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PMF IA
IIAS®
S® Genera
General
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r l Science Fi
First
Fir
irs
rst Ed
Edition
Edi
diti
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Pathfinder Merit Fleet LLP / PMF IAS® General Science First Edition
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PMF IAS® General Science First Edition

Author: Rajashree Borah
Publisher: PMF IAS
Typesetting: PMF IAS
Printed and Marketed by PMF IAS
Email: [email protected]
 ABOUT THE
TH
T E AUTHOR
AUTH
TH
T OR

Raj
Rajashree
a ashree Borah is an academic, researcher, and content expert known for her profound
aj
contributions to Geography, Climatology, and Environmental Studies. A graduate of the
prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, she holds a postgraduate degree
in Geography, where she honed her expertise in spatial dynamics and human-environment
interactions. Driven by her passion for climate studies, she pursued an
MPhil from JNU, focusing on rainfall variability and producing valuable
insights into climatic patterns and their implications.

Rajashree
Raj
a ashree serves as the Lead Content Writer at PMF IAS, a leading
aj
platform
p crafts
latform for competitive exam preparation. In this role, she craft
f s high-
ft
quality,
qual lity, learner-centric content designed to simplify
f complex topics for
fy
aspirants of of UPSC
UPSC civil services and other competitive exams.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ACKN
KN
K OWL
WL
W ED
E GEM
EMEN
E E T

Writing this book has been an incredibly enriching journey, and it would not h
have
ave been
possible without many remarkable individuals' support, encouragement, and contributions.
contributiions.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Manjunath Thamminidi, the founder
of PMF IAS, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of knowledge have
been a constant source of inspiration. His guidance has shaped the direction of this project
and motivated me to bring this work to life.

I am deeply thankful to Pratik Jadhav, Esha Attreya, and Gaurav Kumar Sharma, who have
meticulously designed the incredible infographics. I would also like to thank Dr. Vishwj wj
w eet
Vishwjeet
Kawar for his valuable insights. It is a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals.

Lastly I thank the readers who inspire me to continue learning

Lastly, learning, sharing
sharing, and growing
growing. I hope
this book serves as a valuable resource and ignites curiosity, understanding, and success in
all who read it.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Rajashree
Raj
aj
a ashree Borah

DEDICATIONS
DED
E ICA
ED C TI
CAT ONS
N
NS

I dedicate this book to my parents (Jitendra Nath Borah and Swarna Borah) and my friends
Pooja,
o a, whose unwavering belief in me has made it possible.
Jaya, Amit, Reena, and Pooj
oj
Rajashree
- Raj
a ashree Borah
aj
 PREFACE
PREF
EFA
EF
FACE

The UPSC Civil Services, State PCS, and other similar competitive examinations demand a
comprehensive understanding of a wide range of subjects, and General Science forms an
integral part of this demanding endeavour. This book is meticulously curated to excel in this
crucial area by equipping aspirants with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills.

The challenges of preparing for competitive exams are understandable. Time is of the
essence, and information overload can be overwhelming. Therefore, this book takes a
learner-centric approach, covering all important concepts and topics in a holistic, simplified,
clear, and concise manner. The book also takes an exam-centric approach, ensuring that
only relevant information is presented to the readers.
The
The book is organised into four main sections:

1. Phy
Physics:
ysics: Covering
Coveriing
g the
the p
principles
rincip
ples that govern motion, energy, and the forces of nature,
along with real-world applications thatt make
make these
these concepts tangible.
2. Chemistry
Chemistry:y: Exploring the composition, properties, and
and transformations of matter, this
section connects theoretical insights with practical relevance.
3. Biology
Biology:
y: Delving into the living world, from cellular biology to ecosystems,
ecosy
ystems, this section
provides a holistic understanding of life processes and biodiversity.
4. Astronomy
Astronomy: y: Taking the reader beyond Earth, this section unveils the mysteries o
off space,
including celestial bodies, cosmic phenomena, and the science of the universe.

The strengths and distinguishing features of this book are:

1. Simp
Simplified
plified Complex
Comp plex Concepts:
Conceppts: Core scientific principles are presented in clear and
concise language, making them easier to grasp and retain.
2. Color-Coded Important
Impportant Facts: Key concepts, formulas, and important points are
highlighted using colour-coding to enhance learning and improve information recall.
3. Coherent and Holistic Approach:
Ap
pproach: The content is organised in a logical and
interconnected manner, providing a holistic understanding of scientific concepts.
4. Comp
Competitive
petitive Exam Focus: The content is tailored to the specific
p requirements
q and
expectations of various competitive exams, ensuring you are well-prepared for the
challenges that lie ahead.

