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Physics Modern

Asked 30 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2024

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Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have greater rate of nuclear reactions. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2024Sci & Tech
ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Explanation

Giant stars have a longer lifespan compared to dwarf stars due to their lower rate of nuclear reactions. Although giant stars have greater nuclear reactions in their cores, the energy produced is spread over a larger volume, leading to a longer life span.

Consider the following actions: 1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously 2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive 3. Detection of the tilt of the smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode. In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required?

2023Sci & Tech
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll three
D

Explanation

Accelerometers are devices that measure acceleration, including changes in orientation. In the given scenarios, the accelerometer is required to detect sudden changes in acceleration due to a car crash for airbag deployment, a laptop's free fall for hard drive protection, and the tilt of a smartphone for screen rotation. Hence, in all three actions, the function of an accelerometer is essential.

Which one of the following is the context in which the term 'qubit' is mentioned?

2022Sci & Tech
ACloud Services
BQuantum Computing
CVisible Light Communication Technologies
DWireless Communication Technologies

Explanation

Qubit is a term commonly associated with Quantum Computing. In quantum computing, a qubit is the basic unit of quantum information, analogous to a classical bit. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to the principles of quantum superposition and entanglement, allowing quantum computers to perform certain calculations much faster than classical computers.

Consider the following phenomena: 1) Light is affected by gravity. 2) The Universe is constantly expanding. 3) Matter warps its surrounding space-time. Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

2018Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, it is predicted that light is affected by gravity, the Universe is constantly expanding, and matter warps its surrounding space-time. This theory was confirmed in 2010 by an international team of astronomers who observed data from the Hubble Space Telescope, showing that the expansion of the universe is accelerating.

The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

2017Sci & Tech
AObservation and understanding of the Universe
BStudy of the solar and the lunar eclipses
CPlacing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
DOrigin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

Explanation

In the field of science and technology, terms like 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory', and 'Standard Model' are often mentioned in the news in the context of observing and understanding the Universe. The Standard Model elucidates the electromagnetic, strong, and weak forces that govern nature, while the Event Horizon represents the hypothetical boundary encircling a black hole, beyond which light cannot break free. The Singularity, on the other hand, lies at the heart of a black hole, concealed by its outer layer. These concepts collectively indicate that the correct answer is option (a) - Observation and understanding of the Universe.

The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/importances of discovering this particle? 1. It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass. 2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. 3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

2013Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The ongoing efforts to detect the presence of the Higgs boson particle have been in the spotlight recently. The significance of uncovering this particle lies in its potential to provide insights into the origin of mass in elementary particles. This discovery could pave the way for advancements in technology, such as the development of matter transfer without physical displacement and the creation of improved fuels for nuclear fission. In this context, the correct answer to the question regarding the importance of discovering the Higgs boson particle is option (a) - 1 only.

The known forces on nature can be divided into four classes, viz., gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?

2013Sci & Tech
AGravity is the strongest of the four
BElectromagnetism acts only on particles with an electric charge
CWeak nuclear force causes radioactivity
DStrong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom

Explanation

In the realm of nature, there are four distinct forces: gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force. The statement that is incorrect among these forces is that gravity is the strongest force. The correct answer is option (a).

The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance / importances of discovering this particle? 1) It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass. 2) It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. 3) It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.

2013Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

In recent times, there has been widespread attention on the search for the Higgs boson particle. Discovering this particle is significant for a few reasons. Firstly, it helps us understand the origin of mass in elementary particles. Secondly, it may pave the way for developing technology that allows matter to be transferred from one point to another without physically traveling the space in between. Lastly, it could lead to the creation of improved fuels for nuclear fission.

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. LCDs and organic LEDs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2012Sci & Tech
A1 and 2 only
B3 and 4 only
C1, 2 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Graphene has been making headlines due to its unique properties. It is a thin two-dimensional material with excellent electrical conductivity. It is known to be one of the strongest materials tested and is made entirely of silicon, providing high optical transparency. Graphene is commonly used as conducting electrodes in touch screens, LCDs, and organic LEDs, making it a versatile material for various technological applications. The correct statements among the options provided are 1, 2, and 4.

