General Science Technology GK Study Notes and Quiz

General Science and Technology

Introduction

Science (from Latin scientia, meaning “knowledge”) is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. In an older and closely related meaning, “science” also refers to a body of knowledge itself, of the type that can be rationally explained and reliably applied. A practitioner of science is known as a scientist.
Since classical antiquity, science as a type of knowledge has been closely linked to philosophy. In the early modern period the words “science” and “philosophy of nature” were sometimes used interchangeably. By the 17th century, natural philosophy (which is today called “natural science”) was considered a separate branch of philosophy.
In modern usage, “science” most often refers to a way of pursuing knowledge, not only the knowledge itself. It is also often restricted to those branches of study that seek to explain the phenomena of the material universe. In the 17th and 18th centuries scientists increasingly sought to formulate knowledge in terms of laws of nature such as Newton’s laws of motion. And over the course of the 19th century, the word “science” became increasingly associated with the scientific method itself, as a disciplined way to study the natural world, including physics, chemistry, geology and biology. It is in the 19th century also that the term scientist was created by the naturalist-theologian William Whewell to distinguish those who sought knowledge on nature from those who sought other types of knowledge.
However, “science” has also continued to be used in a broad sense denoting reliable, teachable knowledge about a topic, as in modern terms like library science or computer science. This is also reflected in the names of some areas of academic study such as “social science” or “political science”.

List of Scientific Instruments

Instrument Use

Altimeter It measures altitudes and is used in aircrafts
Ammeter It measures strength of electric current (in amperes)
Anemometer It measures force and velocity of wind.
Audiometer It measures intensity of sound.
Audio – Phone It is used for improving imperfect sense of hearing.
Barograph It is used for continuous recording of atmospheric pressure.
Barometer It measures atmospheric pressure.
Binocular It is used to view distant objects.
Bolometer It measures heat radiation.
Calorimeter It measures quantity of heat.
Carburetor It is used in an internal combustion engine for charging air with petrol vapour.
Cardiogram It traces movements of the heart, recorded on a cardiograph.
Chronometer It determines longitude of a place kept onboard ship.
Cinematography It is an instrument used in cinema making to throw on screen and enlarged image of photograph.
Crescograph It measures the growth in plants.
Cyclotron A charged particle accelerator which can accelerate charged particles to high energies.
Dynamo It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Dynamometer It measures electrical power.
Electrometer It measures electricity.
Electroscope It detects presence of an electric charge.
Endoscope It examines internal parts of the body.
Eudiometer Glass tube for measuring volume changes in chemical reactions between gases.
Fathometer It measures the depth of the ocean.
Galvanometer It measures the electric current of low magnitude.
Hydrometer It measures the specific gravity of liquids.
Hygrometer It measures humidity in air.
Hydrophone It measures sound under water.
Kymograph It graphically records physiological movements (Blood pressure and heart beat).
Lactometer It determines the purity of milk.
Manometer It measures the pressure of gases.
Mariner’s Compass It is an instrument used by the sailors to determine the direction.
Microphone It converts the sound waves into electrical vibrations and to magnify the sound.
Microscope It is used to obtain magnified view of small objects.
Odometer An instrument by which the distance covered by wheeled vehicles is measured.
Phonograph An instrument for producing sound.
Photometer The instrument compares the luminous intensity of the source of light.
Periscope It is used to view objects above sea level (used in sub – marines).
Potentiometer It is used for comparing electromotive force of cells.
Pyrometer It measures very high temperature.
Radar It is used for detecting the direction and range of an approaching plane by means of radio microwaves.
Rain Gauge An apparatus for recording rainfall at a particular place.
Radiometer It measures the emission of radiant energy.
Refractometer It measures refractive index.
Saccharimeter It measures the amount of sugar in the solution.
Seismograph It measures the intensity of earthquake shocks.
Salinometer It determines salinity of solution.
Sextant This is used by navigators to find the latitude of a place by measuring the elevation above the horizon of the sun or another star.
Spectrometer It is an instrument for measuring the energy distribution of a particular type of radiation.
Speedometer It is an instrument placed in a vehicle to record its speed.
Sphygmomanometer It measures blood pressure.
Spherometer It measures the curvatures of surfaces.
Stereoscope It is used to view two dimensional pictures.
Stethoscope An instrument which is used by the doctors to hear and analyze heart and lung sounds.
Stroboscope It is used to view rapidly moving objects.
Tachometer An instrument used in measuring speeds of aero – planes and motor boots.
Teleprinter This instrument receives and sends typed messages from one place to another.
Telescope It views distant objects in space.
Theodolite It measures horizontal and vertical angles.
Thermometer This instrument is used for the measurement of temperatures.
Thermostat It regulates the temperature at o particular point.
Viscometer It measures the viscosity of liquids.
Voltmeter It measures the electric potential difference between two points.

