CGPSC MAINS 2012 Paper-4

Points to Remember: Copper’s reactivity with nitric acid depends on the concentration of the acid. Different products are formed depending on the concentration of nitric acid. Balanced chemical equations must be provided for each reaction. Introduction: Copper (Cu), a transition metal, exhibits variable oxidation states, making its reactions with acids complex. Nitric acid (HNO₃) is … Read more

Points to Remember: Main sources of non-conventional energy: Solar, wind, hydro (small-scale), geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave. Importance: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels, environmental benefits, energy security, economic opportunities. Challenges: Intermittency, geographical limitations, high initial investment costs. Introduction: The world faces a growing energy crisis fueled by increasing demand and the environmental consequences of relying heavily … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of disaster management. Phases of disaster management cycle. Key stakeholders and their roles. Importance of preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Challenges in disaster management. Introduction: Disaster management encompasses the organization and implementation of measures to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural or human-made disasters. It’s a multi-faceted … Read more

Points to Remember: The question requires the names and chemical formulas of two copper ores. The approach is factual. Introduction: Copper is an essential metal with widespread applications in various industries, from electrical wiring to construction. It is primarily obtained from its ores, which are naturally occurring minerals containing sufficient copper to make its extraction … Read more

Points to Remember: Copper pyrites (chalcopyrite, CuFeS₂) is the most important copper ore. Extraction involves several stages: concentration, roasting, smelting, and refining. Environmental considerations are crucial throughout the process. Introduction: Copper, a vital metal for numerous applications, is primarily extracted from its ores, with copper pyrites (CuFeS₂) being the most abundant source. The extraction process … Read more

Points to Remember: Major organs of the respiratory system: Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs (alveoli). Breathing mechanism: Inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration), involving diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Gas exchange: Oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release in alveoli. Introduction: The human respiratory system is a complex network of organs and tissues responsible for gas exchange … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition and core concept of ex situ conservation. Methods employed in ex situ conservation (zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, gene banks). Advantages and disadvantages of ex situ conservation. Examples of successful ex situ conservation programs. Limitations and challenges associated with ex situ conservation. The role of technology in enhancing ex situ conservation … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition and characteristics of non-degradable pollutants. Sources of non-degradable pollutants. Environmental impacts of non-degradable pollutants. Mitigation and management strategies. Introduction: Pollution, the contamination of the environment with harmful substances, poses a significant threat to ecological balance and human health. Pollutants are broadly classified as biodegradable and non-degradable based on their ability to … Read more

Points to Remember: Collision Theory Activation Energy Concentration of Reactants Temperature Surface Area Catalysts Pressure (for gaseous reactions) Introduction: Chemical reactions are the foundation of all chemical processes, from the rusting of iron to the complex metabolic reactions within living organisms. The rate at which these reactions proceed is crucial in determining the efficiency and … Read more

Points to Remember: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. Electronegativity increases across a period (left to right). Electronegativity decreases down a group. Introduction: Electronegativity, a crucial concept in chemistry, describes an atom’s ability to attract electrons within a chemical bond. It’s not a directly measurable quantity but … Read more