Whether you are a beginner aiming to build a solid foundation or an advanced learner
seeking to refine your knowledge, this book is designed to cater to your needs. It blends
clarity with precision, helping you save time while mastering the essentials.

Hope that this book serves as a reliable companion on your journey to success. With
determination, focus, and the right tools, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

Happy learning, and best wishes for your exam preparations!

Raj
a ashree Borah
aj
- Rajashree
 Biology – Table of Contents Eubacteria...................................................... 29
3.4. Classification of Kingdom Protista ................. 29
1. Cell: The Unit of Life ............................................ B-1 Chrysophytes ................................................. 29
Dinoflagellates............................................... 29
1.1. What is a Cell? ................................................ 1
Euglenoids ..................................................... 31
1.2. Types of Organisms Based on Cells................... 1 Slime Moulds ................................................. 31
1.3. Cell Theory ...................................................... 1 Protozoans ..................................................... 31
1.4. Shape and Size of Cells..................................... 1 3.5. Classification of Kingdom Fungi..................... 31
1.5. Cell Organelles ................................................ 2 Phycomycetes ................................................ 31
Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane ............ 2 Ascomycetes .................................................. 31
Transport Through the Cell Membrane ........... 2 Basidiomycetes .............................................. 31
Cell Wall .......................................................... 5 Deuteromycetes ............................................. 31
Nucleus............................................................ 5 3.6. Classification of the Kingdom Plantae ........... 32
Cytoplasm ....................................................... 6 Cryptogams ................................................... 32
Endomembrane System .................................. 6 Phanerogams ................................................ 35
Mitochondria................................................... 7 Cryptogams vs Phanerogams ........................ 36
Plastids ............................................................ 7
3.7. Classification of the Kingdom Animalia ......... 36
Ribosomes ....................................................... 7
Features of Phyla of Kingdom Animalia.........37
Cytoskeleton .................................................... 7
Vertebrata: A Subphyla of Chordata ..............40
Cilia and Flagella ............................................. 7
Salient Features of Animal Kingdom .............41
Centrosome and Centrioles ............................. 8
1.6. Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes ............................... 8 4. Structural Organisation in Plants & Animals....... B-43
1.7. Animal Cell vs Plant Cell................................... 8 4.1. Morphology of Flowering Plants ................... 43
1.8. Cell Cycle and Cell Division ............................. 10 The Root ........................................................ 43
Mitosis........................................................... 10 The Stem ........................................................ 43
Meiosis .......................................................... 13 The Leaf ......................................................... 44
The Flower ..................................................... 46
2. Tissues ............................................................... B-14
The Fruit......................................................... 48
2.1. Plant Tissues ................................................. 14 The Seed ........................................................ 48
Meristematic Tissue ...................................... 14 4.2. Morphology of Animals ................................ 49
Permanent Tissue .......................................... 14 Earthworms ................................................... 49
Simple Permanent Tissue .............................. 15 Cockroaches................................................... 49
Complex Permanent Tissue ........................... 16 Frogs .............................................................. 50
Protective Tissue ........................................... 16
4.3. Morphology of Humans ................................ 50
2.2. Animal Tissues .............................................. 16
Body Plan ....................................................... 50
Epithelial Tissue............................................. 16 Skeletal System .............................................. 50
Connective Tissue .......................................... 19 Muscular System ........................................... 50
Muscle Tissue ................................................ 21 Nervous System ............................................. 50
Neural Tissue ................................................. 22 Circulatory System ......................................... 50
2.3. Vascular and Avascular Tissue ....................... 22 Respiratory System ........................................ 50
3. Classification of Organisms.................................B-24 Digestive System ............................................ 50
Excretory System............................................ 51
3.1. Taxonomic Classification of Organisms .......... 25
Endocrine System........................................... 51
3.2. Five Kingdom Classification ........................... 26 Reproductive System ..................................... 51
Kingdom Monera .......................................... 26 Integumentary System ................................... 51
Kingdom Protista........................................... 27 Lymphatic and Immune System ..................... 51
Kingdom Fungi .............................................. 27
Kingdom Plantae ........................................... 27 5. Life Processes .................................................... B-52
Kingdom Animalia ......................................... 27 5.1. Respiration ................................................... 52
Viruses, Viroids, Prions and Lichens .............. 28 Types of Respiration ...................................... 52
3.3. Classification of Kingdom Monera ................. 29 Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration .................. 53
Archaebacteria .............................................. 29 ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) ....................... 53

