Explanation: Alcohols are organic compounds composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). They are characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups attached to a carbon atom. The general formula of alcohols is C_nH_2n+1OH. A common example is ethanol (C₂H₅OH), which is used in beverages, fuels, and sanitizers. The -OH group makes alcohols polar, soluble in water (especially lower alcohols), and reactive in many organic reactions.

Sir Isaac Newton invented the Reflecting Telescope in 1668. Unlike earlier refracting telescopes that used lenses, Newton’s design used a concave mirror to reflect and focus light. This eliminated chromatic aberration (color distortion) caused by lenses and significantly improved image clarity. Newton’s reflecting telescope became a major advancement in astronomical observation.

Other options (for context)

• Thermometer: Invented by Galileo Galilei (early version) and later improved by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit.
• Hydraulic Accumulator: Invented by William Armstrong.
• Transistor: Invented much later (in 1947) by John Bardeen, William Shockley, and Walter Brattain.

Explanation: Humans first develop a set of 20 milk teeth (also called deciduous or primary teeth) — 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. These teeth start erupting around 6 months of age and are eventually replaced by 32 permanent teeth (including 4 wisdom teeth). Milk teeth help in early chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for permanent teeth.

Explanation: Respiration is a biochemical process in which food molecules (mainly glucose) are oxidized to release energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is then used for various life processes such as movement, growth, repair, and maintenance. Respiration occurs in all living cells and takes place mainly inside the mitochondria.

Chemical Equation:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)

In contrast, photosynthesis stores energy in glucose molecules, while respiration releases that stored energy for cellular use.

Explanation: A mirage is an optical illusion caused by both refraction and total internal reflection of light. It occurs when light rays bend due to temperature variations in air layers near the ground, creating the illusion of water or a reflected image on hot surfaces like roads or deserts.

Explanation: Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapour (moisture) present in the air. It indicates how saturated the air is with moisture and affects weather, comfort, and precipitation. High humidity means the air contains more water vapour, while low humidity indicates dry air.

Explanation: The thyroid gland is located in the neck region, just below the larynx (voice box) and in front of the trachea (windpipe). It is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that secretes the hormones thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃). These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and energy production in the body. The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which helps control calcium levels in the blood. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Explanation: A heavy stone appears lighter when immersed in water because of the upward pressure or buoyant force exerted by the water. This phenomenon is explained by Archimedes’ Principle, which states that a body immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it. The greater the volume of the object submerged, the greater the buoyant force acting on it. Hence, the stone seems lighter in water, even though its actual mass remains the same.

Explanation: Sound waves are not electromagnetic waves; they are mechanical waves that require a material medium (like air, water, or solids) for propagation. In contrast, radio waves, X-rays, and visible light are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum.

Explanation: Lysosomes are known as the ‘suicidal bags’ or ‘disposal units’ of the cell because they contain powerful digestive enzymes capable of breaking down worn-out cell parts, foreign substances, and even the entire cell when it becomes damaged or obsolete.