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All questions of The Earth and The Universe for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Consider the following statements:
1. The Milky Way galaxy contains approximately 100,000 million stars.
2. The planet Venus is located twice the distance from the Sun compared to Earth.
3. Neptune is the outermost planet in the solar system and is much colder than Uranus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding the Statements
When analyzing the three statements regarding the Milky Way galaxy, Venus, and Neptune, it is essential to assess their accuracy:
1. The Milky Way galaxy contains approximately 100,000 million stars.
- This statement is correct. The Milky Way is estimated to have about 100 to 400 billion stars, commonly approximated as 100,000 million stars.
2. The planet Venus is located twice the distance from the Sun compared to Earth.
- This statement is incorrect. Venus is actually the second planet from the Sun, while Earth is the third. The average distance of Venus from the Sun is about 0.72 astronomical units (AU), whereas Earth's distance is about 1 AU. Thus, Venus is not twice as far from the Sun as Earth.
3. Neptune is the outermost planet in the solar system and is much colder than Uranus.
- This statement is also incorrect. While Neptune is often considered the outermost planet in our solar system, it is not significantly colder than Uranus. In fact, Neptune has a higher average temperature due to its internal heat. Uranus is generally colder in terms of atmospheric temperature.
Conclusion
Based on the evaluations:
- Only Statement 1 is correct.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' (1 Only).

Consider the following statements:
1. The Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted at its maximum angle of 23.5 degrees towards the Southern Hemisphere, causing the Sun's rays to fall vertically on the Tropic of Capricorn.
2. During the Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its longest day of the year.
3. At the Equator, the duration of daylight is always 12 hours, regardless of the season.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

- Statement 1 is correct. The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21st or 22nd when the Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees towards the Southern Hemisphere. This tilt causes the Sun's rays to fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere and winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. During the Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night of the year, not the longest day. This is because the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in the shortest amount of daylight.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. Although the Equator generally experiences roughly equal day and night lengths throughout the year, it is not exactly 12 hours each day. The duration can vary slightly due to the Earth's axial tilt and atmospheric refraction, which can affect the precise length of day and night.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.

1. The sun is vertically overhead at the equator on two days of the year, usually on 21 March and 21 September.
2. When the sun appears to move north and is vertically overhead at the Tropic of Cancer and the northern hemisphere experience its longest day and shortest night, it is referred to as summer solstice.
  • a)
    Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I.
  • b)
    Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.
  • c)
    Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
  • d)
    Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Upsc Toppers answered
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.
Here’s the breakdown:
  1. Statement I is correct. The sun is vertically overhead at the equator twice a year, around March 21 (vernal equinox) and September 21 (autumnal equinox).
  2. Statement II is also correct. The summer solstice, usually on June 21, occurs when the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, causing the longest day and shortest night in the northern hemisphere.
Although both statements are true, Statement II does not explain Statement I. Statement I refers to the equinoxes, when the sun is over the equator, whereas Statement II refers to the solstice, a different phenomenon related to the sun's position over the Tropic of Cancer.

What causes the different lengths of day and night throughout the year?
  • a)
    Earth's rotation on its axis
  • b)
    Earth's revolution around the sun
  • c)
    Earth's axial tilt
  • d)
    Earth's elliptical path around the sun
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Ghosh answered
Understanding Day and Night Length Variations
The different lengths of day and night throughout the year are primarily caused by the Earth's axial tilt. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in the changing seasons and the amount of daylight received at various times of the year.
Key Points:
- Earth's Axial Tilt: The Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt remains consistent as the Earth revolves around the Sun.
- Seasonal Changes: As the Earth orbits the Sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight. This is why we experience seasons. For example, during the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in longer days and shorter nights.
- Equinox Effects: During the equinoxes, which occur around March 21 and September 23, the tilt of the Earth is such that both hemispheres receive approximately equal sunlight. This results in nearly equal lengths of day and night globally.
- Impact on Polar Regions: The axial tilt also causes extreme variations in day length at the poles. In summer, polar regions can experience continuous daylight (midnight sun), while in winter, they can have prolonged darkness.
In summary, the axial tilt of the Earth is the fundamental reason for the variations in day and night lengths throughout the year. This tilt influences the angle and duration of sunlight received, leading to seasonal changes and different day lengths across the globe. Understanding this concept is vital for grasping the Earth's climatic and seasonal dynamics.

