Question 1

Ozone in the upper atmosphere protects the biosphere by absorbing which harmful component of solar radiation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The ozone layer in the Earth atmosphere plays a vital role in sustaining life on the planet. General knowledge and environmental science questions often ask what type of solar radiation ozone absorbs. Understanding this helps you appreciate why ozone depletion is a serious environmental issue and how it connects to skin cancer, plant damage, and ecosystem health. Given Data / Assumptions: - Ozone is concentrated in the stratosphere, forming the so called ozone layer.- The question asks which harmful radiation from the sun is blocked by ozone.- We assume standard school level classification of the electromagnetic spectrum. Concept / Approach: The sun emits a broad range of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Ultraviolet radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C, is harmful to living cells and can damage DNA. Ozone molecules in the stratosphere absorb much of this ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the surface of the Earth. This protective function is why the ozone layer is often described as a shield for the biosphere. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify the main harmful radiations that can affect living organisms: especially ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.2. Recall that most high energy X-rays and gamma rays are already largely absorbed by higher layers of the atmosphere and the magnetosphere.3. Remember from environmental science that ozone specifically absorbs UV-B and UV-C rays.4. Link the depletion of ozone with increased ultraviolet radiation at the surface leading to higher skin cancer risk and damage to crops and plankton.5. Conclude that the radiation from which ozone primarily protects the biosphere is ultraviolet rays. Verification / Alternative check: Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Infrared rays: Mostly associated with heat; they are not strongly absorbed by ozone and are not the primary cause of DNA damage.- Gamma rays: Extremely energetic but largely blocked by the upper atmosphere and magnetic field, not mainly by the ozone layer.- X-rays: Similar to gamma rays, they are mostly absorbed high above the ozone layer and are not the focus of ozone related discussions. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse the ozone problem with the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases mainly trap infrared radiation, whereas ozone protects against ultraviolet radiation. Mixing these concepts results in wrong answers. Remember that ultraviolet radiation is linked with sunburn, skin cancer, and the specific role of stratospheric ozone. Final Answer: Ozone protects the biosphere primarily by absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Question 2

In a nuclear fusion reaction, which fundamental process takes place inside the atomic nuclei involved?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Nuclear reactions play a central role in modern energy production, astrophysics, and weapon technology. Competitive examinations often ask you to differentiate clearly between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. This question focuses on the basic definition of nuclear fusion and asks what exactly happens to the nuclei during the process. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are dealing with nuclear level processes involving atomic nuclei.- The term nuclear fusion is specifically mentioned.- No numerical data are provided, so this is a conceptual definition based question. Concept / Approach: Nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the process that powers stars, including the sun, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium. Nuclear fission, in contrast, is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei. Confusing these two processes is a common mistake, so the key is to associate fusion with combining and fission with splitting. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the definition of nuclear fission: a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing energy.2. Recall the definition of nuclear fusion: two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy.3. Examine the options and identify which one involves combining light nuclei rather than breaking a heavy one.4. Notice that only the option mentioning two light nuclei combining to form a heavy nucleus matches the fusion definition.5. Select that option as the correct description of nuclear fusion. Verification / Alternative check: You can cross check by thinking about the sun. The standard description of energy production in the sun is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium under extremely high temperature and pressure. This is a textbook example of nuclear fusion and clearly involves the combination of lighter nuclei. This mental picture confirms that the combination process is the essence of fusion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - A heavy nucleus bombarded by neutrons breaks up: This describes induced nuclear fission, as in nuclear reactors.- A heavy nucleus breaks up spontaneously: This resembles radioactive decay or spontaneous fission, not fusion.- A light nucleus breaks up spontaneously: This describes another form of decay, again unrelated to fusion, which is about combining light nuclei. Common Pitfalls: The main confusion arises from the similar sounding words fusion and fission. Candidates may also think that both processes always need neutrons, which is not true. Always link fusion with the sun and stars and think of small nuclei combining. Likewise, link fission with nuclear power plants and bombs based on splitting heavy nuclei such as uranium or plutonium. Final Answer: In nuclear fusion, two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.

Question 3

In fluid mechanics, the frictional force exerted by a moving fluid on a body or by layers of fluid on each other is called what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Whenever an object moves through a fluid such as air or water, it experiences a resistive force that opposes its motion. This force is an important concept in physics, engineering, and everyday life. The question asks you to recall the specific name given to the frictional force exerted by fluids, which is a standard term in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. Given Data / Assumptions: - The medium is a fluid, which can be a liquid or a gas.- There is relative motion between the object and the fluid or between fluid layers.- We are interested in the resistive friction like force caused by this motion. Concept / Approach: In solids, friction acts at the surfaces in contact. In fluids, the corresponding resistive force due to viscosity and flow is called drag. Drag acts opposite to the direction of motion and depends on factors such as shape, speed, fluid density, and viscosity. It is crucial for designing aircraft, cars, ships, and even sports equipment. Other fluid related forces include buoyancy, which acts upward due to displaced fluid, and upthrust, which is another word for buoyant force, but these are not frictional forces along the direction of motion. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify that the question is asking about a frictional force in a fluid, not in a solid.2. Recall the term drag, which is defined as the resistive force exerted by a fluid on a body moving through it.3. Compare this definition with other fluid related terms such as buoyancy and upthrust, which act vertically upward.4. Recognise that convection is a mode of heat transfer in fluids, not a mechanical frictional force.5. Conclude that drag is the correct specific name for the frictional force exerted by fluids. Verification / Alternative check: Think about common phrases like aerodynamic drag, water drag on swimmers, or air resistance on cyclists. In all these cases, the term drag is used to describe the fluid friction that slows motion. Textbooks in mechanics and fluid dynamics consistently define drag in this way, confirming that it is the correct term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Buoyancy: This is the upward force on a body submerged in a fluid due to displaced fluid, not a friction force.- Upthrust: This is another name for buoyant force and again acts vertically upward, not along the path of motion.- Convection: This describes motion of fluid due to temperature differences and is a heat transfer process, not a resistive force. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse all fluid related forces and assume any fluid force is buoyancy. It is important to distinguish between vertical buoyant forces and horizontal or directional resistive forces. Remember that the word drag is often used in practical engineering contexts, so associating it with resistance in fluids will help avoid confusion. Final Answer: The frictional force exerted by fluids on moving bodies or between fluid layers is called drag.

