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Question 341

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

A concave mirror produces a virtual, erect and magnified image when the object is positioned _________.

  1. AOption (a)

    Beyond the centre of curvature

  2. BOption (b)

    At the principal focus

  3. COption (c)

    Between the focus and the pole

  4. DOption (d)

    Between the centre of curvature and the focus

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Between the focus and the pole

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Between the focus and the pole.

Key Points

  • A concave mirror, also known as a converging mirror, is a spherical mirror with a reflecting surface that curves inward toward the centre of curvature.
  • When an object is placed between the principal focus (F) and the pole (P), the distance of the object is less than the focal length (f) of the mirror.
  • Light rays from the object strike the mirror and diverge upon reflection; these rays do not meet on the real side of the mirror.
  • By extending these reflected rays backward, they appear to intersect at a point behind the mirror, creating a virtual image.
  • This specific image is erect (upright) and magnified (larger than the actual object), with a magnification (m) value greater than 1.
  • This unique optical property is why concave mirrors are extensively used as shaving mirrors, makeup mirrors, and by dentists to see enlarged views of teeth.

 Additional Information

  • Beyond the centre of curvature:
  • When the object is located beyond C, the rays converge to form a real, inverted, and diminished image between C and F.
  • At the principal focus:
  • Placing the object exactly at F results in reflected rays that are parallel to the principal axis, forming a real, inverted, and highly magnified image at infinity.
  • Between the centre of curvature and the focus:
  • In this position, the light rays converge to form a real, inverted, and magnified image beyond C.
  • At the centre of curvature:
  • When the object is at C, the mirror produces a real and inverted image that is the same size as the object, located exactly at C.

Question 342

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

The magnitude of force on a conductor in a magnetic field increases when ______.

  1. AOption (a)

    Current increases

  2. BOption (b)

    Current decreases

  3. COption (c)

    Magnetic field decreases

  4. DOption (d)

    Length decreases

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Current increases

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Current increases.

Key Points

  • The magnetic force acting on a straight conductor of length L carrying a steady current I and placed in a uniform external magnetic field B is given by the formula F = B I L sin(θ).
  • In this expression, F represents the magnitude of the force, B is the magnetic field strength (or magnetic flux density), I is the electric current flowing through the wire, and θ is the angle between the direction of the current and the magnetic field.
  • Since the force F is directly proportional to the current I (F ∝ I), any increase in the magnitude of the current leads to a corresponding increase in the mechanical force exerted on the conductor.
  • The relationship also dictates that the force is maximum when the conductor is positioned perpendicular to the magnetic field lines (where θ = 90° and sin(90°) = 1).
  • Conversely, reducing variables such as the magnetic field strength or the active length of the wire within the field will result in a decrease in the total force magnitude.

 Additional Information

  • Fleming's Left-Hand Rule:
  • This rule is used to determine the direction of the force; when the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the left hand are held mutually perpendicular, the Thumb points to the Force, the Forefinger to the Magnetic Field, and the Middle finger to the Current.
  • Zero Force Condition:
  • The force experienced by the conductor is minimum (zero) if it is placed parallel or anti-parallel to the magnetic field lines, as sin(0°) or sin(180°) equals zero.
  • Applications:
  • This principle is the fundamental basis for the operation of electric motors, where electrical energy is converted into mechanical work through the interaction of currents and magnetic fields.
  • It is also applied in moving coil galvanometers and loudspeakers to translate current variations into physical movement.

Question 343

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

Plastids, which are found only in plant cells, help in:

  1. AOption (a)

    photosynthesis and storage

  2. BOption (b)

    respiration

  3. COption (c)

    transport

  4. DOption (d)

    excretion

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

photosynthesis and storage

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is photosynthesis and storage.

Key Points

  • Plastids are double-membrane-bound organelles found in the cells of plants and algae. They are semi-autonomous as they contain their own DNA and ribosomes.
  • One of the most vital types of plastids is the Chloroplast, which contains the green pigment chlorophyll. It is the primary site for photosynthesis, the process of converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
  • Another major function of plastids is the storage of essential nutrients. Leucoplasts are colorless plastids specialized for storing various food materials such as starch, oils, and proteins.
  • Plastids can be categorized into three main types: Chloroplasts (green, for photosynthesis), Chromoplasts (colored, for pigment synthesis and storage in fruits/flowers), and Leucoplasts (colorless, for nutrient storage).

