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All questions of Physics for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

An iron needle sinks in water whereas a ship made of iron floats on it because
  • a)
    the edge of the needle is pointed
  • b)
    the ship is flat
  • c)
    the ship is driven by powerful engine
  • d)
    specific gravity of the needle is greater than that of water displaced by it.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kajal Shah answered
Because the specific gravity of the needle is greater than that of water displaced by it. Specific gravity (or relative density) = Density of the substance / Density of the water at 4°C The average density of iron needle is greater than water, therefore, it sinks.

Consider the following natural phenomena:
1. Terrestrial heating
2. Reflection of light
3. Refraction of light
4. Diffraction of light

Q.  Due to which of these phenomena is mirage formed?
  • a)
    1 and 2
  • b)
    2, 3 and 4
  • c)
    2 and 3
  • d)
    4 only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rinu Joseph answered
There refraction and total internal reflection takes place. The ground will be hot and the air will be cool comparatively. Hence the layer just above the ground would also be hot. when the light enters from cool air to hot air, the refraction takes place and then total internal reflection happens. As a result it looks like a bend one like mirage.

A hydrogen-inflated polythene balloon is released from the surface of the earth. As the balloon rises to an altitude up in the atmosphere, it will
  • a)
    decrease in size
  • b)
    flatten into a disc-like shape
  • c)
    maintain the same size and shape
  • d)
    increase in size
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Arshiya Patel answered
As a hydrogen-inflated polythene balloon rises to an altitude in the atmosphere, it will increase in size. This is because the atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. As the balloon ascends, the external pressure decreases while the pressure inside the balloon remains relatively constant

A man is standing on a boat in still water. If he walks towards the shore, the boat will
  • a)
    move towards the shore
  • b)
    move away from the shore
  • c)
    remain stationary
  • d)
    sink
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Juhi Patel answered
Aman is standing on a boat in still water. If he walks towards the shore, the boat will move away from the shore. This is according to Newton’s third law of motion — to every action there is equal and opposite reaction.

If a rock is brought from the surface of the moon to the earth, then
  • a)
    its mass will change.
  • b)
    its weight will change but not its mass.
  • c)
    both mass and weight will change.
  • d)
    both mass and weight will remain the same.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

If a rock is brought from the surface of the moon to the earth, its weight will change but not its mass. Mass is a invariant physical quantity whereas weight of a body (w = mg) is variable as the value of acceleration due to gravity (g) changes.

What were the majority of atoms produced during the Big Bang?
  • a)
    Hydrogen
  • b)
    Helium
  • c)
    Oxygen
  • d)
    Carbon
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Overview of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
The Big Bang theory explains the formation of the universe and the primary elements produced in its early moments, known as Big Bang nucleosynthesis. This process occurred within the first few minutes after the Big Bang when the universe was hot and dense.
Production of Light Elements
During this initial phase, the extreme temperatures and pressures facilitated nuclear reactions, leading to the formation of the lightest elements. The predominant atoms produced were:
  • Hydrogen: Approximately 75% of the universe's baryonic mass is composed of hydrogen. Protons were formed from quarks, and these protons became the basic building blocks of hydrogen.
  • Helium: Roughly 25% of the mass was converted into helium, primarily in the form of helium-4 nuclei, as nuclear fusion occurred among protons and neutrons.
  • Trace Elements: Minor amounts of lithium and beryllium were formed, but the quantities were significantly less than hydrogen and helium.


Why Hydrogen Dominates
The dominance of hydrogen is due to several factors:
  • Simple Structure: Hydrogen, being the simplest element, requires the least energy to form. The fusion process favored its production over heavier elements.
  • Stability: Hydrogen nuclei (protons) are stable and do not undergo further fusion under the conditions present at the time, allowing them to remain abundant.


Conclusion
In summary, while helium was also produced in significant quantities, the overwhelming majority of atoms formed during the Big Bang were hydrogen. This abundance laid the foundation for later star formation and the synthesis of heavier elements in stellar processes.

The leaning tower of Pisa does not fall because
  • a)
    it is tappered at the top.
  • b)
    it covers a large base area.
  • c)
    its centre of gravity remains at the lowest position.
  • d)
    the vertical line through the centre of gravity of the tower falls within the base.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Gargi Kumar answered
The Leaning Tower of Pisa does not fall because:

Explanation:
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is famous for its unintended tilt, which has been attracting tourists from all over the world. Despite its significant lean, the tower has managed to remain standing for centuries. The correct answer to why the tower does not fall is option 'D', which states that the vertical line through the center of gravity of the tower falls within the base. Let's explore this answer in more detail:

Center of Gravity:
The center of gravity is the point through which the entire weight of an object can be considered to act. In a symmetrical object, the center of gravity lies at the geometrical center. However, in an asymmetrical object like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the center of gravity is shifted due to its tilt.

