UPSC CSE Prelims
Properties of Matter Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Properties of Matter with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is /are the importance/importances of discovering this particle?
- It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass.
- It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology to transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them.
- It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Higgs boson discovery confirms the Higgs field mechanism that explains why elementary particles acquire mass through interaction with this field.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Matter teleportation (transferring matter without traversing physical space) is not related to the Higgs boson; this particle explains mass, not quantum teleportation or matter transport technologies.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Higgs boson is a fundamental particle in the Standard Model of physics unrelated to nuclear fission fuels; it does not improve fuel efficiency or reactor technology.
Consider the following statements - If there were no phenomenon of capillarity
- It would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp
- One would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink
- The blotting paper would fail to function
- The big trees that we see around would not have grown on the earth
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Kerosene lamps rely on capillary action to draw kerosene up the wick from the reservoir for combustion.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Drinking through a straw works by air pressure difference, not capillarity; sucking removes air, allowing atmospheric pressure to push liquid up.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Blotting paper absorbs ink/liquid through capillary action in its porous structure and fine fibres.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Tall trees depend on capillary action to transport water from roots to leaves against gravity through xylem vessels.
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Common questions about Properties of Matter in UPSC CSE PRELIMS