General Knowledge

Achievements of Eminent Scientists Questions

Chapter: Science & Technology | Total Available: 20 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

 Which one of the following statements withrespect to Global Positioning System (GPS) isnot correct?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option D is correct. GPS provides information for civilian and commercial use, not exclusively military operations.

πŸ“– Core Anchor Concept

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system used for location determination, which relies on a network of satellites circling the Earth.

πŸ“œ Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Satellite Network: GPS comprises at least 24 satellites, allowing triangulation to determine geographic location.
  • Triangulation: The system utilizes three or more satellites to calculate a precise location through distance measurement.
  • Positioning Data: GPS provides coordinates in latitude, longitude, and altitude, enhancing map accuracy.
  • Wide Use: Originally developed for military purposes, GPS technology has expanded into civilian applications, serving various sectors including traffic navigation and scientific research.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: Correct, as GPS is based on a network of satellites.
  • Option B: Correct, since GPS operates using triangulation methods.
  • Option C: Correct, GPS receivers do provide location data as mentioned.
  • Option D: Incorrect, as GPS is not exclusive to military use; it encompasses civilian applications widely.

⚑ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember the mnemonic "SAT-LOC" for GPS functioning: Satellites, Accuracy, Triangulation, Latitude, Optimized, Coordinates.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against "Fundamentals of GPS Technology," 5th Edition.

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

SONAR stands for

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (c) is correct. SONAR stands for "Sound Navigation and Ranging."

πŸ“– Core Anchor Concept

SONAR is a technology that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with, or detect objects on or under the surface of the water.

πŸ“œ Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

  • Sound Waves: SONAR sends sound waves that bounce off objects, allowing for their detection.
  • Types: Active SONAR transmits sound pulses; passive SONAR listens for sounds.
  • Applications: Primarily used in marine navigation, submarines, and fishing.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Sonographic Natural Ranging - incorrect and does not relate to sound.
  • B: Simple Operational Navigation Ranging - misleading as it misrepresents the function.
  • D: Simple Operational Natural Ranging - doesn't accurately depict the technology.

⚑ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Remember: SONAR = Sound + Navigation + Ranging. The acronym reflects its primary function of using sound for navigation and object detection.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against standard marine navigation textbooks and technical glossaries.

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

LED (a semi-conductor device) is an abbreviation that stands for

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (c) is correct. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.

πŸ“– Core Anchor Concept

LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. This happens due to the recombination of electrons and holes in the diode's p-n junction.

πŸ“œ Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

The operation principle of an LED involves:

  • When an LED is forward-biased, electrons move from the n-type material to the p-type material.
  • Recombination of electrons with holes results in energy being released in the form of photons (light).

This phenomenon adheres to the principles of electroluminescence, first observed in 1907 by H. J. Round.

πŸ” Option Analysis

Reasons other options are incorrect:

  • A: Licence for Energy Detector - This is not a recognized term in electronics.
  • B: Light Energy Device - This does not accurately describe how LEDs function.
  • D: Lost Energy Detector - This is misleading and does not relate to LED technology.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Mnemonic to remember LED:

Light Emitting Diode = Light generated by electricity!

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against standard electronics and physics textbooks.

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following is not a bio-mass energy source?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (B) is correct. Nuclear reactors do not derive energy from organic matter.

πŸ“– Core Anchor Concept

Biomass energy comes from organic materials, such as plant and animal waste, which can be renewed sustainably. This includes resources like wood, coal, and gobar gas.

πŸ“œ Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

- **Biomass**: Sources (e.g., wood, coal, gobar gas) are derived from biological matter. They release energy upon combustion or decomposition. - **Nuclear Energy**: Generated via fission or fusion processes in atoms, primarily uranium or thorium. It is non-renewable and does not originate from biological processes, hence not a biomass energy source.

πŸ” Option Analysis

- **A: Wood**: A traditional biomass source, burned for heat. - **B: Nuclear reactor**: Generates energy through nuclear reactions, not organic matter. - **C: Gobar gas**: Biogas produced from organic waste, a renewable energy source. - **D: Coal**: A fossilized biomass, once organic matter, but with environmental concerns.

⚑ Chronology Trick / Polity Mnemonic

Recall biomass energy sources with **"WGC"** (Wood, Gobar gas, Coal) as sustainable, while β€œN” (Nuclear reactor) stands apart as non-biological.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against standard sources on renewable energy and biomass concepts.

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

To protect steel and iron from rusting, a thin layer of which one of the following metals is applied?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option B is correct. Zinc is used as a protective coating against rusting.

πŸ“– Core Anchor Concept

Zinc is applied as a protective coating to iron and steel to prevent rusting (oxidation). This process is known as galvanization.

πŸ“œ Detailed Breakdown & Chronology

Rusting is an electrochemical process where iron reacts with moisture and oxygen to form iron oxide. Galvanization, using zinc which is more reactive than iron, effectively shields iron by corroding preferentially.

Process Overview:

  • Electroplating setup is formed with iron as the cathode and zinc as the anode.
  • During electrolysis, zinc ions migrate to the iron surface, forming a protective layer, thus delaying rusting.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Magnesium - Not commonly used; less effective in rust prevention.
  • C: Aluminium - Forms a protective oxide layer but is less common than zinc for rust prevention.
  • D: Lead - Toxic and impractical for such applications; does not effectively prevent rust.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

MAG (Magnesium, Aluminium, Galvanization) - Remember that zinc (as in galvanization) is the go-to for rust prevention.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 10 Science, Chapter on Metals and Non-Metals.

