General Science: Physics, Chemistry and Everyday Science — UPSC Prelims PYQs (Set 2)

15 questions · UPSC Prelims · 2019–2024 · Science and Technology · Source: UPSC Civil Services Prelims (official papers)

  1. Q1. Consider the following materials :
    1. Agricultural residues
    2. Corn grain
    3. Wastewater treatment sludge
    4. Wood mill waste
    Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ? UPSC Prelims 2024

    Question 1 options
  2. Q2. Consider the following statements :
    Statement-I : India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
    Statement-II : Uranium enriched to the extent of at least 60% is required for the production of electricity.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? UPSC Prelims 2023

    Question 2 options
  3. Q3. Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? UPSC Prelims 2023

    Question 3 options
  4. Q4. With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements :
    1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
    2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
    3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.
    How many of the statements given above are correct? UPSC Prelims 2023

    Question 4 options
  5. Q5. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements :
    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
    2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
    3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
    How many of the above statements are correct? UPSC Prelims 2023

    Question 5 options
  6. Q6. With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :
    1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
    2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
    3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
    4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
    Which of the statements given above are correct? UPSC Prelims 2022

    Question 6 options
  7. Q7. Consider the following statements :
    1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
    2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
    3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? UPSC Prelims 2022

    Question 7 options
  8. Q8. In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
    1. Area of the hole in the lid
    2. Temperature of the flame
    3. Weight of the lid
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. UPSC Prelims 2021

    Question 8 options
  9. Q9. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because UPSC Prelims 2021

    Question 9 options
  10. Q10. With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
    1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
    2. As street-lights, sodium lamps have longer life span than LED lamps.
    3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street-lighting.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. UPSC Prelims 2021

    Question 10 options
  11. Q11. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not ? UPSC Prelims 2020

    Question 11 options
  12. Q12. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements :
    1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
    2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? UPSC Prelims 2020

    Question 12 options
  13. Q13. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as UPSC Prelims 2019

    Question 13 options
  14. Q14. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements :
    1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
    2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
    3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
    4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? UPSC Prelims 2019

    Question 14 options
  15. Q15. Consider the following statements :
    1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India.
    2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
    3. Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? UPSC Prelims 2019

    Question 15 options

0 of 15 answered