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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2012
Health & Medicine
Question No. 200Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q200. Consider the following statements: If there were no phenomenon of capillarity 1. It would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp. 2. One would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink. 3. The blotting paper would fail to function. 4. The big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements: If there were no phenomenon of capillarity

  1. It would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp.
  2. One would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink.
  3. The blotting paper would fail to function.
  4. The big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2012 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 1, 3 and 4 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct: Capillarity drives the upward draw of oil in porous wicks of lamps, ink absorption into porous paper fibers, and assists xylem water transport from soil through root-hairs and narrow vascular vessels in trees. Statement 2 is incorrect: Drinking through a straw operates on differential atmospheric pressure (sucking removes air from inside the straw, creating lower pressure so external atmospheric pressure pushes liquid up), not capillarity.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Identify the working mechanism of drinking straws: it is atmospheric suction pressure, not surface tension/capillarity. Eliminating 2 instantly gives (b).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012 (Q200)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 1, 3 and 4 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2012 Q200

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2012 GS Paper I Question 200 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2012 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (B): "1, 3 and 4 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2012 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?

Identify the working mechanism of drinking straws: it is atmospheric suction pressure, not surface tension/capillarity. Eliminating 2 instantly gives (b).

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