Explanation: Proteins are complex organic compounds composed of smaller units called amino acids. Each amino acid contains an amino group (–NH₂), which contributes nitrogen to the molecular structure. This makes nitrogen an essential element in all proteins. Carbohydrates and fats lack nitrogen, while only some vitamins contain it.

Explanation: Light from the Sun takes approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the Earth. The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 149.6 million kilometers (1 Astronomical Unit). Since light travels at a speed of 3 × 10⁸ meters per second in a vacuum, it covers this distance in roughly eight minutes. This means that when we see sunlight, we are actually seeing it as it was about eight minutes earlier.

Explanation: Fire extinguishers commonly used in houses and offices contain water, potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃), and fluorocarbons. These chemicals help in extinguishing fires by cooling, cutting off oxygen supply, and preventing the spread of flames without leaving harmful residues.

Explanation: Uranium-235 (U-235) is the isotope used for the production of atomic energy because it is fissionable. When bombarded with neutrons, U-235 undergoes nuclear fission, releasing a large amount of energy along with additional neutrons, which sustain the chain reaction in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.

Explanation: The rusting of iron is an example of oxidation. When iron reacts with oxygen and moisture from the air, it forms hydrated ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃·xH₂O), commonly known as rust. This process involves the loss of electrons by iron, which is a characteristic feature of oxidation.

Explanation: White Blood Cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, act as the body’s defense system. They protect the body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Different types of WBCs — like lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils — have specialized roles in immunity. Because they “fight” infections, they are popularly called the ‘soldiers of the human body.’