Everyday Science
Results
#1. The principal component of natural gas is:
Natural gas consists chiefly of methane. Butane and propane are components of liquefied petroleum gas.
#2. Mendel conducted his foundational experiments on:
Mendel studied inherited traits in garden pea plants. He identified dominant and recessive characteristics.
#3. The alloy of copper and zinc is known as:
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Bronze is copper alloyed with tin.
#4. Ozone consists of how many oxygen atoms per molecule?
Ozone has the formula O3. Ordinary atmospheric oxygen is O2.
#5. Anaemia commonly results from deficiency of which mineral?
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron is required for haemoglobin production.
#6. The instrument used in submarines to observe the surface is the:
A periscope allows observation over or around an obstacle using mirrors or prisms. Submarines use it to view the surface.
#7. The mirror that always produces a virtual, diminished image and is used as a vehicle rear-view mirror is:
Convex mirrors produce diminished virtual images with a wide field of view. This makes them suitable as rear-view mirrors.
#8. The part of the brain that controls balance and coordination is the:
The cerebellum coordinates movement and maintains balance. The cerebrum handles higher functions.
#9. The blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart are called:
Veins return blood to the heart. Most carry deoxygenated blood, the pulmonary vein being an exception.
#10. The study of earthquakes is called:
Seismology studies earthquakes and the propagation of seismic waves. It informs earthquake-resistant design.
#11. Animals that maintain a constant internal body temperature are described as:
Warm-blooded animals regulate internal temperature independently of the environment. Mammals and birds are examples.
#12. The instrument used to measure the density of liquids is the:
A hydrometer measures the relative density of liquids. It is used to test battery acid and milk.
#13. The part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering is the:
The iris adjusts the size of the pupil to regulate light entry. It also gives the eye its colour.
#14. The unit of work and energy is the:
The joule is the SI unit of energy and work. One joule equals one newton acting through one metre.
#15. The instrument used to view very small objects is the:
A microscope magnifies small objects beyond the resolution of the eye. Optical and electron types exist.
#16. The number of bones in an adult human body is:
An adult human skeleton contains 206 bones. Infants are born with a greater number that later fuse.
#17. The direct conversion of a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid state is called:
Sublimation converts solid directly to gas. Dry ice and camphor demonstrate the process.
#18. The most abundant element in the universe is:
Hydrogen constitutes the majority of ordinary matter in the universe. Helium is the second most abundant.
#19. The normal human body temperature is approximately:
Normal body temperature averages about thirty-seven degrees Celsius. It varies slightly through the day.
#20. The study of birds is called:
Ornithology is the study of birds. It includes their behaviour, physiology and classification.
#21. The organelle known as the powerhouse of the cell is the:
Mitochondria generate most of the cell’s ATP through respiration. They are described as the powerhouse of the cell.
#22. The acid found in citrus fruits such as lemons is:
Citric acid gives citrus fruits their sour taste. It is also used as a food preservative.
#23. The scientist regarded as the father of genetics is:
Mendel’s experiments with pea plants established the laws of inheritance. His work was recognised only after his death.
#24. The smallest bone in the human body is located in the:
The stapes in the middle ear is the smallest bone. It transmits vibrations to the inner ear.
#25. The number of base units in the SI system is:
The SI system has seven base units. These are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole and candela.
#26. The lightning is seen before thunder is heard because:
Light reaches the observer almost instantly while sound takes longer. The delay indicates the distance of the strike.
#27. The branch of biology dealing with the study of plants is:
Botany is the scientific study of plants. Zoology deals with animals.
#28. Night blindness results from deficiency of:
Vitamin A deficiency impairs vision in low light. It is found in carrots, liver and dairy products.
#29. A person appears to float more easily in the Dead Sea because of its:
The high salinity increases the water’s density and buoyancy. Swimmers float more easily as a result.
#30. The loss of water vapour from the leaves of plants is called:
Transpiration is water loss through stomata in leaves. It helps draw water up from the roots.
#31. Digestion of food begins in the:
Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and salivary enzymes. Salivary amylase acts on starch.
#32. The circulation of blood in the human body was described by:
Harvey described the circulation of blood in the seventeenth century. His work overturned earlier theories.
#33. The hardest substance in the human body is:
Enamel covering the tooth crown is the hardest tissue in the body. It cannot regenerate once lost.
#34. The most abundant element in the earth’s crust is:
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the crust by mass. Silicon is second.
#35. A rainbow is formed primarily by which processes in water droplets?