Effect of Tapering at the Top:
The tower is tapered at the top, which means it becomes narrower as it goes higher. This tapering helps in distributing the weight of the tower more evenly, reducing the stress on the lower parts. It prevents the tower from toppling over due to excessive weight at the higher levels.

Large Base Area:
The tower has a large base area, which provides stability and prevents it from tipping over. The weight of the tower is distributed over a larger surface area, reducing the pressure on the ground and maintaining its equilibrium.

Center of Gravity within the Base:
The most crucial factor that prevents the tower from falling is that the vertical line through the center of gravity of the tower falls within the base. This means that the imaginary line passing through the center of gravity always remains inside the footprint of the tower, ensuring its stability. If the center of gravity were to fall outside the base, the tower would lose its balance and topple over.

Conclusion:
The Leaning Tower of Pisa remains standing due to a combination of factors, including its tapered structure, large base area, and most importantly, the positioning of the center of gravity within the base. These factors work together to maintain the tower's equilibrium and prevent it from falling.

Pendulum clocks become slow in summer because
  • a)
    days in summer are large.
  • b)
    of the friction in the coil.
  • c)
    the length of the pendulum increases.
  • d)
    the weight of the pendulum changes.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Janhavi Dey answered
Pendulum clocks become slow in summer because the length of the pendulum increases. Increase in length ∆l = lo α ∆T where lo = original length, α = coefficient of linear expansion and ∆T = change in temperature.

Consider the following statements and select the correct code.
Assertion (A): The temperature of a metal wire rises when an electric current is passed through it.
Reason (R):  Collision of metal atoms with each other releases heat energy.
  • a)
    Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 
  • b)
    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • c)
    A is true, but R is false.
  • d)
    A is false, but R is true.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Assertion: The temperature of a metal wire rises when an electric current is passed through it.

Reason: Collision of metal atoms with each other releases heat energy.

The correct code for the given statements is option A, which states that both the assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Explanation:
When an electric current is passed through a metal wire, the temperature of the wire rises. This phenomenon is known as the Joule heating effect or resistive heating. It can be understood through the following explanation:

1. Joule Heating Effect:
When an electric current flows through a conductor, such as a metal wire, it encounters resistance. This resistance causes the collision of free electrons with metal atoms in the wire. The collision transfers energy to the metal atoms in the form of kinetic energy, which leads to an increase in their random motion. This increased random motion of metal atoms results in an increase in the temperature of the wire.

2. Collision of Metal Atoms:
The reason behind the rise in temperature during the flow of electric current is the collision of metal atoms with each other. These collisions release heat energy due to the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy. The energy transferred during collisions is responsible for the rise in temperature of the metal wire.

3. Explanation of Assertion and Reason:
The assertion is true as the temperature of a metal wire does rise when an electric current is passed through it. This is a well-established phenomenon known as the Joule heating effect. The reason provided is also true as the collision of metal atoms with each other releases heat energy, which is responsible for the rise in temperature. Therefore, the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Conclusion:
Based on the above explanation, it can be concluded that both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. Hence, option A is the correct code for the given statements.

Consider the following statements and select the correct code.
Assertion (A): A piece of copper and a piece of glass are heated to the same temperature. When touched, thereafter, the copper piece appears hotter than the glass piece.
Reason (R): The density of copper is more than that of glass.
  • a)
    Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • b)
    Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • c)
    A is true, but R is false.
  • d)
    A is false, but R is true.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Devanshi Reddy answered
Assertion (A): A piece of copper and a piece of glass are heated to the same temperature. When touched, thereafter, the copper piece appears hotter than the glass piece.

Reason (R): The density of copper is more than that of glass.

The correct answer is option B: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

Difference in Heat Transfer:
When two objects at the same temperature are touched, heat flows from the hotter object to the cooler object. The rate of heat transfer depends on various factors including the thermal conductivity of the materials.

Thermal Conductivity:
The thermal conductivity of a material determines how well it conducts heat. Copper has a higher thermal conductivity compared to glass. This means that copper can transfer heat more efficiently than glass.

Rate of Heat Transfer:
When the copper and glass pieces are heated to the same temperature and then touched, the copper piece will transfer heat to our skin more effectively due to its higher thermal conductivity. As a result, it will feel hotter to the touch compared to the glass piece.

Density:
Density, on the other hand, is a measure of how much mass is packed into a given volume. It is not directly related to the sensation of heat. The density of copper is indeed higher than that of glass, but this difference in density does not directly contribute to the perceived temperature difference when the objects are touched.

