UPSC Science and Technology – Chapter 18: Nanotechnology and New Materials (24 MCQs)

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UPSC Science and Technology – Chapter 18: Nanotechnology and New Materials (24 MCQs) – 24 questions, subject: Science & Technology. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

One nanometre is equal to:

Correct Answer: A [10⁻⁹ metre]

Explanation:

Nano means one-billionth, so one nanometre equals 10⁻⁹ metre.

2.  

The lecture "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" (1959) was given by:

Correct Answer: C [Richard Feynman]

Explanation:

Richard Feynman gave the lecture at Caltech in December 1959, foreseeing control of matter at the atomic scale.

3.  

Nanoparticles are more reactive than bulk material mainly because of their:

Correct Answer: C [larger surface area relative to volume]

Explanation:

At the nanoscale a far larger share of atoms lies on the surface, so the high surface-to-volume ratio raises reactivity.

4.  

Which nanoparticles are commonly used in sunscreens?

Correct Answer: D [Zinc oxide]

Explanation:

titanium dioxide too.

5.  

Graphene is:

Correct Answer: B [a single layer of carbon atoms in a honeycomb pattern]

Explanation:

Graphene is a single atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice.

6.  

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery of:

Correct Answer: D [quantum dots]

Explanation:

Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov won the 2023 Chemistry Nobel for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

7.  

The colour of light given out by a quantum dot depends mainly on its:

Correct Answer: A [size]

Explanation:

Quantum effects make a dot's emitted colour depend on its size: smaller dots give bluer light, larger dots redder.

8.  

India's Nano Mission was launched in 2007 by the:

Correct Answer: D [Department of Science and Technology]

Explanation:

The Department of Science and Technology launched the Mission on Nano Science and Technology in 2007.

9.  

The mRNA in COVID-19 vaccines was carried into cells by:

Correct Answer: D [lipid nanoparticles]

Explanation:

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines wrap the fragile mRNA in lipid nanoparticles that protect it and help it enter cells.

10.  

Consider the following statements:

1. Nanoparticles occur naturally in volcanic ash and sea spray.
2. Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties.
3. Nanoparticles cannot cross cell membranes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]

Explanation:

Nanoparticles occur naturally and silver nanoparticles are antibacterial; statement 3 is false because some nanoparticles do cross cell membranes.

11.  

Assertion (A): OLED screens can show deeper blacks than LCD screens.

Reason (R): In an OLED screen each pixel makes its own light and can be switched off completely.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

Both are true, and an OLED pixel that switches off emits no light, which is exactly why OLEDs show true black.

12.  

A material that produces electricity when pressed is:

Correct Answer: A [piezoelectric]

Explanation:

Piezoelectric materials generate an electric charge under mechanical pressure, as used in gas lighters and sensors.

13.  

Nitinol, used in medical stents, is a:

Correct Answer: D [shape-memory alloy]

Explanation:

Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy, returns to its original shape when heated, which makes it useful in stents.

14.  

Superconductors are used in:

Correct Answer: C [MRI machines]

Explanation:

MRI machines use superconducting magnets, cooled to very low temperature so they carry current with zero resistance.

15.  

3D printing is also called:

Correct Answer: D [additive manufacturing]

Explanation:

3D printing builds an object by adding material layer by layer, hence the name additive manufacturing.

16.  

IFFCO's liquid Nano Urea was launched in:

Correct Answer: B [2021]

Explanation:

IFFCO introduced its liquid Nano Urea, promoted as the world's first nano urea, in 2021.

17.  

Arrange the following in chronological order:

1. Feynman's lecture on the nanoscale
2. Discovery of fullerene (C60)
3. Isolation of graphene
4. Coining of the term "nanotechnology"

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [1-4-2-3]

Explanation:

1959, 1974, 1985, 2004.

18.  

Building nanostructures atom by atom through chemical synthesis is called:

Correct Answer: C [bottom-up]

Explanation:

Bottom-up fabrication builds nanostructures from atoms and molecules through chemical synthesis and self-assembly.

19.  

Which of the following is a typical size of a virus?

Correct Answer: A [20–300 nm]

Explanation:

Most viruses measure about 20–300 nm, between large molecules and bacteria on the size scale.

20.  

Perovskites are being developed mainly for:

Correct Answer: B [next-generation solar cells]

Explanation:

Perovskite crystals absorb sunlight very efficiently and are being developed for cheaper, next-generation solar cells.

21.  
UPSC Prelims 2022

Consider the following statements :

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Correct Answer: D [2 and 3]

Explanation:

nanoparticles also occur in nature.

22.  
UPSC Prelims 2018

"3D printing" has applications in which of the following?

1. Preparation of confectionery items
2. Manufacture of bionic ears
3. Automotive industry
4. Reconstructive surgeries
5. Data processing technologies

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]

Explanation:

3D printing is used in all five areas: confectionery, bionic ears, automotive parts, reconstructive surgery and data-processing technologies.

23.  
UPSC Prelims 2017

Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital displays in many devices. What is/are the advantage of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays?

1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.
2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.
3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3]

Explanation:

OLEDs emit their own light without a rigid backlight, so they can be flexible, rolled up in clothing and made transparent.

24.  
UPSC Prelims 2015

With reference to the use of nanotechnology in the health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]

Explanation:

Nanocarriers deliver drugs to targeted cells and can carry genetic material into cells, aiding gene therapy.

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