PRELIMS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
Q.1 ) Consider the following statements: CAPF (2023)
- Geothermal energy can be used to produce electricity or it can be used directly for industry, agriculture, building and cleaning.
- Nuclear energy is often cheaper than some other sources of electricity.
- Thermal power stations burn fossil fuels to create steam to drive the turbines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct.
- Geothermal energy can be used for generating electricity by harnessing underground heat to drive turbines. It can also be used directly (without conversion to electricity) for heating buildings, greenhouses, aquaculture, drying crops, and industrial processes.
- Statement 2: Incorrect.
- Nuclear energy has high capital and maintenance costs. Though its fuel costs are relatively low, overall it is not necessarily cheaper than solar, wind, or hydro power on a levelized cost basis today.
- Statement 3: Correct.
- Thermal power plants (coal, oil, or gas-based) burn fossil fuels to heat water, producing steam which drives turbines to generate electricity.
Q.2) Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh is known for: CDS (2022)
- Solar energy
- Geothermal energy
- Bioenergy
- Wind energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Manikaran, located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its hot water springs, which are a manifestation of geothermal energy.
- These springs are naturally heated by geothermal heat emanating from the Earth’s crust.
- The area has been identified as a potential site for harnessing geothermal power, though the springs are currently used for bathing, religious purposes, and cooking by locals and pilgrims.
- It is not associated with solar, bio, or wind energy projects.
Q.3) Which one among the following is not a renewable energy source? CAPF (2021)
- Solar
- Wind
- Nuclear
- Hydroelectric
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Solar energy: Renewable, as it derives from the Sun, which is inexhaustible on a human timescale.
- Wind energy: Renewable, as it harnesses naturally occurring wind currents.
- Hydroelectric energy: Renewable, as it uses the flow of water in rivers, which is part of the natural water cycle.
- Nuclear energy: Not renewable, because it depends on finite uranium and thorium resources found in the Earth’s crust. Although efficient and low-carbon, the fuel used is exhaustible.