Question 4

If a constant force is applied on an object in the same direction as its motion, what happens to the speed of the object over time?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks understanding of Newton second law of motion and the basic relationship between force, acceleration, and velocity. When a net force acts on an object in the direction of its motion, the object does not simply keep moving uniformly; rather, its speed changes with time. Recognising the effect of such a force is fundamental for solving many mechanics problems. Given Data / Assumptions: - A net force is applied on the object.- The direction of the force is the same as the direction of motion of the object.- We are considering motion in a straight line with no other significant opposing forces like friction. Concept / Approach: According to Newton second law, the net force F acting on a body of mass m produces an acceleration a given by the relation a = F / m. If the force and the velocity are in the same direction, this acceleration increases the magnitude of the velocity, that is, the speed. As long as the force continues to act and remains unbalanced, the speed keeps increasing. Only if the net force is zero will the object move with constant speed in a straight line, as stated by Newton first law. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that a non zero net force must cause an acceleration.2. Since the force is in the same direction as the motion, the acceleration is in the direction of the velocity vector.3. Acceleration in the direction of motion means that the speed increases with time.4. Therefore, the object gains kinetic energy and moves faster as long as the force acts.5. Conclude that the speed of the object increases, which matches the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Consider pushing a trolley in a straight line. When you push it in the direction it is already moving, it speeds up. If you stop pushing, it eventually slows due to friction. This simple real life example shows that a force applied along the direction of motion increases speed, confirming the theoretical reasoning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - It decreases: A decrease in speed would occur if the force acted opposite to the direction of motion, not in the same direction.- It becomes zero immediately: Speed does not become zero unless a strong opposing force stops the object; a forward force cannot make speed instantly zero.- It is not affected at all: This would violate Newton second law because a non zero net force must cause a change in motion. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse constant force with constant speed and think that if the force is steady, the motion is steady. Constant force actually produces constant acceleration, not constant speed. Forgetting this distinction leads to incorrect conclusions about how the speed changes. Final Answer: When a force is applied in the direction of motion, the speed of the object increases with time.

Question 5

When a concave mirror forms an image on a screen placed in front of it, what type of image is produced?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Image formation by mirrors and lenses is a standard topic in school physics. A key idea is the distinction between real and virtual images. This question specifically mentions an image formed by a concave mirror that appears on a screen. Understanding what this implies about the nature of the image is important for optics based questions. Given Data / Assumptions: - The reflecting surface is a concave mirror.- An image of an object has been obtained on a physical screen.- We assume that the usual rules of ray optics apply. Concept / Approach: By definition, a real image is one in which light rays actually converge to a point in space, so the image can be obtained on a screen. A virtual image appears to come from a point from which light seems to diverge, and it cannot be captured on a screen. Concave mirrors are capable of forming both real and virtual images depending on the object position, but whenever the image can be projected onto a screen, it must be a real image, and it is inverted with respect to the object. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the definition: a real image is formed where light rays actually meet and can be obtained on a screen.2. Recall that a virtual image is formed where rays only appear to diverge from a point and cannot be projected on a screen.3. The question clearly states that the image is formed on a screen, which directly implies it is real.4. Concave mirrors can form real, inverted images when the object is placed beyond the focal length.5. Therefore, the correct description is that the image is a real image. Verification / Alternative check: In the laboratory you can place a concave mirror on a bench, keep an object like a candle beyond the centre of curvature, and adjust a screen until a sharp inverted image appears. This experiment shows that the image produced can be caught on a screen and is therefore real. In contrast, the enlarged upright face image you see in a concave shaving mirror cannot be projected onto a screen and is virtual. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Virtual image: A virtual image cannot be projected onto a screen, so it contradicts the given condition.- Erect image: Real images formed by a concave mirror for standard object positions are inverted, not erect.- Magnified upright image: This describes a virtual image formed when the object is within the focal length, not an image that appears on a screen. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes think that any clear image is virtual simply because it is visible. Always remember the operational test: if you can catch the image on a screen, it is real. The terms erect and inverted describe orientation, whereas real and virtual describe how the rays behave and whether a screen can capture the image. Final Answer: An image formed by a concave mirror on a screen is a real image.