General Science – i Table of Contents PMF IAS – Learn Smart

 5.2. Transportation .............................................. 53 Functions of Lipids ........................................ 87
Transportation in Plants ................................ 53 Nucleic Acids ................................................. 87
Transportation in Animals ............................. 53 Biomacromolecules vs Biomicromolecules ... 87
Transportation Across Cell Membrane .......... 53 8.2. Vitamins ........................................................ 88
5.3. Excretion ....................................................... 53 8.3. Minerals ........................................................ 91
Excretion in Humans ...................................... 53 8.4. Deficiency Diseases and Balanced Diet ........... 95
Excretion in Plants ......................................... 53 8.5. Good Cholesterol and Bad Cholesterol ........... 95
8.6. Types of Fats ................................................. 97
6. Life Processes in Plants....................................... B-54
Saturated Fats (SFA)...................................... 97
6.1. Respiration in Plants ..................................... 54 Unsaturated Fats .......................................... 97
6.2. Nutrition in Plants ......................................... 54 Types of Unsaturated Fats ............................ 99
6.3. Transportation in Plants ................................ 60 Trans Fatty Acids ........................................... 99
6.4. Excretion in Plants ......................................... 63 Fats Based on Essentiality ............................. 99
Healthy and Unhealthy Fats........................ 100
7. Life Processes in Human Beings .......................... B-64
8.7. Metabolism and Metabolic Pathways .......... 100
7.1. Respiration in Human Beings ......................... 64
Types of Metabolic Pathways ..................... 100
Human Respiratory System ........................... 64 Enzymes ...................................................... 100
Disorders of the Respiratory System.............. 66 Metabolites ................................................. 101
7.2. Human Circulatory System ............................ 66
Circulatory Medium: Blood and Lymph ......... 67 9. Reproduction ................................................... B-102
Arteries, Veins and Capillaries ....................... 69 9.1. Asexual Reproduction .................................. 102
Heart ............................................................. 70 Methods of Asexual Reproduction .............. 102
Types of Circulatory Systems ......................... 71 9.2. Sexual Reproduction .................................... 105
Comparison Circulatory System Types ........... 72 Life Cycles and Reproductive Phases........... 105
Double Circulation in Humans ....................... 72 Stages of Sexual Reproduction .................... 105
Circulatory System Disorders ......................... 73 Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants .... 106
7.3. Digestion and Absorption .............................. 73 Human Reproduction .................................. 108
Digestive System of Human Being ................. 73
Digestive Glands ............................................ 75 10. Control and Coordination .................................B-109
Digestion of Food........................................... 75 10.1. Neural Control and Coordination ................. 109
Absorption of Digested Products ................... 77 Neural System ............................................. 109
Disorders of the Digestive System ................. 77 10.2. Chemical Coordination and Integration ........ 113
7.4. Excretion in Human Beings ............................ 77 Endocrine Glands & Hormones ................... 113
Nitrogenous Wastes ...................................... 77 Human Endocrine System ........................... 113
Excretion Based on Nitrogenous Waste......... 78 Hormones of Heart, Kidney, etc. ................. 115
Human Excretory System ............................... 78 10.3. Coordination in Plants ................................. 115
Urine Formation ............................................ 79 Immediate Response to Stimulus ................ 115
Regulation of Kidney Function ....................... 79 Movement Due to Growth .......................... 115
Micturition..................................................... 80
Role of Other Organs in Excretion ................. 80 11. Locomotion and Movement ..............................B-117
Disorders of the Excretory System ................. 80 11.1. Muscles ....................................................... 117
8. Nutrients ........................................................... B-81 Structure of Skeletal Muscle ....................... 117
11.2. Skeletal System............................................ 117
8.1. Biomolecules................................................. 82
Axial Skeleton .............................................. 118
Carbohydrates ............................................... 82 Appendicular Skeleton ................................ 119
Classification of Carbohydrates ..................... 82 Joints ........................................................... 119
Functions of Carbohydrates ........................... 83
11.3. Muscular and Skeletal Disorders .................. 119
Proteins ......................................................... 83
Classification of Proteins ............................... 83 12. Heredity and Evolution .....................................B-120
Functions of Proteins ..................................... 84 12.1. Heredity and Inheritance ............................. 120
Lipids ............................................................. 85 12.2. Principles of Inheritance & Variation ............ 120
