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Physics Electricity

Asked 16 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2010

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All 16 questions

Newest first — expand for options, answers, and explanations

Consider the following: 1. Bluetooth device 2. Cordless phone 3. Microwave oven 4. Wi-Fi device. Which of the above can operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of radio frequency band?

2010Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B3 and 4 only
C1, 2 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation that have wavelengths varying from one meter to one millimeter, or frequencies between 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) and 300 GHz. Microwave ovens emit nonionizing microwave radiation at a frequency around 2.45 GHz to heat food through absorption of energy by water, fats, and sugars in the food. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies are commonly used for networking, printing, and file transfer, operating within the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz frequency range. In the United States, cordless phones typically utilize the 1.9 GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency bands.

Assertion (A): Radio waves bend in a magnetic field. Reason (R): Radio waves are electromagnetic in nature.

2008Sci & Tech
ABoth A are R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

Both statements A and R are correct, and statement R provides the correct explanation for statement A.

What is the order of magnitude of electric resistance of the human body (dry)?

2005Sci & Tech
A10² ohm
B10⁴ ohm
C10⁶ ohm
D10⁸ ohm

Explanation

In the case of a dry human body, the electric resistance is on the order of magnitude of 10⁴ ohms. However, when the body is wet due to water or sweat, the resistance decreases to around 1000 ohms.

Consider the following statements: 1) A geo-stationary satellite is at an approximate height of 10,000 km. 2) FM transmission of music is of very good quality because the atmospheric or man made noises which are generally frequency variations can do little harm. Which of the statements give above is/are correct?

2005Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In this question, we have two statements. The first statement mentions that a geo-stationary satellite is located at a height of approximately 10,000 km. The second statement explains that FM transmission of music provides high quality due to its immunity to atmospheric or man-made noises that often cause frequency variations. The correct option is (b) 2 only, as only the second statement is accurate.

Assertion (A): In our houses, the current in A.C. electricity line changes direction 60 times per second. Reason (R): The frequency of alternating voltage supplied is 50 Hz.

2004Sci & Tech
ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

In our houses, the flow of current in the AC electricity line switches direction 60 times every second. This is because the frequency of the alternating voltage supplied to our homes is 50 Hz. The correct option is that statement A is false but statement R is true.

Two wires have their lengths, diameters and resistivities all in the ratio of 1:2. If the resistance of the thinner wire is 10 ohm, the resistance of the thicker wire is:

2001Sci & Tech
A5 ohm
B10 ohm
C20 ohm
D40 ohm

Explanation

In this question, we are given that two wires have their lengths, diameters, and resistivities in the ratio of 1:2. If the resistance of the thinner wire is 10 ohms, we need to find the resistance of the thicker wire. By applying the formula for resistance (R = ρl/A), we can calculate that the resistance of both wires is equal. Therefore, the resistance of the thicker wire is also 10 ohms. So, the correct answer is option (b) 10 ohms.

Fluorescent tubes are fitted with a choke. The choke coil:

2000Sci & Tech
Asteps up the line voltage
Bsteps-down the line voltage
Creduces current in the circuit
Dchokes low frequency current

Explanation

Fluorescent tubes are equipped with a choke coil, which is responsible for reducing the current in the circuit.

Which one of the following does a TV remote control unit use to operate a TV set?

2000Sci & Tech
ALight waves
BSound waves
CMicrowaves
DRadio waves

Explanation

A TV remote control unit uses radio waves to operate a TV set. Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that have longer wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum compared to infrared light.

Consider the following statements: An ordinary light bulb has a rather short life because the: 1) filament wire is not uniform 2) bulb cannot be evacuated completely 3) wires supporting the filament melt at high temperatures. Which of the above statements are correct?

1999Sci & Tech
A1 and 3
B2 and 3
C1 and 2
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In a typical light bulb, a wire filament is heated by electrical resistance to produce light. The filament wire is not consistent in its composition. The bulb cannot be completely emptied of air. Additionally, the wires that support the filament are prone to melting at high temperatures. All three statements are accurate in explaining why an ordinary light bulb has a relatively short lifespan.

Consider the following statements regarding a motor car battery: 1) The voltage is usually 12 V. 2) Electrolyte used is hydrochloric acid. 3) Electrodes are lead and copper. 4) Capacity is expressed in ampere-hour. Which of the above statements are correct?

1999Sci & Tech
A1 and 2
B2 and 3
C3 and 4
D1 and 4

Explanation

In the case of a motor car battery, it typically has a voltage of 12 volts. The electrolyte commonly used is hydrochloric acid, while the electrodes are made of lead and copper. The capacity of the battery is measured in terms of ampere-hour. A correct statement would be that the voltage is usually 12 V and the capacity is expressed in ampere-hour, making option (d) - 1 and 4 correct.

A fuse is used in mains electric supply as a safety device. Which one of the following statements about the fuse is correct?

1998Sci & Tech
AIt is connected in parallel with the main switch
BIt is made mainly from silver alloys
CIt must have a low melting point
DIt must have very high resistance

Explanation

In mains electric supply, a fuse is an important safety device. It contains a metal wire or strip that melts when there is an excessive flow of current. It is crucial for the fuse to have a low melting point so that it can melt in the event of a short-circuit or overloading, acting as a sacrificial overcurrent protection device.

Assertion (A): The temperature of a metal wire rises when an electric current is passed through it. Reason (R): Collision of metal atoms with each other releases heat energy.

1998Sci & Tech
ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

When an electric current flows through a metal wire, its temperature increases. This is because the metal atoms collide with each other, causing the release of heat energy. This explanation supports the assertion that the rise in temperature is due to the collision of metal atoms. So, option (a) is correct.

Which one of the following is paramagnetic in nature?

1997Sci & Tech
AIron
BHydrogen
COxygen
DNitrogen

Explanation

Iron exhibits ferromagnetic behavior, hydrogen is diamagnetic, oxygen displays paramagnetic properties, and nitrogen is also diamagnetic. Therefore, among the options provided, oxygen is the element that is paramagnetic in nature.

Assertion (A): Transformer is useful for stepping up or stepping down voltages. Reason (R): Transformer is a device used in D.C. circuits.

1996Sci & Tech
ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

A transformer is a device that is beneficial for increasing or decreasing voltages. It is used in AC circuits, not DC circuits. The correct option is (c) where A is true but R is false.

Domestic electrical wiring is basically a:

1996Sci & Tech
Aseries connection
Bparallel connection
Ccombination of series and parallel connections
Dseries connection within each room and parallel connection elsewhere

Explanation

In domestic electrical wiring, the most common type of connection used is parallel connection. This means that the voltage across each device or appliance remains constant, and the total current flowing through the circuit is the combined sum of the currents passing through each individual component.

The technique used to transmit audio signals in television broadcasts is:

1995Sci & Tech
AAmplitude Modulation
BFrequency Modulation
CPulse Code Modulation
DTime Division Multiplexing

Explanation

In television broadcasts, the technique used to transmit audio signals is known as frequency modulation. This process involves varying the frequency of the carrier signal based on the instantaneous value of the modulating voltage.