Which of the following gases is used to artificially ripen fruits?

Correct answer: (b) Ethylene

Explanation

Ethylene (ethene, C₂H₄) is a plant hormone that starts and speeds up ripening, so it is used to ripen bananas, mangoes and other fruit artificially in ripening chambers.

Calcium carbide is banned for ripening because it gives off acetylene and contains arsenic and phosphorus impurities.