Classification of Lipids ................................... 85
Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance ......... 120
PMF IAS – Learn Smart Table of Contents General Science – ii
 Mendel's Laws of Inheritance...................... 121 Dengue ........................................................ 159
Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance ........... 123 Nipah ........................................................... 161
Thomas Hunt Morgan's Experiments .......... 124 Influenza ...................................................... 162
Polygenic Inheritance .................................. 124 Monkeypox (Mpox) ...................................... 163
Pleiotropy .................................................... 125 Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) ..................... 163
Sex Determination ....................................... 125 Covid-19....................................................... 163
Sex Determination in Humans ..................... 127 Malaria ........................................................ 168
Mutation ..................................................... 127 Tuberculosis (TB).......................................... 168
Genetic Disorders ........................................ 127 Diabetes ....................................................... 171
India and Sickle-Cell Anaemia ..................... 131 West Nile Virus (WNV) ................................. 173
12.3. Molecular Basis of Inheritance ..................... 135 Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis) .............173
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)....................... 135 13.11. Immunity .................................................... 173
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) ................................ 137 Innate Immunity .......................................... 173
DNA vs RNA ................................................. 138 Acquired or Adaptive Immunity ................... 173
Genetic Code ............................................... 138 13.12. Antibodies .................................................. 175
Protein Synthesis from DNA and RNA ......... 139 Types of Antibodies...................................... 175
Regulation of Gene Expression .................... 139
12.4. Evolution ..................................................... 140
Theories of Origin of Life ............................. 140 Physics – Table of Contents
Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution .......... 140
Evidences of Evolution ................................. 141 1. Units and Measurements ..................................... P-1
Adaptive Radiation...................................... 141 1.1. Physical Quantities ......................................... 1
Hardy-Weinberg Principle ........................... 141 1.2. Units............................................................... 1
A Brief Account of Evolution ........................ 141 1.3. System of Units ............................................... 1
Origin and Evolution of Humans ................. 143 CGS System ...................................................... 1
13. Diseases and Immunity .................................... B-145 MKS System ..................................................... 1
FPS System ....................................................... 1
13.1. Classification of Diseases ............................. 145 SI System (International System of Units) ........ 2
Based on Causative Agents ......................... 145
Based on the Mode of Transmission ........... 145 2. Motion ................................................................ P-3
Based on Duration....................................... 145 2.1. Types of Motion .............................................. 3
Based on Origin and Nature ........................ 145 Based on the Nature of the Movement ........... 3
Based on the System Affected ..................... 145 Based on the Path an Object Follows .............. 4
Based on Immune System Involvement....... 146 Based on Speed ............................................... 4
Based on Age Group.................................... 146 Based on Dimensions....................................... 4
Based on Global Impact .............................. 146 2.2. Distance and Displacement ............................. 4
Based on the Time of Occurrence................ 146 Distance ........................................................... 4
13.2. Diseases Caused by Bacteria ........................ 146 Displacement ................................................... 4
13.3. Diseases Caused by Viruses.......................... 147 Distance vs Displacement ................................ 5
13.4. Diseases Caused by Protozoa ....................... 149 2.3. Speed ............................................................. 5
13.5. Diseases Caused by Genetics........................ 149 Types of Speed ................................................. 5
13.6. Diseases Caused by Deficiencies................... 150 2.4. Velocity .......................................................... 5
13.7. Diseases Caused by Lifestyle ........................ 150 Types of Velocity .............................................. 5
13.8. Autoimmune Diseases ................................. 151 2.5. Relative Velocity ............................................. 6
13.9. Degenerative Diseases ................................ 152 2.6. Acceleration ................................................... 6
13.10. Description of Major Diseases...................... 153 Types of Acceleration ....................................... 6
Polio (Poliomyelitis) ..................................... 153 2.7. Graphical Representation of Motion ............... 7
