OPSC OCS Paper 1 2024

Q. Symbol of material used in conventional glass thermometers is

Q. Symbol of material used in conventional glass thermometers is

a) Mg
b) Hg
c) Me
d) Mn

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is Option B: Hg.

Explanation: Conventional glass thermometers typically use mercury (symbol: Hg) as the material inside the thermometer. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature and has a high coefficient of expansion, making it ideal for accurately measuring temperature changes. It is also visible due to its shiny, metallic appearance, which makes it easy to read the temperature scale. Other options like Mg (magnesium), Me (not a valid chemical symbol), and Mn (manganese) are not used in conventional thermometers.

Q. Symbol of material used in conventional glass thermometers is Read More »

Q. A square shaped hole is punched in a metal sheet whose linear thermal expansion coefficient is 1 × 10⁻³ per °C. The size of the hole will decrease by 10%, when

Q. A square shaped hole is punched in a metal sheet whose linear thermal expansion coefficient is 1 × 10⁻³ per °C. The size of the hole will decrease by 10%, when

a) The sheet is heated by 10 °C
b) The sheet is heated by 100 °C
c) The sheet is cooled by 100 °C
d) The sheet is cooled by 10 °C

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

Correct Answer: b) A philosophy that believes that humans should radically change their relationship with nature

Explanation:

Let’ solve this step by step.

1) First, let’s understand what happens when a metal sheet with a hole is heated:
– When metal expands, the hole also expands
– When metal contracts, the hole also contracts
– The fractional change in the hole’s dimensions is the same as the metal’s dimensions

2) The linear thermal expansion coefficient (α) is given as 1 × 10⁻³ per °C

3) The formula for linear thermal expansion is:
ΔL/L = α × ΔT
where ΔL/L is the fractional change in length

4) For a 10% decrease in size:
ΔL/L = -0.1 = (1 × 10⁻³) × ΔT

5) Solving for ΔT:
ΔT = -0.1/(1 × 10⁻³)
ΔT = -100

6) This means we need to cool the sheet by 100°C to decrease the hole size by 10%

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) The sheet is cooled by 100°C.

Q. A square shaped hole is punched in a metal sheet whose linear thermal expansion coefficient is 1 × 10⁻³ per °C. The size of the hole will decrease by 10%, when Read More »

Q. Tidal waves are caused by which of the following gravitational interactions?

Q. Tidal waves are caused by which of the following gravitational interactions?

a) Sun’s gravitational impact on the Moon
b) Earth’s gravitational impact on the Moon
c) Moon’s gravitational impact on the Earth
d) Earth’s gravitational impact on the Sun

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is: Option C: Moon’s gravitational impact on the Earth.

Explanation: Tidal waves, or tides, are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth’s oceans. The Moon’s gravity exerts a force on the water, causing it to bulge out on the side of the Earth facing the Moon. At the same time, there is another bulge on the opposite side of the Earth due to the centrifugal force created by the Earth-Moon system’s rotation. These bulges result in high tides.

hile the Sun also has a gravitational effect on Earth’s tides, its influence is less significant compared to the Moon because the Moon is much closer to the Earth. Therefore, the primary cause of tidal waves is the Moon’s gravitational impact on the Earth.

Q. Tidal waves are caused by which of the following gravitational interactions? Read More »

Q. Which disaster is most likely to be influenced by climate change?

Q. Which disaster is most likely to be influenced by climate change?

a) Earthquakes
b) Tsunamis
c) Tropical cyclones
d) Volcanic eruptions

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is: c) Tropical cyclones.

Explanation: Climate change is primarily driven by global warming, which results from the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This warming has a direct impact on weather patterns and ocean temperatures. Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons, are heavily influenced by sea surface temperatures. Warmer oceans provide more energy for these storms, making them more intense and potentially more frequent.

