AJKPSC Test General Knowledge I (Everyday Science) Syllabus

What does the pH scale measure and what is its range?

The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity, ranging from 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 is basic (alkaline).

What is a salt and how is it formed?

A salt is an ionic compound formed by the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base, producing salt and water.

Give the common and chemical names of baking soda and washing soda.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Washing soda is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).

What is the chemical name and common use of bleaching powder?

Bleaching powder is calcium oxychloride (calcium hypochlorite). It is used for disinfecting water and bleaching fabrics and paper.

What gas is given off when an acid reacts with a metal?

Hydrogen gas is released when an acid reacts with an active metal.

What is the basic structural and functional unit of life?

The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Name the cell organelle known as the 'powerhouse of the cell' and explain why.

The mitochondrion, because it produces energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.

What is the difference between a tissue and an organ?

A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a common function. An organ is a group of different tissues working together to perform a specific function.

Name the four basic types of animal tissue.

Epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular tissue, and nervous tissue.

Which organ system is responsible for transporting blood, and what is its main pump?

The circulatory (cardiovascular) system transports blood; the heart is its main pump.

Name the main organs of the human digestive system in order.

Mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, assisted by the liver and pancreas.

What is the function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and return carbon dioxide, using the pigment haemoglobin.

Which organ is the main site of gas exchange in the human body?

The lungs, where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed, specifically at the alveoli.

What are the six main classes of nutrients required by the body?

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy, and what is its source?

Deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy. It is found in citrus fruits, amla, and green vegetables.

Which vitamin is produced by the skin in sunlight, and what disease does its deficiency cause?

Vitamin D is produced in sunlight. Its deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Which deficiency causes night blindness, and which vitamin prevents it?

Deficiency of Vitamin A causes night blindness. It is found in carrots, liver, and green leafy vegetables.

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is one that contains all the nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water) in the correct proportions needed for good health.

Name two diseases caused by bacteria.

Tuberculosis (TB) and cholera. Other examples include typhoid and tetanus.

Name two diseases caused by viruses.

Influenza (flu) and polio. Other examples include measles, hepatitis, and COVID-19.

What is the difference between a bacterium and a virus in terms of treatment?

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics and are prevented mainly through vaccines.

What is a vaccine and how does it work?

A vaccine is a preparation of weakened or dead pathogens that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, giving immunity against a disease.

What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

Active immunity is produced by the body's own immune system after infection or vaccination and is long-lasting. Passive immunity is acquired by receiving ready-made antibodies (e.g. from mother to baby) and is short-lived.

Who developed the first vaccine, and against which disease?

Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine, against smallpox, in 1796.

What is the first-aid treatment for a minor burn?

Cool the burn under clean running water for at least 10 minutes, then cover loosely with a clean, non-sticky dressing. Do not apply ice or ointments.

Why is hand washing with soap important for hygiene?

Soap and water remove germs, dirt, and microbes from the hands, preventing the spread of infections and diseases such as diarrhoea.

Name two common methods of purifying drinking water at home.

Boiling and filtration. Other methods include chlorination and using water purifiers (e.g. UV or RO).

Which planet is closest to the Sun, and which is the largest in the solar system?

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system.

What are the main gases in the Earth's atmosphere by proportion?

Nitrogen makes up about 78 percent and oxygen about 21 percent, with the remaining 1 percent being argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

What is an earthquake and which instrument measures its magnitude?

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy along faults in the crust. Its magnitude is measured by a seismograph on the Richter scale.