Why is the experiment conducted in a fume cupboard?

• A. It provides better lighting for observation.
• B. It keeps the equipment at a constant temperature.
• C. It releases harmful gases that are poisonous.
• D. It reduces the solvent's evaporation rate.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is ensuring safety when working with volatile or poisonous chemicals. A fume cupboard is a ventilated space that draws air from the room into the cabinet and exhausts it outside or through filters, carrying any harmful vapours away from the user. This keeps the breathing zone clear of dangerous gases and prevents contamination of the lab environment. While it might have some incidental lighting or affect temperature slightly, those are not its primary purposes. It doesn’t aim to release gases into the room; rather, it removes them from the working area to protect you. It also isn’t mainly about reducing solvent evaporation; the airflow is about safety and containment of fumes.