Question 6

In advanced optical storage technology, data can be stored in multiple layers within a single optical disc. What is this approach commonly called?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu ray discs store digital information using pits and lands on their surfaces. Modern research in data storage explores ways to greatly increase capacity by using multiple layers inside the disc volume. This question asks you to identify the correct term for such multilayer data storage technology. Given Data / Assumptions: - The technology involves storing information in multiple layers within the volume of a disc, not only on a single surface.- The question mentions an optical data storage approach with multiple layers.- Only one option corresponds to a widely recognised realistic term. Concept / Approach: Conventional optical storage is essentially two dimensional, using the surface of the disc. When data are stored in several layers at different depths inside the disc, the storage can be described as three dimensional, because data occupy a volume rather than a plane. Such approaches are therefore called 3D optical data storage. The other options that mention very large numbers like 30D and 3000D are unrealistic and not standard terminology in physics or information technology. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that storing data in multiple internal layers adds a depth dimension to the usual surface based storage.2. Understand that using three spatial dimensions for data leads to the term three dimensional or 3D storage.3. Check the given options and identify which one corresponds to 3D storage.4. Note that 30D, 300D, and 3000D are exaggerated and non physical, so they are incorrect.5. Choose 3D optical data storage as the correct name for this multilayer technology. Verification / Alternative check: A quick check in technology contexts such as research articles or news reports will show references to 3D optical storage techniques using multiple recording layers or holographic methods. They all use the expression three dimensional or 3D optical data storage, which confirms that this is the correct standard term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - 30D optical data storage: There is no physical meaning in calling data storage thirty dimensional; this is not used in practice.- 300D optical data storage: Similarly unrealistic and not a recognised term in optical technology.- 3000D optical data storage: This is clearly exaggerated and has no basis in real physical systems or information technology naming conventions. Common Pitfalls: Students may overthink the numeric choices and assume that a higher number automatically means more advanced technology. In reality, naming in science is grounded in physical dimensions, and three dimensions are enough to describe normal space. Associating 3D with three spatial dimensions helps prevent confusion with fanciful multi digit labels. Final Answer: The multilayer optical disc technology is commonly called 3D optical data storage.

Question 7

In the International System of Units (SI), which unit is used to measure pressure?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Units and dimensions are basic components of physics. Every physical quantity has a specific SI unit that should be memorised for examinations. This question asks you to recall the SI unit of pressure, a quantity that appears in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and everyday contexts such as tyre pressure and atmospheric pressure. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are dealing with the SI system of units.- The quantity of interest is pressure.- Four common SI units from different branches of physics are listed as options. Concept / Approach: Pressure is defined as force per unit area. In SI units, force is measured in newton and area is measured in square metre. So the derived unit of pressure is newton per square metre, written as N / m^2. This derived unit is given a special name: pascal, abbreviated as Pa. The other units listed belong to other physical quantities, such as magnetic flux (weber) and inductance (henry), and are therefore not appropriate for pressure. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the definition of pressure: pressure = force / area.2. In SI, use force in newton and area in square metre, so the unit becomes newton per square metre.3. Remember that the special SI name for newton per square metre is pascal.4. Check the options and identify the unit pascal as the one associated with N / m^2.5. Choose pascal as the correct SI unit of pressure. Verification / Alternative check: Common examples reinforce this. Meteorologists report atmospheric pressure in pascals or hectopascals, and engineering calculations of stress and pressure use pascal or multiples such as kilopascal and megapascal. This consistent usage confirms that pascal is indeed the official SI unit for pressure. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Newton: This is the SI unit of force, not pressure.- Weber: This is the SI unit of magnetic flux in electromagnetism.- Henry: This is the SI unit of inductance, also used in electromagnetism. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse newton per square metre with newton and choose newton as the answer. Remember that pressure is a derived quantity depending on both force and area, so its unit cannot be just newton. Practice linking definitions with their derived units to reduce such confusion. Final Answer: The SI unit of pressure is the pascal, equal to one newton per square metre.

Question 8

A sudden sharp fall in barometric pressure recorded by a barometer is usually an indication of which type of weather condition?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Barometers measure atmospheric pressure and give important information about upcoming weather. Meteorology questions often test how to interpret changes in barometric pressure. This question focuses on the meaning of a sudden drop in barometer reading and which weather phenomenon it typically signals. Given Data / Assumptions: - The barometric pressure is observed to fall suddenly, not gradually.- We assume standard conditions near the Earth surface.- We want the most likely associated weather condition. Concept / Approach: High atmospheric pressure is usually associated with stable, clear weather, while low pressure tends to accompany unsettled or stormy conditions. A gradual fall in pressure often indicates approaching rain or a low pressure system. A sudden and sharp fall usually points to an intense low pressure region, such as a storm or cyclone, nearing the location. Therefore, the most severe and correct interpretation of a sudden drop is stormy weather rather than just normal rain. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that barometers measure atmospheric pressure in units such as millibar or pascal.2. Understand that low pressure systems are associated with rising air, cloud formation, and unsettled weather.3. A sudden fall in pressure suggests a rapid approach of a strong low pressure system.4. Among the given options, storm is the condition that corresponds to an intense low pressure situation.5. Therefore, a sudden barometric fall is taken as an indication of an approaching storm. Verification / Alternative check: Weather forecasts often speak of deep depressions or storm systems being associated with very low pressure. Pilots, sailors, and fishermen historically used sudden pressure drops as warnings of storms. Rain may also come with falling pressure, but the sudden sharp fall is a classic storm warning rather than a gentle rainfall signal. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Scorching heat: Hot weather is more closely associated with stable high pressure rather than falling pressure.- Rain: A gradual fall can indicate rain, but the key word sudden points to a more violent event such as a storm.- Clear weather: Clear skies are usually associated with relatively high and stable pressure, often accompanied by a rising barometer. Common Pitfalls: Students may quickly link falling pressure with rain and ignore the word sudden. Carefully reading qualifiers like sudden or gradual is essential in interpreting barometer questions correctly. Always associate a rapid large decrease with more severe disturbances such as storms or cyclones. Final Answer: A sudden fall in barometric pressure usually indicates an approaching storm.