Consider the following pairs related to the altitude of the Sun:
1. Summer Solstice - Sun’s rays fall vertical at the Tropic of Cancer.
2. Winter Solstice - Sun’s rays fall vertical at the Tropic of Capricorn.
3. Equinox - Sun’s rays fall vertical at the Equator.
4. Arctic Circle - Experiences 24 hours of daylight during the Summer Solstice.
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
  • a)
    Only one pair
  • b)
    Only two pairs
  • c)
    Only three pairs
  • d)
    All four pairs
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

1. Summer Solstice - Sun’s rays fall vertical at the Tropic of Cancer.
This is correctly matched. During the Summer Solstice, which occurs around June 21st, the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer.
2. Winter Solstice - Sun’s rays fall vertical at the Tropic of Capricorn.
This is correctly matched. During the Winter Solstice, which occurs around December 21st, the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn.
3. Equinox - Sun’s rays fall vertical at the Equator.
This is correctly matched. During the Equinoxes, which occur around March 21st and September 23rd, the Sun is directly overhead at the Equator.
4. Arctic Circle - Experiences 24 hours of daylight during the Summer Solstice.
This is incorrectly matched. The Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of daylight during the Summer Solstice, but the question states it as a general occurrence without specifying the conditions of the solstice.
Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is incorrectly matched because it lacks the specific context of the Summer Solstice for 24 hours of daylight. Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
The altitude of the Sun during the Summer Solstice results in longer days in the Northern Hemisphere due to the Earth's axis leaning at its maximum of 23.5 degrees towards the sun.
Statement-II:
Between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole, there are areas where the day lasts for 24 hours, while between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole, there are regions where the night lasts for an equal duration.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
  • a)
    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • b)
    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • c)
    Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • d)
    Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation of the Correct Answer
Both statements provided relate to the effects of the Earth's axial tilt on the solar altitude and the resulting variations in day length, particularly during the solstices.
Statement-I Analysis
- Correctness: Statement-I is accurate.
- Reason: During the Summer Solstice, which occurs around June 21st, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun at its maximum angle of 23.5 degrees.
- Effect: This tilt increases the Sun's altitude in the sky, leading to longer daylight hours, as the Sun's rays strike the Earth more directly and for extended periods.
Statement-II Analysis
- Correctness: Statement-II is also true.
- Explanation: In regions between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole, the phenomenon known as "Midnight Sun" occurs, where the Sun remains visible for 24 hours during the summer months.
- Counterpart: Similarly, in the Antarctic region, areas between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole experience continuous darkness for an equal duration, known as "Polar Night."
Relationship Between Statements
- Connection: Statement-II does indeed explain Statement-I by illustrating the extremes of daylight and darkness that occur due to the Earth's axial tilt during solstices.
- Conclusion: Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides a contextual understanding of the implications of the axial tilt described in Statement-I.
Final Answer
- The correct option is (a): Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Consider the following statements:
1. The axis of Earth's rotation is inclined at 23.5° to a perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic.
2. The velocity of Earth's rotation is greatest at the poles and decreases towards the equator.
3. The weight of a body is greater at the equator than at the poles due to higher centrifugal force at the equator.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lakshya Ias answered
1. Statement 1 is correct. The axis of Earth's rotation is indeed inclined at 23.5° to a perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic. This inclination is significant as it causes the seasonal variations experienced on Earth.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The velocity of Earth's rotation is actually greatest at the equator and decreases towards the poles. This is because the equatorial region is the widest part of the Earth, and thus, points on the equator must travel a longer distance in the same period (24 hours) compared to points near the poles.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The weight of a body is less at the equator than at the poles. This is due to the greater centrifugal force experienced at the equator as a result of the higher rotational velocity, which effectively reduces the gravitational force felt by an object. Additionally, the Earth's equatorial bulge means the surface is farther from the center of gravity, slightly reducing gravitational pull as well.
Thus, only statement 1 is correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

Consider the following pairs:
1. Jupiter - Largest planet with 12 satellites
2. Uranus - Orbits the sun in a clockwise direction from east to west
3. Venus - Twice the distance from the sun compared to Earth
4. Neptune - Outermost planet visible with telescopes
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
  • a)
    Only one pair
  • b)
    Only two pairs
  • c)
    Only three pairs
  • d)
    All four pairs
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Sharma answered
Analysis of the Pairs
To determine how many pairs are correctly matched, let's evaluate each one based on astronomical facts.
1. Jupiter - Largest planet with 12 satellites
- Fact Check: Jupiter is indeed the largest planet in our solar system. However, as of current knowledge, it has 79 known moons (satellites), not just 12.
- Conclusion: Incorrectly matched.
2. Uranus - Orbits the sun in a clockwise direction from east to west
- Fact Check: Uranus is unique among the planets as it rotates on its side, causing it to have a retrograde rotation, which means it does spin clockwise when viewed from above the North Pole.
- Conclusion: Correctly matched.
3. Venus - Twice the distance from the sun compared to Earth
- Fact Check: Venus is actually closer to the Sun than Earth. The average distance from the Sun to Venus is about 0.72 AU (astronomical units), while Earth is 1 AU away.
- Conclusion: Incorrectly matched.
4. Neptune - Outermost planet visible with telescopes
- Fact Check: Neptune is indeed the outermost planet in our solar system, but it is not typically visible with the naked eye and requires telescopes for observation. The outermost planet visible is actually Uranus.
- Conclusion: Incorrectly matched.
Final Assessment
- Correctly Matched Pairs: Only one pair is correctly matched (Uranus).
- Total Correct Matches: Thus, the correct answer is option 'B' - Only two pairs.
This conclusion reflects an understanding of the accurate details regarding the planets in our solar system.

