Controversial Questions in the JEE Main 11 January 2019 - An Insight into Conflicting Answers and Errors

Introduction

The January 11th, 2019 JEE Main 2nd shift, a pivotal exam for students aspiring to secure a place in prestigious engineering institutions in India, has sparked debate and controversy over several conflicting answers and outright errors. This article delves into the specific questions that have been at the center of these discussions, aiming to provide clarity and insight.

Physics Questions

Amplitude Question (Question 10): This question on the amplitude of a physical system, where a student is asked to determine the ratio of maximum kinetic energy when the length is doubled, has sparked controversy. Two conflicting answers have been proposed, leading to a request for correction from the student. According to one interpretation, the answer is 3, while another interpretation gives an answer of 1. The discrepancy arises from the assumed type of amplitude (angular vs. linear).

The student's plea emphasizes the need for a clear and unambiguous answer to ensure fair grading. Currently, the official answer key provided by NTA indicates an answer of 1, but the student argues in favor of 3, suggesting a possible oversight in the exam's preparation.

Chemistry Questions

Question on Range and Co-domain:
Chemistry students have highlighted an error in a specific question involving the range and co-domain of a function. The question's answer key given by NTA was incorrectly marked as 4, but the student insists that the correct answer should be 1. The issue stems from the fact that 0 is present in the range when x1, but the co-domain is given as 0 to infinity, making the function not well-defined.

The irrefutable nature of this argument suggests a potential oversight in the exam's preparation, leading to the student's request for a reevaluation and bonus marks for all affected candidates.

Ring Structure Question:
In another contentious question, the second ring in a molecular structure was incorrectly identified as aromatic by NTA. Both option 2 and option 3 are reportedly correct interpretations, but NTA has chosen option 2. This misidentification may have affected students who were familiar with the true nature of the aromatic ring.

Given the potential for confusion and the administrative oversight, many students and teachers advocate for a reevaluation of this particular question.

Thermodynamics Question: An error in the second reaction balanced in a thermodynamics question has been highlighted. The correct equation should have CO2 but was incorrectly balanced with CO. While this error may not significantly impact the overall difficulty of the exam, it still warrants scrutiny and potential compensation.

Conclusion

The January 11th JEE Main 2nd shift has left its mark on numerous students with its various conflicting answers and outright errors. While some issues may be less impactful, the collective dissatisfaction and need for transparency highlight the critical importance of accurate and fair exams. Students and educators alike are encouraged to voice their concerns and seek resolutions.

Further Reading

For more detailed insights and comprehensive discussions, please refer to the following links:

Official NTA JEE Main Website

PDF Link of Questions Contested for Bonus Marks