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
51
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.
52
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.
53
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.
54
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.
55
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.
56
What is the primary way to prevent the spread of Malaria in a community?
Answer:
Using mosquito nets and eliminating standing water
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water. By removing these breeding sites and using physical barriers like bed nets or chemical repellents, the contact between the vector and the human host is reduced, lowering infection rates.
57
What happens during a 'Vaccination'?
Answer:
A weakened or dead pathogen is introduced to trigger an immune response
Vaccines contain antigens from a pathogen (weakened, killed, or just parts of it). When injected, the immune system recognizes these as 'foreign' and produces antibodies and memory cells without the person actually getting sick from the disease.
58
Who proposed the 'Uncertainty Principle'?
Answer:
Werner Heisenberg
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously determine both the exact position and momentum of a particle, such as an electron, with perfect accuracy.
59
What is the primary function of 'Antibodies'?
Answer:
To bind to pathogens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells
Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins. They act like 'red flags.' By binding to antigens on the surface of a pathogen, they can block the pathogen from entering cells (neutralization) or make it easier for phagocytes to find and eat the invader (opsonization).
60
What happens during the 'Secondary Immune Response' compared to the 'Primary Immune Response'?
Answer:
It is faster and produces a much higher concentration of antibodies
The primary response is the first time the body sees a pathogen and takes time to build up. Due to the presence of memory cells, the secondary response is significantly faster and more powerful, often eliminating the pathogen before symptoms even appear.