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ASSIGNMENT SOLUTIONS GUIDE (2014-2015)

F.S.T.-1
Foundation Course in Science and Technology
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information, data and solution. Student should must read and referred the official study material provided by the university.

Q. 1. Prepare an account on the social function of Science.

Ans. Science is a organised body of knowledge consisting of facts, which are properly integrated into systematic
theories and principles, which offers a systematic and regular description and explanation of the different types of
events or objects. In practice, the term science is used to refer to such branches of knowledge as Chemistry,
Aeronautics, Astronomy, Ecology, Psychology etc.
Scientific knowledge represents a systematic attempt for building up a body of explanations relating to those
phenomena which tend themselves to human observation and experience. The essence of scientific knowledge lies
in the rigorous critical attitude and outlook that is required to probe into the mysteries of nature and the world around
us and reach the bare truth. The scientific knowledge is empirically derived and it satisfies the test of empirical
verification. Science deals with the generality of things and events and comprises general explanations and principles.
Science plays an important role in production. Developments in science and technology have brought a tremendous
change in the means of production. The means of production have changed in the last few centuries. Science has
always changed according to the demands of the society to create a degree of satisfaction in the society. The growth
of science not only increases the production, but also leads to an increase in the means and methods of production.
Science is not only the practical application of ideas, but is also a collection of various theories and concepts.
The ideas are then modified or rejected which in turn leads to another major advancements in science. The ideas or
theories of science are generally influenced by the intellectuals of the society called as scientists and also the
atmosphere in which these scientists work.
Q. 2. Discuss the impact of Freedom Movement on the development of Science and Technology in India.
Ans. The freedom movement helped in the promotion of education and the growth of industrialization of the
country. All the fields, whether it be education, agriculture or mining, the government touched several problems
under its wide sweep. The intellectual and cultural value of India was similar to the study done by the scientists
abroad. Scientists also contributed in the fields of teaching and research.
The national movement and the process of mass mobilization were an expression of the immense creativity of
the Indian people. They were able to give a full play to their innovativeness and initiatives. It increased the awareness
among the Indian masses. People started understanding about education and scientific knowledge. People gained
knowledge through education and experience. They started understanding the benefits of the scientific knowledge.
There was an awakening of modern science in the country. During this period a number of outstanding scientists
made significant contribution towards the science. They were responsible for great scientific advancements of the
international order.

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Besides, people started using scientific knowledge in various areas such as trade, health, resource mapping,
agriculture, transport and communication. Of course the British also introduced some of the new developments in
India, and that helped in the development of science and technology. People could realise the benefits of science.
The freedom movement made Indians aware about the benefits of education and the scientific knowledge. People
gained the ideas how the science has helped the western countries in improving their life.
Q. 3. The problems of everyday life could be solved adopting a scientific approach explain this with the
help of an example.
Ans. Science have touched almost all the aspects of our life. Science is not only a study of physics, chemistry,
biology, mathematics and medicine, etc., but it is much more than that.
Science is a systematic knowledge or chain of ideas. It is based on observation, experimentation, reasoning
and creative work which needs an attitude of mind and the ability to discover the mysteries that surround us.
For the solution of problems, it should be welcomed with an open mind and without any external pressure. It
should be analysed with all the possible questions, angles and the factors involved in it. We should base our analyses
on rational and objective thinking and then come to conclusions. Flexible attitude, hard work, discipline and integrity
are some approaches to the problem solving.
In day-to-day life also, we should adopt a scientific approach to solve our problems. We should ask several
questions, seek their answers and try to proceed in a rational way.
For example, if we have to talk to somebody we do not have to go to his place, we can use cell phone to talk to
him. Another example, for maintaining records of our files and documents, we do not have to store them physically.
Now we can store them electronically. They do not take our space and energy. Likewise, scientific development has
made our life easy in almost all fields. Earlier for travelling we used bullock cart and camel cart, but now we can
travel by aeroplane. We can travel thousands of kilometres in hours. Similarly, if we fall sick, earlier we were not
able even diagnose our problems, now we can use various scientific techniques to diagnose our problems and
weaknesses. That can be also treated very quickly with scientific approach.
Q. 4. Explain the Theory of Chemical Evolution on Scientific basis.
Ans. The chemical and physical conditions of the primitive Earth are invoked to explain the origin of life,
which was preceded by chemical evolution of organic chemicals. Astronomers believe that 20-30 billion years
ago, all matter was concentrated in a single mass, and that it blew apart with a big bang. In time, a disk-shaped
cloud of dust condensed and formed the Sun, and the peripheral matter formed its planets. Heat produced by
compaction, radiation, and impacting meteorites melted Earth. Then, as the planet cooled, Earths layers formed.
The first atmosphere was made up of hot hydrogen gas, too light to be held by Earths gravity. Water-vapours,
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane replaced the hydrogen atmosphere. As Earth cooled,
water-vapour condensed and torrential rains filled up its basins, thereby forming the seas. Also present were
lightening, volcanic activity, and ultraviolet radiation. It was in this setting that life began.
According to one theory, chemical evolution occurred in four stages.
In the first stage of chemical evolution, molecules in the primitive environment formed simple organic
substances, such as amino acids. This concept was first proposed in 1936 in a book entitled, The Origin of Life
on Earth, written by the Russian scientist, Aleksandr Ivanovich Oparin. He considered hydrogen, ammonia,
water-vapours, and methane to be components in the early atmosphere. Oxygen was lacking in this chemicallyreducing environment. He stated that ultraviolet radiation from the Sun provided the energy for the transformation
of these substances into organic molecules. Scientists today state that such spontaneous synthesis occurred only
in the primitive environment. Abiogenesis became impossible when photosynthetic cells added oxygen to the
atmosphere. The oxygen in the atmosphere gave rise to the ozone layer which then shielded Earth from ultraviolet
radiation. Newer versions of this hypothesis contend that the primitive atmosphere also contained carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide, and hydrogen. Present-day volcanoes emit these substances.