 Additional Information

  • Leucoplast Types:
  • Amyloplasts: Specifically store starch (carbohydrates) and are commonly found in tubers like potatoes.
  • Elaioplasts: Responsible for storing oils and fats within the plant tissue.
  • Aleuroplasts: Also known as proteinoplasts, these are dedicated to the storage of proteins.
  • Cellular Functions of Other Organelles:
  • Respiration: This process takes place in the Mitochondria, where oxygen is used to break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
  • Transport: The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and Golgi Apparatus function as the cell's transport network for proteins and lipids.
  • Excretion: In plant cells, the Large Central Vacuole helps in the accumulation and disposal of waste products and maintains turgidity.

Question 344

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

The quality and taste of honey mainly depends on which of the following factors?

  1. AOption (a)

    Type of beehive

  2. BOption (b)

    Type and availability of flowers

  3. COption (c)

    Number of worker bees in the colony

  4. DOption (d)

    Age of the bees

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Type and availability of flowers

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Type and availability of flowers.

Key Points

  • Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honeybees, primarily Apis mellifera, from the nectar of plants or secretions of living parts of plants.
  • The pasturage, which refers to the specific flowers available for bees to forage, is the most significant factor that determines the taste, aroma, and color of the honey.
  • The chemical composition of nectar varies across plant species; for instance, different flowers contain varying ratios of fructose, glucose, and sucrose, along with specific volatile oils and minerals that define the unique flavor profile.
  • Availability of diverse flora allows bees to produce different types of honey, such as monofloral (from a single plant type) or polyfloral (from multiple plant types), each having distinct nutritional and medicinal properties.
  • While the bees process the nectar, the raw material (nectar from flowers) provides the fundamental enzymatic precursors and organic acids that differentiate a high-quality honey from a standard one.

 Additional Information

  • Apiculture: This is the scientific method of rearing honeybees in beehives for the commercial production of honey and beeswax.
  • Nectar vs. Pollen: Bees collect nectar as a carbohydrate source for energy and honey production, while pollen provides the necessary proteins and fats for the growth of larvae.
  • Honey Maturation: Bees reduce the moisture content of nectar to below 18% by fanning their wings, which prevents fermentation and ensures long-term preservation.
  • Invertase Enzyme: Worker bees add the enzyme invertase to nectar, which catalyzes the breakdown of complex sucrose into simple sugars like glucose and fructose.
  • Medicinal Value: Honey derived from specific flowers like Manuka or Neem is highly valued in Ayurveda and modern medicine for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Question 345

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

Which of the following statements correctly explains the position of sodium (Na) in the activity series of metals?

  1. AOption (a)

    Sodium is less reactive than copper and cannot displace it from salt solution.

  2. BOption (b)

    Sodium does not react with water, hence placed at the bottom of the series.

  3. COption (c)

    Sodium is more reactive than hydrogen and displaces it from acid.

  4. DOption (d)

    Sodium is less reactive than hydrogen and hence placed below it.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Sodium is more reactive than hydrogen and displaces it from acid.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Sodium is more reactive than hydrogen and displaces it from acid.

Key Points

  • The Activity Series (or reactivity series) of metals is a list where metals are arranged in the decreasing order of their chemical reactivity; Sodium (Na) is positioned near the top, indicating high reactivity. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Sodium is far more reactive than Copper (Cu), as it sits much higher in the series. It can easily displace copper from its salt solutions, such as Copper(II) Sulfate. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Sodium reacts violently and exothermically with cold water to produce Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Hydrogen gas (H2), which often catches fire due to the heat evolved. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • In the activity series, Hydrogen (H) is used as a reference point; metals like Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium are placed above hydrogen because they can reduce hydrogen ions from dilute acids. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
  • When sodium reacts with a dilute acid like Hydrochloric acid (HCl), it undergoes a single displacement reaction: 2Na + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H2. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

 Additional Information

  • Reactivity Trends:
  • The series starts with Potassium (K) as the most reactive, followed by Sodium (Na), Lithium (Li), and Calcium (Ca).
  • Metals at the bottom, such as Gold (Au) and Platinum (Pt), are known as noble metals because of their lack of reactivity.
  • Sodium has an Atomic Number of 11 and belongs to the Alkali Metals (Group 1) of the periodic table.
  • Due to its extreme reactivity with oxygen and moisture, sodium is always stored under Kerosene or liquid paraffin to prevent accidental combustion.
  • Sodium is so soft that it can be easily cut with a knife, revealing a shiny metallic surface that tarnishes rapidly in air.

Question 346

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

Which of the following pairs of element names and symbols is correctly matched?

  1. AOption (a)

    Silver – S

  2. BOption (b)

    Mercury – Me

  3. COption (c)

    Tin – Sn

  4. DOption (d)

    Lead – Ld

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Tin – Sn

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Tin - Sn.

