Quick Navigation: Table of Contents
Part A: Fundamental Concepts
A strong foundation is key. This section covers the core principles of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology that are frequently asked in exams.
1.0 Physics: The Science of the Universe
Force, Work, Energy & Power
- Force: A push or pull that can change the state of motion of an object. SI Unit: Newton (N). Newton's three laws of motion are fundamental.
- Work: Done when a force causes displacement. Formula: Work = Force × Distance. SI Unit: Joule (J).
- Energy: The capacity to do work. Key forms are Kinetic Energy (energy of motion) and Potential Energy (stored energy). SI Unit: Joule (J).
- Power: The rate at which work is done. Formula: Power = Work / Time. SI Unit: Watt (W).
Key Physics Principles Explained
- Archimedes' Principle: An object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This is why ships float.
- Bernoulli's Theorem: In a fluid flow, an increase in speed occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy. This principle explains the lift of an airplane's wing.
- Viscosity: The measure of a fluid's resistance to flow (its "thickness"). Honey is more viscous than water.
- Pascal's Law: Pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid and the walls of the containing vessel. Used in hydraulic lifts and brakes.
Light and Lenses
Light phenomena like reflection, refraction (bending of light), and dispersion (splitting of light, creating rainbows) are important. Lenses use refraction to form images.
- Convex Lens (Converging): Thicker at the center. Used to correct hypermetropia (long-sightedness) and in magnifying glasses.
- Concave Lens (Diverging): Thinner at the center. Used to correct myopia (short-sightedness).
Electricity & Thermodynamics
- Ohm's Law: Voltage = Current × Resistance (V=IR). The fundamental law of electric circuits.
- Electronics: Basic components include Diodes (allow current in one direction) and Transistors (act as switches or amplifiers).
- Laws of Thermodynamics: Govern energy transfer. The First Law is about the conservation of energy. The Second Law states that the entropy (disorder) of an isolated system always increases.
2.0 Chemistry: The Science of Matter
Organic vs. Inorganic Chemistry
Chemistry is broadly divided into two fields:
- Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds, which form the basis of all life. Examples: Methane (CH₄), Ethanol (C₂H₅OH).
- Inorganic Chemistry: The study of compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Examples: Salt (NaCl), Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄).
Chemical Reactions
- Combination: Two or more reactants combine to form a single product (A + B → AB).
- Decomposition: A single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances (AB → A + B).
- Displacement: A more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.
- Redox (Oxidation-Reduction): Reactions involving the transfer of electrons. Rusting of iron is a common example.
The Periodic Table
The periodic table arranges chemical elements in order of atomic number. It is a cornerstone of chemistry. Elements in the same Group (vertical column) have similar chemical properties. Elements in the same Period (horizontal row) have the same number of electron shells.
3.0 Biology: The Science of Life
The Cell and Microorganisms
The cell is the basic unit of life. We covered Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells earlier. Microorganisms like Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Protozoa are crucial to understand for health and disease topics.
Vitamins: Essential Micronutrients
Vitamins are vital for various bodily functions. Their deficiencies lead to specific diseases. This is a high-yield topic!
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Key Sources | Deficiency Disease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Retinol | Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach | Night Blindness, Xerophthalmia |
| Vitamin B1 | Thiamine | Pork, Whole Grains, Legumes | Beri-Beri |
| Vitamin B12 | Cobalamin | Meat, Fish, Dairy Products | Pernicious Anemia |
| Vitamin C | Ascorbic Acid | Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons), Amla | Scurvy (bleeding gums) |
| Vitamin D | Calciferol | Sunlight, Fatty Fish, Fortified Milk | Rickets (in children), Osteomalacia |
| Vitamin E | Tocopherol | Nuts, Seeds, Vegetable Oils | Rare, can cause neurological problems |
| Vitamin K | Phylloquinone | Leafy Green Vegetables (Kale, Spinach) | Impaired Blood Clotting |
Common Diseases and Causes
| Caused By | Disease Examples |
|---|---|
| Virus | Common Cold, Influenza, COVID-19, AIDS, Polio, Dengue |
| Bacteria | Tuberculosis (TB), Cholera, Typhoid, Tetanus |
| Fungus | Ringworm, Athlete's Foot |
| Protozoa | Malaria (spread by mosquitoes), Amoebic Dysentery |
Part B: Technological Advancements
This section covers India's prowess and key technologies in major sectors.
5.0 Space Technology (ISRO)
Key Missions: Chandrayaan-3 (successful Moon south pole landing), Aditya-L1 (solar observatory), Mangalyaan, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
6.0 Biotechnology
Focus on Genetic Engineering, GMOs like Bt Cotton, and applications like creating vaccines (e.g., mRNA vaccines) and insulin.
7.0 ICT, 8.0 Nanotechnology, 9.0 Nuclear Technology, 10.0 Defense (DRDO), 11.0 Energy
These sections focus on key terms: 5G, LiFi, IoT, Nanomaterials, Nuclear Fission vs. Fusion, IGMDP Missiles (PATNA), and Renewable Energy sources. Refer to the detailed notes in Part D for a deeper dive.
Part C: Emerging Technologies
These are the hot topics of today that are changing our world.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine Learning and Deep Learning powering everything from chatbots to self-driving cars.
- Quantum Technology: Quantum Computing and Communication for ultra-fast processing and secure data transfer.
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrency: The technology behind Bitcoin, offering a decentralized and secure ledger.
- 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing): Building objects layer-by-layer, revolutionizing manufacturing and healthcare.
Part D: Policy, Governance, and IPR
21.0 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
IPR protects creations of the mind. Understanding the basics is crucial.
| IPR Type | What it Protects | Term in India |
|---|---|---|
| Patent | Inventions (new product or process) | 20 years |
| Copyright | Literary, artistic works (books, software, music) | Author's life + 60 years |
| Trademark | Brand names, logos (e.g., Nike swoosh) | 10 years (renewable indefinitely) |
| Geographical Indication (GI) | Products from a specific region (e.g., Darjeeling Tea) | 10 years (renewable indefinitely) |
22.0 S&T in Governance (E-Governance)
Using technology to deliver government services efficiently and transparently.
Key E-Governance Initiatives
- Digital India: A mission to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
- JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile): Revolutionized subsidy delivery through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), plugging leakages.
- GeM (Government e-Marketplace): An online portal for transparent government procurement.
- MyGov.in: A platform for citizen engagement and participatory governance.
Part E: How to Stay Updated
23.0 A Guide to Keeping Up
Science & Tech is dynamic. Consistent effort is needed. Here are the best sources:
- Newspapers: Regularly read the Science & Tech page of The Hindu and the "Explained" section of The Indian Express.
- Official Sources: Follow Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases for the Ministry of Science & Tech, ISRO, and DRDO.
- Magazines: Science Reporter (by CSIR) and Yojana offer in-depth analyses.
You've reached the end of this comprehensive guide! We hope this helps you structure your revision.
All the best for your exams!
Posts
0 Comments
I’m here to help! If you have any questions, just ask!