Explanation: Sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz are called infrasonic waves. These waves are inaudible to the human ear but can be produced by natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ocean waves.

Sound becomes hazardous and causes noise pollution when its intensity exceeds 80 decibels (dB). Prolonged exposure to such high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and other health problems. Common sources include heavy traffic, loudspeakers, machinery, and construction activities. Sounds above 120 dB can cause immediate ear damage or pain.

Other options (for context)

• Above 50 dB: Considered moderate — typical of normal conversation or office noise.
• Above 100 dB: Very loud and potentially painful, but 80 dB is the threshold for long-term hazard.
• Above 130 dB: Extremely loud, causes immediate physical pain and ear damage.

Explanation: PARAM 8000 is India's first supercomputer, developed in 1991 by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the leadership of Dr. Vijay Bhatkar. It marked India’s entry into high-performance computing and was capable of 1 GigaFLOP (one billion calculations per second).

Explanation: Pathogenic parasites are those that invade the host’s body and cause disease. The presence of these harmful organisms stimulates the host’s immune system to produce antibodies that help neutralize or destroy the pathogens. Examples include Plasmodium (causes malaria) and Trypanosoma (causes sleeping sickness).

Explanation: The element hydrogen is common to all acids. Acids are substances that produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) when dissolved in water. This property gives acids their characteristic sour taste, the ability to turn blue litmus paper red, and to react with bases to form salts and water. Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), and nitric acid (HNO₃)—all of which release hydrogen ions in aqueous solution.

Explanation: Cow’s milk is a nutritionally rich food containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. It is particularly rich in B-group vitamins, especially Vitamin B₂ (Riboflavin) and Vitamin B₁₂ (Cobalamin). These vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining healthy skin, eyesight, and the nervous system, as well as aiding in the formation of red blood cells.

Note: While milk provides moderate amounts of Vitamin A and D, the natural content of Vitamin D is low, and milk is often fortified with Vitamin D to enhance its nutritional value.

Explanation: Opium is obtained from the latex present in the unripe capsule of the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). The latex is collected by making incisions on the capsule, and after drying, it forms raw opium, which contains alkaloids like morphine and codeine.

Explanation: Sound waves in air are longitudinal waves, meaning the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels. These waves require a material medium (like air, water, or solids) for propagation and cannot travel through a vacuum.