UPSC General Science Questions

[Medicoman]

1. Question
   The working principle of a washing machine is ______:

centrifugation
reverse osmosis
dialysis
diffusion

2. Question
   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? [UPSC Civil Services, 2012]

1, 2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

3. Question
   Consider the following phenomena: [UPSC Civil Services, 2013]

4. Size of the sun at dusk

5. Colour of the sun at dawn

6. Moon being visible at dawn

7. Twinkle of stars in the sky

8. Polestar being visible in the sky

Which of the above are optical illusions?

1, 2 and 3
3, 4 and 5
1, 2 and 4
2, 3 and 5

4. Question
   Which one of the following non-metals is not a poor conductor of electricity? [UPSC Civil Services, 2007]

Sulphur
Selenium
Bromine
Phosphorus

5. Question
   Assertion (A) :Coal-based thermal power stations contribute to acid-rain.

Reason ® : Oxides of carbon are emitted when coal burns. [UPSC Civil Services, 2003]

Codes :

Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
A is true but R is false
A is false but R is true

6. Question
   What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? [UPSC Civil Services, 2012]

7. It inactivates/kills the harmful micro-organisms in water.

8. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water.

9. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

7. Question
   In human body, which one of the following hormones regulates blood calcium and phosphate? [UPSC Civil Services, 2007]

Glucagon
Growth hormone
Parathyroid hormone
Thyroxine

8. Question
   Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? [UPSC Civil Services, 2012]

9. To enable them to withstand drought.

10. To increase the nutritive value of the produce.

11. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations.

12. To increase their shelf life.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1 and 2 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

9. Question
   Which of the following statements is/are correct? [UPSC Civil Services, 2013]

10. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy.

11. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium.

12. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

10. Question
    Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss? [UPSC Civil Services, 2013]

11. Hard and waxy leaves

12. Tiny leaves or no leaves

13. Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3