1996 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 36: Geography

Which one of the following layers of the atmosphere is responsible for the deflection of radio waves?

aTroposphere
bStratosphere
cMesosphere
dIonosphere

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The ionosphere, a layer of charged particles starting around 60 to 80 km above the ground, reflects (bends) radio waves back towards the earth, which makes long-distance short-wave radio possible. The troposphere holds weather, the stratosphere holds the ozone layer, and the mesosphere is the cold layer between. Remember: ionosphere - radio waves.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The troposphere is the weather layer; it does not deflect radio waves.
  • (b) The stratosphere holds the ozone layer, not the layer that reflects radio waves.
  • (c) The mesosphere is the cold layer above the stratosphere, not the radio-reflecting one.
  • (d) Right: the ionosphere's charged particles reflect radio waves.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.