Sunlight is refracted, reflected internally and refracted again within droplets. This produces the spectrum of a rainbow.
#36. The device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is the:
An electric motor converts electrical energy into motion. It works on the principle of electromagnetic force.
#37. The device used to measure atmospheric pressure is the:
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure. Falling pressure often indicates approaching bad weather.
#38. Gas exchange in the lungs takes place in structures called:
Alveoli are tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. They provide a large surface area.
#39. The acid present in the human stomach is:
Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid, which aids digestion. It also provides a barrier against pathogens.
#40. The part of the cell that controls its activities and contains genetic material is the:
The nucleus houses the cell’s genetic material and directs its activities. Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.
#41. The instrument used to record earthquakes is the:
A seismograph records ground motion during earthquakes. The magnitude is reported on scales such as the moment magnitude scale.
#42. Photosynthesis occurs in which part of the plant cell?
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis. They occur in plant cells and algae.
#43. A concave lens is used to correct which defect of vision?
Concave lenses diverge light and correct short-sightedness. Convex lenses correct long-sightedness.
#44. The gland often described as the master gland is the:
The pituitary regulates other endocrine glands. It is located at the base of the brain.
#45. Sound travels fastest in:
Sound travels fastest through solids because their particles are closely packed. It cannot travel through a vacuum.
#46. The process of coating iron with zinc to prevent rusting is called:
Galvanising applies a protective zinc coating to iron or steel. The zinc corrodes preferentially, protecting the iron.
#47. Nuclear power stations generate energy principally through:
Commercial reactors use fission, splitting heavy nuclei such as uranium. Fusion remains under development for power generation.
#48. The principle that a body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of fluid displaced is attributed to:
Archimedes’ principle explains buoyancy. It accounts for why objects float or sink.
#49. The gas responsible for the greenhouse effect in greatest quantity from human activity is:
Carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas emitted by human activity. Methane has a stronger effect per molecule but is less abundant.
#50. The human eye focuses light onto the:
The retina contains photoreceptor cells that convert light into nerve signals. The lens focuses light onto it.
#51. Rusting of iron requires the presence of oxygen and:
Rusting is an oxidation process requiring both oxygen and moisture. It can be prevented by coating or galvanising.
#52. Common table salt is chemically known as:
Table salt is sodium chloride with the formula NaCl. Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda.
#53. The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another is called:
Refraction occurs because light changes speed between media. It explains why a straw appears bent in water.
#54. The instrument used to measure potential difference is the:
A voltmeter measures voltage across two points. It is connected in parallel.
#55. The phenomenon by which a body continues to glow after the source of light is removed is called:
Phosphorescent materials continue emitting light after excitation ceases. Fluorescence stops when the source is removed.
#56. The SI base unit of luminous intensity is the:
The candela is the SI base unit of luminous intensity. Lumens and lux are derived photometric units.
#57. The disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C is:
Scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency. It historically affected sailors on long voyages.
#58. Deficiency of iodine in the diet causes:
Iodine deficiency causes enlargement of the thyroid gland. Iodised salt is used to prevent it.
#59. Insects are classified within which group of animals?
Insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda, characterised by jointed limbs and an exoskeleton. It is the largest animal phylum.
#60. The device used to change the voltage of alternating current is the:
A transformer changes AC voltage levels. It works by electromagnetic induction.
#61. The part of the brain responsible for thinking, memory and voluntary action is the:
The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and governs higher functions. It is divided into two hemispheres.
#62. The transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid is called:
Convection transfers heat through bulk movement of a heated fluid. It explains sea breezes and boiling water.
#63. The small finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase absorption are called:
Villi increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine. Microvilli further enhance it.
#64. A solution with a pH of 3 is:
Values below seven on the pH scale indicate acidity. Lower values indicate stronger acids.
#65. The branch of science dealing with the study of heredity is:
Genetics studies heredity and variation in organisms. Gregor Mendel is regarded as its founder.
#66. The proportion of oxygen in the earth’s atmosphere is approximately:
Oxygen constitutes roughly twenty-one percent of the atmosphere by volume. Nitrogen is the most abundant component.
#67. The unit of power is the:
The watt is the SI unit of power, equal to one joule per second. It measures the rate of energy transfer.
#68. The part of the brain that controls breathing and heart rate is the:
The medulla regulates involuntary functions including breathing and heartbeat. It forms part of the brainstem.
#69. The splitting of white light into its component colours is called:
Dispersion separates white light into a spectrum. A prism demonstrates the effect.
