Explanation: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was discovered by Dr. Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, in 1938 at the Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland. LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic compound derived from lysergic acid, which occurs in the fungus Claviceps purpurea (ergot) that grows on rye. Hofmann accidentally discovered its psychological effects in 1943 when he absorbed a small amount through his skin, leading to vivid visual hallucinations. LSD acts on serotonin receptors in the brain and profoundly alters perception and mood.

Explanation: The chemical name of baking powder is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), also known as baking soda. It is a mild alkali used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent. When heated or mixed with an acid (like vinegar, lemon juice, or cream of tartar), it decomposes to release carbon dioxide gas (CO₂). The bubbles of CO₂ make the dough rise and become soft and spongy. In commercial baking powder, sodium bicarbonate is often mixed with a weak acid and a drying agent.

Explanation: The sex of a newborn baby is determined by the chromosome inherited from the father. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes — 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). The mother always contributes an X chromosome, but the father can contribute either an X or a Y. If the sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the ovum, the child will be a girl (XX); if the sperm carries a Y chromosome, the child will be a boy (XY).

Explanation: When ice floats in water, it displaces an amount of water equal to the weight of the ice. As the ice melts, it converts into the same amount of water, exactly filling the displaced volume. Therefore, the water level remains unchanged after all the ice melts.

Explanation: The full form of GPS is Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate information about the location, speed, and time anywhere on Earth. Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, GPS uses a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. It is widely used in navigation, mapping, military operations, aviation, and smartphone tracking applications.

Explanation: Saliva, secreted by the salivary glands, begins the process of carbohydrate digestion in the mouth. It contains the enzyme salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin), which catalyzes the breakdown of starch (polysaccharide) into maltose (disaccharide). This is the first step in digestion, and it occurs while food is chewed and mixed with saliva before being swallowed.

Chemical Reaction:

Starch → (Salivary amylase) → Maltose

Thus, saliva plays an essential role in the digestion of carbohydrates, making the food slightly sweet when chewed for a longer time.

Explanation: Normal human blood has a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35 to 7.45. This pH is maintained by buffer systems such as the bicarbonate buffer system and controlled by the lungs (CO₂ regulation) and kidneys (acid-base balance). A deviation from this range can be life-threatening — acidosis occurs if pH falls below 7.35, and alkalosis occurs if it rises above 7.45.

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: 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.

Explanation: Aerosols (such as those used in spray cans, refrigerants, and air conditioners) often contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogen compounds. These chemicals rise to the stratosphere, where ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone (O₃) molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion. The thinning of the ozone layer allows more harmful UV rays to reach Earth, increasing the risk of skin cancer, eye damage, and affecting ecosystems.