On the other hand:
– Earthquakes (Option A) are caused by tectonic plate movements and are not influenced by climate change.
– Tsunamis (Option B) are usually triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, which are also unrelated to climate change.
– Volcanic eruptions (Option D) are caused by geological processes beneath the Earth’s surface and are not affected by climate change.

Thus, tropical cyclones are the disaster most likely to be influenced by climate change.

Q. Which disaster is most likely to be influenced by climate change? Read More »

Q. The ability of a population to increase under ideal environmental conditions is called

Q. The ability of a population to increase under ideal environmental conditions is called

a) Natality
b) Carrying capacity
c) Biotic potential
d) Absolute natality

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is: c) Biotic potential.

Explanation: Biotic potential refers to the maximum capacity of a population to grow and reproduce under ideal environmental conditions, such as unlimited resources, no predators, and no diseases. It represents the inherent ability of a species to increase its population size.

Option a) Natality refers to the birth rate or the number of births in a population over a specific period of time.
Option b) Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely based on available resources.
Option d) Absolute natality refers to the total number of births in a population without considering the population size or time frame.

Thus, the ability of a population to increase under ideal conditions is best described by biotic potential.

Q. The ability of a population to increase under ideal environmental conditions is called Read More »

Q. Which of the following best describes the term Deep ecologism?

Q. Which of the following best describes the term Deep ecologism?

a) A philosophy that believes in specific changes in daily lifestyle of humans to minimize the damage to the environment
b) A philosophy that believes that humans should radically change their relationship with nature
c) A set of sustainable practices to increase fish production in shallow ocean ecosystems
d) None of the above

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

Correct Answer: b) A philosophy that believes that humans should radically change their relationship with nature

Explanation: Deep ecologism is an environmental philosophy that emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living beings and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. It advocates for a fundamental shift in how humans perceive and interact with nature, moving away from an anthropocentric (human-centered) view to a more ecocentric (nature-centered) perspective. This philosophy suggests that humans should radically change their relationship with nature, not just by making small lifestyle changes, but by rethinking their role within the ecosystem and prioritizing the well-being of the entire planet over human convenience or exploitation. Therefore, option b best describes the term Deep ecologism.

Q. Which of the following best describes the term Deep ecologism? Read More »

Q. National Air Quality Index (AQI) is launched by the government to monitor the quality of air in major urban centres across the country on a real-time basis and enhancing public awareness for taking mitigative action. In this context, consider the following statements:

Q. National Air Quality Index (AQI) is launched by the government to monitor the quality of air in major urban centres across the country on a real-time basis and enhancing public awareness for taking mitigative action. In this context, consider the following statements:

(1) AQI will have ‘one number, one colour and one description’ to inform the public about air quality in a simple and easily understandable format

(2) There are six AQI categories, namely: good, satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor and severe

(3) The index considers eight pollutants – PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3,NH3 and Pb

Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is: d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: AQI will have ‘one number, one colour and one description’ to inform the public about air quality in a simple and easily understandable format.

This statement is correct. The National Air Quality Index (AQI) is designed to provide a single value (number) that represents the air quality status, along with a corresponding color code and description. This makes it easy for the general public to understand the air quality and take necessary precautions.

2. Statement 2: There are six AQI categories, namely: good, satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor and severe.

This statement is correct. The AQI is divided into six categories based on the level of pollution. These categories are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. Each category indicates a specific range of air quality and its potential impact on health.3. Statement 3: The index considers eight pollutants – PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3 and Pb.

This statement is correct. The AQI takes into account eight key pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). These pollutants are monitored to calculate the AQI.

Since all three statements are correct, the correct answer is option d) 1, 2 and 3.

Q. National Air Quality Index (AQI) is launched by the government to monitor the quality of air in major urban centres across the country on a real-time basis and enhancing public awareness for taking mitigative action. In this context, consider the following statements: Read More »

Q. With reference to cloud seeding, consider the following statements:

Q. With reference to cloud seeding, consider the following statements:

(1) It is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds.
(2) Aluminum hydroxide is the most common chemical used for cloud seeding.