Scientific Measures

Ampere : Unit of electric current. It is approximately equal to the flow of 6 x 1018 electrons per second.
Atomic Weight : The weight of an atom of hydrogen is taken as the standard; the respective weights of the atoms of all other substances are expressed in terms of it. So when it is stated that the atomic weight of iron is 56, it is meant that the atom of iron is 56 times as heavy as the atom of hydrogen.
Angstrom : The unit of wavelength of light is Angstrom. 1 Angstrom = 10 – 8 cm. There is a bigger unit for measuring the wavelength of infrared light; it is called a milli – micron and is equal to 10 – 7 cm. Micron = 10 – 4 cm, is a still bigger unit. Bar is the unit of atmospheric pressure; one bar is equal to a pressure of 106 dynes per sq cm.
Calory : Calory is the unit of heat. It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature or one gram of water through 1 C.
Horse Power : The practical unit of power – the power of an agent which can work at the rate of 550 foot – pounds per second or 33,000 foot – pounds per minute. 1 HP = 746 watts.
Joule : Joule is the unit of work or energy. It is equal to 107 ergs. It is the energy consumed in one second in an electrical circuit through which a current energy of one ampere is flowing against a potential difference of one volt.
Knot : Knot is a measure to know the speed of a ship.
Light Year : A light year is the distance light travels in one mean solar year, at speed of 1,86,000 miles per second. It is equal to 5,880,000,000,000 miles. It is used as a unit for measuring stellar distances.
Nautical Mile : A unit of distance used in navigation – one minute of longitude measured along the Equator. A Nautical Mile is approximately equal to 6, 080 feet.
Pressure : The pressure is expressed in pounds weight per sq cm. The pressure of the atmosphere is expressed in millibars. One millibar = 1 dyne per sq cm. If the pressure are very high, they are expressed in multiples of atmospheric pressure. 1 atmosphere is a pressure exerted by a column of mercury 76 cm high at sea level and at a latitude of 45 .
Quintal : Metric measure of weight; 100 kilograms = 1 quintal.
Volt : The unit of potential difference. It is that much potential difference which when applied to the ends of an electrical conductor of resistance one ohm, the amount of energy consumed in the circuit in one second is one Joule ( = 107 ergs ).
Watt : Unit of power – the rate of work done in joules per second; the energy expended per second by an unvarying electric current of 1 ampere.

Fundamental Physics Units

Fundamental Physics Units

Unit Quantity

Metre Length
Kilogram Mass
Second Time
Kelvin Temperature
Ampere Electric Current
Candela Luminous Intensity
Mole Amount of Substance

Supplementary Units

Unit Quantity

Radian Plane Angle
Steradian Solid Angle

Important Units of Long Distances

Light year = Distance traveled by light in vacuum in one year = 9.46 x 10¹⁵ m
1 Parsec (Parallactic second) is the distance corresponding to a parallex of one second of arc, 1 Parsec = 3.08 x 10¹⁶ m = 3.26 light years.

