UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Small Modular Reactors, carbon dating and more (Week 115)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the James Webb Space Telescope, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched by NASA in 2021.

2. It orbits around the Earth like the Hubble Space Telescope.

3. Its goal is to search for the first galaxies or luminous objects formed after the Big Bang,

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The wonders of space continue to excite scientists and space enthusiasts alike. A new finding made with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has sparked new enthusiasm and intrigue within the scientific community.

— In a new study, researchers at Kansas State University discovered an unexpected pattern in how galaxies spin. They investigated 263 old galaxies with photos from the James Webb Space Telescope, some of which were formed 300 million years after the Big Bang. They determined that almost 60% of these galaxies rotate clockwise, contradicting the widely accepted belief that galaxy spins were random.

About James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

— The JWST is an orbiting infrared observatory that will supplement and expand the Hubble Space Telescope’s findings by providing extended wavelength coverage and significantly increased sensitivity.

— Webb investigates every stage of our Universe’s history, from the first brilliant glows after the Big Bang to the emergence of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets such as Earth, and the evolution of our own Solar System.

— NASA launched Webb on December 25th, 2021. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It does not orbit the Earth like the Hubble Space Telescope; instead, it orbits the Sun 1.5 million kilometres (1 million miles) away at the second Lagrange point, often known as L2. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Mission Goals

— Early Universe: Look for the first galaxies or light objects that emerged after the Big Bang. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Galaxies Over Time: Determine how galaxies evolved from their formation until now.

— Star Lifecycle: Follow the development of stars from their earliest stages to the formation of planetary systems.

— Other Worlds: Measure the physical and chemical attributes of planetary systems, including our own Solar System, and examine the potential for life elsewhere.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: science.nasa.gov)

QUESTION 2

The Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is used in:

(a) Cosmic rays

(b) Sighting for astronomical objects

(c) DNA identification

(d) for checking flight safety

Explanation

— Authorities are using DNA analysis to identify the remains of passengers killed in the Ahmedabad crash of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A small number of remains have already been recognised, and DNA samples from the victims’ relatives have already been gathered.

— Extracting DNA from the samples is the next step after collection. Scientists can then select from a variety of analytical techniques based on the quality of the DNA that was collected.

— Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis: The method evaluates short tandem repeats, which are essentially short repeating sequences of DNA. STRs are used for DNA identification as they widely vary between individuals. “After analysing 15 or more of these hyper-variable regions of DNA… the resulting profile can be used to ascertain family relationships with a high degree of confidence,” according to a report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

— Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis: This method is used when nuclear DNA is degraded or unavailable. Mitochondrial DNA is found within the cell’s energy-producing organelles known as mitochondria. As mtDNA is present in multiple copies within the cell, it is easier to recover from human remains that are not well preserved.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Which of the following organisations have launched the Flagship ‘Atoms4Food’ Initiative to Expand the Use of Nuclear Techniques for Global Food Security?

1. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research

3. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

4. Food and Agriculture Organisation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4

Explanation

— The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) inaugurated ‘Atoms4Food’, a new flagship effort to assist increase food security and combat global hunger.

— The Atoms4Food effort will help countries adopt innovative nuclear technology to increase agricultural output, reduce food losses, ensure food safety, improve nutrition, and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.iaea.org)

QUESTION 4

With reference to the Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), consider the following statements:

1. They are suitable only for on-grid and not for off-grid applications.

2. These are cost-effective alternatives to conventional large nuclear reactors.

3. India is extensively researching Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to achieve net-zero emissions while maintaining energy security.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— India is extensively researching Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a critical component of its energy transition strategy, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining energy security. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with power generation capacities ranging from less than 30 MWe to over 300 MWe.

— It offers a versatile, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional big nuclear reactors. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Given India’s rising energy demands and the need for dependable, low-carbon power, SMRs can play a game-changing role in supplementing renewable energy sources and stabilising the grid.

— SMRs’ modular design enables factory-based manufacture, lowering construction deadlines and costs, making them suitable for both on-grid and off-grid applications, including distant deployment. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to carbon dating, consider the following statements:

1. The dating method is based on the fact that Carbon-12 (C-12), an isotope of carbon, is radioactive and decays at a well known rate.

2. The age of non-living things more than 40,000-50,000 years old can be determined through carbon dating.

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

— Carbon dating is a frequently used method for determining the age of organic materials, which were previously alive. Carbon can exist in a variety of forms within living things.

— The dating method is based on the fact that Carbon-14 (C-14), a radioactive isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14, decays at a predictable pace. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— Plants acquire their carbon from photosynthesis, whereas animals obtain it primarily from food. Because plants and animals derive their carbon from the environment, they absorb C-12 and C-14 in nearly the same proportions as the atmosphere.

— When they die, their interaction with the atmosphere ceases. While C-12 is stable, radioactive C-14 has a ‘half-life’ of approximately 5,730 years.

— Carbon dating cannot be used in all cases. Carbon dating cannot be used to estimate the age of non-living items such as rocks, and it cannot determine the age of things older than 40,000–50,000 years. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 114)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 114)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114)

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