UPSC CDS-2 Archives

31. If the speed of a moving magnet inside a coil increases, the electric

If the speed of a moving magnet inside a coil increases, the electric current in the coil

increases

decreases

reverses

remains the same

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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If the speed of a moving magnet inside a coil increases, the electric current in the coil increases.

– This phenomenon is described by Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction.
– Faraday’s Law states that the magnitude of the induced electromotive force (EMF) in a circuit is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit.
– When a magnet moves near a coil, it causes a change in the magnetic flux passing through the coil.
– Increasing the speed of the moving magnet increases the rate at which the magnetic flux changes.
– A greater rate of change of magnetic flux induces a larger EMF in the coil.
– According to Ohm’s Law, a larger induced EMF results in a larger induced current, assuming the resistance of the coil remains constant.

The direction of the induced current is given by Lenz’s Law, which states that the induced current flows in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it. While the direction can reverse if the direction of motion or magnetic field changes, the *magnitude* of the current increases with the speed of the magnet’s movement.

32. Which one of the following statements is not correct ?

Which one of the following statements is not correct ?

Elements are defined by the number of protons they possess.

Isobars are atoms having the same atomic number but different mass number.

The mass number of an atom is equal to the number of nucleons in its nucleus.

Valency is the combining capacity of an atom.

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The statement “Isobars are atoms having the same atomic number but different mass number” is incorrect.

– Elements are defined by their atomic number (number of protons).
– Isobars are atoms of different elements that have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.
– Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
– The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in an atom’s nucleus.
– Valency refers to the combining capacity of an atom, determining how it forms chemical bonds.

The number of neutrons in isobars varies, while the sum of protons and neutrons (mass number) remains constant. For example, Carbon-14 and Nitrogen-14 are isobars. Carbon has 6 protons, Nitrogen has 7 protons. Both have a mass number of 14 (6 protons + 8 neutrons for Carbon-14; 7 protons + 7 neutrons for Nitrogen-14).

33. Consider the following statements about mixture : A substance can be

Consider the following statements about mixture :

A substance can be separated into other kinds of matter by any physical process.
Dissolved sodium chloride can be separated from water by the physical process of evaporation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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Statement 1 is incorrect. A substance (like an element or compound) cannot be separated into other kinds of matter by *any* physical process. Elements cannot be broken down by physical or chemical means. Compounds can be broken down into elements, but only by chemical processes (like electrolysis or decomposition), not physical processes. Mixtures, however, can be separated into their components by physical processes. The statement uses the word “substance” incorrectly in this context.
Statement 2 is correct. Dissolved sodium chloride (salt) in water forms a mixture. Water can be separated from the salt by evaporation, which is a physical process. The water turns into vapor and leaves the salt behind as a solid residue.

Physical processes are used to separate components of mixtures based on their physical properties. Chemical processes are required to break down compounds into simpler substances.

Other physical methods for separating mixtures include filtration, distillation, chromatography, decantation, and magnetism. The choice of method depends on the specific properties of the components in the mixture.

34. If an object is at rest, then the time (X-axis) versus distance (Y-axi

If an object is at rest, then the time (X-axis) versus distance (Y-axis) graph

is vertical

is horizontal

has 45° positive slope

has 45° negative slope

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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If an object is at rest, its distance from a reference point does not change over time. In a time (X-axis) versus distance (Y-axis) graph, the distance (Y-value) remains constant regardless of how time (X-value) increases. This is represented by a horizontal line parallel to the X-axis.

A horizontal line on a distance-time graph signifies zero velocity, meaning the object is stationary or at rest.

A vertical line would imply infinite velocity, which is physically impossible. A graph with a positive slope (like 45°) indicates movement away from the origin at a constant positive velocity. A graph with a negative slope (like 45°) indicates movement towards the origin at a constant negative velocity.

35. Rate of evaporation increases with

Rate of evaporation increases with

an increase of surface area

an increase in humidity

a decrease in wind speed

a decrease of temperature

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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The rate of evaporation increases with an increase of surface area (A). Evaporation occurs at the surface of a liquid, where molecules with sufficient kinetic energy escape into the gaseous phase. A larger surface area exposes more molecules to the air, thus increasing the rate of evaporation. An increase in humidity (B) decreases the rate of evaporation as the air is already saturated with water vapor. A decrease in wind speed (C) decreases the rate of evaporation, as wind helps remove the saturated layer of air above the liquid surface, allowing more evaporation. A decrease in temperature (D) decreases the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to a lower rate of evaporation.

Factors that increase the rate of evaporation include increased surface area, increased temperature, increased wind speed, and decreased humidity.

