UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 96: Science and Technology
The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/importances of discovering this particle?
- 1.It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass.
- 2.It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them.
- 3.It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The Higgs boson is the particle linked to the Higgs field, through which elementary particles acquire mass, so discovering it helps to explain why elementary particles have mass. A Higgs-like particle was announced at CERN in 2012. It has no link to the teleportation of matter, nor to better fuels for nuclear fission. Only statement 1 is correct.
- 1. The Higgs field gives elementary particles their mass.
- 2. It has no bearing on teleportation of matter.
- 3. It has no bearing on nuclear fission fuels.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (b), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: It has no bearing on nuclear fission fuels.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 2.
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) Correct. Only the origin of mass is explained.
- (b) Wrong. Neither teleportation nor fission fuels follows from it.
- (c) Wrong. Fission fuels are unrelated to the Higgs boson.
- (d) Wrong. Statements 2 and 3 are false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.