Consider the following pairs:
1. Rotation of Earth - Earth rotates from east to west.
2. Inclination of Earth's Axis - Earth's axis is inclined at 23.5° to the plane of the elliptic.
3. Velocity of Earth's Rotation - Velocity is highest at the poles and decreases towards the equator.
4. Polestar - The brightest star in the North direction.
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
  • a)
    Only one pair
  • b)
    Only two pairs
  • c)
    Only three pairs
  • d)
    All four pairs
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

1. Rotation of Earth - Incorrect. The Earth rotates from west to east, not east to west. This rotation is responsible for the apparent daily motion of the sun across the sky.
2. Inclination of Earth's Axis - Correct. The Earth's axis is inclined at 23.5° to the perpendicular to the plane of the elliptic. This inclination causes the variation in solar intensity experienced in different parts of the world, leading to seasons.
3. Velocity of Earth's Rotation - Incorrect. The velocity of Earth's rotation is highest at the equator and decreases towards the poles. This is due to the greater circumference at the equator compared to the poles.
4. Polestar - Incorrect. The Polestar, or Polaris, is not the brightest star in the sky, but it is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor and is located nearly at the north celestial pole, making it an important navigational star in the northern hemisphere.
Hence, only pair 2 is correctly matched.

Consider the following pairs:
1. Winter Solstice: Sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer.
2. Equinox: Sun is vertically overhead at the equator on 21 March and 21 September.
3. Summer Solstice: Sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn.
4. Winter Season in Southern Hemisphere: The sun is overhead, and days are longer than nights.
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
  • a)
    Only one pair
  • b)
    Only two pairs
  • c)
    Only three pairs
  • d)
    All four pairs
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

1. Winter Solstice: Sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer.
Incorrect. During the Winter Solstice, which occurs around December 21/22, the sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn, not the Tropic of Cancer. This marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Equinox: Sun is vertically overhead at the equator on 21 March and 21 September.
Correct. During the Equinoxes, which occur around March 21 and September 21, the sun is directly overhead at the equator. These are the days when all parts of the world experience approximately equal lengths of day and night.
3. Summer Solstice: Sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn.
Incorrect. The Summer Solstice, occurring around June 21, is when the sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer, not the Tropic of Capricorn. This marks the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
4. Winter Season in Southern Hemisphere: The sun is overhead, and days are longer than nights.
Incorrect. During the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere, the sun is not overhead, and days are shorter than nights. The sun being overhead with longer days occurs during the summer season.
Only pairs 2 and none of the other pairs are correctly matched.

What phenomenon occurs during the Summer Solstice?
  • a)
    The Earth's axis leans at a maximum of 23.5 degrees in the southern hemisphere towards the sun.
  • b)
    The duration of days starts increasing in the northern hemisphere.
  • c)
    Sun's rays fall vertical at the Tropic of Cancer around 21/22 June.
  • d)
    Daylight lasts for 24 hours at the Equator during this time.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

During the Summer Solstice, which typically falls around 21/22 June, the Sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer. This marks the point when the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest day of the year. The tilt of the Earth's axis causes the Sun to be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, resulting in more direct sunlight and the start of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon also leads to varying daylight hours at different latitudes, with regions like the Arctic Circle experiencing 24-hour daylight during this period.

What is the shape of the Earth?
  • a)
    Perfect sphere
  • b)
    Elliptical
  • c)
    Oblate spheroid
  • d)
    Cuboid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Lohit Matani answered
The shape of the Earth is primarily described as an oblate spheroid in the text. This means that the Earth is slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator. The concept of an oblate spheroid helps us understand the Earth's shape more accurately, considering its actual measurements and deviations from a perfect sphere.

During which two days of the year is the sun overhead at the equator?
  • a)
    21 June & 21 December
  • b)
    21 March & 21 September
  • c)
    22 June & 22 December
  • d)
    20 March & 22 September
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The sun is directly overhead at the equator on two particular days each year, which are usually on March 21st and September 21st. These days are known as the equinoxes, where all locations on Earth experience approximately equal durations of day and night. This phenomenon occurs due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun, marking the transition between seasons.

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