The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 150 million kilometers (or about 1 Astronomical Unit – 1 AU). This distance serves as a standard unit of measurement for describing distances within our solar system. Despite slight variations due to Earth's elliptical orbit, this average remains nearly constant and is crucial for maintaining suitable conditions for life on Earth.

Other options (for context)

• 15 Million km: Far too close — the Earth would be extremely hot and uninhabitable.
• 90 Million km: Shorter than the actual average distance.
• 900 Million km: Much greater — about six times the real distance, closer to Saturn’s orbit.

All of the above are examples of static electricity. Static electricity is the result of the accumulation of electric charges on the surface of objects. When materials like glass, silk, ebonite, or wool are rubbed together, electrons are transferred, creating a charge imbalance. Similarly, lightning is a large-scale natural discharge of static electricity between clouds and the Earth.

• Glass rod & silk cloth: Positive and negative charges develop.
• Ebonite rod & wool: Negative charge accumulates on ebonite.
• Lightning: Discharge of atmospheric static electricity.

Bioremediation is the process by which living organisms — mainly microbes, fungi, or plants — are used to remove or neutralize contaminants, pollutants, or toxins from soil, water, or air. These organisms break down harmful substances into less toxic or non-toxic forms, helping to clean up polluted environments naturally. It is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for environmental restoration.

Other options (for context)

• Biotechnology: A broader field involving the use of living systems for industrial, agricultural, or medical purposes.
• Biodegradation: The natural breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms, but not necessarily aimed at pollution cleanup.
• Biomagnification: The accumulation of toxic substances in the food chain, opposite of pollution removal.

Explanation: Mars is known as the Red Planet because its surface contains a large amount of iron oxide (rust), which gives it a reddish appearance. It is the fourth planet from the Sun and has two moons — Phobos and Deimos.

Explanation: Acids do not turn red litmus to blue; they turn blue litmus paper red. Acids are sour in taste, corrosive in nature, and have a pH value less than 7. The statement that acids turn red litmus to blue is incorrect.

Explanation: Insulin is a hormone secreted by the beta (β) cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Its main function is to regulate the blood glucose level by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and converting excess glucose into glycogen in the liver and muscles. A deficiency or lack of insulin causes diabetes mellitus, leading to high blood sugar levels. The pancreas also secretes glucagon, which performs the opposite function by increasing blood glucose levels.