Some Important Units of Short Distances

1 micron (1 µ) = 10^-4 cm, 10^-6 m
1 Angstrom (1 Å) = 10^-8 cm, 10 ^-10 m
1 Fermi (1F) = 10 ^-13 cm, 10 ^-15 m
1 x U = 10 ^-11 cm, 10 ^-13 m

Units of Measurement

Quantity Unit (SI)

Length Metre
Time Second
Mass Kilogram
Area Square metre
Volume Cubic metre
Velocity Metre / second
Acceleration Metre / Second Square
Density Kilogram / Metre Cube
Momentum Kilogram Metre / Second
Work Joule
Energy Joule
Force Newton
Pressure Pascal or Newton / Square Metre
Frequency Hertz
Power Watt
Weight Newton or Kilogram
Impulse Newton – Second
Angular velocity Radian / Second
Viscosity Poise
Surface tension Newton / Square Metre
Heat Joule
Temperature Kelvin
Absolute temperature Kelvin
Resistance Ohm
Electric current Ampere
Electromotive force Volt
Electrical conductivity Ohm / Metre
Electric Energy Kilo Watt hour
Electric Power Kilo Watt or Watt
Magnetic Intensity Orsted
Charge Coulomb
Magnetic induction Gauss
Luminous flux Candela
Intensity of Sound Decibel
Power of lens Dioptre
Depth of Sea Fathom

Alloys in Chemistry

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals.

Name Composition Use

Brass Cu (60 to 80%), Zn (40 to 20%) For making household utensils
Bronze Cu (75 to 90%), Sn (25 to 10%) For making coins, idols, utensils
German Silver Cu (60%), Zn (25%), Ni (15%) For making utensils
Magnelium Mg (5%), Al (95%) For making aircraft frame
Rolled Gold Cu (90%), Ni (10%) For making cheap ornaments
Monel metal Cu (70%), Ni (30%) For making alkali resistant containers
Bell metal Cu (80%), Sn (20%) For making bells
Gun metal Cu (85%), Zn (10%), Sn (5%) Used for engineering purposes
Solder Sn (50-75%), Pb (50-25%) Soldering of metals
Duralium Al (95%), Cu (4%), Mg (0.5%), Mn (0.5%) In aircraft manufacturing
Steel Fe (98%), C (2%) For making nails, screws, bridges
Stainless Steel Fe (82%) Cr, Ni (18%) For making cooking utensils, knives

Common and Chemicals Names

Common Name Chemical Name Chemical Formula

Dry Ice Solid Carbon dioxide CO₂
Slaked Lime Calcium Hydroxide Ca (OH)₂
Bleaching Powder Calcium Oxychloride CaOCl₂
Nausadar Ammonium Chloride NH₄Cl
Caustic Soda Sodium Hydroxide NaOH
Rock Salt Sodium Chloride NaCl
Caustic Potash Potassium Hydroxide KOH
Potash Alum Potassium Aluminium Sulphate K₂SO₄ . Al₂(SO₄)₃ . 24H₂O
Epsom Magnesium Sulphate MgSO₄ . 7H₂O
Quick Lime Calcium Oxide CaO
Plaster of Paris Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4) ½ H₂O
Gypsum Calcium Sulphate CaSO₄ . 2H₂O
Green Vitriol Ferrous Sulphate FeSO₄ . 7H₂O
Mohr’s Salt Ammonium Ferrous Sulphate FeSO₄(NH₄)2SO₄ . 6H₂O
Blue Vitriol Copper Sulphate CuSO₄ . 5H₂O
White Vitriol Zinc Sulphate ZnSO₄ . 7H₂O
Marsh Gas Methane CH₄
Vinegar Acetic Acid CH₃COOH
Potash Ash Potassium Carbonate K₂CO₃
Hypo Sodium Thiosulphate Na₂S₂O₃ . 5H₂O
Baking Powder Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO₃
Washing Soda Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃ . 10H₂O
Magnesia Magnesium Oxide MgO
Chalk (Marble) Calcium Carbonate CaCO₃
Lunar Caustic Silver Nitrate AgNO₃
Laughing Gas Nitrous Oxide N₂O
Chloroform Tricholoro Methane CHCl₃
Vermelium Mercuric Sulphide HgS
Borax Borax Na₂B₄O₇ . 10H₂O
Alcohol Ethyl Alcohol C₂H₅OH
Sugar Sucrose C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁
Heavy Water Duterium Oxide D₂O
Globar’s Salt Sodium Sulphate Na₂SO₂ . 10H₂O
T.N.T Tri Nitro – toluene C₆H₂CH₃(NO₂)₃
Calomel Mercurous Chloride HgCl
Sand Silicon Oxide SiO₂

