UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Quadrantids, Phos-Chek and more (Week 93)

1. Quadrantids are the annual meteor showers which peak during early January each year.

2. They are known for their bright fireball meteors.

3. They are best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. The visibility of the Quadrantids only depends on the location and not on timing.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The Quadrantid meteor shower occurs annually in early January. It is one of the most intense yearly meteor displays, with a peak that lasts only a few hours. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It extends from the northeast corner of the Boötes constellation. The name Quadrantids is derived from the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis, which was named in 1975 by French astronomer JJ Lalande.

— During peak activity, observers can see 60 to 120 meteors per hour. However, visibility is primarily dependent on location and timing. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— The Quadrantids are most visible in the Northern Hemisphere (this shower can also be observed at latitudes north of 51 degrees south) throughout the night and early morning hours. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— Quadrantids are also known for their spectacular fireball meteors. Fireballs are greater blasts of light and colour that can last longer than typical meteor streaks. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

The term “Phos-Chek” was in the news. It refers to:

(a) an ingredient in a vaccine that helps the immune system respond better.

(b) fire retardant

(c) technology used to observe, collect data, and take images far beyond Earth.

(d) a possible side effect that can occur after getting a vaccine.

Explanation

— As multiple wildfires continue to torch Southern California, authorities are using planes to drop a large amount of bright pink fire retardant to curb the blaze.

— Pink fire retardant is not a new product in the United States; it has been on the market for decades. However, new research has raised concerns about its efficacy and its environmental impact.

— A fire retardant is a mixture of chemicals used to extinguish or delay the spread of fire. There are various sorts of fire retardants, however in the United States, authorities typically utilise Phos-Chek, a brand of fire retardant that mostly comprises an ammonium phosphate-based slurry. It is typically composed of salts such as ammonium polyphosphate, which does not evaporate as quickly as water and hence remains for longer periods of time.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Consider the following statements:

1. Neutrinos which are super-fast and have high-energy are rare and mostly originate from exotic events such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts or colliding stars.

2. Studying high-energy neutrinos can help astrophysicists investigate those space mechanisms and regions like the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy which are shrouded in dust.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— Neutrinos are microscopic particles that are extremely similar to electrons but have no electric charge. They were discovered for the first time in 1959, despite the fact that their existence had been predicted nearly three decades earlier in 1931.

— They are one of the universe’s fundamental particles and the second most abundant subatomic particle after photons.

— Neutrinos are so abundant that almost a billion of them pass through one cubic centimetre of space every second.

— Although neutrinos are ubiquitous, not all of them are relevant to research. Scientists are interested in studying super-fast, high-energy neutrinos that have travelled from far away. These neutrinos are extremely rare and typically originate from exotic phenomena such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, or colliding stars. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— High-energy neutrinos can enable astrophysicists to examine dusty space systems and regions, such as the core of our Milky Way Galaxy. Dust absorbs and scatters visible light, making it difficult or impossible to examine things with optical telescopes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

With reference to the Microalgae, consider the following statements:

1. These are microscopic algae which lack chlorophyll.

2. They can be used to harness clean waste water from industry.

3. It can recycle CO2 to O2 while it generates nutrition.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— The potential studies that will result from the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) range from determining whether supplements can prevent muscle loss in microgravity to the impact of microgravity on edible algae and the growth of cyanobacteria with urea in space.

— Dr. Vamsi Krishna, senior scientist at DBT, stated: “Two major obstacles for any human space trip are the need for a constant source of nourishment and waste control. Microalgae are known to grow quicker in microgravity environments and can recycle CO2 to O2 while producing nourishment. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Microalgae are microscopic algae with high chlorophyll content that lack lignin and cellulose but contain proteins. Microalgae are primarily found in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. According to the researchers, as the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

In which of the following missions, the ISRO is attempting a docking manoeuvre for the first time?

(a) GSAT-N2

(b) Proba-3 mission

(c) Air Breathing Propulsion System

(d) Spadex mission

Explanation

— Over the next few days, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will pull two small satellites closer together before joining them in space, showing “docking” for the first time. With a successful docking, India will become the fourth country in the world to have the capability, following the United States, Russia, and China.

— Docking is the process of bringing two fast-moving spacecraft into the same orbit, then moving closer to each other manually or autonomously before joining together. This capacity is required for missions that need hefty spacecraft, which a single launch vehicle may be unable to lift off with.

— SpaDeX is a technology demonstration mission in which ISRO attempts to dock for the first time. In-space docking is a vital capability for ISRO’s more ambitious future missions, including as the sample return mission, the manned moon mission, and the construction and operation of the Bharat Antariksh Station.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 93)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 92)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 92)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 92)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 92)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 92)

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