Explanation: Shadows are formed when an opaque object comes in the path of light. Opaque objects do not allow light to pass through them, causing a dark region called a shadow to form on the opposite side. Transparent and translucent objects allow light to pass fully or partially, so they form faint or no shadows.

The Widal test is used to diagnose Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. The test detects the presence of agglutinating antibodies (O and H) in a patient’s serum against the antigens of the typhoid bacteria. It helps confirm infection during the second week of illness.

• Cholera: Diagnosed by stool culture for Vibrio cholerae.
• Tuberculosis: Detected using sputum test or Mantoux test.
• AIDS: Diagnosed through ELISA or Western blot test for HIV.

The Big Bang Theory explains the origin of the Universe. According to this theory, the universe began about 13.8 billion years ago from an extremely hot and dense state that expanded rapidly in all directions. This expansion continues even today, leading to the formation of galaxies, stars, planets, and other cosmic structures. The discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation provides strong evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory.

Other options (for context)

• Origin of Sun: Explained by the Nebular Hypothesis, not the Big Bang Theory.
• Laws of Chemistry: Studied under physical and inorganic chemistry, unrelated to cosmology.
• Laws of History: Concern human civilizations, not the universe’s formation.

Explanation: Natural gas is a non-renewable source of energy because it is formed from fossilized organic matter over millions of years and cannot be replenished quickly. In contrast, geothermal energy, flowing water, and biomass are renewable as they can be naturally regenerated over short periods.

Explanation: The processes that add carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the carbon cycle on Earth are:

• 1. Volcanic action: Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of CO₂ and other gases from the Earth’s interior into the atmosphere.
• 2. Respiration: All living organisms release CO₂ as a by-product of breaking down glucose during cellular respiration.
• 4. Decay of organic matter: Decomposition of dead plants and animals by microbes produces CO₂ and methane (CH₄).

Photosynthesis (option 3), on the other hand, removes CO₂ from the atmosphere as plants use it to produce glucose and release oxygen.

The Itai-Itai disease is caused by Cadmium (Cd) poisoning. The disease was first identified in Japan, where industrial discharge of cadmium-contaminated water led to severe pollution. People consuming rice grown in this contaminated water suffered from extreme pain in bones and joints, along with kidney damage. The name "Itai-Itai" literally means "ouch-ouch" in Japanese, reflecting the severe pain experienced by victims.

Other options (for context)

• Nickel: Causes dermatitis and allergic reactions but not Itai-Itai disease.
• Chromium: Can cause skin and respiratory problems, not bone-related disorders.
• Mercury: Leads to Minamata disease, not Itai-Itai disease.

Explanation: Vitamin B₁₂, also known as Cobalamin, is the only vitamin that contains a metal ion — cobalt (Co) — at its core. It plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and proper nervous system function. Deficiency of Vitamin B₁₂ leads to pernicious anemia and neurological disorders. It is found mainly in animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, milk, and fish, and is synthesized by certain bacteria.

John McCarthy is regarded as the father of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He coined the term “Artificial Intelligence” in 1956 during the Dartmouth Conference, which is considered the founding event of AI as a research field. McCarthy also developed the LISP programming language, one of the earliest languages used for AI programming. His contributions laid the foundation for modern AI research, machine learning, and robotics.

Other options (for context)

• Charles Babbage: Known as the “Father of the Computer” for designing the Analytical Engine.
• Lee De Forest: Invented the triode vacuum tube, which advanced early electronics.
• J. P. Eckert: Co-inventor of ENIAC, one of the first electronic general-purpose computers.

Explanation: A transformer is an electrical device used to increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) the voltage of alternating current (A.C.). It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and functions only with A.C., not with D.C. A transformer consists of two coils—primary and secondary—wound around a soft iron core. The voltage ratio between these coils depends on the number of turns in each winding. Transformers are used in power transmission, distribution, and electronic devices to regulate voltage levels efficiently.

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).