. White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous: It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to the air. White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Consider the following statements regarding White Phosphorous: It is a highly combustible chemical that burns quickly when exposed to the air. White phosphorus munitions are completely banned under international law.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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