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
31
Which of the following scientists first proposed that matter is made of tiny, indivisible particles called 'atoms'?
Answer:
Democritus
Democritus, an Ancient Greek philosopher, first used the term 'atomos' (meaning indivisible) to describe the fundamental building blocks of matter.
32
The tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond is called:
Answer:
Electronegativity
Electronegativity is a relative scale (like the Pauling scale) that indicates an atom's ability to compete for electrons in a covalent bond. It differs from electron affinity, which is the energy change for adding an electron to a neutral atom.
33
Which element has the electron configuration $2, 8, 1$?
Answer:
Sodium
The total number of electrons is $2 + 8 + 1 = 11$. The element with atomic number 11 is Sodium (Na).
34
What happens to the volume of a fixed mass of gas if the pressure is doubled at constant temperature (Boyle's Law)?
Answer:
It is halved
Boyle's Law states that pressure and volume are inversely proportional ($P imes V = k$). If the pressure is doubled, the volume must be reduced by half to maintain the constant value.
35
The diagonal relationship is observed between which pairs of elements?
Answer:
Li and Mg
A diagonal relationship exists between certain elements of the second and third periods (e.g., Li-Mg, Be-Al, B-Si). These pairs have similar charge densities and electronegativities, leading to similar chemical behavior.
36
Athlete's foot is a contagious infection that usually affects the skin on the feet. How is it most commonly spread?
Answer:
By walking barefoot in damp public areas like locker rooms
Athlete's foot is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. People often contract it by coming into contact with contaminated floors in showers, swimming pools, or locker rooms where the fungus is present.
37
Which of these is a preventive measure specifically for 'Tuberculosis'?
Answer:
Improving ventilation and avoiding close contact with coughing individuals
Because TB is spread through the air via respiratory droplets, maintaining good air circulation (ventilation) helps disperse the bacteria. Avoiding close, prolonged contact with people who have active TB is also crucial to prevent inhalation of the pathogen.
38
Diffusion occurs fastest in which state of matter?
Answer:
Gas
Diffusion is faster in gases because gas particles have high kinetic energy and are separated by large distances, allowing them to move quickly and mix with other particles with minimal resistance.
39
Non-metallic oxides are generally:
Answer:
Acidic in nature
Non-metals react with oxygen to form covalent oxides like $CO_2$ or $SO_2$. When dissolved in water, these form acids (e.g., carbonic acid or sulfuric acid), making them acidic oxides.
40
Which group contains the most reactive non-metals?
Answer:
Group 17
Group 17 (Halogens) are the most reactive non-metals because they have a high electron affinity and high electronegativity, allowing them to easily gain an electron to complete their octet.