NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

mcqeasy

Which of the following is NOT a constituent of petroleum?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ALubricating oil
BCoke
CDiesel
DParaffin wax

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Coke

Explanation

Petroleum (crude oil) is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that is processed through fractional distillation to separate it into useful fractions. Coal is a solid fossil fuel that undergoes destructive distillation to produce specific carbon-rich by-products.

Analysis:

Diesel: This is a constituent of petroleum obtained during fractional distillation. It is widely used as fuel for heavy motor vehicles.
Paraffin wax: This is a petroleum by-product used in the manufacturing of candles, ointments, and cosmetics.
Lubricating oil: This is a fraction of petroleum used to reduce friction in machinery.
Coke: This is a tough, porous, and black substance obtained by the destructive distillation of coal. It is an almost pure form of carbon used in steel manufacturing and metal extraction. It is not a constituent of petroleum.

Key Takeaway:

Diesel, paraffin wax, and lubricating oil are fractions derived from petroleum, whereas coke is a primary product derived from coal.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

Consider the following statements about Coal Gas: 1. It was used for street lighting for the first time in London in 1950. 2. Nowadays, it is primarily used as a source of heat rather than light. 3. It is used as a fuel in industries situated near coal processing plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the constituents of petroleum, consider the following statements: 1. Kerosene is primarily used as a fuel for heavy motor vehicles. 2. Lubricating oil is used for lubrication. 3. Paraffin wax is used in ointments and candles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the formation of petroleum: 1. It is formed from the remains of vegetation on land. 2. It is formed from organisms living in the sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

What is the primary reason petroleum is often referred to as ‘black gold’?

easy

In the context of subterranean reservoirs, which of the following correctly describes the stratification of petroleum and natural gas?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Coke

Explanation

Analysis:

Diesel: This is a constituent of petroleum obtained during fractional distillation. It is widely used as fuel for heavy motor vehicles.
Paraffin wax: This is a petroleum by-product used in the manufacturing of candles, ointments, and cosmetics.
Lubricating oil: This is a fraction of petroleum used to reduce friction in machinery.
Coke: This is a tough, porous, and black substance obtained by the destructive distillation of coal. It is an almost pure form of carbon used in steel manufacturing and metal extraction. It is not a constituent of petroleum.

Key Takeaway:

Diesel, paraffin wax, and lubricating oil are fractions derived from petroleum, whereas coke is a primary product derived from coal.