Key Points

  • The chemical symbol for Tin is Sn, which is derived from its Latin name Stannum.
  • Tin is a post-transition metal positioned in Group 14 of the Periodic Table and is assigned the atomic number 50.
  • Chemical symbols are unique abbreviations assigned to each chemical element by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
  • While many symbols are based on the English name of the element, several elements known since ancient times use symbols derived from their Latin or Greek names to maintain historical consistency in chemical nomenclature.
  • In the provided options, only Tin - Sn correctly identifies the relationship between the element and its standardized symbol.

 Additional Information

  • Silver:
  • The correct symbol for Silver is Ag, which comes from the Latin word Argentum.
  • The symbol S represents the element Sulfur (atomic number 16), which is a non-metal.
  • Mercury:
  • The symbol for Mercury is Hg, derived from the Greek name Hydrargyrum, meaning 'water-silver'.
  • The abbreviation Me is not an official chemical element symbol, though it is sometimes used in Organic Chemistry to denote a methyl group.
  • Lead:
  • The correct symbol for Lead is Pb, originating from the Latin term Plumbum.
  • The symbol Ld is incorrect and does not represent any element in the modern periodic table.

Question 347

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

An element X has two isotopes: ₆X¹² and ₆X¹⁴. Both are electrically neutral and chemically identical, but one of them is unstable and radioactive. Which of the following statements best explains why ₆X¹⁴ is radioactive, even though both isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons?

  1. AOption (a)

    Because ₆X¹⁴ has excess neutrons, causing imbalance in nuclear forces

  2. BOption (b)

    Because ₆X¹⁴ has equal numbers of protons and neutrons, making it energetically unstable

  3. COption (c)

    Because ₆X¹⁴ has more electrons than protons, leading to instability in electron distribution

  4. DOption (d)

    Because ₆X¹⁴ has a smaller nucleus that cannot hold neutrons tightly, resulting in spontaneous decay

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Because ₆X¹⁴ has excess neutrons, causing imbalance in nuclear forces

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Because 6X14 has excess neutrons, causing imbalance in nuclear forces.

Key Points

  • Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, although all isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons in each atom. In this case, element X has an atomic number of 6, identifying it as Carbon.
  • The isotope 6X12 contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons, resulting in a neutron-to-proton (n/p) ratio of 1:1, which is highly stable for light nuclei.
  • The isotope 6X14 contains 6 protons and 8 neutrons. This excess of neutrons increases the n/p ratio to approximately 1.33:1, moving it away from the belt of stability.
  • Radioactivity is a nuclear phenomenon where an unstable nucleus undergoes spontaneous transformation to reach a more stable, lower-energy state by emitting radiation.
  • In 6X14, the imbalance between the short-range strong nuclear force (which attracts nucleons) and the long-range electrostatic repulsion between protons leads to nuclear instability, making the atom radioactive.

 Additional Information

  • Carbon-14 (6C14):
  • It is a heavy, radioactive isotope of carbon used primarily in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic artifacts.
  • It has a half-life of approximately 5,730 years.
  • The decay process involves Beta (β−) emission, where a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino, transforming the atom into stable Nitrogen-14.
  • Strong Nuclear Force:
  • This is the fundamental force that holds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus.
  • It is independent of charge, meaning it acts equally between proton-proton, neutron-neutron, and proton-neutron pairs at very small distances (approx. 1 femtometer).
  • Nuclear Binding Energy:
  • It is the minimum energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent nucleons.
  • Unstable isotopes like 6X14 have a lower binding energy per nucleon compared to their stable counterparts.

Question 348

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

In the chemical equation xPb(NO₃)₂(s) → yPbO(s) + zNO₂(g) + wO₂(g), what are the values of x, y, z and w?

  1. AOption (a)

    x = 2 ; y = 4 ; z = 2 ; w = 1

  2. BOption (b)

    x = 2 ; y = 1 ; z = 4 ; w = 2

  3. COption (c)

    x = 1 ; y = 2 ; z = 3 ; w = 2

  4. DOption (d)

    x = 2 ; y = 2 ; z = 4 ; w = 1

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

x = 2 ; y = 2 ; z = 4 ; w = 1

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is x = 2 ; y = 2 ; z = 4 ; w = 1.

Key Points

  • This chemical equation represents the thermal decomposition of lead(II) nitrate, a process where a single solid reactant breaks down into a solid oxide and two distinct gases when heat energy is applied.
  • To balance the equation, we analyze the atoms on the Left Hand Side (LHS): Lead (Pb) = x, Nitrogen (N) = 2x, and Oxygen (O) = 6x.
  • On the Right Hand Side (RHS), the total atom count is: Lead (Pb) = y, Nitrogen (N) = z, and Oxygen (O) = y + 2z + 2w.
  • Applying the Law of Conservation of Mass, we set the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides: for lead, x = y; for nitrogen, z = 2x.
  • Substituting these relationships into the oxygen balance equation (6x = y + 2z + 2w) gives 6x = x + 2(2x) + 2w, which simplifies to 6x = 5x + 2w, resulting in the ratio x = 2w.
  • By assigning the simplest whole numbers, if w = 1, then x = 2, which leads to y = 2 and z = 4. The fully balanced equation is \( 2Pb(NO_{3})_{2}(s) \rightarrow 2PbO(s) + 4NO_{2}(g) + O_{2}(g) \).