Question 9

A wire has length 8 m, cross-sectional area 2 cm^2, and is made of a material with resistivity 120 ohm metre. What is its resistance in mega ohm?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Electrical resistance depends on the material of a conductor as well as its dimensions. This numerical question tests your ability to use the basic formula that links resistance with resistivity, length, and area. It also checks whether you can correctly convert units such as square centimetre to square metre and then express the final resistance in mega ohm. Given Data / Assumptions: - Length of the wire, L = 8 m.- Cross sectional area, A = 2 cm^2.- Resistivity of the material, rho = 120 ohm metre.- We are asked to find resistance in mega ohm (10^6 ohm). Concept / Approach: The resistance R of a uniform conductor is given by the formula R = rho * L / A, where rho is resistivity, L is length, and A is cross sectional area. To use this relation, all quantities must be expressed in SI units. That means converting area from square centimetre to square metre. After obtaining R in ohm, we convert it to mega ohm by dividing by 10^6. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Convert the area into square metre. Since 1 cm = 10^-2 m, we have 1 cm^2 = 10^-4 m^2.2. Therefore, A = 2 cm^2 = 2 * 10^-4 m^2.3. Use the formula R = rho * L / A.4. Substitute the values: R = 120 * 8 / (2 * 10^-4).5. First calculate the numerator: 120 * 8 = 960.6. Denominator is 2 * 10^-4, so 960 / (2 * 10^-4) = (960 / 2) * 10^4 = 480 * 10^4 ohm.7. 480 * 10^4 ohm = 4.8 * 10^6 ohm.8. Since 1 mega ohm = 10^6 ohm, R = 4.8 mega ohm. Verification / Alternative check: As a quick check, note that a relatively long wire with small cross sectional area and fairly high resistivity should give a resistance of the order of mega ohm, not just a few ohm. The calculation yields 4.8 * 10^6 ohm, which matches this expectation. Also, you can recheck the unit conversion: doubling the area would halve the resistance, and lowering resistivity would similarly reduce it, which fits the formula R = rho * L / A. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - 1920: This could come from mistakes in handling powers of ten or ignoring the centimetre to metre conversion, leading to an incorrect value.- 2.4: This is half of the correct 4.8 and may result from missing a factor of 2 in the denominator or misapplying the formula.- 960: This corresponds to the intermediate value before properly dividing by 2 * 10^-4 and is not expressed in mega ohm. It shows incomplete calculation. Common Pitfalls: The most common errors come from not converting square centimetre to square metre correctly or from mishandling scientific notation. Students may treat 2 cm^2 as 2 * 10^-2 m^2 instead of 2 * 10^-4 m^2, giving a resistance smaller by a factor of 100. Always square the conversion factor when converting area units and carefully track powers of ten during calculations. Final Answer: The resistance of the wire is 4.8 mega ohm.

Question 10

In the context of rotational motion, what are the two basic kinds of rotatory motion commonly discussed for rigid bodies such as planets or spinning tops?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Rotatory motion is a form of motion in which a body turns about an axis. In physics and astronomy, you often describe the motion of planets, satellites, or spinning tops using two related concepts. This question asks you to identify the two basic types of rotatory motion typically mentioned in textbooks and general knowledge discussions. Given Data / Assumptions: - The term rotatory motion refers to motion where an object rotates about some axis.- Examples include the Earth turning around its own axis and revolving around the sun.- We are asked to choose the correct pair of rotatory motions from the options. Concept / Approach: For extended bodies like planets, two main rotation related motions are commonly distinguished. Spin motion refers to rotation about the object own internal axis, as when the Earth spins once every day. Orbital motion refers to the movement of the object around another body along an orbit, as when the Earth revolves around the sun once every year. Both of these involve curved paths and rotation, so they are called types of rotatory motion in everyday descriptions of planetary movement. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that spin motion is the rotation of a body about its own axis.2. Recognise that orbital motion is the motion of a body around another body due to gravitational attraction.3. Note that vibrational, projectile, and pure translatory motion are different categories of motion that do not describe rotation about an axis in the same way.4. Examine the options and find the pair that combines spin with orbital motion.5. Select spin motion and orbital motion as the two kinds of rotatory motion requested in the question. Verification / Alternative check: In astronomy, it is standard to say that the Earth spins on its axis and orbits the sun. The same language is used for other planets, satellites, and even electrons in simple atomic models. This repeated pairing of spin and orbit confirms that these two types are the commonly accepted categories of rotational motion in general discussions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Spin and vibrational motion: Vibrational motion consists of small oscillations about a mean position, not continuous rotation about an axis.- Spin and projectile motion: Projectile motion refers to motion under gravity, often along a curved parabolic path, but not primarily to spinning about an axis.- Spin and translatory motion: Translatory motion is straight line movement in which all parts of the body move equally; it is not itself a type of rotatory motion. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes mix general terms for motion such as translatory or vibrational with rotation specific terms. Remember that rotatory motion always involves an axis. Spin and orbit both clearly reference rotation around an axis or another body, which helps to distinguish them from other types. Final Answer: The two basic kinds of rotatory motion are spin motion and orbital motion.

Question 11

At a distance of 2R from the centre of the Earth (where R is the radius of the Earth), a person weight becomes what fraction of the weight at the Earth surface?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Gravitational force and weight depend on the distance from the centre of the Earth. Many competitive exams ask how weight changes with altitude. This question asks what happens to a person weight when the person is located at a distance of 2R from the centre of the Earth, where R is the radius of the Earth, and we compare this with the weight at the Earth surface (distance R from the centre). Given Data / Assumptions: - Radius of the Earth = R.- Distance of the person from the centre of the Earth = 2R.- Weight is proportional to gravitational force between the Earth and the person.- We ignore effects of rotation and atmosphere and use the inverse square law for gravity. Concept / Approach: According to Newton law of gravitation, the gravitational force F between two masses is given by F = G * M * m / r^2, where r is the distance between their centres. For a body on the Earth surface, r = R. At a distance 2R from the centre, r = 2R. Since weight W is equal to m * g and g is proportional to 1 / r^2, the weight at different distances will scale inversely with the square of the distance from the centre of the Earth. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Let the weight at the Earth surface be W1. Then W1 is proportional to 1 / R^2.2. At distance r = 2R from the centre of the Earth, let the weight be W2, so W2 is proportional to 1 / (2R)^2.3. Compute (2R)^2 = 4R^2, so W2 is proportional to 1 / (4R^2).4. Compare W2 and W1: W2 / W1 = (1 / 4R^2) / (1 / R^2) = 1 / 4.5. Therefore, W2 = W1 / 4, meaning the weight becomes one-fourth of the original weight at the Earth surface. Verification / Alternative check: A general rule is that if you double the distance from the centre of the Earth, the gravitational force and therefore the weight fall to one fourth. This is a direct consequence of the inverse square law. The same logic applies to satellites and space stations at various altitudes, although they are also in orbital motion. The computed factor of one fourth is consistent with this known rule. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Remains the same: This would imply that gravity does not change with distance, which contradicts the inverse square law.- Becomes half: Half would correspond roughly to a distance of about 1.4R, not 2R, so this is incorrect for 2R.- Becomes twice: Gravity weakens with distance, so weight cannot become twice at a point further from the centre of the Earth. Common Pitfalls: Many students confuse distance from the centre with height above the surface. Always read carefully whether the question gives height h or total distance r. In some questions, height equal to the radius of the Earth (h = R) leads to r = 2R, which also yields one-fourth weight. Here the distance is directly given as 2R from the centre, so the same 1 / 4 factor applies. Final Answer: At a distance of 2R from the centre of the Earth, the person weight becomes one-fourth of the weight at the Earth surface.