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ....... 153 Distance-Time Graph ....................................... 7
Japanese Encephalitis ................................. 156 Velocity-Time Graph ........................................ 7
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) ........................... 156 Acceleration-Time Graph ................................. 8
Hepatitis ...................................................... 157 Displacement-Time Graph ............................... 8
Zika Virus Disease........................................ 159
General Science – iii Table of Contents PMF IAS – Learn Smart
 2.8. Equations of Motion ........................................ 8 4.5. Types of Energy ............................................. 19
First Equation of Motion.................................. 8 4.6. Work Energy Theorem ................................... 19
Second Equation of Motion ............................. 8 Work and Kinetic Energy Relationship .......... 19
Third Equation of Motion ................................ 8 4.7. Law of Conservation of Energy ....................... 19
2.9. Motion Under Gravity ..................................... 8 4.8. Mass-Energy Equivalence .............................. 20
Equations of Motion Under Gravity................. 9 4.9. Collision ........................................................ 20
Free Fall ........................................................... 9 Types of Collision........................................... 20
Objects Thrown Upwards ................................ 9 4.10. Heat .............................................................. 20
2.10. Projectile Motion ............................................ 9 4.11. Types of Heat ................................................ 20
2.11. Circular Motion ............................................. 10 Sensible Heat ................................................ 20
3. Force and Laws of Motion .................................. P-11 Latent Heat ................................................... 20
Specific Heat ................................................. 20
3.1. Force ............................................................. 11
4.12. Transfer of Heat ............................................ 20
3.2. Basic/Fundamental Forces in Nature ............. 11
Conduction .................................................... 21
Gravitational Force ........................................ 11
Convection .................................................... 21
Electromagnetic Force ................................... 12
Radiation ...................................................... 21
Strong Nuclear Force ..................................... 12
4.13. Heat and Change in States of Matter ............. 21
Weak Nuclear Force ...................................... 12
Melting (Fusion) ............................................ 22
Comparison ................................................... 12
Freezing (Solidification)................................. 22
3.3. Types of Forces .............................................. 12
Vaporisation.................................................. 23
Contact Forces ............................................... 12
Condensation ................................................ 23
Non-Contact Forces ....................................... 13
Sublimation ................................................... 23
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces.................. 13
Deposition ..................................................... 24
Internal and External Forces .......................... 13
4.14. Temperature.................................................. 24
Conservative & Non-Conservative Forces ...... 13
4.15. Scales of Temperature ................................... 24
Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces ................ 13
Real and Apparent Forces.............................. 13 Celsius Scale (°C) ........................................... 24
Cohesive and Adhesive Forces ....................... 13 Fahrenheit Scale (°F) ..................................... 24
Kelvin Scale ................................................... 24
3.4. Inertia ........................................................... 13
4.16. Heat vs Temperature ..................................... 25
Types of Inertia .............................................. 13
Moment of Inertia ......................................... 14 4.17. Humidity ....................................................... 25
3.5. Momentum ................................................... 14 Absolute Humidity ........................................ 25
Relative Humidity.......................................... 25
Law of Conservation of Momentum .............. 14
Specific Humidity .......................................... 25
Impulse .......................................................... 14
Factors Affecting Humidity ........................... 26
3.6. Newton’s Laws of Motion .............................. 14
4.18. Thermal Expansion ........................................ 26
Newton's First Law of Motion ....................... 14
Types of Thermal Expansion ......................... 26
Newton's Second Law of Motion ................... 14
Newton's Third Law of Motion ...................... 15 4.19. Thermal Conductivity..................................... 26
3.7. Friction ......................................................... 15 Black Body .................................................... 26
Newton's Law of Cooling .............................. 26
Types of Friction ............................................ 15
Advantages of Friction................................... 16 4.20. Thermodynamic Processes ............................. 26
Disadvantages of Friction .............................. 17 Types of Thermodynamic Processes ............. 26