A new optical disc format known as the Blu-ray Disc (BD) is becoming popular. In what way is it different from the traditional DVD? 1. DVD supports Standard Definition video while BD supports high definition video 2. Compared to a DVD, the BD format has several times more storage capacity 3. Thickness of BD is 2.4 mm while that of DVD is 1.2 mm. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2011Sci & Tech
A1 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1,2 and 3

Explanation

Blu-ray Discs (BD) are gaining popularity as a new optical disc format. They differ from traditional DVDs in several ways. BD supports high definition video, unlike DVDs which support Standard Definition video. Additionally, the BD format has significantly more storage capacity compared to DVDs. While the statement that the thickness of a BD is 2.4 mm is incorrect, as it is actually 1.1 mm, the thickness of a DVD is 1.2 mm. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th Five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light. 2. Neutrinos are created, in nuclear reactions of beta decay. 3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass 4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2010Sci & Tech
A1 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3 only
C2, 3 and 4
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

The India-based Neutrino Observatory has been designated as a major scientific project in the 11th Five-Year Plan by the Planning Commission. In this context, the statements about neutrinos are as follows: 1. Neutrinos are fundamental particles with no charge that move at nearly the speed of light. 2. Neutrinos are generated in nuclear processes involving beta decay. 3. Neutrinos possess a tiny, but non-zero mass. 4. Countless neutrinos traverse the human body every second. The correct statements are all of the above, which means option (d) is the correct answer.

Recently, LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) procedure is being made popular for vision correction. Which one of the following statements in this context is-not correct?

2010Sci & Tech
ALASIK procedure is used to correct refractive errors of the eye
BIt is a procedure that permanently changes the shapes of the cornea
CIt reduces a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses
DIt is a procedure that can be done on the person of any age

Explanation

LASIK, or Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular procedure for correcting vision. One must be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK, as the vision of individuals younger than 18 tends to keep changing.

Consider the following statements in respect of a jet engine and a rocket: 1) A jet engine uses the surrounding air for its oxygen supply and so is unsuitable for motion in space. 2) A rocket carries its own supply of oxygen in the gas form, and fuel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2008Sci & Tech
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The statement regarding a jet engine using the surrounding air for its oxygen supply and being unsuitable for motion in space is correct. On the other hand, the statement about a rocket carrying its own supply of oxygen in gas form and fuel is also correct.

Who among the following scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with his son?

2008Sci & Tech
AMax Planck
BAlbert Einstein
CWilliam Henry Bragg
DEnrico Fermi

Explanation

Sir William Henry Bragg and his son William Lawrence Bragg were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915. The mineral Braggite was named in honor of the father-son duo.

Assertion (A): A jet aircraft moving at Mach Number equal to 1 travels faster at an altitude of 15 km than while moving at Mach Number equal to 1 near the sea level. Reason (R): The velocity of sound depends on the temperature of the surrounding medium.

2007Sci & 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

Mach Number is a helpful measure in aerodynamics, representing the ratio of an aircraft's speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding air.

Which of the following types is used by computed tomography employed for visualisation of the internal structure of human body?

2007Sci & Tech
AX-ray
BSouth waves
CMagnetic resonance
DRadio isotopes

Explanation

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique that uses computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the internal structures of the human body.

What does the term Dolby B or Dolby C printed on tape-recorders and other sound systems refer to:

2006Sci & Tech
Afrequency Modulated System
Bamplitude Modulated System
Cnoise Reduction Circuit
Dboth DC and AC power can be used

Explanation

Dolby B and Dolby C are circuits created by Dolby Laboratories that are used for reducing noise in tape-recorders and other sound systems.

The research work of Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield, the Nobel Prize winners for Medicine in 2003, relates to:

2004Sci & Tech
Athe control of AIDS
Bmagnetic resonance imaging
Crespiratory diseases
Dgenetic engineering

Explanation

Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2003, conducted research that focused on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Regarding the atom of a chemical element, the magnetic quantum number refers to

2003Sci & Tech
Aorientation
Bshape
Csize
Dspin

Explanation

The magnetic quantum number of an atom indicates the orientation of its orbitals in space.

A radioactive substance has a half-life of four months. Three-fourth of the substance would decay in

2001Sci & Tech
A3 months
B4 months
C8 months
D12 months

Explanation

In four months, half of the radioactive substance will still be present. By eight months, only a quarter of the substance remains, indicating that three-fourths of it has decayed.