Question 12

Which instrument is specifically used to measure the specific gravity (relative density) of milk accurately?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Measuring the quality of milk is important in dairies and households, and one key parameter is specific gravity or relative density. Different instruments are used to measure density or related properties of various substances. This question asks which specific instrument is designed for measuring the specific gravity of milk, a common general knowledge topic. Given Data / Assumptions: - The quantity to be measured is specific gravity or relative density of milk.- We assume standard laboratory or dairy testing conditions.- Several instruments related to measurement are listed as options. Concept / Approach: Relative density compares the density of a substance to the density of water at a reference temperature. Hydrometers are floating instruments designed to measure the relative density of liquids in general. A lactometer is a special type of hydrometer calibrated specifically for milk so that it can indicate whether milk has been diluted with water or adulterated. Thus while hydrometer is a general instrument, lactometer is the specialised instrument for milk. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that hydrometers measure relative density of liquids by floating deeper or shallower depending on liquid density.2. Remember that for milk testing, a specially calibrated hydrometer, called a lactometer, is widely used.3. Examine the options and identify lactometer as the only instrument explicitly devoted to milk specific gravity.4. Recognise that hygrometers measure humidity of air, not liquid density.5. Recognise that barometers measure atmospheric pressure, unrelated to milk density. Verification / Alternative check: In dairy quality control, instructions often mention taking a sample of milk in a cylinder and gently lowering a lactometer into it. The reading on the lactometer scale gives the specific gravity directly. This specific usage is highlighted in many agriculture and general science textbooks, confirming that lactometer is the correct answer for milk. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Hydrometer: This is a general instrument for liquid density, but the question asks specifically about milk. The special instrument for milk is the lactometer.- Hygrometer: Used for measuring humidity in the air, not density of liquids.- Barometer: Used for measuring atmospheric pressure, not relative density of liquids. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose hydrometer because it measures liquid density in general. While that is conceptually close, competitive exam questions often expect the more specialised term lactometer when the substance is milk. To avoid confusion, remember the word root lacto, which relates to milk in many scientific terms such as lactose and lactation. Final Answer: The specific gravity of milk is measured accurately using a lactometer.

Question 13

Which of the following is usually the first common visible sign that a thunderstorm is approaching?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Weather observation skills are important for safety and general awareness. Thunderstorms are severe weather events involving thunder, lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain. This question asks which sign is typically seen first when a thunderstorm is approaching, testing your understanding of common atmospheric observations. Given Data / Assumptions: - The focus is on a common first indicator that can be observed by an ordinary person.- The event in question is a thunderstorm, not simply a hot day or a windy day.- Options include different weather features such as heat, wind, clouds, and lightning. Concept / Approach: Thunderstorms form in unstable air where warm, moist air rises rapidly. Before the storm arrives, you normally see large cumulonimbus clouds building up vertically and becoming dark at the base. These dark, towering clouds appear before heavy rain and lightning become obvious. Heat may contribute to storm formation, but it is not itself a clear visual sign. Lightning and thunder usually come after the storm cloud has developed substantially. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify typical features of a thunderstorm: dark towering clouds, gusty winds, thunder, lightning, and heavy rain.2. Consider which feature is visible earliest to someone watching the sky.3. A buildup of dark cumulonimbus clouds is often seen on the horizon well before the storm arrives.4. Lightning flashes and strong gusts usually come later, once the storm is nearer.5. Therefore, a buildup of dark clouds is the most reliable first visible indicator among the given options. Verification / Alternative check: Weather guides and safety manuals often warn people to watch for dark thunderclouds building up and moving closer as a sign of an approaching storm. Outdoor sports events are frequently halted when organisers see threatening dark clouds, even before any thunder or lightning is observed. This practice confirms that the cloud buildup is treated as the early warning sign. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Excessive heat: Hot weather may occur earlier in the day, but heat alone does not reliably indicate a thunderstorm and may also occur without storms.- Heavy wind without clouds: Gusty wind can appear, but without storm clouds it could be due to other weather patterns and is not a consistent early sign.- Lightning flashes: Lightning typically begins after the storm cloud has already developed and is close, so it is not the first common indicator. Common Pitfalls: Many people focus on spectacular events like lightning or thunder and forget that the sky gives earlier subtle signs. To interpret weather correctly, always watch the cloud patterns first. Recognising dark, towering thunderclouds early can provide extra time to seek shelter before dangerous lightning and strong winds arrive. Final Answer: A buildup of dark clouds is usually the first common visible sign of an approaching thunderstorm.