4. Work, Energy and Heat ...................................... P-18 5. Gravitation......................................................... P-27

4.1. Work............................................................. 18 5.1. Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation .......... 27

Types of Work ................................................ 18 5.2. Characteristics of Gravitational Force............. 27
4.2. Power ........................................................... 18 5.3. Gravity of the Earth ....................................... 27
4.3. Energy .......................................................... 18 Acceleration due to Gravity .......................... 27
4.4. Mechanical Energy ........................................ 18 Factors Acceleration due to Gravity .............. 27
Effects of Gravity on the Earth ...................... 28
Kinetic Energy ................................................ 18
Potential Energy ............................................ 19 5.4. Mass and Weight........................................... 28
Mass ............................................................. 28
PMF IAS – Learn Smart Table of Contents General Science – iv
 Weight ........................................................... 28 Gamma Rays ................................................. 43
5.5. Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion ................. 28 Comparison of Types of EMR ......................... 43
Law of Ellipses or Law of Orbits .................... 29
8. Light and Optics................................................. P-45
Law of Equal Areas ........................................ 29
Law of Harmonies or Law of Periods ............. 29 8.1. Characteristics of Light .................................. 45
Dual Nature (Wave-Particle Duality) .............45
6. Solids and Fluids................................................. P-30 8.2. Reflection of Light ......................................... 45
6.1. Comparison between Solids and Fluids .......... 30 Laws of Reflection.......................................... 45
6.2. Physical Properties of Solids and Fluids .......... 30 Types of Reflection ......................................... 45
Mass and Weight .......................................... 30 8.3. Mirrors ......................................................... 45
Volume .......................................................... 31 8.4. Types of Mirrors............................................ 46
Density .......................................................... 31 Plane Mirrors ................................................. 46
Relative Density............................................. 31 Concave Mirrors (Converging Mirror)............46
6.3. Mechanical Properties of Solids ..................... 31 Convex Mirror (Diverging Mirror) .................. 47
Elasticity ........................................................ 32 8.5. Types of Images ............................................ 47
Stress ............................................................. 32 Real Images ................................................... 47
Strain ............................................................. 32 Virtual Images ............................................... 47
Hooke’s Law .................................................. 33 8.6. Refraction of Light ........................................ 47
Poisson's Ratio .............................................. 33 Characteristics of Refraction.......................... 48
Types of Solids Based on Elasticity ................ 33 Laws of Refraction ......................................... 48
6.4. Mechanical Properties of Fluids ..................... 33 Refractive Index ............................................. 48
Fluid Pressure ................................................ 33 8.7. Lens .............................................................. 50
Pascal's Law .................................................. 33 Concave Lens ................................................. 50
Atmospheric Pressure.................................... 34 Convex Lens ................................................... 51
Buoyancy ....................................................... 34
8.8. Dispersion of Light ........................................ 51
Archimedes' Principle .................................... 34
Principles of Dispersion of Light..................... 52
Surface Tension ............................................. 34
8.9. Scattering of Light......................................... 53
Capillarity ...................................................... 35
Rayleigh Scattering ........................................ 53
Viscosity ........................................................ 35
Mie Scattering ............................................... 53
Flow of Fluids ................................................ 35
Non-Selective Scattering ................................ 54
Ideal Gas and Ideal Gas Law ......................... 36
Comparison of Types of Scattering ................ 54
Boyle's Law.................................................... 37
Tyndall Effect ................................................. 55
Charles's Law................................................. 37
Gay-Lussac's Law .......................................... 37 8.10. Diffraction of Light ........................................ 55
Avogadro's Law ............................................. 37 8.11. Polarization of Light ...................................... 55
Applications of Polarization ........................... 55
7. Waves: Mechanical and Electromagnetic ............ P-38 8.12. Interference of Light...................................... 55
7.1. Waves ........................................................... 38 Types of Interference of Light ........................ 55
Key Properties of Wave ................................. 38 8.13. Defects of Vision: Causes, Corrections ........... 56
7.2. Types of Waves ............................................. 38 Myopia (Near-sightedness) ........................... 56
Mechanical Waves ........................................ 38 Hyperopia (Farsightedness) ........................... 56
Electromagnetic Waves................................. 39 Astigmatism................................................... 56
7.3. Types of Mechanical Waves ........................... 39 Presbyopia ..................................................... 56
Transverse Waves.......................................... 39 Cataract ......................................................... 56
Longitudinal Waves ....................................... 39 Night Blindness (Nyctalopia) ......................... 56
7.4. Types of Electromagnetic Waves .................... 39 Colour Blindness ............................................ 56
Radio Waves.................................................. 39 9. Sound Waves ..................................................... P-57
Microwaves ................................................... 40
9.1. Characteristics of Sound Waves ..................... 57
Infrared ......................................................... 40
Visible Light ................................................... 41 Speed of Sound Waves .................................. 57
Ultraviolet Waves .......................................... 42 Tone and Noise .............................................. 58
X-Rays ............................................................ 43 Pitch ............................................................... 58