Evaporation is a cooling process because the molecules with the highest kinetic energy escape, leaving behind molecules with lower average kinetic energy, resulting in a decrease in temperature of the remaining liquid.

36. Consider the following statements: Particles of matter intermix on t

Consider the following statements:

Particles of matter intermix on their own.
Particles of matter have force acting between them.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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Both statements about particles of matter are correct.
Statement 1: Particles of matter intermix on their own due to their constant motion. This phenomenon is known as diffusion and is responsible for mixing substances when brought into contact, e.g., sugar dissolving in water, or smells spreading in the air.
Statement 2: Particles of matter have forces acting between them. These are intermolecular forces of attraction (like Van der Waals forces) and repulsion, which hold the particles together in solids and liquids, and are weaker in gases. These forces influence the physical state and properties of matter.

Matter is composed of particles that are in constant motion (at temperatures above absolute zero) and interact with each other through forces.

The strength of intermolecular forces and the kinetic energy of particles determine the state of matter (solid, liquid, gas). Diffusion rates depend on factors like temperature, concentration gradient, and the state of matter.

37. Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio can be associated with which one of the

Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio can be associated with which one of the following measurements in an economy ?

Rate of inflation

Poverty index

Income inequality

Personal income

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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The Gini Coefficient or Gini Ratio is a statistical measure of dispersion used to represent the income or wealth distribution within a nation or a social group. It is primarily associated with measuring income inequality (C). A Gini coefficient of 0 represents perfect income equality (everyone has the same income), while a coefficient of 1 (or 100%) represents perfect inequality (one person has all the income, and everyone else has none).

The Gini coefficient quantifies the degree of income or wealth inequality on a scale from 0 to 1.

While inequality is related to poverty (B) and overall economic conditions, the Gini coefficient specifically measures the *distribution* of income/wealth, not the absolute level of poverty or personal income (D), nor the rate of inflation (A). It is often derived from the Lorenz curve, which plots the proportion of total income earned by the bottom x% of the population.

38. Which one of the following is not a dimension of the Human Development

Which one of the following is not a dimension of the Human Development Index ?

A long and healthy life

Knowledge

Access to banking and other financial provisions

A decent standard of living

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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The Human Development Index (HDI), calculated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: 1) A long and healthy life (measured by life expectancy at birth), 2) Knowledge (measured by mean years of schooling for adults and expected years of schooling for children), and 3) A decent standard of living (measured by Gross National Income per capita in purchasing power parity terms). Access to banking and other financial provisions (C) is not one of the three direct dimensions of the HDI, although financial access is related to standard of living and economic well-being.

HDI focuses on health, education, and income as key indicators of human development.

The HDI was created to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone. Other indices, like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) or indices related to financial inclusion, measure different aspects of development or well-being.

39. Which one of the following factors is not considered in determining th

Which one of the following factors is not considered in determining the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India ?

Cost of production

Price trends in international and domestic markets

Cost of living index

Inter-crop price parity

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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The Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India is determined by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Factors considered by CACP include the cost of production (A), trends in domestic and international markets (B), inter-crop price parity (D), terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors, demand and supply situation, likely implications of MSP on consumers, environment, and overall economy. The Cost of Living Index (C) is related to general consumer price levels and wages, and while MSP can impact the cost of living (food inflation), the index itself is not a primary factor used *in the calculation* for setting MSP for agricultural produce.

MSP determination is a complex process involving multiple economic factors related to production costs, market dynamics, and overall economic balance.

Different cost concepts (A2, A2+FL, C2) are considered for calculating the cost of production (Factor A). Inter-crop price parity ensures that farmers are not incentivized to excessively grow one crop over others due to price differences, helping maintain agricultural diversity.

40. Which one of the following is an example of a price floor ?

Which one of the following is an example of a price floor ?

Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Jowar in India

Subsidy given to farmers to buy fertilizers

Price paid by people to buy goods from ration shops

Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the covers/packets of goods sold in India

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2019

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A price floor is a minimum price set by the government or a group, above the equilibrium price, to protect sellers. Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural products in India is a classic example of a price floor. The government announces MSPs for various crops, ensuring that farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their produce, even if market prices fall below this level.

A price floor is a minimum legal price. If set above the equilibrium price, it is binding and can lead to surpluses.

Option B (Subsidy) is a direct payment, not a price control. Option C (Price at ration shops) is typically a subsidized price below the market price, closer to a price ceiling concept. Option D (MRP) is a Maximum Retail Price, which is a price ceiling (a maximum legal price).