Question 14

When blue and yellow colours of light or paint are mixed in ordinary colour mixing, which resultant colour is typically observed?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Basic colour mixing is frequently used in art, design, and everyday life. Children learn that combining certain primary colours produces secondary colours. This question asks what happens when blue and yellow are mixed, which is a classic example used in school level colour theory and general knowledge tests. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are considering ordinary colour mixing as in paints or pigments, not complex optical filters.- The two starting colours are blue and yellow.- We want to know the perceived resultant colour. Concept / Approach: In subtractive colour mixing, which applies to paints, dyes, and pigments, the primary colours are typically taken as cyan, magenta, and yellow, or in simple art teaching as red, blue, and yellow. When blue and yellow paints are mixed, the combination tends to absorb most red and blue wavelengths and reflects mainly green light, so the resulting colour appears green. This is why green is considered a secondary colour formed from blue and yellow in basic colour wheels used in art education. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the basic rule from school art lessons: blue + yellow = green.2. Understand that both paints work subtractively, each absorbing some wavelengths of light.3. When mixed, the combination reflects wavelengths corresponding to green more than others, so the eye perceives green.4. Compare the result with the given options and identify green as the expected colour.5. Conclude that green is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: You can perform a quick practical check by mixing blue and yellow poster colours on a palette. The mixture visibly appears green, perhaps with slightly different shades depending on the exact pigments. Colour wheels and textbooks that describe secondary colours also list green as the colour produced by combining blue and yellow, which supports this answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Black: Black may result from mixing many colours or complementary colours in large amounts, but simple blue and yellow typically give green, not black.- Red: Red is considered a primary colour in simple art teaching, not formed by mixing blue and yellow.- White: White is associated with adding light in additive colour mixing, as in combining red, green, and blue light, but blue and yellow paint do not make white. Common Pitfalls: Confusion can arise between additive colour mixing (for light sources) and subtractive colour mixing (for pigments). In additive mixing, different rules apply, but most basic exam questions assume simple paint like mixing. Remember that in everyday painting, the rule blue plus yellow equals green is widely taught and relied upon. Final Answer: When blue and yellow are mixed in ordinary colour mixing, the resulting colour is green.

Question 15

Graphite, an allotrope of carbon, is an example of which type of crystalline solid based on its bonding and structure?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Different solids are classified according to the nature of the forces that hold their atoms or molecules together. Graphite, an allotrope of carbon, has a unique structure that gives it special properties like good electrical conductivity along layers and easy cleavage. This question tests your knowledge of the type of crystalline solid graphite represents. Given Data / Assumptions: - The substance is graphite, an allotrope of carbon.- We are to classify it as metallic, ionic, molecular, or covalent network.- Standard high school solid state chemistry descriptions apply. Concept / Approach: Graphite consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings. Within each layer, atoms are bonded strongly by covalent bonds, forming extended two dimensional networks. Between layers, only weak forces act, allowing layers to slide. This structure is characteristic of a covalent network solid, where atoms are linked by covalent bonds in a continuous network. Diamond, another carbon allotrope, is also a covalent network solid, but its network is three dimensional. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that metallic crystals have positive metal ions immersed in a sea of mobile electrons, as in sodium or copper.2. Ionic crystals are formed by ions held together by electrostatic forces, as in sodium chloride.3. Molecular crystals consist of discrete molecules held by weak intermolecular forces, as in dry ice or iodine crystals.4. Covalent network crystals consist of atoms bonded covalently in a continuous network extending throughout the crystal.5. Since graphite has covalently bonded carbon atoms forming extended sheets, it fits the covalent network category. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks often list graphite and diamond together as typical covalent network solids. Graphite being an electrical conductor is sometimes mistaken for a metallic solid, but its bonding is still covalent, not metallic. The directional covalent bonds within layers and the large melting point support classification as a covalent network solid rather than a molecular solid. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Metallic crystal: Graphite conducts electricity but lacks a lattice of metal cations with delocalised valence electrons; its basic building units are neutral carbon atoms bonded covalently.- Ionic crystal: There are no separate positive and negative ions; graphite consists only of carbon atoms.- Molecular crystal: Graphite does not consist of separate molecules; it has infinite covalent layers, so it is not molecular. Common Pitfalls: Because graphite conducts electricity, students sometimes misclassify it as metallic. Remember that conduction can arise from delocalised electrons in covalent networks as well. The key is the nature of bonding: extended covalent bonding indicates a covalent network crystal. Metallic crystals always involve metallic elements with characteristic metallic bonding. Final Answer: Graphite is an example of a covalent-network crystalline solid.

Question 16

In astronomy, a parsec (pc) is a standard unit used to measure which physical quantity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Astronomy deals with extremely large scales for which ordinary units such as kilometre are inconvenient. Astronomers therefore use larger units, such as astronomical unit, light year, and parsec. This question asks what physical quantity is measured in parsec, which is abbreviated as pc, and is widely used in stellar and galactic distance measurements. Given Data / Assumptions: - The unit being discussed is parsec, commonly written as pc.- It is known to be an astronomical unit used in professional astronomy.- We must choose which physical quantity (distance, time, intensity, magnetism) it represents. Concept / Approach: The word parsec comes from parallax and second, reflecting how it is defined. One parsec is the distance at which the radius of the Earth orbit subtends an angle of one arcsecond. In simple terms, it is the distance from which the radius of the Earth orbit would appear to have an angular size of one second of arc. Because it is constructed from an angular parallax definition, it is inherently a unit of distance. One parsec is approximately equal to 3.26 light years. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that astronomers use parsec to describe how far stars and galaxies are from the solar system.2. Note that parallax is an apparent shift in position used to estimate distance based on geometry.3. Since the definition of parsec is based on the Earth orbit and an angle of one arcsecond, it directly corresponds to a particular distance scale.4. Time, intensity of light, and magnetic flux all have different established units and are not associated with parsec.5. Therefore, parsec is a unit of distance in astronomy. Verification / Alternative check: Astronomical catalogues write distances of nearby stars as, for example, 4.3 light years or about 1.3 parsec. You never see expressions like time in parsec or intensity in parsec. These references clearly confirm that parsec is used exclusively as a distance unit. Also, conversion factors always appear as 1 pc equals a certain number of kilometres or metres, which again shows that parsec measures length. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Time: Time in physics is measured in seconds and its multiples; parsec has no role as a time unit.- Intensity of light: Light intensity uses units such as candela or watt per square metre, not parsec.- Magnetic flux: Magnetic flux is measured in weber in SI; parsec is unrelated to electromagnetism. Common Pitfalls: Occasionally, learners confuse parsec with the term second in its etymology and assume it measures time. Remember that the second in parsec refers to arcsecond, a unit of angle. Linking parsec with parallax distance methods and light years will help you remember that it is a distance unit. Final Answer: A parsec is an astronomical unit of distance.

