General Science Questions (MCQs) for Competitive Examinations
General Science Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
11. Which of the following have cold, moist winters and short summers and are dominated by gymnosperms?
[A] Taiga
[B] Polar Tundra
[C] Alpine Tundra
[D] Tropical Rain Forest
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Taiga]
Notes:
The taiga is the largest terrestrial biome and covers much of the northern regions of the world. It is dominated by conifers, and the landscape is dotted with lakes, ponds, and bogs. The taiga is characterized by heavy snow fall with large mammals like moose and elk and lots of insects and birds in the summer.
12. The radio reception improves slightly during the night. What could be the possible reason(s) for this?
1.Sunlight affects radio broadcasts to some extent during the day
2.Magnetic field of the earth acts with reduced intensity during the night, thereby reducing its impact on broadcasts
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Only 1]
Notes:
The ionization rate in the ionosphere at night is different than in day time because of the solar UV radiation. The absence of the sun at night enhances the reflection characteristics of the ionosphere. That is why the radio reception improves slightly during the night.
13. With reference to a swinging pendulum, which among the following statements is correct when it is at bottom (middle of arc)?
[A] It has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy
[B] It has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy
[C] It has zero kinetic energy
[D] It has zero total energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ It has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy]
Notes:
At the lowest point of its motion of swinging pendulum, kinetic energy is maximum and gravitational potential energy is minimum. At the highest point of its motion, kinetic energy is minimum and gravitational potential energy is maximum.
14. Many a times, we read in newspapers that detergents are used in making the adulterated milk. Why detergents are used in Milk adulteration ?
[A] To dissolve the fats in water
[B] To neutralize the acidity of the solution
[C] To replace the milk solids
[D] To preserve it during transportation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ To dissolve the fats in water]
Notes:
Detergent has been found to be the youngest entry among the list of adulterants in milk; used for the emulsification of externally added vegetable fat. The other ingredients being used for preparing milk like formulation are urea, salt, soda, sucrose, vegetable oils, skim milk powder, water etc. The liquid thus formed has the similar appearance as of genuine milk (colour and consistency) and found to be used for adulteration. Generally synthetic milk is prepared by adding detergent to emulsify and dissolve oil in water to give frothy solution the characteristic white colour of milk, followed by addition of caustic soda to neutralise acidity which prevents it from turning sour during transportation. Urea, sugar and salt are also added in this milk for solid and non- fat value adjustments. Then this milk is mixed in various proportions with natural milk. It appears that some milk vendors including packaging milk vendors have mastered this trick of adulteration for huge profit margins.
15. Acid rain is capable of damaging the buildings and historic monuments which are made up of rocks such as limestone and marble. Which among the following is the end product of such reaction?
[A] Quick Lime
[B] Calcium Carbonate
[C] Calcium Hydroxide
[D] Gypsum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Gypsum]
Notes:
Acid rain is capable of damaging the buildings and historic monuments which are made up of rocks such as limestone and marble. This is because these rocks contain a large amount of Calcium Carbonate, which reacts with the Sulfuric Acid to create Gypsum. Gypsum flakes off easily. This is shown in the following reaction: CaC03 (s) + H2S04 (aq) – CaS04 (aq) + C02 (g) + H20 (I)
16. Consider the following pairs:
- Strontium carbonate – Red fireworks
- Barium chloride – Green fireworks
- Copper chloride – Blue fireworks
- Sodium nitrate – Yellow fireworks
Which of the above are correct?
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 2 & 3 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All given pairs are correctly matched
Pyrotechnic Stars are pellets or simply a composition of metal salts that are packed into a firework as pea. The concoction of metals generally consists of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur. Different metal salts are responsible for different colours. For example, strontium carbonate (red fireworks), calcium chloride (orange fireworks), sodium nitrate (yellow fireworks), barium chloride (green fireworks) and copper chloride (blue fireworks). Purple fireworks are typically produced by use of a mixture of strontium (red) and copper (blue) compounds.
17. Consider the following statements:
- Addition of salt to pure water increases the boiling point of water and decreases the freezing point of water
- When methyl alcohol is added to water, boiling point of water decreases
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
Both are correct statements
18. Which of the following can produce virtual images?
- Concave lenses
- Convex lenses
- Concave mirror
- Convex mirror
- Plane mirror
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] 1, 3 & 5 Only
[B] 2, 3 & 5 Only
[C] 1, 2, 3 & 4 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5]
Notes:
Virtual images can also be produced by convex lenses when the object is placed inside the focal length. Virtual images are formed by concave lenses or by placing an object inside the focal length of a convex lens. Plane mirrors always produce virtual images, concave mirrors are capable of producing both real and virtual images. Virtual images are always formed by convex mirrors.
19. Mercury poisoning in India is a major environment and public health concern. Mercury is most commonly used in:
- Paints
- Compact fluorescent lamps
- Antiseptic agents
- Electrical switches
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[B] 1 & 2 Only
[C] 2, 3 & 4 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Mercury is known for its ability to alloy with most metals. Mercury is used in the chemical and petrochemical industries and also in household products like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), clinical thermometers, blood pressure monitors and topical antiseptic agents. India has signed the Minamata Convention on 30 September 2014 and has agreed to phase out mercury within six to 10 years to get rid of mercury pollution.
20. Consider the following statements about the Elephantiasis:
- It is a Neglected Tropical Disease
- It is a parasitic infection
- It causes extreme swelling in the arms and legs
- It is transmitted from human to human via the female mosquito
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[B] 2 & 4 Only
[C] 1, 3 & 4 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All of the above given statements are correct Elephantiasis refers to a parasitic infection that causes extreme swelling in the arms and legs. The disease is caused by the filarial worm, which is transmitted from human to human via the female mosquito when it takes a blood meal. Chikungunya is a rare form of viral infection caused by an alpha virus that is spread by the mosquitoes of genus Aedes i.e. Aedes Aegypti, Aedes Albopicticus (Tiger mosquito). A type of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria causes diphtheria. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and other animals caused by parasitic protozoans belonging to the Plasmodium type. It is transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
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