Chapter: The Universe
601.

Who of the following discovered the laws of planetary orbits? [Asstt Comm 2008]

A. Galileo Galilei
B. Nicholas Copernicus
C. Johanries Kepler
D. Isaac Newton
Answer» C. Johanries Kepler
602.

Twelve constellations referred to as zodiac are: [IAS 1989]

A. signs of Roman gods
B. imaginary region that encompass the path of the planets
C. a group of stars
D. none of these
Answer» C. a group of stars
603.

The term 'meteor' is applied to an interplanetary body:

A. after it enters the atmosphere of the earth
B. after it enters the earth's atmosphere and explodes in mid air as a ball of fire
C. after it enters the earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface of the earth without exploding in mid-air
D. before it enters the earth's atmosphere
Answer» B. after it enters the earth's atmosphere and explodes in mid air as a ball of fire
604.

Which one of the following statements regarding Shooting Stars is incorrect ? [NDA 1995]

A. They are meteors
B. They are the debris which got separated from a comet
C. They emit light due to extremely high temperature caused by friction while they are passing through earth's atmosphere
D. They are a kind of a star
Answer» D. They are a kind of a star
605.

The planets are kept in motion in their respective orbits by :

A. their great size and spherical shape
B. the rotation and density
C. gravitation and centrifugal force
D. rotation of the sun on its axis
Answer» C. gravitation and centrifugal force
606.

The distance of the nearest star besides the sun from the earth is :

A. 4.9 x 1111m
B. 95 x1015 m
C. 4.3 light years
D. 4.2 light years
Answer» D. 4.2 light years
607.

Which of the following celestial bodies bear, 'The Sea of Tranquility' and 'The Ocean of Storms' ?

A. Mars
B. Venus
C. Moon
D. Sun
Answer» C. Moon
608.

The time required by moonlight to reach the earth is :

A. 1 sec
B. 1.3 sec
C. 2 sec
D. 2.3 sec
Answer» B. 1.3 sec
609.

The strongest evidence that comets are members of our solar system comes from: [CDS 1992]

A. their composition
B. their effect on the lives of man
C. the shape of their orbits
D. the shape and length of their tails
Answer» A. their composition
610.

The constellations of stars appear at different positions in the sky at different times during night mainly:

A. because earth rotates about its axis
B. because earth revolves round the sun
C. because of optical illusion
D. because celestial bodies are changing their positions all the time
Answer» A. because earth rotates about its axis
611.

If there is no Sun, the colour of the sky would be:

A. orange
B. blue
C. yellow
D. black
Answer» D. black
612.

The Saturn rings were discovered by:

A. Copernicus
B. Newton
C. Galileo
D. none of these
Answer» C. Galileo
613.

The 'Solar Corona' mainly consists of:

A. cosmic rays
B. molten lava
C. gases
D. ice
Answer» B. molten lava
614.

Comets are celestial bodies moving about the solar system in

A. elliptical or hyperbolic orbits, usually accompanied by a shining tail
B. elliptical orbits usually accompanied by a long shining tail
C. hyperbolic orbit always accompanied by a shining head
D. hyperbolic orbit without projecting any tail or head
Answer» B. elliptical orbits usually accompanied by a long shining tail
615.

Foucault experiment is proof of which one of the following? [NDA 2008]

A. Revolution of Earth
B. Rotation of Earth
C. Rotation of Moon
D. Revolution of Moon
Answer» B. Rotation of Earth
616.

The radiant energy of the sun is transmitted in the form of:

A. short waves
B. long waves
C. particles
D. none of these
Answer» A. short waves
617.

While Venus is seen only for one to two hours either after sunset or before sunrise, Jupiter is seen for the whole night whenever it is visible in the sky. The reason for this is that: [CDS 2000]

A. Venus is much smaller than Jupiter
B. Venus is much closer to the earth than Jupiter
C. the orbit of Venus is inside the earth's orbit whereas the orbit of Jupiter lies outside the orbit of the earth
D. Venus reflects lesser amount of sunlight than Jupiter
Answer» C. the orbit of Venus is inside the earth's orbit whereas the orbit of Jupiter lies outside the orbit of the earth
618.

Which of the following statements is/are correct with regard to Milky Way? 1. It is a spiral galaxy. 2. The solar system resides in one of its spiral arms. Select the correct answer using the codes given below [NDA 2008]

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer» C. Both 1 and 2
619.

