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Question No. 23Interactive Test Mode
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Q23. With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

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

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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 2023 • Geography

Correct Answer: Option (C) — Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Option (a) is incorrect: The insolation at the equator is roughly 2.5 times that at the poles, not 10 times. Option (b) is incorrect: Infrared radiation constitutes about 49% of incoming solar radiation, not two-thirds (66%). Option (c) is correct: Atmospheric water vapor, concentrated in the lower troposphere, is a major absorber of longwave infrared radiation. Option (d) is incorrect: Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths than visible light and is not part of the visible spectrum.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Extreme multiplier claims (like '10 times') in UPSC options are frequently incorrect. Additionally, basic physics categorizes Infrared as invisible light, eliminating option (d).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023 (Q23)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicGeography → Climatology & Atmosphere
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2023 Q23

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper I Question 23 (Geography)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2023 Geography (Climatology & Atmosphere) question is Option (C): "Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2023 question belong to?

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

Extreme multiplier claims (like '10 times') in UPSC options are frequently incorrect. Additionally, basic physics categorizes Infrared as invisible light, eliminating option (d).

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