UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 47: Science and Technology
Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Theory/Law — Associated Scientist
- 1.Continental Drift : Edwin Hubble
- 2.Expansion of Universe : Alfred Wegener
- 3.Photoelectric Effect : Albert Einstein
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Only pair 3 is correct. The photoelectric effect was explained by Albert Einstein in 1905, the work for which he received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. Continental drift is Alfred Wegener's theory, and the expansion of the universe is linked with Edwin Hubble. The first two pairs swap the scientists.
- 1. Continental drift is Alfred Wegener's theory, not Hubble's.
- 2. The expansion of the universe is linked with Hubble, not Wegener.
- 3. Einstein explained the photoelectric effect.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (d) goes: it includes 1.
What you needed to know: Continental drift is Alfred Wegener's theory, not Hubble's.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: The expansion of the universe is linked with Hubble, not Wegener.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
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) Pair 2 gives Hubble's expanding universe to Wegener, so it is wrong.
- (b) Only the photoelectric effect and Einstein pair is right.
- (c) Pair 2 is wrong, since the expanding universe is Hubble's.
- (d) Pair 1 is wrong, since continental drift is Wegener's.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
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.