#70. The number of chromosomes in a normal human body cell is:
Human somatic cells contain forty-six chromosomes in twenty-three pairs. Gametes contain twenty-three.
#71. The unit of electrical resistance is the:
The ohm is the unit of electrical resistance. Ohm’s law relates voltage, current and resistance.
#72. The pigment responsible for the colour of human skin is:
Melanin determines skin, hair and eye colour. It also provides protection against ultraviolet radiation.
#73. The number of chambers in the human heart is:
The human heart has two atria and two ventricles. This separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
#74. The only metal that is liquid at room temperature is:
Mercury is liquid at ordinary room temperature. Gallium melts slightly above room temperature.
#75. The longest bone in the human body is the:
The femur or thigh bone is the longest and strongest bone. It supports the body’s weight.
#76. The blood group system based on A, B and O antigens was discovered by:
Landsteiner identified the ABO blood groups in 1901. The discovery made safe transfusion possible.
#77. Diamond and graphite are both forms of which element?
Both are allotropes of carbon with different atomic arrangements. This accounts for their very different properties.
#78. The green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis is:
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. It gives plants their green colour.
#79. The basic functional unit of the nervous system is the:
Neurons transmit electrical signals throughout the nervous system. They connect at synapses.
#80. The hardest naturally occurring substance is:
Diamond is the hardest known natural material. Both diamond and graphite are forms of carbon.
#81. The device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is the:
A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electric motor performs the reverse.
#82. The tissue that transports food in plants is:
Phloem transports sugars produced in the leaves to other parts. Xylem carries water in the opposite direction.
#83. The chemical symbol for iron is:
Iron’s symbol Fe derives from the Latin ferrum. Ir denotes iridium.
#84. The pH value of a neutral solution is:
A pH of seven indicates neutrality at standard conditions. Values below seven are acidic and above seven alkaline.
#85. The tissue that transports water from roots to leaves in plants is:
Xylem conducts water and dissolved minerals upward. Phloem transports the products of photosynthesis.
#86. The acid that accumulates in muscles during vigorous exercise is:
Lactic acid accumulates during anaerobic respiration in muscles. It is associated with muscle fatigue.
#87. Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is:
The third law describes paired forces between interacting bodies. The forces act on different objects.
#88. The study of weather and atmospheric conditions is:
Meteorology studies the atmosphere and weather. It underlies weather forecasting.
#89. The largest artery in the human body is the:
The aorta is the main artery carrying blood from the left ventricle. It branches to supply the whole body.
#90. The sex chromosomes of a human female are:
Females normally have two X chromosomes. Males have one X and one Y.
#91. The universal donor blood group is:
O negative blood can be given to recipients of any group in emergencies. AB positive is the universal recipient.
#92. The vitamin essential for blood clotting is:
Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of clotting factors. Deficiency prolongs bleeding.
#93. The small openings on the surface of leaves that allow gas exchange are called:
Stomata are pores regulating gas exchange and water loss. Guard cells control their opening.
#94. The reason the sky appears blue is chiefly:
Shorter blue wavelengths are scattered more strongly by air molecules. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
#95. The vitamin synthesised by the human body on exposure to sunlight is:
Skin synthesises vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is essential for calcium absorption.
#96. The chemical symbol for potassium is:
Potassium’s symbol K derives from kalium. P denotes phosphorus.
#97. The unit of heredity that determines a specific trait is the:
A gene is a segment of DNA coding for a particular characteristic. Genes occur at specific positions on chromosomes.
#98. The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately:
Sound travels at roughly 343 metres per second in air at about twenty degrees Celsius. The speed increases with temperature.
#99. A pressure cooker cooks food faster because increased pressure:
Higher pressure raises the boiling point, allowing food to cook at a higher temperature. This shortens cooking time.
#100. The chemical symbol for sodium is:
Sodium’s symbol Na comes from the Latin natrium. S denotes sulphur.
#101. The instrument used to measure the intensity of earthquakes on a magnitude scale is associated with the name:
The Richter scale expresses earthquake magnitude. Modern seismology often uses the moment magnitude scale.
#102. Einstein’s famous equation relating mass and energy is:
The equation expresses the equivalence of mass and energy. It underlies nuclear energy calculations.
#103. Most absorption of nutrients occurs in the:
The small intestine absorbs the majority of nutrients. Villi greatly increase its surface area.
#104. The device that converts sound energy into electrical energy is the:
A microphone converts sound into electrical signals. A loudspeaker performs the reverse conversion.