Among the following which planet takes maximum time for one revolution around the Sun? [IAS 2003]

A. Earth
B. Jupiter
C. Mars
D. Venus
Answer» B. Jupiter
620.

Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to our solar system? [IAS 2002]

A. The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
B. The predominant element in the composition of Earth is silicon
C. The Sun contains 75 percent of the mass of the solar system
D. The diameter of the Sun is 190 times that of the Earth
Answer» A. The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
621.

The Srnith-tuttle comet will crash with Earth in: [IAS 2003]

A. 2106 AD
B. 2116 AD
C. 2126 AD
D. 2136 AD
Answer» B. 2116 AD
622.

The correct sequence of the following planets in terms of gravity, in the descending order is : [IAS 2003]

A. Saturn, Earth, Neptune, Uranus
B. Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Earth
C. Uranus, Earth, Saturn, Neptune
D. Earth, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn
Answer» D. Earth, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn
623.

Which of the following gases is most predominant in the Sun?

A. Helium
B. Hydrogen
C. Nitrogen
D. Ozone
Answer» B. Hydrogen
624.

NASA's Deep Impact space mission was employed to take detailed pictures of which comet nucleus? [IAS 2007]

A. Halley's Comet
B. Hale-Bopp
C. Hyakutake
D. Tempel 1
Answer» D. Tempel 1
625.

Consider the following statements: 1. The albedo of an object determines its visual brightness when viewed with reflected light. 2. The albedo of Mercury is much greater than the albedo of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [IAS 2008]

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer» A. 1 only
626.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. In comparison to the Jupiter, planet Earth displays eclipses more frequently 2. On Mars, only partial solar eclipses are possible Select the correct answer using the code given below: [NDA 2011]

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2
627.

Which of the following statements relating to the planet Venus is/are correct? 1. It is the nearest planet from the Sun. 2. It is only slightly smaller than the Earth. 3. It has no atmosphere. Select the correct answer using the code given below: [Asstt Commdt 2011]

A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1 and 2 only
Answer» C. 2 only
628.

What is the difference between asteroids and comets? 1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury. 3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [CSAT 2011]

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer» B. 1 and 3 only
629.

A blackhole is a : [CDS 1999, 2001]

A. contracted star with intense gravitational pull
B. star with very low surface temperature
C. star with no atmosphere
D. pulsating star
Answer» A. contracted star with intense gravitational pull
630.

Which one of the following is correct? Great Bear is a : [CDS 2008]

A. galaxy
B. planet
C. star
D. constellation
Answer» D. constellation
631.

Asteroids have their orbits between the planets:

A. Mercury and Venus
B. Earth and Mars
C. Mars and Jupiter
D. Jupiter and Saturn
Answer» C. Mars and Jupiter
632.

Halley's comet appears once in a period of:

A. 24 years
B. 32 years
C. 76 years
D. 84 years
Answer» C. 76 years
633.

The orbits of planets around the Sun, or of satellites around the Earth, can be : [IFS 1993]

A. circular and elliptic
B. circular and hyperbolic
C. elliptic and parabolic
D. parabolic and hyperbolic
Answer» A. circular and elliptic
634.

To a space traveller on moon, the lunar sky during day time appears:

A. white
B. blue
C. black
D. red
Answer» C. black
635.

The distance between the Earth and the Sun (in million kms.) is :

A. 111
B. 149
C. 168
D. 193
Answer» B. 149
636.

Stars which appear single to the naked eye but are double stars when observed by a telescope, are known as :

A. cosmic stars
B. quasars
C. binaries
D. novae and supernovae
Answer» C. binaries
637.

What are Sun spots? [Railways 1994]

A. Regions on earth without winter climate
B. Desert areas on the sun
C. Dark patches on the surface of the sun which are cooler areas
D. Dark patches on the surface of the Sun resulting from a localised fall in the temperature to about 4000 K
Answer» D. Dark patches on the surface of the Sun resulting from a localised fall in the temperature to about 4000 K
638.

The brightest star in the sky is: [MBA 1995]

A. Alfa Centauri
B. Proxima Centauri
C. Sirius
D. Sun
Answer» D. Sun
639.

Pole Star is always seen at one point in the sky whereas other stars are not; this is because: [CDS 1993]

A. Pole star rotates with the same period as the earth
B. Pole star is a star of our own galaxy
C. Sun and Pole star are in two opposite directions relative to earth
D. Pole star lies in the axis of spin of the earth
Answer» D. Pole star lies in the axis of spin of the earth
640.

The outermost layer of Sun is called:

A. convection zone
B. photosphere
C. chromosphere
D. corona
Answer» D. corona
Chapter: The Earth
641.

The mapping of which of the following is most difficult ?

A. Mountains
B. Plateaus and Plains
C. Interior of the Earth
D. Oceans and their depth
Answer» C. Interior of the Earth
642.

