General Science/Everyday Science MCQs
Topic Notes: General Science/Everyday Science
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
141
“Scope 2” greenhouse gas emissions are those from:
Answer:
Purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling
Scope 1 is direct emissions; Scope 2 covers purchased energy; Scope 3 includes value-chain emissions. Accounting guides corporate decarbonization strategies.
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142
The main purpose of a spill containment berm is to:
Answer:
Capture and isolate leaks/spills
Berms prevent contaminants from spreading to soil and waterways. They are critical around tanks and loading areas. Regular inspection ensures integrity.
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143
The best urban strategy for heat-stressed neighborhoods is:
Answer:
est urban strategy for heat-stressed neighborhoods is:
Cool roofs/pavements reflect solar radiation, while trees provide shade and evapotranspiration. Combined, they lower ambient temperatures. Public cooling centers complement infrastructure fixes.
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144
A common tool to price carbon externalities is:
Answer:
Carbon tax
A carbon tax sets a price per ton of CO₂e, incentivizing emissions reductions. It provides cost certainty but not quantity certainty. Revenues can fund rebates or climate programs.
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145
The most sustainable timber certification schemes emphasize:
Answer:
ertification schemes emphasize:
Certifications like FSC/PEFC ensure responsible harvesting, biodiversity, and social safeguards. Traceability prevents laundering of illicit wood. Demand drives better practices.
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146
The principal reason for installing scrubbers on coal plants is to remove:
Answer:
SO₂
Wet or dry scrubbers absorb sulfur dioxide to reduce acid rain precursors. They can also capture some mercury and particulates. CO₂ requires different technologies.
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147
A major advantage of drip irrigation is:
Answer:
High water-use efficiency at roots
Drip delivers water directly to root zones, reducing evaporation and runoff. It allows fertigation and precise control. Initial costs can be higher but pay back via savings.
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148
A common cause of indoor mold growth is:
Answer:
Moisture intrusion and poor ventilation
Mold needs moisture, nutrients, and suitable temperature. Fixing leaks and improving ventilation solve root causes. Over-cleaning without drying is ineffective.
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149
The primary aim of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to:
Answer:
Combine tactics to keep pests below economic thresholds
IPM uses biological control, cultural practices, resistant varieties, and targeted chemicals. Monitoring and thresholds guide action. It reduces resistance and environmental harm.
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150
Over-extraction of groundwater commonly leads to:
Answer:
Land subsidence and saline intrusion
Lowered water tables compact sediments and draw seawater inland in coastal aquifers. Recovery can be slow. Managed aquifer recharge helps stabilize levels.
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