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Q. 5. How mineral resources can be made sustainably available? Elucidate.

Ans. Mineral resources can be made sustainably available. In the entire history of human civilization such an
unusually high demand has never been placed on mineral resources of our planet. The consequences of this overexploitation of mineral wealth have to be serious, drastic and enormously damaging to the entire biosphere.
Exploitation of mineral wealth at a rapid rate shall naturally deplete our good quality deposits. The ever rising
demands shall compel miners to carry on the extraction from increasingly lower and lower grade of deposits
which possess a poorer percentage of the metal. For example copper was extracted from ores containing 8-10% of
metal content about 500 years ago. Most of our mineral deposits occur as a complex mixture of a number of
mineral elements. After removal of top soil and rocks we dig out the desired mineral leaving behind others which
are often left in the open as waste materials. Extraction of one element usually scatters and wastes a number of
other elements, many of which are in short supply. The following steps can be taken to make the mineral resources
sustainably available. The rate of consumption of renewable resources should not exceed the rate at which they
can be regenerated. The consumption of nonrenewable resources should not exceed the amount that can be
substituted by functionally equivalent renewable resources or by attaining a higher efficiency in the use of renewable
or non-renewable resources. Material and energy input into the environment should not exceed the capacity of the
environment to absorb them with minimal detrimental effects. The rate of anthropogenic input and environmental
interference should be measured against the time required for natural processes to react to and cope with the
environmental damage.
Q. 6. Write an essay on the scientific possibilities and social realities in context of Agriculture in India.
Ans. In our country agricultural activities continue throughout the year. The regions on which it was once
difficult to grow crops are being used for cultivation by providing them with right kind of moisture, temperature,
etc.
The arid areas of our country are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka and Ladakh. In Ladakh, where the
temperature is low, crops like cereals, oilseeds and fodder crops are grown. In hot areas like Rajasthan and
Gujarat, different types of fruits like ber and pomegranate are grown.
Dry lands also work as cultivated land. Different types of millets, pulses, cotton, groundnuts are grown on
these lands. In drylands water is stored in community owned ponds. Different varieties of sorejhum, millets,
pulses, groundnuts, etc. which can withstand scarcity of water are grown in drylands.
By studying the slope and the depth of the soil, few ways of productive agricultural system have been developed
which give more output without disturbing the ecosystem. Land is divided into different zones with upper part
devoted for forestry, next zone for growing fruits, legumes, etc. and third zone for different varieties of crops.
Saline and alkaline soils are caused because of our negligence and mismanagement. These types of soils
contain a large amount of salt which in turn affect the growth of crops. These soils make the land unproductive.
These soils are then reclaimed with the grasses, so that other crops like rice, etc. can be planted on it. A drainage
channel is one way of reducing soil salinity.
The main aim of modern agriculture is to give maximum productivity in minimum amount of time, space and
energy. There have been a lot of agricultural developments which have led to the production of different varieties
of crops by using fertilizers and pesticides. To get these fertilizers and pesticides, we have to depend on other
countries. With the ignorance amongst the poor, modern technology has not been of much use. Because of the
foodstuffs are packed and exported to other countries, our people get deprived of the much needed fruits, vegetables
and juices. Thus we conclude that modern agriculture has helped in the growth of own country, but at the same
time number of problems have also been attached to it.
The scientific and technological advancement have led to a gainful production in our country, but at the same
time the lack in political and administrative activities have led to the unemployment in our country. A huge
number of labourers have neither land to neither cultivate nor farm houses to keep their animals. Therefore
employment should be generated through developmental programmes of the government and by financial schemes
from the bank and village cooperatives. The depletion of the forest resources and soil erosion can be checked.