Tides in the sea have stored in them: [CDS 1994]

A. hydraulic energy
B. kinetic energy
C. gravitational potential energy
D. a combination of all the above three forms of energy
Answer» D. a combination of all the above three forms of energy
643.

In the earliest days when life originated on earth, the atmosphere contained : [UDC 1993]

A. free oxygen
B. no oxygen
C. oxygen in fixed form
D. oxygen bound to carbon
Answer» D. oxygen bound to carbon
644.

Which one of the following would have occured if the earth had NOT been inclined on its own axis? [CDS 2002]

A. All the seasons would have been of same duration
B. The seasons would not have changed
C. The summers would have been of longer duration
D. The winters would have been of longer duration
Answer» B. The seasons would not have changed
645.

Latitude of place is indicative of its: [Asstt Comm PF 2002]

A. time
B. altitude
C. amount of rainfall
D. temperature
Answer» D. temperature
646.

The upper part of the mantle upon which the crust of the Earth floats is called: [IAS 2003]

A. barysphere
B. mesophere
C. mohorovic discontinuity
D. asthenosphere
Answer» D. asthenosphere
647.

Tides are complied and they vary from place to place because of: [IAS 2003]

A. the movement of Moon in relation to Earth
B. Uneven distribution of water over the globe
C. irregularities in the configuration of oceans
D. all of the above
Answer» D. all of the above
648.

Which of the following phenomenon is/are the effect of the rotation of the Earth? [IAS 2003] 1. Apparent movement of the Sun, the Moon and the Stars. 2. Flatness of the poles and bulge at the Equator. 3. Occurrence of' sunrise, noon and sunset 4. Magnetic field of the earth.

A. 1 and 3
B. 2 and 3
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer» D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
649.

The earth rotates around its axis from: [RRB 1991]

A. north to south
B. east to west
C. south to north
D. west to east
Answer» D. west to east
650.

The word used to describe the shape of earth is:

A. flat
B. circle
C. sphere
D. oblate spheroid
Answer» D. oblate spheroid
651.

The mean radius of the earth is approximately:

A. 3200 km
B. 6400 km
C. 9600 km
D. 12800 km
Answer» B. 6400 km
652.

What is the correct sequence of the following layers of the Earth as one moves from the surface to the interior: 1. Mantle 2. Crust 3. Core Select the correct answer by using the codes given below: [NDA 1993]

A. 1, 2, 3
B. 1, 3, 2
C. 2, 1, 3
D. 3, 1, 2
Answer» C. 2, 1, 3
653.

Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on :

A. December 22
B. September 23
C. June 21
D. March 21
Answer» A. December 22
654.

One degree of the circumference of the earth measures(approx.) :

A. 100km
B. 111km
C. 151km
D. 175km
Answer» B. 111km
655.

Spring tides occur when: [CDS 1993]

A. the moon is nearest to the earth
B. the moon is farthest from the earth
C. the moon, the sun and the earth are at right angles with the earth at the apex
D. the moon, the sun and the earth are in the same line
Answer» D. the moon, the sun and the earth are in the same line
656.

Variation in duration of day and night is due to: 1. rotation of earth on its axis 2. revolution of earth around the sun 3. inclination of earth at an angle of

A. 1and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer» B. 2 and 3
657.

Days and nights are caused by : 1. rotation of the earth on its axis 2. revolution of the earth around the sun 3. inclination of the earth's axis

A. only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 2 and 3 are correct
D. all are correct
Answer» A. only 1 is correct
658.

The speed of rotation of the earth is the highest: [NDA 1994]

A. along the Equator
B. at the North Pole
C. along the Tropic of Cancer
D. along the Arctic Circle
Answer» A. along the Equator
659.

"Mohs' Scale" is used to indicate the: [IAS 2003]

A. degree of brittleness of a substance
B. degree of hardness of minerals.
C. degree of viscosity of a liquid
D. degree of elasticity of a material
Answer» B. degree of hardness of minerals.
660.

At neap tide: 1. the sun and moon exert their force at right angles 2. the tidal amplitude is high 3. the low tides are very low

A. 1
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer» A. 1
661.

If a solar eclipse occurs when the moon is quite far from the earth, the eclipse would be likely to be :

A. total
B. partial
C. annular
D. none of these
Answer» C. annular
662.

What can be the maximum duration of totality for a solar eclipse?

A. 12.5 minutes
B. 7 minutes 40 seconds
C. 1 hour 40 seconds
D. There is no maximum duration
Answer» B. 7 minutes 40 seconds
663.

