Explanation: The speed of internet connectivity is expressed in Megabits per second (Mb/sec or Mbps). It indicates how much data is transferred per second over a network connection. One megabit equals 1,000,000 bits. Higher Mbps values mean faster internet speeds. For example, a 100 Mbps connection can transfer 100 million bits of data every second. Note that 1 byte = 8 bits, so internet speeds in Mbps differ from file sizes, which are usually measured in megabytes (MB).

Explanation: The sour taste of a lemon is due to the presence of citric acid. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes. It gives them their characteristic tangy flavor and also acts as a natural preservative.

Explanation: When a sound wave travels from one medium to another, its frequency remains unchanged. However, its wavelength and speed change depending on the properties of the new medium. The constant frequency ensures that the sound maintains the same pitch.

Explanation: ROM (Read Only Memory) retains its data even when the power is turned off, making it non-volatile memory. It stores essential programs such as the computer’s firmware or BIOS, which are required for booting the system. In contrast, RAM loses all information when power is shut down.

Explanation: Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at specific points, called acupoints. It is based on the concept of balancing the flow of life energy (Qi or Chi) through pathways in the body known as meridians. When these energy flows are blocked or imbalanced, it can cause illness or pain.

By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture is believed to restore the normal energy flow and help the body heal itself. It is commonly used to treat:

• Chronic pain (e.g., back, neck, and joint pain)
• Migraines and headaches
• Arthritis and muscle stiffness
• Stress and anxiety

Scientific View: Modern research suggests that acupuncture may stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, boosting the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins).

Explanation: Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239, splits into two or more lighter nuclei when bombarded by a slow-moving neutron. This reaction releases a large amount of energy, along with additional neutrons that can trigger further fission reactions—leading to a chain reaction. This principle is used in nuclear reactors for power generation and in atomic bombs for explosive energy release.

Explanation: Cerebral malaria is a severe neurological complication of malaria infection caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The parasite infects red blood cells, making them sticky and causing them to block small blood vessels in the brain. This leads to high fever, seizures, coma, and can be fatal if untreated. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

Explanation: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on the night of December 2–3, 1984, at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (India). The disaster was caused by the accidental leakage of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic and reactive gas used in pesticide manufacturing. The poisonous gas spread rapidly over the nearby populated areas, killing thousands of people and causing severe respiratory and neurological disorders. It is considered one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.