Select the correct statement using the code given below:

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is: a) 1 only.

Explanation:

Statement 1: It is correct. Cloud seeding is indeed a weather modification technique that aims to enhance a cloud’s ability to produce precipitation (rain or snow). This is done by introducing substances like tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds. These substances help in the formation of ice crystals, which can grow and eventually fall as precipitation.

Statement 2: It is incorrect. Aluminum hydroxide is not the most common chemical used for cloud seeding. The most commonly used substances for cloud seeding are silver iodide, potassium iodide, or even dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). These materials are effective in promoting the formation of ice crystals in clouds, which is essential for precipitation.

Thus, only statement 1 is correct, making option a) 1 only the right answer.

Q. With reference to cloud seeding, consider the following statements: Read More »

Q. Consider the following statements: (1) Meteorological Drought is based on the impact of rainfall deficits on the water supply.

Q. Consider the following statements:

(1) Meteorological Drought is based on the impact of rainfall deficits on the water supply.
(2) Socioeconomic Drought refers to the impact of drought conditions on supply and demand of economic goods.

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

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is: b) 2 only.

Explanation:

Statement 1: “Meteorological Drought is based on the impact of rainfall deficits on the water supply.”

This statement is incorrect. Meteorological drought refers to a situation where there is a significant deficiency in precipitation (rainfall) over a specific period of time, compared to the average for that region. It is not directly based on the impact of rainfall deficits on water supply but rather on the deviation from normal precipitation levels.

Statement 2: “Socioeconomic Drought refers to the impact of drought conditions on supply and demand of economic goods.”

This statement is correct. Socioeconomic drought occurs when the water shortage caused by drought conditions affects the production and availability of goods and services, leading to an imbalance in supply and demand. For example, reduced agricultural output due to drought can lead to higher food prices, impacting the economy and society.

Thus, only statement 2 is correct.

Q. Consider the following statements: (1) Meteorological Drought is based on the impact of rainfall deficits on the water supply. Read More »

Q. Which of the following are primary pollutants? (1) Carbon monoxide (CO) (2) Sulphur oxides (SO2) (3) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (4) Nitric Oxide (NO) (5) CFC’s (6) Radioactive pollutants.

Q. Which of the following are primary pollutants?

(1) Carbon monoxide (CO)
(2) Sulphur oxides (SO2)
(3) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
(4) Nitric Oxide (NO)
(5) CFC’s
(6) Radioactive pollutants.

Select the correct answer using the code given below
a) 1, 2, 3 and 6 only
b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
c) 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024

The correct answer is Option D: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Explanation:

Primary pollutants are those pollutants that are directly emitted into the atmosphere from a source, such as vehicles, industries, or natural processes. These pollutants are harmful in their original form and do not require chemical transformation to become hazardous. Let us analyze each option:

1) Carbon monoxide (CO): It is a primary pollutant emitted directly from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.

2) Sulphur oxides (SO2): Sulphur dioxide is a primary pollutant released directly into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, volcanic eruptions, and industrial activities.

3) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are primary pollutants emitted directly from sources like paints, solvents, vehicle emissions, and industrial processes.

4) Nitric Oxide (NO): It is a primary pollutant released directly from combustion processes, such as those in vehicles and power plants.

5) CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons): These are primary pollutants released directly from sources like refrigerants, aerosol sprays, and industrial processes.

6) Radioactive pollutants: These are primary pollutants emitted directly from sources like nuclear power plants, mining of radioactive materials, and natural radioactive decay.

Since all the listed pollutants are directly emitted into the atmosphere and qualify as primary pollutants, the correct answer is Option D: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Q. Which of the following are primary pollutants? (1) Carbon monoxide (CO) (2) Sulphur oxides (SO2) (3) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (4) Nitric Oxide (NO) (5) CFC’s (6) Radioactive pollutants. Read More »