Question 17

On the molecular level, heat in a substance is primarily associated with which type of kinetic motion of its molecules?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Thermal physics connects macroscopic concepts like temperature and heat with microscopic molecular motion. Understanding what heat corresponds to on the molecular level is essential for interpreting thermodynamic processes correctly. This question asks which type of molecular motion is most directly associated with heat energy in a substance. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are discussing molecular motion inside a substance.- Heat is the internal energy that can be transferred due to temperature difference.- We must choose between random kinetic motion, orderly kinetic motion, both, or none. Concept / Approach: In statistical mechanics, the internal energy of an ideal gas and many real substances is largely the sum of the kinetic energies of molecules moving randomly in all directions. Heat is the part of internal energy associated with disordered, random motion of particles. Orderly motion, such as the bulk flow of a fluid or the motion of a rigid body, corresponds more to macroscopic mechanical energy rather than heat. When a body has more heat energy, its molecules vibrate and move randomly with higher kinetic energy. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that in solids, liquids, and gases, molecules are always in motion as long as the temperature is above absolute zero.2. That motion is mostly irregular and random; molecules collide randomly and change direction frequently.3. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of this random molecular motion.4. Heat is the energy transferred because of temperature difference and is stored as increased random kinetic energy of molecules.5. Therefore, heat is associated with kinetic energy due to random motion, not with perfectly orderly motion. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a gas in a closed container. When you heat the gas, its temperature rises, and the molecules move faster in random directions. There is no preferred direction for this motion. This increase in random kinetic energy is the microscopic explanation for the added heat. In contrast, if the entire container moves in a straight line, the molecular motion may have an added orderly component, but this is mechanical work, not what we call heat within the gas itself. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Kinetic energy of perfectly orderly molecular motion: This describes bulk flow or mechanical motion, which is treated as work rather than heat.- Total of random and orderly kinetic energies: While total energy includes both, when we talk about heat in thermodynamics, we specifically emphasise disordered internal motion.- No molecular motion at all: Complete absence of molecular motion only occurs at absolute zero, where heat content is minimal; heat is actually tied to motion, not its absence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse internal energy with all forms of energy, including ordered motion. In thermodynamics, internal energy is the sum of various microscopic forms, but when discussing heat, the most important aspect is the random kinetic component. Keeping this distinction clear will help when learning about temperature, heat, and work. Final Answer: Heat is primarily associated with the kinetic energy of random molecular motion inside a substance.

Question 18

From the point of view of physics and atmospheric optics, why does the sea or large bodies of water often appear blue in colour to an observer?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The blue colour of oceans and seas is a familiar but subtle optical phenomenon. Many competitive exams ask the conceptual reason behind this observation in basic physics or general science sections. The question here tests whether you know that scattering of sunlight is the main cause rather than just reflection or refraction at the water surface. Given Data / Assumptions: - We have a large body of water such as the sea.- Sunlight consists of a mixture of colours with different wavelengths.- The observer sees the sea as predominantly blue under clear sky conditions. Concept / Approach: When sunlight enters the water, different wavelengths interact differently with water molecules and suspended particles. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue, are scattered more strongly than longer wavelengths. Some of this scattered blue light returns to the observer, making the sea appear blue. The process is similar to Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere that makes the sky appear blue. Reflection and refraction play roles in how light enters and leaves the water, but the dominant reason for the blue colour is selective scattering of shorter wavelengths within the water. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that white sunlight contains all colours of the visible spectrum.2. When sunlight penetrates water, absorption and scattering occur; red and other longer wavelengths are more readily absorbed as the light travels through water.3. Shorter wavelength blue light is scattered more efficiently and can emerge back towards the observer.4. The cumulative effect of this scattering and partial reflection causes the observer to see a bluish colour.5. Therefore, scattering of sunlight by water molecules and suspended particles is the best description for why the sea appears blue. Verification / Alternative check: In shallow clear water over a light coloured sandy bottom, the colour may look greenish or turquoise because of combined effects of scattering, reflection from the bottom, and absorption. In deeper ocean water far from shore, where there is more path length for absorption of red light, the blue colour is stronger. These observations are consistent with the idea that selective scattering and absorption, rather than simple surface reflection, determine the observed colour. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Reflection of sunlight directly from the surface: Pure reflection alone would mainly show the colour of the sky like a mirror, and does not fully explain the deep blue seen when looking into the water.- Interference of sunlight: Interference patterns require precise thickness and coherence, as in soap films or thin films; the open sea does not form such thin film interference structures on a large scale.- Simple refraction of sunlight: Refraction bends light but does not by itself select one colour over another to produce a strong blue hue. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes give the vague explanation that the sea is blue because it reflects the blue sky. While sky reflection contributes, it is not the full physical explanation and fails to account for the colour in different conditions. Focusing on scattering and absorption inside the water gives a more complete and scientifically accurate understanding. Final Answer: The sea appears blue mainly because sunlight is selectively scattered by water molecules and impurities, with blue light scattered more towards the observer.