Elements Symbols and Atomic Numbers

Name Symbol Atomic No Name Symbol Atomic No

Hydrogen H 1 Iron (Ferum) Fe 26

Helium He 2 Cobalt Co 27

Lithium Li 3 Nickel Ni 28

Berylium Be 4 Copper (Cuprum) Cu 29

Boron B 5 Zinc Zn 30

Carbon C 6 Germenium Ge 32

Nitrogen N 7 Bromine Br 35

Oxygen O 8 Krypton Kr 36

Flourine F 9 Zirconium Zr 40

Neon Ne 10 Silver Ag 47

Sodium (Natrium) Na 11 Tin (Stannum) Sn 50

Magnesium Mg 12 Antimony (Stabnium) Sb 51

Aluminium Al 13 Iodine I 53

Silicon Si 14 Barium Ba 56

Phosphorous P 15 Gold (Aurum) Au 79

Sulphur S 16 Mercury (Hydragerm) Hg 80

Chlorine CI 17 Lead (Plumbum) Pb 82

Argon Ar 18 Bismuth Bi 83

Potassium (Kalium) K 19 Radium Ra 88

Calcium Ca 20 Thorium Th 90

Titanium Ti 22 Uranium U 92

Vanadium V 23 Plutonium Pu 94

Chromium Cr 24 Curium Cm 96

Manganese Mn 25

Ores of Metals

Names of the Elements Ores Chemical Formulae

Aluminium (Al)

(a) Bauxite Al₂O₃ . 2H₂O

(b) Corundum Al₂O₃

Iron (Fe)

(a) Haematite Fe₂O₃

(b) Magnetite Fe₃O₄

(d) Siderite FeCO₃

Copper (Cu)

(a) Copper Pyrite CuFeS₂

(b) Copper Glance Cu₂S

Zinc (Zn)

(a) Zinc Blende ZnS

(b) Calamine ZnCO₃

Sodium (Na)

(a) Rock Salt NaCl

(b) Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃

Potassium (K)

(a) Karnalite KCI MgCl . 6H₂O

(b) Salt Petre KNO₃

Lead (Pb)

(a) Galena PbS

(b) Anglesite PbCl₂

Tin (Sn)

(a) Tin Pyrites Cu₂ FeSnS₄

(b) Cassiterite SnO₂

Silver (Ag)

(a) Silver Glance Ag₂S

Gold (Au) (a) Calverite AuTe₂

(b) Syvanite AgAuTe₂

Mercury (Hg)

(a) Cinnabar HgS

(b) Calomel Hg₂Cl₂

Magnesium (Mg)

(a) Dolomite MgCO₃ . CaCO₃

(b) Karnalite KCl MgCl₂ . 6H₂O

Calcium (Ca)

(a) Lime Stone CaCO₃

(b) Dolomite MgCO₃ . CaCO₃

Phosphorous (P)

(a) Phosphorite Ca₃(PO₄)

(b) Floreapetite 3Ca₃(PO₄)2CaFe₂

Human Diseases

A disease or medical condition is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions, associated with specific symptoms and signs.
It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases.
In holistic medicine and alternative medicine tradition, disease is said to be caused by energetic imbalances in physical, emotional, spiritual, social and / or environmental needs [ citation needed ].
In human beings, “disease” is often used more broadly to refer to any condition that causes pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems, and / or death to the person afflicted, or similar problems for those in contact with the person.
In this broader sense, it sometimes includes Injuries, Disabilities, Disorders, Syndromes, Infections, Isolated Symptoms, Deviant Behaviors, and Atypical variations of Structure and Function, while in other contexts and for other purposes these may be considered distinguishable categories.

