Q221. Which of the following best defines system software?
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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Q222. Consider the following statements comparing compilers and interpreters:
I. A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code at once.
II. An interpreter translates and executes the code line by line.
III. Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted ones.
IV. Interpreters consume less memory during translation than compilers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code at once.
II. An interpreter translates and executes the code line by line.
III. Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted ones.
IV. Interpreters consume less memory during translation than compilers.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Compilers and interpreters are distinct translation tools for programming languages. A compiler converts the entire source code into machine code before execution, resulting in faster performance. Conversely, an interpreter translates and executes code line by line, consuming less memory during the process. Understanding these differences is essential for developers when choosing the most appropriate tool for specific software development needs.
Q223. Which of the following is not considered a utility software?
Explanation
Utility software performs specific tasks related to the maintenance and optimization of a computer system, such as disk defragmentation, antivirus protection, and file backups. These tools ensure the computer runs smoothly and securely. In contrast, a Database Management System is classified as application software because its primary purpose is to allow users to create, manage, and query structured data.
Q224. Assembly language is classified as which type of programming language?
Explanation
Assembly language is classified as a low-level programming language because it provides a strong correspondence between the language instructions and the architecture’s machine code. It uses mnemonic symbols to represent machine operations, making it more readable than binary code while still remaining hardware-specific. This allows for precise control over computer resources, which is vital for system-level programming and driver development.
Q225. Given below are two statements regarding programming paradigms.
Statement I: C++ and Java are examples of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) languages.
Statement II: OOP utilizes concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: C++ and Java are examples of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) languages.
Statement II: OOP utilizes concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Object-Oriented Programming is a paradigm centered around the concept of objects, which contain both data and code. Languages like C++ and Java are prominent examples that implement core OOP principles including inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. These concepts allow developers to create modular, reusable, and maintainable software architectures, which is essential for managing the complexity of modern application development.
Q226. Identify the odd one out among the following terms.
Explanation
Python, Java, and C++ are high-level programming languages used by developers to write software and create applications. Each language follows specific syntax rules and paradigms to communicate instructions to a computer. Linux, however, is an operating system, which is system software that manages hardware and provides the environment where these programming languages and their resulting applications function.
Q227. Match List I with List II.
| Software Type | Example |
|---|---|
| A. Operating System | i. BIOS |
| B. Application Software | ii. Microsoft Word |
| C. Utility Software | iii. Disk Cleanup |
| D. Firmware | iv. Windows 11 |
Explanation
Software types are categorized by their specific functions within a computing environment. Operating systems like Windows 11 manage resources, while application software like Microsoft Word performs user-specific tasks. Utility software such as Disk Cleanup maintains system health, and firmware like BIOS provides low-level hardware control. This classification helps in understanding how different software layers interact to provide a complete experience.
Q228. Which of the following correctly defines firmware?
Explanation
Firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device’s specific hardware. Usually stored on non-volatile memory devices like ROM, EPROM, or flash memory, it remains intact even when power is lost. Firmware acts as a permanent set of instructions that allows hardware to communicate with other software, ensuring the device operates correctly.
Q229. If a new printer is connected to a computer but fails to operate, which specific type of system software is most likely missing?
Explanation
A device driver is a specialized type of system software that acts as a translator between the operating system and a specific hardware peripheral, such as a printer. Without the correct driver, the OS cannot communicate commands to the hardware effectively. Installing the appropriate driver ensures that the printer’s unique features and functions are recognized and utilized by the computer system.
Q230. What is a primary beneficial effect of adopting open-source software like Linux in enterprise environments?
Explanation
Open-source software like Linux provides enterprises with the freedom to view, modify, and redistribute the source code without significant licensing fees. This transparency allows for high customizability, enabling organizations to tailor the software to their specific operational needs. Additionally, the collaborative nature of open-source development often leads to robust security and innovation, making it a cost-effective alternative.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 221 | (c) Manages resources and platforms |
| 222 | (d) I, II, III, and IV |
| 223 | (d) Database Management System |
| 224 | (a) Low-level language |
| 225 | (a) Both Statement I and II are correct |
| 226 | (a) Linux |
| 227 | (a) A-iv, B-ii, C-iii, D-i |
| 228 | (b) Low-level ROM-based hardware control |
| 229 | (c) Device driver |
| 230 | (d) Low cost and high customizability |
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.