Q211. Which component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for directing and coordinating most of the operations in the computer?
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q212. Consider the following statements regarding Random Access Memory (RAM):
I. It is a volatile memory.
II. It directly communicates with the CPU.
III. It permanently stores the BIOS instructions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is a volatile memory.
II. It directly communicates with the CPU.
III. It permanently stores the BIOS instructions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Random Access Memory is characterized as volatile memory because it loses all stored data when the power is removed. It facilitates high-speed data exchange by communicating directly with the CPU during active processing. However, RAM does not store BIOS instructions permanently; that function is reserved for non-volatile ROM chips, which retain firmware even when the computer is off.
Q213. Identify the incorrect statement regarding Read- Only Memory (ROM).
Explanation
Read-Only Memory is inherently non-volatile, meaning it retains information without power. While different types like EEPROM allow for electrical erasure and reprogramming, the concept of a dynamic ROM requiring continuous refreshing is incorrect. Refreshing is a characteristic of Dynamic RAM, not ROM. ROM is primarily used to store permanent firmware that remains stable throughout the life of the hardware.
Q214. Which memory type provides the fastest access speed for the CPU during data processing?
Explanation
Cache memory provides the highest access speed for the processor by storing frequently used data and instructions extremely close to the CPU cores. While RAM is faster than secondary storage devices like SSDs or HDDs, cache memory is designed to minimize the time the CPU spends waiting for data. This proximity significantly enhances overall system performance during complex computational tasks.
Q215. What is the primary effect of adding more RAM to a computer system experiencing high page fault rates?
Explanation
Adding more physical RAM increases the amount of high-speed memory available for active processes, which reduces the system’s need to swap data to slower secondary storage. When page fault rates are high, the computer spends excessive time accessing virtual memory on the hard drive. Increasing RAM allows more data to stay in main memory, improving overall system responsiveness.
Q216. Select the correct order of computer memory hierarchy starting from the fastest access speed to the slowest.
Explanation
The memory hierarchy in a computer is organized by speed and proximity to the processor. Registers located within the CPU are the fastest, followed closely by cache memory. RAM serves as the main working memory with moderate speeds, while magnetic disks represent slower secondary storage. This structure balances high-performance needs with the cost and capacity requirements of data storage.
Q217. Which fundamental technology differentiates a Solid State Drive (SSD) from a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
Explanation
Solid State Drives differ from Hard Disk Drives primarily by utilizing NAND-based flash memory instead of rotating magnetic platters and mechanical read-write heads. This lack of moving parts makes SSDs significantly faster, more durable, and quieter than HDDs. Because they store data electronically on chips, SSDs offer nearly instantaneous data access speeds, drastically improving system boot times and application loading.
Q218. Which of the following is an incorrect pair of hardware devices?
Explanation
Hardware devices are classified as input or output based on the direction of data flow relative to the computer. Scanners and barcode readers are input devices because they send data to the computer, while plotters are output devices that produce physical drawings. A microphone is an input device because it converts sound waves into digital signals for the computer to process.
Q219. What is the primary function of a computer’s motherboard?
Explanation
The motherboard acts as the central communication backbone for a computer system, providing the physical platform and electrical paths required for components to interact. It houses the CPU, memory modules, and expansion cards while offering ports for peripheral devices and storage. By facilitating data exchange between all hardware elements, the motherboard ensures the integrated functionality of the entire computer architecture.
Q220. When a computer runs out of physical RAM, which hardware mechanism allows it to temporarily use secondary storage as memory?
Explanation
Virtual memory is a management technique that allows a computer to compensate for physical RAM shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage. This process creates an illusion of larger memory capacity for applications, enabling the system to run more complex programs simultaneously. While slower than physical RAM, it prevents system crashes by managing memory resources more dynamically.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 211 | (d) Control Unit (CU) |
| 212 | (a) I and II only |
| 213 | (c) Dynamic ROM requires continuous refreshing to maintain data. |
| 214 | (d) Cache Memory |
| 215 | (a) Reduced virtual memory reliance |
| 216 | (b) Registers, Cache, RAM, Magnetic Disk |
| 217 | (b) Use of NAND flash memory |
| 218 | (a) Microphone - Output device |
| 219 | (c) Connects all hardware components |
| 220 | (d) Virtual Memory |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.