Q. With reference to cloud seeding, consider the following statements:
(1) It is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds.
(2) Aluminum hydroxide is the most common chemical used for cloud seeding.
Select the correct statement using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024
The correct answer is: a) 1 only.
Explanation:
Statement 1: It is correct. Cloud seeding is indeed a weather modification technique that aims to enhance a cloud’s ability to produce precipitation (rain or snow). This is done by introducing substances like tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds. These substances help in the formation of ice crystals, which can grow and eventually fall as precipitation.
Statement 2: It is incorrect. Aluminum hydroxide is not the most common chemical used for cloud seeding. The most commonly used substances for cloud seeding are silver iodide, potassium iodide, or even dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). These materials are effective in promoting the formation of ice crystals in clouds, which is essential for precipitation.
Thus, only statement 1 is correct, making option a) 1 only the right answer.
