Preserving a Work of Art

Arts and Music · 10 questions

Conservation principles and material deterioration: chemical change, humidity, light and preservation practices.

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1. Which compound forms in the black tarnish on silver?

   1. Silver sulfide
   2. Silver nitrate
   3. Silver chloride
   4. Silver oxide
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   A) Silver sulfide

2. Dammar, used as a final varnish on oil paintings, is a resin of what origin?

   1. Acrylic-based synthetic resin
   2. Plant-derived natural resin
   3. Cellulose-based synthetic resin
   4. Ketone-based synthetic resin
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   B) Plant-derived natural resin

3. Which environmental condition raises the risk of mold growth in collections?

   1. Persistently high relative humidity
   2. Low temperature
   3. Steady illumination
   4. Persistently low relative humidity
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   A) Persistently high relative humidity

4. Which type of radiation does UV-filtering exhibition glass reduce?

   1. Visible blue light
   2. Visible red light
   3. Infrared radiation
   4. Ultraviolet radiation
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   D) Ultraviolet radiation

5. Which copper carbonate mineral has the formula Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂?

   1. Azurite
   2. Cuprite
   3. Tenorite
   4. Malachite
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   D) Malachite

6. Which acid is associated with “vinegar syndrome” in cellulose acetate film?

   1. Sulfuric acid
   2. Propionic acid
   3. Acetic acid
   4. Formic acid
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   C) Acetic acid

7. Which chemical process accelerates embrittlement in acidic paper?

   1. Oxidative polymerization
   2. Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis
   3. Alkaline precipitation
   4. Photochemical cross-linking
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   B) Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis

8. Paraloid B-72 belongs to which material class when used to stabilize flaking paint?

   1. Natural resin varnish
   2. Protein glue
   3. Cellulose ether adhesive
   4. Acrylic resin consolidant
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   D) Acrylic resin consolidant

9. Which class of compounds is associated with protrusions in some oil paint layers?

   1. Metal sulfides
   2. Metal sulfates
   3. Metal soaps
   4. Metal oxalates
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   C) Metal soaps

10. Which deterioration process can be directly slowed by reducing oxygen in a storage environment?

    1. Oxidation
    2. Light-induced fading
    3. Mechanical abrasion
    4. Hydrolysis
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    A) Oxidation