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Question No. 231Interactive Test Mode
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Q231. Assertion (A): A man standing on a completely frictionless surface can propel himself by whistling. Reason (R): If no external force acts on a system, its momentum cannot change. Codes:

Assertion (A): A man standing on a completely frictionless surface can propel himself by whistling. Reason (R): If no external force acts on a system, its momentum cannot change. Codes:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2000 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (B) — Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Assertion (A) is true: When a person whistles, air is expelled with forward momentum. By conservation of momentum / Newton's third law (action-reaction), an equal and opposite backward momentum is imparted to the person, propelling them backward on the frictionless surface. Reason (R) is true: Law of conservation of linear momentum states that total momentum remains constant in the absence of external forces. However, Reason (R) states Newton's first law/conservation of system momentum, while the explanation for self-propulsion rests on the internal mass expulsion and Newton's Third Law.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Both statements are individually valid physical principles, but R represents the general conservation law rather than explaining how expelled air creates thrust.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2000 (Q231)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2000 Q231

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2000 GS Paper I Question 231 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2000 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (B): "Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2000 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Both statements are individually valid physical principles, but R represents the general conservation law rather than explaining how expelled air creates thrust.

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