Explanation of the Answer:
Both the assertion and the reason are true. When two objects at the same temperature are touched, the object with higher thermal conductivity (in this case, copper) will transfer heat more effectively and feel hotter to the touch. However, the reason provided (density) does not directly explain why the copper piece feels hotter. Density is not a factor in the sensation of temperature. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it states that both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

An endoscopic process is based on the principle of 
  • a)
    refraction of light
  • b)
    reflection of light
  • c)
    total internal reflection of light
  • d)
    dispersion of light
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding Endoscopic Processes
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of a patient's body using a flexible tube with a camera and light source. The principle that enables this visualization is based on total internal reflection of light.
What is Total Internal Reflection?
- Total internal reflection occurs when light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle.
- In endoscopes, this principle is utilized to transmit light and images through optical fibers.
How It Works in Endoscopy
- Light Transmission: The endoscope contains numerous optical fibers that guide light. When light is sent through these fibers, it reflects internally, allowing it to bend around corners and maintain brightness.
- Image Capture: The camera at the end of the endoscope captures the light reflected from the tissue, creating a clear image for the physician to analyze.
Advantages of Using Total Internal Reflection
- Minimally Invasive: Endoscopy provides a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, leading to quicker recovery times.
- High-Quality Images: The use of optical fibers ensures high-resolution images, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusion
In summary, the effectiveness of endoscopic procedures is largely due to the principle of total internal reflection, allowing for effective light transmission and high-quality imaging within the human body. This technology has revolutionized diagnostic and surgical techniques in medicine.

What is the overall shape of the Universe according to scientific observations?
  • a)
    Spherical
  • b)
    Cylindrical
  • c)
    Flat
  • d)
    Conical
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Maheshwar Jain answered


Flat Shape of the Universe:

The overall shape of the Universe according to scientific observations is considered to be flat. This conclusion is based on a variety of observations and measurements made by astronomers and cosmologists.

Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation:
One of the key pieces of evidence supporting the flat shape of the Universe comes from the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB). The fluctuations in the CMB provide valuable information about the geometry of the Universe, and the data collected indicates that the Universe is flat.

Measurements of Large-Scale Structure:
Observations of the large-scale structure of the Universe, including the distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters, also support the idea that the Universe is flat. These measurements suggest that the overall geometry of the Universe is consistent with a flat shape.

General Relativity:
The theory of General Relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, also supports the idea of a flat Universe. According to General Relativity, the geometry of the Universe is determined by the distribution of matter and energy, and in a flat Universe, the total energy density is equal to the critical density.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, based on observations of the CMB, measurements of the large-scale structure of the Universe, and the predictions of General Relativity, scientists have determined that the overall shape of the Universe is flat. This has significant implications for our understanding of the cosmos and the fundamental nature of the Universe.

What do we call the afterglow of the Big Bang?
  • a)
    Cosmic Background Radiation
  • b)
    Galactic Glow
  • c)
    Celestial Aftermath
  • d)
    Stellar Residue
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ashwini Mehta answered
Understanding the Cosmic Background Radiation
The afterglow of the Big Bang, known as Cosmic Background Radiation (CBR), is a crucial concept in cosmology. It represents the remnant heat from the early universe, providing insights into its origins and evolution.
What is Cosmic Background Radiation?
- CBR is the faint microwave radiation that fills the universe.
- It originated about 380,000 years after the Big Bang, when the universe cooled enough for protons and electrons to combine and form hydrogen atoms.
Significance of CBR
- Evidence of the Big Bang: CBR supports the Big Bang theory by confirming that the universe was once in a hot, dense state.
- Uniformity: The radiation is remarkably uniform across the sky, indicating that the early universe was homogeneous.
- Temperature: The temperature of CBR is approximately 2.7 Kelvin, which is consistent across the observable universe.
Discovery and Impact
- CBR was discovered in 1965 by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, leading to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.
- Its discovery provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory over alternative models, such as steady-state theories.
Conclusion
Cosmic Background Radiation is a fundamental aspect of our understanding of the universe, acting as a snapshot of the cosmos shortly after its inception. It not only supports the Big Bang theory but also offers a wealth of information about the universe's structure and evolution.

The minimum height of a plane mirror to see the full size image of a person is equal to
  • a)
    the height of the person
  • b)
    half the height of the person
  • c)
    one-fourth the height of the person
  • d)
    double the height of the person
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Avi Sengupta answered
Explanation:

Height of the Mirror:
- When a person stands in front of a plane mirror, the image formed is virtual and erect.
- In order to see the full size image of the person, the mirror needs to be positioned in such a way that the top of the person's head is at the same level as the top of the mirror.

