UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on binary code, Metal-Organic Frameworks and more (Week 144)

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 3, 4 and 5

Relevance: These questions test both applications and limitations of advanced materials like MOFs, especially in Science & Technology.

Explanation

— MOFs are a class of materials composed of metal ions connected by organic molecules, forming a three-dimensional network with large, porous cavities. This design allows gases and liquids to flow through, making MOFs highly adaptable for various applications.

— Metals can form bonds in multiple directions, and thus metal ions are the anchors here, like joints in a scaffolding. Organic molecules link them together. Organic molecules are flexible, can form rings and chains, and can be designed to have chemical groups with specific properties.

— The unique properties of MOFs have led to their application in various fields:

(i) Water harvesting: MOFs can extract water from dry air, offering a potential solution for water-scarce regions.

(ii) Pollutant Removal: They can filter out harmful substances like PFAS from water, addressing environmental contamination.

(iii) Carbon capture: MOFs are effective in capturing carbon dioxide, aiding in efforts to mitigate climate change.

(iv) Hydrogen storage: Their porous nature allows for the safe storage of hydrogen, crucial for clean energy applications.

— MOFs are widely used as catalysts and catalyst supports.

— Most MOFs are weak electrical conductors and so are not employed as conductors. Additionally, MOFs lack the chemical and mechanical stability required for long-term maritime corrosion protection.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Consider the following statements about binary code:

1. A binary code is a numerical system that uses only three digits: 0, 1 and 2.

2. It can be used to represent data like photos and text.

3. It is used only in modern digital computers and not in communication systems.

4. It depends on the decimal place value.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Relevance: This question tests fundamentals of digital technology, ICT basics, and computer science concepts. UPSC often frames incorrect options around “only”, “not”, “cannot”—watch for absolute words when dealing with basic ICT concepts.

Explanation

— Binary code, a numerical system that uses only two digits: 1 and 0. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— Every photo, text, or other piece of information on a digital device is translated into a unique string of 1s and 0s for a computer to understand it. Binary is compatible because computers or other electronic devices can differentiate between on and off states easily, and the binary system can represent these as 1 and 0, respectively. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Binary code does not depend on decimal place values (1–10–100); rather, it is a positional numeral system based on powers of 2. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— Binary is used in communication systems (digital signals, data transmission, networking). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Vikram 3201 is a:

(a) Human-rated launch vehicle developed by ISRO

(b) Semi-cryogenic rocket engine used in LVM3

(c) Indigenous microprocessor developed for strategic and space applications

(d) Satellite-based navigation system

Relevance: These types of questions are important under Science & Technology → Indigenous technology → Semiconductors & strategic electronics, a recurring UPSC theme.

Explanation

— The chip, called Vikram 3201, is India’s first fully indigenous microprocessor — a type of semiconductor chip developed by the semiconductor laboratory of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

— Semiconductors are unique, in that most materials are either conductors — which let electric current flow — or insulators — which block electricity. For instance, a copper wire is a conductor, while glass is an insulator.

— Semiconductors, however, are different. Although in their natural state, semiconductors are a weak conductor of electricity, when certain materials are added to them and an electric field is applied, current can start to flow. Adding phosphorus to semiconducting materials, such as silicon and germanium, for example, allows the flow of a negative current.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

The SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite, which maps Earth’s water bodies (lakes, rivers, oceans) in unprecedented detail using radar, providing crucial data for climate science, freshwater management, and understanding ocean circulation, is a mission by:

1. NASA

2. CNES

3. JAXA

4. CSA

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2, and 4

(d) 3 and 4 only

Relevance: This question tests knowledge of international space collaborations and Earth-observation satellites used for climate and hydrological studies.

Explanation

— The SWOT mission brings together two communities focused on a better understanding of the world’s oceans and its terrestrial surface waters. U.S. and French oceanographers and hydrologists and international partners have joined forces to develop this satellite mission to make the first global survey of Earth’s surface water, observe the fine details of the ocean’s surface topography, and measure how water bodies change over time.

— SWOT is being jointly developed by NASA and Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and United Kingdom Space Agency.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Source: swot.jpl.nasa.gov)

QUESTION 5

Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote “an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items”? (UPSC PYQ 2024)

Relevance: This question tests conceptual clarity on emerging digital technologies and virtual ecosystems such as the Metaverse, a key area in Science & Technology. It links technology with digital economy, virtual property rights, and cyber governance, themes increasingly reflected in UPSC questions.

(a) Big data analytics

(b) Cryptography

(c) Metaverse

(d) Virtual matrix

Explanation

— The Metaverse is transforming industries worldwide. According to a new report, it is poised to present a $13 billion opportunity globally and India’s Metaverse and Web3 market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2035.

(Image: Pixabay)

— The metaverse is a new three-dimensional digital realm that employs virtual reality, augmented reality, and other modern internet and semiconductor technology to provide individuals with lifelike personal and professional experiences online.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 139)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 144)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 143)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 143)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 143)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 143)

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