UPSC Prelims : Science and Technology Analysis part 3

1. To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on Thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does Thorium hold over uranium?

  • 1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium
  • 2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium.
  • 3. Thorium produces less harmful waste in comparison to uranium.

Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

  • [A]1 Only
  • [B]2 & 3 Only
  • [C]1 & 3 Only
  • [D]1,2 & 3
  • 1 is true everyone knows that <monazite sands>
  • 3rd is also true, No risk of proliferation with thorium
  • 2nd is also true as it is wrt per unit mass of mined mineral <4times more energy>

2. Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance?

  • 1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.
  • 2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.
  • 3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.
  • 4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LeOs and organic LEOs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  • [A]1 and 2 only
  • [B]3 and 4 only
  • [C]1, 2 and 4 only
  • [D]1,2,3 & 4
  • Graphene is carbon not silicon
  • eliminate 2
  • Others all true, Nobel prize was awarded for graphene that time

3. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?

  • 1. Smelting units
  • 2. Pens and pencils
  • 3. Paints
  • 4. Hair oils and cosmetics

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  • [A]1,2 & 3 only
  • [B]1 and 3 only
  • [C]2 & 4 only
  • [D]1,2,3 & 4
  • Lead in pencils and pens seriously!
  • Don’t get fooled by term lead pencil
  • Eliminate 2, reach the answer

4. With reference to ‘stem cells’ frequently in the news, which of the following statements is / are correct?

  • 1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only
  • 2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
  • 3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  • [A]1 & 2 Only
  • [B]2 & 3 Only
  • [C]3 Only
  • [D]1,2 and 3
  • 1st statement, only, read flag, pause and think.
  • What’s wrong with birds or other animals and plants?
  • Obviously wrong
  • Eliminate 1
  • 2 is true, drug testing on cells, make tissue from stem cells and test drugs

5. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

  • 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
  • 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
  • 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • [A]1 Only
  • [B]2 & 3 Only
  • [C]1 & 3 Only
  • [D]1,2 & 3
  • 2nd not found in any other country, not even an ounce. It’s not possible, Rare earth is found in India also
  • 3rd is true, electronics etc
  • eliminate 2, include 3

6. A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/ implications of the creation of anti-matter?

  • 1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.
  • 2. It will help probe the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.
  • 3. It will help understand the evolution of the universe.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

[A]1 Only

[B]2 & 3 only

[C]3 Only

[D]1,2 & 3

  • This matter/ anti matter things is of quantum physics , to know about universe so 1st statement mineral prospecting and all is incorrect
  • 2 and 3 are true by the same logic

7. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth?

  • [A]The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles
  • [B]Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space
  • [C]Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth[D]None of the statements (a), (b) and (e) given above is correct
  • See similar question asked this year in CAPF about magnetic lines converging at the poles
  • So diverted at the pole
  • That’s why auroae

8. Consider the following statements If there were no phenomenon of capillarity

1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp

2. one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink

3. the blotting paper would fail to function

4. the big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A]1, 2 and 3 only

[B]1, 3 and 4 only

[C]2 and 4 only

[D]1, 2, 3 & 4

  • While using straw, we consume our own energy, we suck fluid, no use of capillary action
  • Eliminate option 2
  1. That completes your science tech. I think you are good to go now.
  2. Go there express yourself.
  3. Sorry for not being able to complete art and culture part
  4. Do login the morning for a useless article about last day and exam hall plan
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By Dr V

Doctor by Training | AIIMSONIAN | Factually correct, Politically not so much | Opinionated? Yes!

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