#105. The thyroid gland requires which element to function properly?
Iodine is required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Deficiency causes goitre.
#106. The scientist who developed the process of pasteurisation was:
Louis Pasteur developed pasteurisation to reduce microbial contamination. He also contributed to vaccine development.
#107. The mineral essential for the formation of strong bones and teeth is:
Calcium is the principal mineral in bones and teeth. Vitamin D aids its absorption.
#108. The acceleration due to gravity on earth is approximately:
Standard gravity at the earth’s surface is about 9.8 metres per second squared. The value varies slightly with location.
#109. The alloy of copper and tin is known as:
Bronze consists chiefly of copper and tin. Its use defined an archaeological age.
#110. The functional unit of the kidney is the:
The nephron is the filtering unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains around a million of them.
#111. The number of teeth in a normal adult human is:
An adult normally has thirty-two permanent teeth including wisdom teeth. Children have twenty milk teeth.
#112. Beriberi is caused by deficiency of:
Beriberi results from thiamine deficiency. It affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
#113. The theory of relativity was developed by:
Albert Einstein developed the special and general theories of relativity. His work transformed modern physics.
#114. The transfer of heat through direct contact between particles is called:
Conduction transfers heat through direct particle contact. Metals are generally good conductors.
#115. The branch of science dealing with the study of living organisms is:
Biology is the study of living organisms. Its branches include botany, zoology and microbiology.
#116. The chemical symbol for gold is:
The symbol Au derives from the Latin aurum. Ag denotes silver from argentum.
#117. The chemical symbol for silver is:
Silver’s symbol Ag comes from the Latin argentum. Si denotes silicon.
#118. The lightest element in the periodic table is:
Hydrogen has atomic number one and is the lightest element. It is also the most abundant in the universe.
#119. The disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D is:
Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children through impaired bone mineralisation. Sunlight enables the body to synthesise vitamin D.
#120. The unit of frequency is the:
The hertz measures cycles per second. It is used for sound, radio waves and other periodic phenomena.
#121. Stainless steel resists corrosion chiefly because it contains:
Chromium forms a protective oxide layer on stainless steel. Nickel is also commonly present.
#122. The process of separating liquids with different boiling points is called:
Distillation separates liquids by exploiting differences in boiling point. It is used in petroleum refining.
#123. The genetic material of most living organisms is:
DNA carries hereditary information in most organisms. Some viruses use RNA instead.
#124. The universal recipient blood group is:
AB positive individuals can receive blood of any group. They lack the corresponding antibodies.
#125. Long-sightedness or hypermetropia is corrected using a:
Convex lenses converge light to correct long-sightedness. The defect arises when images form behind the retina.
#126. The instrument used to measure wind speed is the:
An anemometer measures wind speed. It is a standard meteorological instrument.
#127. The study of insects is called:
Entomology is the study of insects. It has applications in agriculture and public health.
#128. The gas commonly known as laughing gas is:
Nitrous oxide is known as laughing gas. It has been used as a mild anaesthetic.
#129. Heat from the sun reaches the earth principally by:
Radiation transfers energy through electromagnetic waves and requires no medium. This is how solar energy crosses space.
#130. The study of diseases is called:
Pathology studies the nature and causes of disease. It underpins medical diagnosis.
#131. Protein synthesis in the cell takes place at the:
Ribosomes assemble amino acids into proteins. They occur freely and on the endoplasmic reticulum.
#132. The double helix structure of DNA was described by:
James Watson and Francis Crick published the double helix model in 1953. Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray work was essential to the discovery.
#133. The Beaufort scale is used to measure:
The Beaufort scale describes wind force by observed effects. It ranges from calm to hurricane.
#134. The largest organ of the human body is the:
The skin is the largest organ by surface area and weight. It provides protection and regulates temperature.
#135. The instrument used to measure electric current is the:
An ammeter measures current and is connected in series. A voltmeter measures potential difference in parallel.
#136. The layer of the atmosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation is the:
The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs most ultraviolet radiation. Its depletion prompted international regulation.
#137. The study of the functions of living systems is called:
Physiology studies how living systems function. It complements anatomy.
#138. Louis Pasteur is credited with the process of heating liquids to kill pathogens, known as:
Pasteurisation heats liquids to destroy harmful microorganisms. It is widely applied to milk.
#139. The acid found in vinegar is:
Vinegar contains dilute acetic acid. Citric acid occurs in citrus fruits.
#140. The largest internal organ of the human body is the:
The liver is the largest internal organ. It performs metabolic, storage and detoxification functions.
