Acme Ai
A
अ
GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1997
Space & ISRO
Question No. 295Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q295. The tail of a comet is directed away from the sun because:

The tail of a comet is directed away from the sun because:

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

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

3D PYQ Realm

Ready to check the official UPSC Answer Key?

Click any option above to test yourself under exam conditions, or reveal the explanation directly.

Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1997 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — the radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

As a comet nears the Sun, solar radiation and the stream of charged particles known as the solar wind exert radiation pressure on the sublimated gas and dust particles of the coma. This force pushes the material radially away from the Sun, causing the tail of the comet to always point in the anti-solar direction regardless of its direction of orbital motion.

Reviewed by Avinash Sir & Acme AI Research Team

Practice Full-Length & Sectional Prelims Mocks on this Interface

50 simulated tests in the APT Prelims Test Series (₹1,493) or 1-on-1 Mentorship with Avinash Sir.

1-on-1 MentorshipOpen Test Platform

Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1997 (Q295)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Space & ISRO
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — the radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun

More PYQs from Science and Technology (Space & ISRO)

Master the Science and Technology syllabus cluster by practicing these related previous year questions.

View All Science and Technology PYQs
2008 • Q292Space & ISRO

Consider the following statements in respect of a jet engine and a rocket: 1. A jet engine uses the surrounding air for its oxygen supply and so is un

Science and TechnologyPractice
2006 • Q293Space & ISRO

Consider the following statements in respect of India advanced satellite INSAT–4A: 1. INSAT-4A was launched in December, 2005 from New Mexico. 2. The

Science and TechnologyPractice
2000 • Q294Space & ISRO

A ‘black hole’ is a body in space which does not allow any radiation to come out. This property is due to its:

Science and TechnologyPractice
1996 • Q291Space & ISRO

Consider the following statements: At the present level of technology available in India, solar energy can be conveniently used to: 1. Supply hot wate

Science and TechnologyPractice
1996 • Q296Space & ISRO

Consider the following statements: A person in a spaceship located half way between the earth and the sun will notice that the: (1) The sky is jet bla

Science and TechnologyPractice
2024 • Q1Biotechnology & Genetics

"Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of:

Science and TechnologyPractice
2024 • Q2Biotechnology & Genetics

Which one of the following is synthesised in the human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?

Science and TechnologyPractice
2024 • Q62Health & Medicine

Consider the following activities: 1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft 2. Monitoring of precipitation 3. Tracking

Science and TechnologyPractice

Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1997 Q295

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1997 GS Paper I Question 295 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1997 Science and Technology (Space & ISRO) question is Option (C): "the radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1997 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Space & ISRO". You can explore all repeated questions from Space & ISRO 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 Space & ISRO UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

To solve Space & ISRO questions in UPSC Prelims, identify extreme modifiers, verify core NCERT conceptual definitions, and eliminate mutually contradictory statement pairs before locking your final option.

Beyond Previous Year Questions

Structured Prelims Practice & Mentorship

Pair previous year question analysis with full-length simulated mock tests and 1-on-1 faculty guidance.

APT 2027 • 50 Prelims Tests17% OFF

Acme Prelims Test Series (APT)

Built to eliminate 1/3rd negative marking losses and 50–50 option traps through structured simulation and NCERT-backed keys.

  • 50 High-Yield Tests: Subject Sectionals, Current Affairs, CSAT Paper II & Full-Length Simulators
  • 1/3rd Penalty & Trap Analytics: Identify whether marks are lost to over-attempting or conceptual gaps
  • Option-by-Option NCERT Keys: Detailed distractor analysis and elimination logic for every question
  • Custom PDF-to-Mock Generator: Convert your revision notes or current affairs PDFs into practice tests
Complete 50-Test Package
₹1,493₹1,799• Valid till Prelims 2027
Explore APT Test SeriesTry Free Mock
1-on-1 Personal MentorshipCapped at 10 Seats

1-on-1 UPSC Mentorship with Avinash Sir

Weekly 1-on-1 strategy reviews, daily study accountability, and personalized MCQ attempt audits with an experienced UPSC mentor.

  • Weekly 1-on-1 Sessions: Direct mentorship with Avinash Sir (Former Plutus IAS Mentor, UPSC & UPPCS Mains Written)
  • APT 50-Test Series Included: Full Prelims GS1 & CSAT test series bundled at no additional cost
  • Mock Attempt & Elimination Audit: Question-by-question review to calibrate your risk and attempt accuracy
  • Prelims & Integrated Tracks: Available as dedicated Prelims mentorship or end-to-end Prelims + Mains guidance
Prelims & Integrated Tracks
17% OFF• Includes APT 50-Test Series
Explore 1-on-1 MentorshipCompare Tracks
Previous QuestionM.C. Setalvad, B.N. Rao and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer were distinguished members of the:
Next QuestionMatch List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: | List-I | List-II | | :--- | :--- | | A. Butler Committee | 1. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | | B. Hurtog Committee Report | 2. Relationship between the Indian State and the Paramount Power | | C. Hunter Inquiry Committee | 3. Working of Dyarchy as laid down in the Report. Montague-Chelmsford Reforms | | D. Muddiman Committee Report | 4. The growth of education potentialities of its further progress | Codes: