Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.
Statement II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a)
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
(b)
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c)
Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d)
Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Explanation
Answer: (a)
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I
Explanation:
● Statement I is correct: Rare earth elements (e.g., europium, terbium) are indeed used in the production of flat-screen displays (LEDs, LCDs) and monitors due to their luminescent properties.
● Statement II is correct: Many rare earth elements exhibit phosphorescence (light emission after energy absorption), which is critical for display technologies.
● Explanation link: The phosphorescent properties (Statement II) directly enable rare earth elements to be used in screens (Statement I), as they provide the necessary brightness and color clarity.