#141. The instrument used to measure altitude is the:
An altimeter measures height above a reference level. Aircraft use it to determine elevation.
#142. The study of the earth’s physical structure and substance is:
Geology studies the earth’s structure, rocks and processes. It includes the study of earthquakes and volcanoes.
#143. The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms is the:
The cell is the fundamental unit of life. All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
#144. The strongest muscle in the human body relative to its size is generally considered the:
The masseter, a jaw muscle, exerts the greatest force relative to size. The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle.
#145. The largest gland in the human body is the:
The liver is the largest gland as well as the largest internal organ. It performs numerous metabolic functions.
#146. The device used to measure very high temperatures is the:
A pyrometer measures high temperatures, often without contact. It is used in furnaces and metalworking.
#147. The chemical process of converting a liquid into vapour below its boiling point is called:
Evaporation occurs at the surface of a liquid at temperatures below boiling. It causes cooling of the remaining liquid.
#148. The instrument used to view distant objects in astronomy is the:
A telescope magnifies distant objects. Refracting and reflecting types are the principal designs.
#149. The gas produced during photosynthesis and released by plants is:
Plants release oxygen as a product of photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide in the process.
#150. The metal used in the filament of an incandescent bulb is:
Tungsten is used for its very high melting point. This allows it to glow without melting.
#151. The study of fossils is called:
Palaeontology studies fossils and ancient life. It draws on both geology and biology.
#152. Darwin’s principal work setting out his theory is titled:
On the Origin of Species was published in 1859. It presented evidence for evolution by natural selection.
#153. The SI base unit of the amount of substance is the:
The mole is the SI base unit for amount of substance. It corresponds to a fixed number of particles.
#154. The organ that produces insulin is the:
The pancreas produces insulin in its islet cells. Insufficient insulin action results in diabetes.
#155. Newton’s first law of motion is also known as the law of:
The first law states that a body remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a force. It is therefore called the law of inertia.
#156. Structures in the cell that carry genes are called:
Chromosomes are thread-like structures carrying genes. Human body cells normally contain forty-six.
#157. The unit of pressure in the SI system is the:
The pascal is the SI unit of pressure, equal to one newton per square metre. Atmospheric pressure is often given in kilopascals.
#158. The branch of science dealing with the study of celestial bodies is:
Astronomy studies celestial objects and the universe. It is among the oldest natural sciences.
#159. Edward Jenner is credited with developing the first vaccine against:
Jenner developed smallpox vaccination in the late eighteenth century. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980.
#160. The scientist associated with the development of the smallpox vaccine was:
Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine in the late eighteenth century. His work founded immunology.
#161. The unit used to measure the loudness of sound is the:
The decibel measures sound intensity level. The scale is logarithmic.
#162. Baking soda is chemically known as:
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It releases carbon dioxide when heated or acidified.
#163. The energy source of the sun is:
The sun generates energy by fusing hydrogen into helium. This process releases enormous quantities of energy.
#164. The instrument used to measure humidity is the:
A hygrometer measures atmospheric moisture content. It is used in weather stations and laboratories.
#165. Diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormal levels of which substance in the blood?
Diabetes involves elevated blood glucose due to insulin deficiency or resistance. It is managed through diet, medication and monitoring.
#166. The instrument used to detect and measure radiation is the:
A Geiger counter detects ionising radiation. It is used in nuclear safety and research.
#167. The intensity of sound is commonly measured in:
Sound intensity is measured in decibels on a logarithmic scale. Prolonged exposure above roughly eighty-five decibels risks hearing damage.
#168. The blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart are called:
Arteries carry blood away from the heart. Veins return blood toward it.
#169. The study of the relationship between organisms and their environment is:
Ecology examines interactions among organisms and their environment. It underpins conservation science.
#170. The chemical formula for water is:
Water consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. H2O2 is hydrogen peroxide.
#171. The SI base unit of temperature is the:
The kelvin is the SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature. Its zero point is absolute zero.
#172. The branch of biology dealing with the study of animals is:
Zoology is the study of animals. It covers their structure, behaviour and classification.
#173. The theory of evolution by natural selection was proposed by:
Darwin set out the theory in On the Origin of Species in 1859. Alfred Russel Wallace independently reached similar conclusions.
#174. The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately:
Light travels at about 299,792 kilometres per second in a vacuum. It is the maximum speed at which information can travel.
#175. The study of the human body’s structure is called:
Anatomy studies the structure of the body. Physiology studies its functions.