Which of the following are true regarding the crust of the earth? 1. It is the outer thin layer with a total thickness of about 100 km 2. It forms around 0.5 percent of the earth's volume 3. The outer covering of the crust is of sedimentary material 4. The lower layer of the crust consists of basaltic and ultra-basic rocks

A. I and II
B. I, II and III
C. I, II and IV
D. I, II, III and IV
Answer» C. I, II and IV
664.

The total surface area of earth is : [CDS 2000]

A. 510 million sq km
B. 610 million sq km
C. 710 million sq km
D. 810 million sq km
Answer» A. 510 million sq km
665.

What is the approximate equatorial circumference of the earth? [Hotel Management 1992]

A. 30,000 Km
B. 35,000 Km
C. 40,000 Km
D. 45,000 Km
Answer» C. 40,000 Km
666.

The approximate diameter of the earth is :

A. 4,200 Km
B. 6,400 Km
C. 12,800 Km
D. 15,600 Km
Answer» C. 12,800 Km
667.

The place which has the longest day and the shortest night on 22nd December, is :

A. Chennai
B. Madrid
C. Melbourne
D. Moscow
Answer» C. Melbourne
668.

Geostationary orbit is at a height of:

A. 6 km
B. 1000 km
C. 3600 km
D. 36,000 km
Answer» D. 36,000 km
669.

Owing to the equatorial bulge and the polar flattening, the polar radius of the earth falls short of the equatorial radius by about: [NDA 1991]

A. 22 km
B. 36 km
C. 41 km
D. 53 km
Answer» A. 22 km
670.

The earth is at the least distance from the sun (Perihelion) on :

A. December 22nd
B. January 3rd
C. July 4th
D. June 21st
Answer» B. January 3rd
671.

The earth is at the largest distance from the sun (Apehelion) on :

A. June 21st
B. January 3rd
C. July 4th
D. September 23rd
Answer» C. July 4th
672.

The Earth rotates-around an axis pointing towards: [NDA 1991]

A. the moon
B. the pole star
C. the sun
D. Venus
Answer» B. the pole star
673.

Which part of the earth's surface receives the highest amount of insolation?

A. Tropical deserts
B. Equatorial region
C. Savanna region
D. No such criteria
Answer» A. Tropical deserts
674.

Which one of the following cities does not have the same clock time as that of the other three cities at any given instant? [IAS 2007]

A. London (UK)
B. Lisbon (Portugal)
C. Accra (Ghana)
D. Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
Answer» D. Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
675.

Which of the following layers of the earth is believed to have the heaviest mineral materials of highest density ?

A. Central core
B. Crust
C. Mantle
D. Both (b) and (c)
Answer» A. Central core
676.

Assume that the moon takes exactly 30 days to complete the cycle and also assume that it rises in the east exactly at 6.48 p.m., on the first day. On the fourth day, at what time will it rise? [IAS 2002]

A. 8.24 p.m
B. 9. 12 p.m
C. 10.00 p.m
D. 11.48 p.m.
Answer» C. 10.00 p.m
677.

Which one of the following is present in the largest amount in terms of percent by mass in the earth's crust? [IAS 1997]

A. Silicon
B. Oxygen
C. Carbon
D. Calcium
Answer» B. Oxygen
678.

Study the following diagram and say which of the given statements is not correct regarding it :

A. It shows the earth's orbital position on 21st June
B. All parallels in the northern hemisphere have days equal to nights
C. There is continuous day north of the Arctic Circle
D. South of the equator the length of the day decreases with increasing latitude
Answer» B. All parallels in the northern hemisphere have days equal to nights
679.

The difference in the duration of day and night increases as one moves from:

A. west to east
B. east and west of the prime meridian
C. poles to equator
D. equator to poles
Answer» D. equator to poles
680.

The sun is never overhead at any time in : 1. North Temperate Zone 2. South Temperate Zone 3. North Frigid Zone 4. Torrid Zone

A. III only
B. I, II and III
C. II and III
D. I, II, III and IV
Answer» B. I, II and III
681.

Which of the following statements with regard to the term 'great circle' is not correct?

A. Equator is a great circle
B. A ship can save fuel and time by following the great circle arc between two points
C. Only one great circle can be drawn on a sphere
D. A great circle results when a plane passes through the centre of a sphere
Answer» C. Only one great circle can be drawn on a sphere
682.

The term 'syzygy' is referred to when the: [IAS 2004]

A. Earth is at perihelion and moon at perigee
B. Earth is at apehelion and moon at apogee
C. Moon and sun are at right angles with reference to the earth
D. Moon, sun and earth lie along a straight line
Answer» D. Moon, sun and earth lie along a straight line
683.