Question 19

A boy sitting in a train moving with uniform velocity drops a coin out of the window. To a man standing on the ground, what path does the coin appear to follow?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question illustrates the concept of relative motion and projectile motion in Newtonian mechanics. Objects dropped from moving vehicles do not simply fall straight down when observed from the ground frame. Understanding the path of the coin helps clarify how horizontal velocity and vertical acceleration combine to produce a projectile trajectory. Given Data / Assumptions: - The train is moving with a uniform (constant) horizontal velocity.- The boy is inside the train and drops a coin out of the window.- We ignore air resistance for simplicity and assume uniform gravitational acceleration downward.- The observer is a man standing on the ground watching the coin. Concept / Approach: At the instant the coin is released, it has the same horizontal velocity as the train. After release, there is no significant horizontal force, so it continues to move horizontally with that constant velocity. At the same time, gravity accelerates the coin downward. The combination of constant horizontal velocity and increasing downward velocity due to gravity forms a projectile motion, which mathematically describes a parabolic path when viewed from the ground frame. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Let the uniform horizontal velocity of the train be u in the direction of motion.2. When the boy drops the coin, it already has horizontal velocity u relative to the ground.3. After release, no horizontal acceleration acts (neglecting air resistance), so horizontal velocity remains u.4. Vertically, the coin is under the influence of gravitational acceleration g downward, starting from zero vertical velocity at the moment of release.5. The horizontal position x and vertical position y as functions of time t satisfy x = u * t and y = (1 / 2) * g * t^2, which together describe a parabola when y is plotted against x. Verification / Alternative check: A similar situation occurs when water drops from a moving sprinkler or when a ball is dropped from a moving car. Videos or actual experiments show that the object lands ahead of the dropping point and traces a curved path relative to the ground. Textbooks on mechanics explicitly state that a body projected or dropped from a moving object becomes a projectile whose path in the ground frame is a parabola. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - A circular path: There is no centripetal force to bend the motion into a circle, so the path cannot be circular.- A horizontal straight line: This would require zero vertical acceleration; however, gravity acts, so the coin must fall.- A vertical straight line: This is what the boy inside the train approximately sees, because in his frame the coin has no initial horizontal velocity. The man on the ground, however, sees both horizontal and vertical motions combined. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes forget that velocities add vectorially across reference frames. From the boy perspective, the coin seems to fall straight down because both he and the coin share the same horizontal motion. From the ground perspective, the coin has horizontal motion plus vertical fall. Remember to specify the frame of reference whenever you describe motion. Final Answer: To the man standing on the ground, the coin appears to follow a parabolic path.

Question 20

In magnetism, the maxwell is a CGS unit used for measuring which physical quantity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The study of magnetism uses several different systems of units, including the CGS (centimetre gram second) system and the SI (International System of Units). In SI, the weber is the standard unit of magnetic flux, but in older CGS based descriptions the maxwell is commonly used. Many competitive exams still test whether students can correctly match these traditional units with the physical quantities they represent. This question checks whether you know what quantity is measured in maxwells. Given Data / Assumptions: We are working within the CGS system of electromagnetic units. The unit in question is the maxwell. We must decide whether it refers to intensity of magnetisation, permeability, magnetic flux or magnetic susceptibility. We assume standard textbook definitions of basic magnetic quantities. Concept / Approach: Magnetic flux describes the total magnetic field passing through a given area and is analogous to electric flux in electrostatics. In SI units, magnetic flux is measured in webers. In the older CGS system, the corresponding unit of magnetic flux is the maxwell. Intensity of magnetisation (or magnetisation) has the CGS unit emu per cubic centimetre and the SI unit ampere per metre. Permeability has units that relate magnetic flux density to magnetic field strength, and susceptibility is dimensionless. Therefore, the only option that correctly matches the maxwell is magnetic flux. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that magnetic flux is the total magnetic field B passing through a surface, often written as phi. Step 2: In SI units, the weber (Wb) is defined as the unit of magnetic flux. Step 3: In the CGS electromagnetic system, the corresponding unit of magnetic flux is called the maxwell. Step 4: Intensity of magnetisation and magnetic susceptibility describe how materials respond to magnetic fields, not total flux. Step 5: Magnetic permeability describes the relation between B and H fields, not the total flux itself. Step 6: Therefore the physical quantity measured in maxwells is magnetic flux. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks on electromagnetism usually include a conversion between units, for example 1 weber = 10^8 maxwells. This conversion clearly shows that both units refer to the same underlying quantity, magnetic flux. Tables of CGS units list maxwell under the heading for flux and gauss as the unit of flux density, further confirming that the maxwell is a unit of flux, not of magnetisation, permeability or susceptibility. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Intensity of magnetisation: This quantity measures magnetic moment per unit volume. Its units are not maxwells and it is not a measure of total flux. Magnetic permeability: Permeability relates magnetic flux density to field strength and has different units, such as henry per metre in SI. Magnetic susceptibility: Susceptibility is a dimensionless ratio that compares magnetisation to field strength and has no unit like the maxwell. Common Pitfalls: A common confusion is between magnetic flux and flux density. Students may mix up the units maxwell (flux) and gauss (flux density in CGS). Another error is to assume that any magnetic quantity must be measured in the same unit as the field itself. To avoid this, remember the parallel between electric and magnetic quantities: charge and flux are totals, while field strength and flux density describe intensity. The maxwell specifically refers to the total amount of magnetic flux passing through an area. Final Answer: In the CGS system, the maxwell is the unit of magnetic flux.

Physics Questions