RTU Kota B.Tech 1st Year Engineering Chemistry Sem-I Question Paper 2024

RTU Engineering Chemistry Sem-I 2024 Paper Review

Preparing for the Rajasthan Technical University B.Tech Engineering Chemistry exam requires a strong grasp of chemical principles and exact numerical calculations. The Sem-I 2024 paper tests your core theoretical knowledge and your ability to solve engineering focused problems. Reviewing this paper shows you exactly how examiners structure the questions and allocate marks in both the derivation and numerical sections. This preparation allows you to approach your semester exam confidently.

Understanding the Exam Pattern

The RTU theory examination is a three hour paper worth 70 marks. The paper consists of three distinct sections.

• Part A: This section contains ten compulsory questions worth two marks each. You must write short answers under 30 words.
• Part B: You will find seven questions here. You must answer five of them. Each question is worth four marks. Your answers should be around 100 words.
• Part C: This section offers five major questions. You need to answer three. Each question carries ten marks. These require detailed chemical derivations, diagrams, or multi step numerical solutions.

Core Topics Evaluated in the Paper

The Sem-I 2024 question paper covers several critical modules. Focus your study time on these specific areas to maximize your score.

Water Technology and Treatment

This section features heavily in the numerical parts of the paper. You must know how to calculate temporary and permanent hardness using the EDTA method data. Practice calculating the exact lime and soda requirements for industrial water softening. The paper tests your knowledge of boiler troubles. You need to explain scale, sludge, priming, foaming, and caustic embrittlement. Memorize the complete chemical reactions for both the Zeolite process and the ion exchange demineralization process.

Fuel Chemistry and Combustion

You will face questions regarding the determination of calorific value. Practice the numerical problems based on the Bomb calorimeter and Boys calorimeter. Memorize the Dulong formula to calculate the higher calorific value and lower calorific value of a fuel. Expect questions distinguishing between the proximate analysis and ultimate analysis of coal. You must explain the significance of determining carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur percentages in solid fuels.

Corrosion Science and Protection

Examiners test your understanding of corrosion mechanisms. You must be ready to explain the electrochemical or wet corrosion theory with clear anodic and cathodic reactions. The paper evaluates your knowledge of corrosion control methods. Study sacrificial anodic protection and impressed current cathodic protection. Focus on factors influencing corrosion, such as the relative areas of anode and cathode, purity of metal, and moisture content in the environment.

Polymers and Engineering Materials

This module focuses on synthesis and industrial applications. You must know the preparation reactions, properties, and uses of key polymers. Practice the chemical structures for Bakelite, Nylon 66, Teflon, and Buna S rubber. The paper frequently includes questions on the mechanism of addition and condensation polymerization. You must also explain the vulcanization of natural rubber and how adding sulfur alters its cross linking structure.

Lubricants, Phase Rule, and Cement

You need to explain the mechanisms of lubrication, including hydrodynamic, boundary, and extreme pressure lubrication. Memorize definitions and testing methods for viscosity index, flash point, fire point, and cloud point. For the Phase Rule section, state the Gibbs phase rule equation. Practice drawing the fully labeled phase diagram for the one component water system, including the triple point and metastable curves. For Portland cement, study the manufacturing process in a rotary kiln and the chemical hydration equations that govern the setting and hardening of cement.

Answer Writing Strategy for High Marks

RTU evaluators look for specific chemical equations, balanced formulas, and neat diagrams in your answer booklet. Use a blue pen for your main text and a black pen for headings and chemical structures.

In Part A, answer directly. If the question asks for the definition of the scale forming compound in boilers, name the specific salts like calcium sulfate and provide their chemical formula. Do not write lengthy introductions. Keep answers factual and precise.

In Part B, provide a brief explanation accompanied by the relevant chemical equation. When asked about the differences between gross and net calorific value, define both terms and write the mathematical relationship linking them. Use bullet points for structural differences to make your answers easy to scan.

In Part C, detail is essential. When explaining a treatment process or an experimental setup like the Bomb calorimeter, you must draw a large, neat, labeled diagram using a pencil. Break your answer into clear headings. Write the working principle, provide the labeled diagram, explain the step by step procedure, write the chemical reactions, perform the mathematical derivation, and list the engineering limitations. Write out every single step in your numerical calculations, as the university marking system awards step by step marks.

Time Management During the Exam

Allocate 20 minutes to Part A. Spend 40 minutes on Part B. Reserve the remaining 120 minutes for the three long answer questions in Part C. Solving water chemistry numericals and drawing detailed phase diagrams takes significant time. This structure gives you 40 minutes per major question, allowing you to complete derivations and double check your calculations. Use the final 10 minutes to verify your numerical answers, check units like mg/L or kcal/kg, and ensure all chemical reactions are perfectly balanced.