Height Requirement:
- The minimum height of the mirror should be half the height of the person to ensure that the entire image of the person is visible in the mirror.
- This is because the bottom half of the person's body will be reflected from the top half of the mirror, and the top half of the person's body will be reflected from the bottom half of the mirror.
- Therefore, half the height of the person is sufficient for the mirror to display the full-size image.

Conclusion:
- In conclusion, the minimum height of a plane mirror to see the full size image of a person is half the height of the person.
- This ensures that both the top and bottom halves of the person are reflected in the mirror, allowing for a complete and accurate representation of the person's image.

Rainbow is formed due to a combination of
  • a)
    refraction and absorption
  • b)
    dispersion and total internal reflection
  • c)
    refraction and scattering
  • d)
    dispersion and diffraction 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Priyanka Mehta answered
Rainbow Formation: Dispersion and Total Internal Reflection

Introduction
Rainbows are beautiful natural phenomena that occur when sunlight is refracted, dispersed, and reflected within raindrops. This leads to the formation of a circular spectrum of colors in the sky. The process of rainbow formation involves two main optical phenomena: dispersion and total internal reflection.

Dispersion
Dispersion is the phenomenon in which light is separated into its component colors when it passes through a prism or a medium with varying refractive index. In the case of a rainbow, dispersion occurs when sunlight enters a raindrop and is refracted. The different wavelengths (colors) of light bend at slightly different angles due to their varying speeds in the water droplet.

Refractive Index and Dispersion
The refractive index of water is wavelength-dependent, which means that different colors of light have different speeds and angles of refraction. This causes the white light from the sun to split into its constituent colors as it enters the raindrop. The shortest wavelength (violet) is refracted the most, while the longest wavelength (red) is refracted the least.

Formation of Primary Rainbow
1. Refraction: When sunlight enters a raindrop, it undergoes refraction, bending as it passes from air to water and then back to air.
2. Dispersion: As the light refracts, it is dispersed into its component colors due to the varying refractive index of water.
3. Reflection: Once inside the raindrop, the dispersed light undergoes multiple internal reflections from the inner surface of the raindrop.
4. Total Internal Reflection: For a specific range of angles, called the critical angle, the light undergoes total internal reflection and exits the raindrop. This is because the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle, causing the light to reflect back into the water droplet.

Circular Rainbow
The combination of dispersion and total internal reflection results in the formation of a circular rainbow. Each raindrop acts as a tiny prism, dispersing and reflecting light back towards the observer. The observer sees the dispersed light in the form of a circular arc, with red on the outer edge and violet on the inner edge.

Conclusion
In conclusion, rainbow formation is a result of the combined optical phenomena of dispersion and total internal reflection. When sunlight enters raindrops, it is refracted, dispersed into its component colors, and then reflected internally before exiting the droplets. This process creates the beautiful circular spectrum of colors that we observe as a rainbow.

What did the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) mission study?
  • a)
    Formation of stars and galaxies.
  • b)
    Cosmic Background Radiation.
  • c)
    The expansion of the universe.
  • d)
    The dark energy accelerating the universe's expansion.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Disha Yadav answered


Study of Cosmic Background Radiation by WMAP:

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) mission primarily studied the Cosmic Background Radiation, also known as the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation.

Understanding the CMB:
- The CMB is the radiation left over from the Big Bang, which occurred approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
- It is one of the most important pieces of evidence for the Big Bang theory, providing insights into the early universe.

Mapping the CMB:
- WMAP was designed to map the temperature fluctuations in the CMB across the entire sky with high precision.
- By studying these fluctuations, scientists can learn about the distribution of matter and energy in the early universe.

Key Discoveries:
- WMAP provided crucial data on the age, composition, and geometry of the universe.
- It helped determine the universe's density, which has implications for its ultimate fate (expansion or contraction).

Implications for Cosmology:
- The precise measurements of the CMB by WMAP have significantly advanced our understanding of the universe's origins and evolution.
- It has provided valuable insights into the structure and content of the universe, supporting the current cosmological model.

In conclusion, the WMAP mission's study of the Cosmic Background Radiation has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the universe's early history and evolution.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
  • a)
    A
  • b)
    B
  • c)
    C
  • d)
    D
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amrutha Kapoor answered
Revolver was discovered by Colt. Dynamite was discovered by Alfred Nobel. Law of cooling was discovered by Newton and law of pressure by Pascal.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
  • a)
    A
  • b)
    B
  • c)
    C
  • d)
    D
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Baishali Patel answered
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs and 1 angstrom = 10–10m, joule is the unit of energy. Intensity of sound is measured in decibel. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz).

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