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following minerals is used as a fuel in nuclear power stations ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (d) is correct. Pitchblende is a primary ore of uranium, utilized as fuel in nuclear reactors.

πŸ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The mineral pitchblende, primarily composed of uranium dioxide (UOβ‚‚), is crucial for nuclear fission processes in power generation.

πŸ§ͺ Step-by-Step Breakdown

Pitchblende contains uranium, which undergoes fission reactions, releasing large amounts of energy:

\[ \text{Uranium-235} \xrightarrow{\text{neutron}} \text{Fission Products} + \text{Energy} \]

This reaction generates heat that is used to produce steam and drive turbines in nuclear power stations.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Bauxite - An ore of aluminum, not used in nuclear reactors.
  • B: Quartz - Mainly composed of silica, used in electronics, not as nuclear fuel.
  • C: Feldspar - Used in ceramics and glass, irrelevant for nuclear energy.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Powerful Pitch" - Pitchblende is the source of power in nuclear energy.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 12 Physics, Chapter on Nuclei and Radioactivity.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Who among the following has explained the phenomenon of photoelectric effect ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option B is correct. Albert Einstein explained the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect.

πŸ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The photoelectric effect can be explained by Einstein's equation:

\[ E = hf - \phi \]

where \( E \) is the energy of emitted photoelectrons, \( h \) is Planck's constant, \( f \) is the frequency of incident light, and \( \phi \) is the work function.

πŸ§ͺ Step-by-Step Breakdown

The photoelectric effect refers to the emission of electrons from a material when it absorbs light. The key steps include:

  • The absorption of photons by electrons in a material.
  • The conversion of photon energy to kinetic energy of the ejected electrons.
  • Threshold frequency must be met for emission to occur, indicated by the work function.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A. Max Planck: Proposed quantization of energy but did not explain the photoelectric effect.
  • C. Neils Bohr: Developed the model of the atom, focusing on electron orbits but not specifically on the photoelectric phenomenon.
  • D. Ernest Rutherford: Known for the nuclear model of the atom but unrelated to the photoelectric effect.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember Einstein’s contribution with the phrase: β€œEnergy from light knocks out electrons” to recall the essence of the photoelectric effect.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XII Physics, Chapter 11 (Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter).

Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Consider the following statements relating to Richter scale :

 (1) It was devised in 1935 by Charles F. Richter .

(2) It describes the quantity of energy released by a single earthquake .

(3) Richter Scale has no upper limit Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (d) is correct. All statements about the Richter scale are accurate.

πŸ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

The Richter scale, developed by Charles F. Richter in 1935, quantifies the magnitude of seismic energy released by earthquakes on a logarithmic scale.

πŸ§ͺ Step-by-Step Breakdown

  • (1) Established in 1935 by Charles F. Richter.
  • (2) Measures the energy released from a single earthquake event.
  • (3) There is no upper limit on the Richter scale, meaning magnitudes can theoretically progress indefinitely.

πŸ” Option Analysis

Each of the other options describes either incomplete or incorrect attributes of the Richter scale, making them less accurate than option (d).

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: Richter scale, Energy release, No upper limit - R.E.N..

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against "Seismology and Plate Tectonics" by the National Research Council.

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

LIGO stands for

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (a) is correct. The term LIGO is an acronym for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory.

πŸ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

LIGO employs laser interferometry to measure disturbances caused by gravitational waves, enabling the detection of cosmic events like black hole mergers.

πŸ§ͺ Step-by-Step Breakdown

The term encapsulates the following key components:

  • Laser: Refers to the light source used for measuring.
  • Interferometer: The device that uses the interference of light beams to measure minute changes in distance.
  • Gravitational-wave: Ripples in spacetime produced by accelerating massive objects.
  • Observatory: A facility designed for research and observation of cosmic phenomena.

πŸ” Option Analysis

Other options are incorrect due to the following reasons:

  • B: "Light" is inaccurately replacing "Laser".
  • C: Misleading terminology as gravity is not directly implied.
  • D: Incorrect as it doesn't relate to gravitational waves.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember "LIGO" as: Light, Interferometer, Gravitational, Observatory.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against scientific literature, "The Detection of Gravitational Waves: LIGO and the Supernova Neutrino", Springer.

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Initial discovery of antibiotic penicillin was done by

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
βœ“

1. Correct Answer

Option D is correct. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

πŸ“– Core Concept

Penicillin, the first true antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming when he observed its effects on bacteria, leading to a revolutionary change in medicine.

πŸ’‘ 3. Explanation

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 when he noticed that a culture of Staphylococcus bacteria he had been studying had been contaminated by a fungus, Penicillium notatum. The mold produced a substance that killed the bacteria around it. This observation led to the development of antibiotics, marking a significant advancement in medical science. The clinical utility of penicillin was further explored during the 1940s, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections.

❌ 4. Option Analysis

  • • Option A: Francis Crick was a molecular biologist famous for discovering the structure of DNA, not penicillin.
  • • Option B: Maurice Wilkins was a physicist and later a molecular biologist known for his work on DNA, but he did not discover penicillin.
  • • Option C: Charles Darwin was a naturalist renowned for his theory of evolution, with no relation to antibiotic discovery.
⚑

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

Remember: "Fleming Found Fungus" to recall that Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin from the Penicillium mold.

🎯

5. Key Takeaways

Alexander Fleming is credited with the discovery of penicillin, which initiated the antibiotic revolution.

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