List of Human Diseases

Viral Diseases

Chickenpox, Measles, Polio, Rabies, Mumps, Influenza, Hepatitis, Herpes, AIDS, Trachoma (of Cornea)

Human Bacterial Diseases

Cholera, Diphtheria, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Tetanus, Typhoid, Plague, Whooping Cough, Sore Throat, Pneumonia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Botulism

Human Fungal Diseases

Ringworm, Athlete’s foot, Dhobie itch,

Human Protozoans Diseases

Amoebiasis, Malaria, Sleeping Sick – ness, Kalazar, Diarrhoea, Piarrhoea

National Laboratories and Research Institutions

S. No. Name Place

1 Central Building Research Institute Roorkee, Uttaranchal

2 Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, U.P.

3 Central Electro – Chemical Research Institute Karaikudi, T.N.

4 Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute Pilani, Rajasthan

5 Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysore, Karnataka

6 Central Fuel Research Institute Dhanbad, Jharkhand

7 Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute Jadhavpur, W.B.

8 Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Lucknow, U.P.

9 Central Leather Research Institute Chennai, T.N.

10 Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute Durgapur, W.B.

11 Central Mining Research Station Dhanbad, Jharkhand

12 Central Road Research Institute New Delhi, Delhi

13 Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute Bhavnagar, Gujarat

14 Central Scientific Instruments Organisation Chandigarh, Chandigarh

15 Indian Institute of Chemical Biology Kolkatta, W.B.

16 Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun, Uttaranchal

17 Industrial Texicology Central Centre Lucknow, U.P.

18 National Aeronautical Laboratory Bangalore, Karnataka

19 National Botanical Research Institute Lucknow, U.P.

20 National Chemical Laboratory Pune, Maharashtra

21 National Environment Engineering Institute Napery, Maharashtra

22 National Geophysical Research Institute Hyderabad, A.P.

23 National Institute of Oceanography Panjim, Goa

24 Bose Research Institute Kolkata, W.B.

25 National Metallurgical Laboratory Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

26 National Physical Laboratory New Delhi, Delhi

27 Regional Research Laboratories Bhubaneshwer, Orissa; Jorhat, Assam; Jammu, J & K; Hyderabad, A.P.

28 Structural Engineering Research Centre Roorkee, Uttaranchal, Chennai, T.N.

29 Visvesvarayya Industrial and Technological Museum Bangalore, Karnataka

30 High Altitude Research Laboratory Gulmarg, J and K

31 Indian Cancer Research Centre Mumbai, Maharashtra

32 Seismic Research Centre Gaurividanur, Near Bangalore, Karnataka

33 Central Marine Research Station Chennai, T.N.

34 Central Research Laboratory Chennai, T.N.

35 Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, A.P.

36 Council of Scientific and Industrial Research New Delhi, Delhi

37 Forest Research Institute Dehradun, Uttaranchal

38 Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Karnataka

39 Indian Institute of Sugar Technology Kanpur, U.P.

40 Indian Space Research Organisation Bangalore, Karnataka

41 Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany Lucknow, U.P.

42 All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health Kolkata, W.B.

43 All India Institute of Medical Science New Delhi, Delhi

44 All India Malaria Institute Delhi

45 Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research Jamnagar, Gujarat

46 National Institute of Communicable Diseases New Delhi, Delhi

47 Central Research Institute Kasauli, H.P.

Vitamins

The Vitamins are necessary auxiliaries in metabolism. They combine with specific proteins, as parts of various oxidative enzyme systems which are concerned with the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat in the body. Thus, they are intimately involved in the mechanism which releases energy, carbon dioxide and water as the end products of metabolism.

