CGPSC MAINS 2014 Paper-4

Points to Remember: Major air pollutants: Particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Effects on living beings: Respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, neurological damage, reproductive issues, cancer, damage to ecosystems. Mitigation strategies: Reducing emissions from vehicles and industries, promoting renewable energy, improving air … Read more

Points to Remember: Conventional energy sources are those that have been used for a long time and are readily available. Each source has its own set of advantages and disadvantages concerning cost, environmental impact, and availability. A balanced discussion requires considering both the positive and negative aspects of each source. Introduction: Conventional energy sources are … Read more

Points to Remember: Difference between primary and secondary cells. Chemical reactions involved in each type. Advantages and disadvantages of each type. Applications of each type. Environmental considerations. Introduction: Batteries are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. They are ubiquitous in modern life, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and … Read more

Points to Remember: Rapid increase in human population Strain on resources Environmental consequences Social and economic implications Sustainable solutions Introduction: Population explosion refers to a rapid and significant increase in a population’s size over a relatively short period. It’s characterized by a growth rate that far exceeds the capacity of the environment to sustain it. … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition of sound pollution Sources of sound pollution Effects of sound pollution on human health and the environment Measurement of sound pollution Control and prevention of sound pollution Introduction: Sound pollution, also known as noise pollution, is defined as the propagation of noise with harmful effects on the activity of human or … Read more

Points to Remember: Location of Nitrogen Group (Group 15) in the Periodic Table. Electronic Configuration and Chemical Inertness of N₂. Diverse Nature of Nitrogen Oxides. Properties and Structures of Nitrogen Oxo-acids. Introduction: The nitrogen group, also known as Group 15 or pnictogens, occupies a crucial position in the periodic table. It’s the fifteenth column, positioned … Read more

Points to Remember: Electromagnetism Magnetic field interaction Torque production DC and AC motors Applications Introduction: An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. This conversion relies on the fundamental principle of electromagnetism: the interaction between electric currents and magnetic fields. Essentially, an electric motor uses electricity to create a rotating … Read more

Points to Remember: Malware is malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. Various types of malware exist, each with different functionalities and levels of harm. Prevention and detection are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with malware. Effective cybersecurity practices are essential for individuals and organizations. Introduction: Computer … Read more

Points to Remember: Faraday’s Law Lenz’s Law Applications of Electromagnetic Induction AC Generators Transformers Introduction: Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field produces an electromotive force (EMF) – a voltage – in a conductor. This fundamental principle, discovered by Michael Faraday in the 1830s, forms the basis for countless technologies we … Read more

Points to Remember: Respiratory Quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed during metabolism. RQ varies depending on the type of substrate being metabolized. Carbohydrates have a higher RQ than fats. Introduction: The Respiratory Quotient (RQ), also known as the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), is a dimensionless number used in physiology to … Read more