General Science Knowledge Questions! Trivia Quiz
What we have here are some general science knowledge questions! There are a lot of people who have a negative opinion of science saying how hard it is to understand some topics. Still, if one reads adequately topic by topic, they stand a higher chance of understanding the concepts. In this quiz, you will get to test your understanding of some general scientific facts. Give it a try and see if you might need a tutor.
- 1.
How many colors are in a rainbow?
- A.
1
- B.
7
- C.
700
- D.
As many as the eye can see
Correct Answer
B. 7Explanation
A rainbow typically has seven colors. These colors are:
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
These colors are often remembered by the acronym ROYGBIV, which stands for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. Rainbows form when sunlight is refracted, dispersed, and reflected by water droplets in the atmosphere, creating this spectrum of colors.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the approximate total number of genes, that we humans possess?
- A.
200 million
- B.
200 thousand
- C.
20 thousand
- D.
2,000
- E.
200
Correct Answer
C. 20 thousandExplanation
Humans possess approximately 20 thousand genes. Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of our bodies. These genes determine our physical traits, susceptibility to diseases, and other biological characteristics. The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, estimated that humans have around 20,000 to 25,000 genes. This number is significantly smaller than initially anticipated, but ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of the human genome.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How many planets are in the solar system?
- A.
Nine
- B.
Eight
- C.
Seven
- D.
Six
- E.
More than 1,000
Correct Answer
B. EightExplanation
The correct answer is eight because after the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006, there are currently eight recognized planets in the solar system. These planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.Rate this question:
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- 4.
As of 2023, the world population is closest to:
- A.
800 million
- B.
800,000
- C.
8 billion
- D.
8 trillion
Correct Answer
C. 8 billionExplanation
According to the United Nations estimate, the global population is estimated to be around 8 billion people.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of these is NOT one of the risks of smoking tobacco?
- A.
Coronary heart disease
- B.
Emphysema
- C.
Rheumatic fever.
- D.
increased incidence of stillbirths and low-weight babies.
- E.
Cancer of the bladder and pancreas
Correct Answer
C. Rheumatic fever.Explanation
Rheumatic fever is not one of the risks of smoking tobacco. Smoking tobacco is associated with various health risks such as coronary heart disease, emphysema, increased incidence of stillbirths and low-weight babies, and cancer of the bladder and pancreas. However, rheumatic fever is not directly linked to smoking tobacco. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur after a streptococcal infection, particularly in children.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which is NOT an example of a mineral? a. quartz, b. calcite, c. gypsum, d. mica, e. slate.
- A.
Quartz
- B.
Slate
- C.
Mica
- D.
Corundum
- E.
Gypsum
Correct Answer
B. SlateExplanation
Slate is not an example of a mineral because it is a metamorphic rock, not a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Quartz, calcite, gypsum, and mica are all examples of minerals as they meet the criteria of being naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substances with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Corundum is also a mineral, so it is not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Most of the naturally occurring elements on the Earth were formed during:
- A.
Nuclear fission within the earth
- B.
Fusion reactions within stars
- C.
Supernovae explosions of supergiant stars
- D.
The Big Bang
- E.
The Cambrian period
Correct Answer
B. Fusion reactions within starsExplanation
This process occurs primarily in the cores of stars, where hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium and progressively heavier elements through nuclear fusion reactions. Elements up to iron are typically formed in stars through these processes. Elements heavier than iron are often formed during supernova explosions (option c), where the intense energy and pressure facilitate the creation of heavier elements through nucleosynthesis.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which planet can never be seen directly overhead at midnight?
- A.
Mercury
- B.
Mars
- C.
Jupiter
- D.
Saturn
Correct Answer
A. MercuryExplanation
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun, and its orbit is located between the Sun and Earth. Therefore, it can never be seen directly overhead at midnight because it is always in close proximity to the Sun in the sky.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is characteristic of all living things:
- A.
Phototropism
- B.
Being composed of cells
- C.
Dependence on the Sun’s energy for energy
- D.
Ability to move
Correct Answer
B. Being composed of cellsExplanation
Being composed of cells is characteristic of all living things. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. They are responsible for carrying out essential processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. All living organisms, from the simplest bacteria to complex multicellular organisms, are composed of cells. Cells provide the necessary framework for life and allow for the organization and specialization of different tissues and organs. Therefore, the presence of cells is a fundamental characteristic of all living things.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere?
- A.
Oxygen
- B.
Hydrogen
- C.
Nitrogen
- D.
Carbon Dioxide
- E.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
C. NitrogenExplanation
Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of the air by volume. It plays a critical role in the biosphere and in the chemical processes necessary for life. Oxygen, while essential for combustion and respiration, makes up about 21%, and other gases such as carbon dioxide and argon make up the remainder. Understanding the composition of the atmosphere is essential for fields ranging from environmental science to engineering and health.Rate this question:
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- 11.
____ is the process by which energy travels from a warm substance to a colder substance.
- A.
Conduction
- B.
Convection
- C.
Radiation
- D.
Absorption
Correct Answer
A. ConductionExplanation
Conduction is the process by which energy travels from a warm substance to a colder substance. This occurs through direct contact between the particles of the two substances, where the faster-moving particles transfer their energy to the slower-moving particles. Unlike convection, which involves the movement of a fluid, or radiation, which involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, conduction relies on physical contact for energy transfer. Absorption, on the other hand, refers to the process of taking in or assimilating energy, rather than transferring it between substances.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following is NOT a type of rock?
- A.
Igneous
- B.
Metamorphic
- C.
Sedimentary
- D.
Crystalline
Correct Answer
D. CrystallineExplanation
While many rocks contain crystals, "crystalline" is not a fundamental rock classification. The three main types of rocks are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Igneous rocks are formed from cooled magma or lava. Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments.Rate this question:
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- 13.
At what time of day would one find the sun directly overhead (say, in Roanoke, Virginia or New York City)?
- A.
Varies between 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- B.
Noon
- C.
Noon during Standard Time only
- D.
1:00 pm
- E.
Never
Correct Answer
E. NeverExplanation
The sun is never directly overhead in Roanoke, Virginia or New York City. This is because these cities are located north of the Tropic of Cancer, which means that the sun's rays never reach a point directly overhead. The sun is only directly overhead at locations between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Considering Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, we are talking about:
- A.
A proven fact
- B.
A hunch or idea, or a possibility
- C.
An explanation which is well established
- D.
A law of science
Correct Answer
C. An explanation which is well establishedExplanation
The answer "an explanation which is well established" is correct because Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is a widely accepted and extensively supported scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. It is based on a vast amount of evidence from various fields of study, including paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy. The theory has been tested and validated over time, and it continues to be a fundamental concept in the field of biology.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following elements is not found in nature and can only be created synthetically in a laboratory?
- A.
Uranium
- B.
Plutonium
- C.
Technetium
- D.
Radon
Correct Answer
C. TechnetiumExplanation
Technetium (Tc) is the first element that was created synthetically and is not found naturally on Earth in any significant amounts. Unlike uranium and plutonium, which can be found in trace amounts in nature, and radon, which occurs naturally as a radioactive gas, technetium is produced in nuclear reactors and is primarily used in medical diagnostics.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Oct 16, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Expert Reviewed by
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Aug 12, 2010Quiz Created by
Greenprof2
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