Vitamins can be broadly divided into Fat Soluble and Water Soluble Vitamins.
Vitamins A D E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins B ( B1 B2 B6 B12 ) and C are water-soluble.

Vitamin A

Year 1913
Chemical Name Retinol
Main Metabolic Function Essential for normal growth and development.
For normal function of epithelical cells and normal development of teeth and bones.
Prevents Night blindness.
Deficiency – Effects Retarded growth.
Reduced resistance to infection.
Abnormal function of gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts due to altered epithelial membranes.
Interferes with production of “night purple”.
Available Milk, Egg yolk, Ghee, Butter, Carrots, Tomatoes, Leafy and Yellow vegetables, Cod liver oil and Fresh fruits.
Nature Fat – Soluble

Vitamin B1

Year 1936
Chemical Name Thiamine
Main Metabolic Function An important aid in carbohydrate metabolism.
Needed for Proper functioning of the digestive tract and nervous system.
Deficiency – Effects Beriberi, Loss of muscle, Loss of appetite.
Impaired digestion of starches and sugars.
Various nervous disorder coordination.
Available Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature Water – Soluble

Vitamin – B2

Year 1935
Chemical Name Riboflavin
Main Metabolic Function Needed in formation of certain enzymes and in cellular oxidation.
Prevents inflammation of oral mucous membranes and the tongue.
Deficiency – Effects Impaired growth, lassitude and weakness, Causes cheillosis or glossittis, May result in Photophobia and cataracts.
Available Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature Water – Soluble

Vitamin – B6

Year 1934
Chemical Name Pyridoxine
Main Metabolic Function Acts as do other B vitamins. To break down protein, carbohydrate and fat. Acts as a catalyst in the formation of niacin from tryptophan.
Deficiency – Effects Increased irritability, convulsions and peripheral neuritis. Anorexia, nausea and vomiting.
Available Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature Water – Soluble

Vitamin – B12

Year 1948
Chemical Name Cyanocobalamin
Main Metabolic Function Essential for development of red blood cells. Required for maintenance of skin, nerve tissues, bone and muscles.
Deficiency – Effects Results in pernicious anaemia. Weakness, fatigue, sore and cracked lips.
Available Peas, Beans and Cereals.
Nature Water – Soluble

Vitamin – C

Year 1919
Chemical Name Ascorbic Acid
Main Metabolic Function Needed for form the cementing substance, collagen, in various tissues (skin, dentine, cartilage and bone matrix). Assists in wound healing and bone fractures.
Deficiency – Effects Lowered resistance to infections. Susceptibility to dental cavities, pyotthea and bleeding gums. Delayed wound healing. Specific treatment for Scurvy.
Available Fresh vegetables, Lemon, Orange, Tomatoes, Cabbage , Turnip and Lettuce (Beetroot).
Nature Water – Soluble

Vitamin – D3

Year 1925
Chemical Name Cholecalciferol
Main Metabolic Function Regulates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestinal tract. Affords antiachitic activity.
Deficiency – Effects Interferes with utilisation of calcium and phosphorus in bone and teeth formation. Development of bone disease, rickets and caries.
Available Butter, Milk, Ghee, Cod liver oil, Yolk of Eggs and also in Sunrays.
Nature Fat – Soluble

Vitamin – E

Year 1936
Chemical Name Tocopherols
Main Metabolic Function Protects tissues, cell membranes and Vitamin A against peroxidation. Helps strengthen red blood cells.
Deficiency – Effects Decreased red blood cell resistance to rupture.
Available Germinating Wheat.
Nature Fat – Soluble

Vitamin – K

Year 1935
Chemical Name Phytonadione
Main Metabolic Function Essential for formation of normal amounts of prothrombin and blood coagulation.
Deficiency – Effects Diminished blood clotting time. Increased incidence of hemorrhages.
Available Fish, Wheat and Oats.
Nature Fat – Soluble