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Biotechnology has been discovered to meet the growing food demand of the ever increasing population.
Biological systems or their products are used in large scale in this method. Biotechnologies have led to the
improvement in the quality providing high resistance to diseases and also to the adverse environmental conditions.
Scientists use plant cells or seeds or root stocks to grow plants. Tissue culture methods also enable us to get true
breeding types. Genetic engineering i.e. altering material of a particular plant by the substitution or addition of
new genetic material from some other plants. These were some applications of biotechnology which have helped
in plant improvement.
Biotechnology has also helped in the improvement of animal breeds. This introduction of biotechnology will
prove to be boom to all the futuristic global agricultural strategies.
Q. 7. Highlight the technological advances in mass communication. Which mass communication techniques
seem to be used in the near future?
Ans. Technological advancement has contributed a lot in mass communication. In the past there was no
communication link of villages with the outside world. Irregular postal facility and non-existence of
telecommunication were two main reasons. People were therefore related with other people. The traditional medium
like folk music and drama were mainly utilized for social and economic development. TV and telephone was
present only at one community centre.
The revolution in communication came with the introduction of satellites. Viewers watched the direct telecast
of the programme. Following were the modes through which the revolution came in the communication industry.
With the introduction of satellites, there came a revolution in communication industry as besides pictures
through TV, sound through telephone, telegraph, etc. could also be transmitted over long distances. Through these
satellites, media could cover various fields like meteorology, telecom and research, etc.
Computer today is the most important component of communication technology. It is an electronic brain that
stores and analyses almost any kind of data. With computers and satellite system, the broadcasting, telephone
system, business operations and even the social and personal life of an individual have been transformed.
Future Communication Techniques: Developed countries like US and Japan are constantly developing new
technologies in the communication industry. Some of these are videophones, home computers, videotext, telefax
and datafax.
Q. 8. Present a detailed account on the ways of technology transfer.
Ans. Technology transfer is possible through import of technology from developed countries, using successful
lab experiments in the fields and export of technology.
Technology can be imported from the developed countries to the developing ones through joint ventures,
licensing, etc. but there are number of factors like suppliers ability and desire, recipients capacity and the
communication process between the two which it governs its efficiency. Import of technology involves certain
political restrictions with it. Sometimes the donor country might pass on the obsolete technology to the recipient
country and recipient country might have to permanently depend on the donor country for the latest technology.
Also sometimes spare parts imported from other country might not fit into the models in our country. These are
some problems that comes along with the import of the technology.
India has been able to develop a number of research centres and laboratories in different areas. The efforts are
carried by number of researchers, but if they are not up to the mark of the policy-making level of different
ministries, then the policy is imported from the developed country.
India not only imports the technology, but is now capable in exporting the technology as well to a lot of
developing countries. India provides the technological know-how or mechanical support to a large number of
Asian, Middle-East and African nations.
Q. 9. The atomic nucleus, on the one hand, holds promise of unlimited energy. On the other hand, it also
poses a threat to the very existence of the living as well as the non-living world. Comment on this statement.

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Ans. The atomic nucleus holds promise of unlimited energy, but it also poses a threat to the very existence of
mankind.
Nuclear power does not depend on natural aspects. It is a solution for the main disadvantage of renewable
energy. It is an alternative to fossil fuels, so the consumption of fuels such as coal or oil is reduced. This reduction
of coal and oil consumption benefits the situation of global warming and global climate change. By reducing the
consumption of fossil fuels we also improve the quality of the air affecting the disease and quality of life.
However, nuclear energy has many demerits. Probably the most alarming disadvantage is the use of the
nuclear power in the military use. It can eliminate the entire mankind. Another disadvantage is the difficulty in
the management of nuclear waste. It takes many years to eliminate its radioactivity and risks. The constructed
nuclear reactors have an expiration date. They have to be dismantled. Nuclear plants have a limited life. The
investment for the construction of a nuclear plant is very high and must be recovered as soon as possible, so it
raises the cost of electricity generated. In other words, the energy generated is cheap compared to the cost of fuel,
but the recovery of its construction is much more expensive. Nuclear power plants generate external dependence.
Not many countries have uranium mines and not all the countries have nuclear technology, so they have to hire
both things overseas. So, nuclear energy has both advantages and disadvantages.
Q. 10. How society influences scientific development, explain with the help of appropriate examples.
Ans. Society influences scientific development. As we say necessity is the mother of inventions, which can be
interpreted how society has an impact on the invention and discoveries. Society helps determine how its resources
are deployed to fund scientific work, encouraging some sorts of research and discouraging others. Similarly,
scientists are directly influenced by the interests and need of society and often direct their research towards topics
that will serve society. And at the most basic level, society shapes scientists expectations, values, beliefs, and
goals - all of which factor into the questions they choose to pursue and how they investigate those questions. Even
if you dont spend your days sequencing DNA, conducting particle accelerator experiments, or analyzing the
composition of rocks, you can still influence the path of science with your actions every day. Society makes
determinations, all of the time, as to which scientific endeavours are worthy of funding, and which are not.
Former US President Bush opposed funding for stem cell research, and shut down the use of fertilized eggs in
stem cell research, because he opposed the destruction of these eggs. This position was widely supported, even
though this had the potential to unlock certain secrets that might make diseases curable. Society shapes the future
of science. For an example, a lot of scientific research is devoted to discovering methods, products, and chemical
compounds that directly benefit society. Since much of this research is undertaken by for profit companies, its
aim is often a consumer application that societal trends indicate people will purchase to make money for the
company.

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