Question

Which of the following is used as a preservative to protect processed food?
A. Sodium Sulphate
B. Saccharine
C. Sucralose
D. Sodium metabisulphite

Answer 1

Hint: The substances or chemicals which are used to preserve the processed food are generally known as food preservatives. The basic function of food preservatives is to stop the microbial growth inside the food which will harm the food. From the above given chemical compounds we will find the correct compound which is used to stop the growth of microbes inside the food.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The substances or the chemicals which are used to preserve the processed food for a period of time are known as food preservatives. The basic action of food preservatives is to stop the growth of microbes in the food which will harm the food and its taste by their microbial activities. Basically food preservatives control the oxidation of the food. It prevents the food from getting oxidized. Also food preservatives responsible for maintaining the original taste of food for a period of time. From the above given compounds, sodium metabisulphite is one of the food preservatives which will help in stopping the growth of the microbes inside the food. The chemical formula of sodium metabisulphite is \[N{a_2}{S_2}{O_5}\]. It prevents the oxidation of the food and thus can be used as food preservatives.

Note:
Food preservatives can preserve the food for a fixed duration of time. They cannot maintain the original taste of the food for a prolonged period of time. Thus food preservatives stop the growth of microbes for a short duration of time. Sodium metabisulphite is also known as sodium pyrosulphite. It is obtained by reaction of sodium hydroxide and sulphur dioxide.