Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The statement means that the chemical industry itself uses a large share of the chemicals it produces as raw materials for further manufacturing.

Basic chemicals undergo processing to produce other chemicals, which are then used in industrial applications, agriculture, or consumer markets. For example, sulphuric acid is used to manufacture fertilizers, synthetic fibres, plastics, paints, and dyes — all of which may be inputs for yet another industry. This chain-like structure, where the output of one chemical process becomes the input of another, makes the industry its own largest consumer.

Source: Chemical Industries, Chapter 6

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• The key phrase from the textbook is: "Basic chemicals undergo processing to further produce other chemicals." Always quote or closely paraphrase this.
• Give a concrete example (sulphuric acid → fertilizers/plastics) to earn full marks — examiners expect application.
• The "chain/inter-linked structure" idea is what earns the third mark. Don't just define; explain why this makes it its own largest consumer.