UPSC NDA I 2018 General Ability Solved Paper

Concept:Brine is a concentrated solution of sodium chloride salt in water.Explanation:Brine is an aqueous solution that contains a high concentration of $\mathrm{NaCl}$ (sodium chloride).It is found naturally in salt lakes and ocean basins.Brine is used in food preservation (pickling), meat packing, and industrial processes like steel quenching.The other options are incorrect because:• $\mathrm{NaOH}$ is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda).• $\mathrm{NaHCO}_3$ is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).• $\mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3$ is sodium carbonate (washing soda).Only $\mathrm{NaCl}$ forms brine when dissolved in water.Answer:A. $\mathrm{NaCl}$