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General ScienceEasyAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2019, Paper I

Quartz is extensively used as a piezoelectric material. It contains

  1. A.Hg
  2. B.Si
  3. C.Ti
  4. D.Sn

Correct answer

B. Si

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Si. Quartz is silicon dioxide (SiO2), so it contains silicon and oxygen.

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust and the main part of sand. It is piezoelectric: when pressed it produces a small voltage, and when a voltage is applied it vibrates at a very steady frequency. This is why quartz crystals keep time in watches and clocks and set the frequency in radios, computers and mobile phones.

A is wrong: Hg is mercury, a liquid metal used in old thermometers, not part of quartz.

C is wrong: Ti is titanium; titanium dioxide is a white pigment, and barium titanate is a different piezoelectric material.

D is wrong: Sn is tin, used in solder and in coating tin cans, not found in quartz.

Exam tip: quartz = SiO2, piezoelectric, used in quartz watches; mercury Hg, tin Sn, titanium Ti, silicon Si.

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Q3.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2019, Paper IEasy

Which of the following organisms belongs to Coelenterata (Cnidaria)?

  1. A.Planaria and liverfluke
  2. B.Sea urchin and sea cucumber
  3. C.Hydra and sea anemone
  4. D.Euplectella and sycon
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Hydra and sea anemone

Both are cnidarians, simple aquatic animals with stinging cells. Members of phylum Coelenterata (Cnidaria) have radial symmetry, two body layers, a single opening that works as both mouth and anus, and stinging cells called cnidoblasts on their tentacles, used to catch prey and for defence.

Q4.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

  1. A.anti-malarial drug
  2. B.biodiesel
  3. C.pulp for paper industry
  4. D.textile fibre
Show answer
Correct answer: D. textile fibre

The Himalayan nettle yields a strong natural fibre that can be spun and woven into cloth. Girardinia diversifolia, known as Himalayan giant nettle or allo, is a stinging shrub that grows wild in the moist forests of the Himalayas, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the North-east, as well as Nepal.

Q5.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells ? 1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. 2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do. 3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1,2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Plant cells have a cellulose wall and one large central vacuole, but they do have a plasma membrane, just like animal cells.