General Science – v Table of Contents PMF IAS – Learn Smart

 Intensity and Loudness of Sound ................... 58 Atomic Number ............................................... 1
9.2. Classification of Sound Waves ....................... 60 Mass Number ................................................. 1
Infrasonic Waves or Subsonic Waves ............ 60 Atomic Mass ................................................... 2
Audible Waves ............................................... 60 Atomic Weight (Relative Atomic Mass) ........... 2
Ultrasonic Waves........................................... 60 Size .................................................................. 2
9.3. Behaviour of Sound Waves ............................ 61 Neutrality ........................................................ 2
Reflection of Sound........................................ 61 Energy Levels (or Shells) .................................. 2
Refraction of Sound ....................................... 61 Chemical Behaviour ........................................ 2
Diffraction of Sound Waves ........................... 62 Stability ........................................................... 2
Doppler Effect in Sound Waves ...................... 62 Indivisibility ..................................................... 2
Interference in Sound Waves ......................... 62 Wave-Particle Duality ..................................... 2
1.4. Different Atomic Species ..................................2
10. Electricity and Magnetism..................................... 63 Isotopes........................................................... 3
10.1. Electricity ...................................................... 63 Ions ................................................................. 3
Electric Charge............................................... 63 Isobars ............................................................ 3
Electric Current .............................................. 63 Isotones........................................................... 4
Voltage (Potential Difference) ....................... 63 Allotropes........................................................ 4
Resistance ...................................................... 63 Isomers ........................................................... 5
Resistivity....................................................... 64 1.5. Atomic Models ................................................5
Power in Electricity ........................................ 64 Dalton's The Billiard Ball Model (1803) .......... 5
Energy in Electricity ....................................... 64 Thomson's Plum Pudding Model (1897) ......... 5
Coulomb’s Law .............................................. 64 Rutherford's Nuclear Model (1911) ................ 5
Ohm’s Law ..................................................... 64 Bohr's Model (1913) ....................................... 6
Conductors, Insulators, Semiconductors ....... 65 Quantum Mechanical Model (1926) ............... 6
10.2. Types of Electricity ........................................ 65 1.6. Molecules ........................................................6
Static Electricity ............................................. 65 Types of Molecules.......................................... 6
Current Electricity .......................................... 65 1.7. Properties of Molecules ...................................7
10.3. Magnetism ................................................... 66 Size and Shape ................................................ 7
Magnetic Poles .............................................. 66 Molecular Mass .............................................. 7
Magnetic Field ............................................... 66 Polarity............................................................ 7
Laws of Magnetism ....................................... 66 Intermolecular Forces ..................................... 8
10.4. Types of Magnetism ...................................... 67
2. Matter and its Classification ................................ C-9
Diamagnetism ............................................... 67
Paramagnetism ............................................. 67 2.1. Characteristics of Matter .................................9
Ferromagnetism ............................................ 67 Physical Characteristics of Matter .................. 9
Antiferromagnetism ...................................... 67 Chemical Characteristics of Matter................. 9
Ferrimagnetism ............................................. 67 Extensive, Intensive Properties of Matter ....... 9
Superparamagnetism .................................... 67 2.2. Physical Classification of Matter ......................9
10.5. Geomagnetism ............................................. 67 Solid ................................................................ 9
Main Features of Geomagnetism .................. 67 Liquid ............................................................ 10
Sources of Geomagnetism ............................. 68 Gas ................................................................ 10
Uses of Geomagnetism ................................. 68 Plasma .......................................................... 10
Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) ................... 10
2.3. Chemical Classification of Matter ................... 11
Chemistry – Table of Contents 2.4. Pure Substances ............................................ 12
Characteristics of Pure Substances ............... 13
1. Atoms and Molecules ........................................... C-1
2.5. Types of Pure Substances ............................... 13
1.1. Atoms ............................................................. 1 Elements ....................................................... 13
1.2. Structure of an Atom ....................................... 1 Compounds ................................................... 13
Nucleus: Protons and Neutrons ....................... 1 2.6. Mixtures........................................................ 14
Electrons .......................................................... 1 Characteristics of Mixtures ........................... 14
1.3. Characteristics of an Atom............................... 1
PMF IAS – Learn Smart Table of Contents General Science – vi