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer: List-I (Characteristic): A. Zero mass B. Fractional charge C. Positive charge equal to proton D. Antiparticle of electron | List-II (Particle): 1. Positron 2. Neutrino 3. Quark 4. Photon

2001Sci & Tech
AA – 2; B – 3; C – 1; D – 4
BA – 4; B – 3; C – 1; D – 2
CA – 2; B – 1; C – 3; D – 4
DA – 4; B – 1; C – 3; D – 2

Explanation

In this chemistry question, you need to match characteristics from List I with their corresponding particles in List II. The characteristics are: A. Zero mass, B. Fractional charge, C. Positive charge equal to proton, and D. Antiparticle of electron. The particles in List II are: 1. Positron, 2. Neutrino, 3. Quark, and 4. Photon. The correct matching is A – 2; B – 3; C – 1; D – 4, which means Zero mass corresponds to Neutrino, Fractional charge corresponds to Quark, Positive charge equal to proton corresponds to Positron, and Antiparticle of electron corresponds to Photon.

Consider the following statements: In a nuclear reactor, self-sustained chain reaction is possible, because: 1) more neutrons are released in each of the fission reactions 2) the neutrons immediately take part in the fission process 3) the fast neutrons are slowed down by graphite. 4) every neutron released in the fission reaction initiates further fission. Which of these statements are correct?

2001Sci & Tech
A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3
C2 and 4
D2, 3 and 4

Explanation

A nuclear reactor can maintain a continuous nuclear chain reaction. This is possible because, during fission reactions, additional neutrons are released and immediately participate in the fission process. Also, fast neutrons are moderated by graphite in the reactor. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are accurate.

For reproducing sound, a CD (Compact Disc) audio player uses a:

2000Sci & Tech
Aquartz crystal
Btitanium needle
Claser beam
Dbarium titanate ceramic

Explanation

In a CD audio player, sound reproduction is achieved by scanning the digital data using a laser beam.

A 'black hole' is a body in space which does not allow any radiation to come out. This property is due to its:

2000Sci & Tech
Avery small size
Bvery large size
Cvery high density
Dvery low size

Explanation

In space, a black hole is a celestial object that prevents any form of radiation from escaping. This characteristic is attributed to its extremely high density, which causes a distortion in the fabric of spacetime.

Barium in a suitable form is administered to patients before an X-ray examination of the stomach, because

1999Sci & Tech
Abarium allows X-rays to pass through the stomach on account of its transparency to X-rays
Bbarium is a good absorber of γ-rays and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with the other regions in the picture
Cbarium is a good absorber of X-rays and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with the other regions in the picture
Dbarium salts are white in colour and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with other regions in the pictures

Explanation

Barium compounds are used before stomach X-ray examinations because they effectively absorb X-rays, which helps in creating contrast for clear imaging of the stomach in comparison to other regions.

Cobalt-60 is commonly used in radiation therapy because it emits

1999Sci & Tech
Aalpha rays
Bbeta rays
Cgamma rays
DX-rays

Explanation

Cobalt-60 is often utilized in radiation therapy due to its emission of gamma rays, known for their strong penetrating ability that is well-suited for treating patients.

Match List I (Quantity) with List II (Units) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

1999Sci & Tech
AA-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
BA-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
CA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
DA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

Explanation

In this question, you are asked to match different quantities with their corresponding units. The Mach number, denoted as M or Ma, represents the speed of an object as it moves through air or another fluid. Pressure, on the other hand, is defined as the force applied per unit area in a direction perpendicular to an object's surface.

The working principle of a washing machine is:

1997Sci & Tech
Acentrifugation
Bdialysis
Creverse osmosis
Ddiffusion

Explanation

A washing machine operates based on the principle of centrifugation, where the clothes are spun at high speeds to remove excess water.

The tail of a comet is directed away from the sun because:

1997Sci & Tech
Aas the comet rotates around the sun, the lighter mass of the comet is pushed away due to the centrifugal force alone
Bas the comet rotates, the lighter mass of the comet is attracted by some stars situated in the direction of its tail
Cthe radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun
Dthe tail of the comet always exists in the same orientation

Explanation

The reason why the tail of a comet is directed away from the sun is because the radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet, pushing its tail in the opposite direction of the sun.

Suppose a rocketship is receding from the earth at a speed of 2/10 the velocity of light. A light in the rocketship appears blue to the passengers on the ship. What colour would it appear to an observer on the earth?

1995Sci & Tech
ABlue
BOrange
CYellow
DYellow-orange

Explanation

When a rocketship is moving away from Earth at 2/10 the speed of light, the light inside the rocketship that appears blue to the passengers will actually appear yellow-orange to an observer on Earth. This change in color perception is due to the Doppler effect, as the wavelength of the light shifts to a range between 562.5 nm and 593.75 nm when observed from Earth.