The sun reaches its maximum angular distance from the equator at the:

A. zenith
B. solstice
C. equinox
D. noontime
Answer» B. solstice
684.

The South Pole experiences continuous light at:

A. summer solstice
B. winter solstice
C. vernal equinox
D. no time
Answer» B. winter solstice
685.

The shortest day in Australia will be on:

A. June 21
B. December 22
C. September 23
D. March 21
Answer» A. June 21
686.

The permanent tilt of the earth's axis and the revolution of the earth in its orbit together cause: 1. deflection of winds and ocean currents 2. differences in time between places on different meridians 3. varying length of day and night at different times of the year 4. changes in the altitude of the mid-day sun at different times of the year

A. II, III and IV
B. I and IV
C. III and IV
D. I, II and III
Answer» C. III and IV
687.

Which of the following best describes longitude?

A. An imaginary line joining north and south poles
B. The distance between a place east or west of the Greenwich Meridian
C. The angular distance east or west of the Greenwich meridian
D. The position of a place on earth's surface with reference to the Prime Meridian
Answer» C. The angular distance east or west of the Greenwich meridian
688.

On December 22, the sun: 1. is not visible at north pole 2. is only visible for a few minutes at the Antarctic Circle 3. rises south of east and sets south of west at the Tropic of Cancer 4. rises south of east and set south of west at the equator

A. 1 and 3
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1, 3 and 4
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer» C. 1, 3 and 4
689.

What is the correct sequence of the following in the context of the age of the earth since its origin? 1. Cenozoic 2. Mesozoic 3. Palaeozoic 4. Protozoic

A. 4, 3, 1, 2
B. 3, 4, 2, 1
C. 3, 4, 1, 2
D. 4, 3, 2, 1
Answer» D. 4, 3, 2, 1
690.

The latitude of a place expresses its angular position relative to the place of:

A. axis of the earth
B. equator
C. north pole
D. south pole
Answer» B. equator
691.

When would you record the maximum angle of incidence of the sun's rays at the north pole?

A. March 21
B. September 21
C. When the sun's rays fall vertically on the Tropic of Cancer
D. When the sun's rays fall vertically on the Tropic of Capricorn
Answer» C. When the sun's rays fall vertically on the Tropic of Cancer
692.

One degree of longitude on the equator is equal to a distance of:

A. 34.5 miles
B. 50 miles
C. 60 miles
D. 69 miles
Answer» B. 50 miles
693.

At the summer solstice, which one of the following latitudes will have the longest night? [NDA 2001]

A. 45°N
B. 45°S
C. 60°N
D. 60°S
Answer» D. 60°S
694.

The Tropic of Cancer passes through: [CPO AC 2003]

A. India and Iran
B. Iran and Pakistan
C. India and Saudi Arabia
D. Iran and Iraq
Answer» C. India and Saudi Arabia
695.

Which of these is the longest?

A. 0° Meridian
B. 180° E-W
C. 90° E
D. All are equal
Answer» D. All are equal
696.

Consider the following statements: 1. Earth is the fourth largest planet of the solar system 2. Earth's circumference is about 45000 km 3. Earth's polar diameter is about 43 km shorter than its equatorial diameter 4. Earth has a total surface area of 510 million sq.km Which of these statements are correct? [NDA 2002]

A. 1 and 2
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 3 and 4
Answer» D. 3 and 4
697.

The core of the Earth is made up of: [IAS 2003]

A. mainly of iron in the liquid form
B. mainly of nickel in the liquid form
C. both iron and silica in the liquid form
D. both iron and magnesium in the plastic state
Answer» D. both iron and magnesium in the plastic state
698.

Which one of the following is not the effect of the revolution of the Earth. [IAS 2003]

A. Change of seasons
B. length of days and nights
C. Determination of latitudes
D. Change in the direction of winds and ocean currents
Answer» D. Change in the direction of winds and ocean currents
699.

Latitudes include 181 lines while longitudes are 360 lines because:

A. longitude is divided from prime meridian while latitude is from equator
B. longitude is divided from equator while latitude is from prime meridian
C. longitude is a line that connects North Pole to South Pole and latitude is divided from east to west
D. None of these
Answer» A. longitude is divided from prime meridian while latitude is from equator
700.

Which of the following statements is true?

A. Arctic circle, antarctic circle and equator are great circles
B. Both equator and longitudes are great circles
C. Both latitudes and longitudes are great circles
D. Both equator and latitudes are great circles
Answer» B. Both equator and longitudes are great circles
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