Question

The earthen pots prepared by clay only are generally
(A) Porous
(B) Non-porous
(C) Conductors of electricity
(D) Transparent

Answer 1

Hint: An earthen pot whose material is entirely made of clay is generally used for storing water and keeping it cool. The cooling in the earthen pots is a result of the evaporation of the water droplets on its surface.

Complete answer:
The earthen pots are the utensils which are used for storing water in the villages. They are generally used in summers for keeping the temperature of water low even when they are exposed to the extreme heat coming from the sun. For this purpose, it is prepared using clay only.
Clay is one of the components of soil. Nature of clay is alkaline and plastic i.e. it can be moulded into any shape that’s why it is used in pottery. The earthen pots have many pores i.e. they are porous which helps in cooling of water. Water seeps from these pores and evaporates from the surface of pots. Whenever anything changes its state (here from liquid to gas) it requires energy. This energy is taken from the water and thereby making it cool.
Now, the electrical conduction is not related to the heat exchange between the water contained in the earthen pot, and the surroundings. So the option C is incorrect.
Also, if the pot is made transparent, then the sunlight will be able to enter the pot, thereby heating the water inside. So the option D is also incorrect.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
Clay pot is also used in cooking which makes the dishes more flavourful, tasty and nutritious too. The porous nature of clay allows both moisture and heat to circulate through food which results in slow cooked but aromatic food. The earthen pots make the muscles of meat softer as heat for longer time denatures the protein and collagen fibres more effectively compared to other utensils. Also, clay being alkaline in nature interacts with the acidity of food thereby neutralising it.