 Additional Information

  • Lead(II) Nitrate (Pb(NO3)2):
  • It is an inorganic compound typically appearing as colorless crystals or a white powder.
  • It serves as a strong oxidizing agent and is used in the manufacturing of matches and specialized explosives.
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):
  • This is a reddish-brown toxic gas with a pungent, sharp odor.
  • In laboratory experiments, the appearance of brown fumes during heating is a standard diagnostic observation for the presence of the nitrate ion.
  • Lead(II) Oxide (PbO):
  • Commonly known as litharge, this solid residue appears as a yellow-colored substance after the decomposition reaction is complete.
  • It is amphoteric in nature, meaning it possesses the chemical property to react with both acids and bases to form salts and water.

Question 349

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

Which of the following statement about a solution is correct?

  1. AOption (a)

    The solute in a solution settles down on standing.

  2. BOption (b)

    The solute in a solution is always present in a greater amount than the solvent.

  3. COption (c)

    A solution is a heterogeneous mixture of two or more substances.

  4. DOption (d)

    A solution is a homogeneous mixture in which the solute particles are not visible to the naked eye.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

A solution is a homogeneous mixture in which the solute particles are not visible to the naked eye.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is A solution is a homogeneous mixture in which the solute particles are not visible to the naked eye..

Key Points

  • A solution is defined as a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, meaning its composition and properties are uniform throughout the entire sample. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • The particles in a true solution are extremely small, with a diameter less than 1 nanometer (10−9 meter). Due to this microscopic size, they cannot be seen by the naked eye and do not scatter a beam of light. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • In a solution, the solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed for a long period, which indicates that a solution is chemically stable. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • A solution consists of a solvent (the component present in the larger amount) and a solute (the component present in the smaller amount). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

 Additional Information

  • Types of Mixtures:
  • Suspension: This is a heterogeneous mixture containing large solute particles (greater than 1000 nm) that eventually settle down under the influence of gravity.
  • Colloid: A mixture where particle size is intermediate (between 1 nm and 1000 nm). While it may appear homogeneous, it is heterogeneous and exhibits the Tyndall effect.
  • Physical Characteristics of Solutions:
  • Solute particles cannot be separated from the mixture by physical filtration processes because they pass through the filter paper.
  • Solutions can exist in any phase of matter, such as gaseous solutions (air), liquid solutions (lemonade), and solid solutions (alloys like brass).
  • The concentration of a solution is determined by the mass or volume of solute dissolved in a specific volume of solvent.

Question 350

RRB Technician 2026• General Science

In some plants, a meristematic tissue is found at the base of leaves or near the nodes, separating regions of a mature tissue. Which tissue is this?

  1. AOption (a)

    Intercalary meristem

  2. BOption (b)

    Apical meristem

  3. COption (c)

    Differentiated tissue

  4. DOption (d)

    Lateral meristem

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Intercalary meristem

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Intercalary meristem.

Key Points

  • Intercalary meristems are a specific type of meristematic tissue located at the base of leaves or the internodes (the regions between two nodes) of plants.
  • These tissues are essentially remnants of the apical meristem that have been separated from the tip by the development of permanent tissues during plant growth.
  • The primary function of this tissue is to promote the rapid elongation of stems and leaves, which is particularly evident in monocotyledons such as grasses, bamboo, and sugarcane.
  • A crucial ecological role of intercalary meristems is that they allow for the regeneration of plant parts that are removed or damaged by grazing herbivores.
  • They are classified as primary meristems because they appear early in the life of a plant and contribute significantly to the formation of the primary plant body.

 Additional Information

  • Apical Meristem:
  • Located at the growing tips of roots and shoots (the root apex and shoot apex).
  • Responsible for primary growth, which increases the length of the plant along its main axis.
  • Lateral Meristem:
  • Found on the lateral sides of stems and roots, running parallel to the long axis.
  • Includes tissues like the vascular cambium and cork cambium, which are responsible for secondary growth (increasing the thickness or girth of the plant).
  • Differentiated Tissue:
  • Refers to cells that have undergone differentiation, a process where they achieve a specialized structure and permanent function.
  • These cells, such as parenchyma, sclerenchyma, or xylem, typically lose the power of division under normal conditions.