1999 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 110: Geography
Which one of the following scholars suggests the earth’s origin from gases and dust particles?
aJames Jeans
bH. Alfven
cF. Hoyle
dO. Schmidt
AnswerThe answer is (d).
O. Schmidt, the Russian scientist, proposed in 1944 that the Sun, in passing through an interstellar cloud of dust and gas, captured part of it, and the planets formed out of that cloud. James Jeans proposed a tidal (close-encounter) theory, Hoyle a supernova-based theory, and Alfven an electromagnetic one. Remember: Schmidt means the dust and gas cloud.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Jeans proposed a tidal theory based on a passing star.
- (b) Wrong. Alfven's theory relied on electromagnetic forces.
- (c) Wrong. Hoyle's theory involved a supernova.
- (d) Right. Schmidt proposed the origin from gases and dust.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.