Everyday Science

Plastics are synthetic materials that do not decompose naturally in the environment, making them non-biodegradable. Dead animals and bread are biodegradable as they decompose through natural processes.

Earth is the 5th largest planet in the solar system by size, after Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Therefore, the correct rank is 5th, not 4th.

Ginger is an edible underground stem known as a rhizome, whereas sweet potato and radish are roots, and sugarcane is a stem but grows above ground.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is commonly used to eliminate bacteria because it damages their DNA, preventing replication and effectively sterilizing surfaces and water. The other options do not have the same bactericidal effect as UV rays.

The boiling point of pure water at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm) is 100°C, which is the universally accepted value.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. It works synergistically with selenium, another antioxidant mineral, to enhance antioxidant enzyme systems such as glutathione peroxidase. This synergistic action means that adequate vitamin E can reduce the body's requirement for selenium. The other minerals listed (iron, zinc, magnesium) do not have a well-established reduced requirement due to vitamin E intake. Therefore, selenium is the correct answer.

Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen. Without enough Vitamin C, symptoms like bleeding gums and weakness occur.

The Earth behaves like a giant magnet with two magnetic poles: the North Magnetic Pole and the South Magnetic Pole. This is why compasses point north, aligning with Earth's magnetic field.

Endothermic reactions absorb heat from their surroundings, which is why option B is correct. This absorption of heat distinguishes them from exothermic reactions, which release heat.

Broccoli is a vegetable that is actually a flower bud, harvested before it blooms. Lady Finger (okra) and tomato are fruits botanically, and 'None of these' is incorrect since broccoli fits the description.