2008 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies

Question 134: Science and Technology

Assertion (A): Radio waves bend in a magnetic field. Reason (R): Radio waves are electromagnetic in nature.

aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
bBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
cA is true but R is false
dA is false but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The assertion is false. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves, which carry no electric charge, so a magnetic field does not bend them; only moving charged particles, such as an electron beam, are deflected. The reason is true, since radio waves are electromagnetic in nature, but that is exactly why they are not bent by a magnetic field.

  • A. Radio waves are uncharged and are not bent by a magnetic field.
  • R. Radio waves are electromagnetic in nature.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, only (d) is left: every other option says it is correct.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) A is false, so it cannot be explained by R.
  • (b) A is false, so both cannot be individually true.
  • (c) A is false, so it cannot be true.
  • (d) A is false and R is true.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.