Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1001.
Which of the following is a symptom of dehydration?
A
Excessive sweating
B
Clear urine
C
Dry skin
D
Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Dry skin indicates reduced water content in the body.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1002.
In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides. This principle is known as?
A
Conservation of mass
B
Conservation of energy
C
Law of multiple proportions
D
Law of definite proportions
Correct Answer: A
Conservation of mass states that matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1003.
In the human digestive system, which organ primarily absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream?
A
Stomach
B
Liver
C
Small intestine
D
Large intestine
Correct Answer: C
The small intestine has villi that absorb most nutrients into the bloodstream.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1004.
Which of the following is NOT a component of the water cycle?
A
Evaporation
B
Condensation
C
Sublimation
D
Photosynthesis
Correct Answer: D
Photosynthesis is a plant process; evaporation, condensation, and sublimation are parts of the water cycle.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1005.
What type of bond is formed when two atoms share electrons?
A
Ionic bond
B
Covalent bond
C
Metallic bond
D
Hydrogen bond
Correct Answer: B
Covalent bonds involve sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1006.
Which gas is most abundant in the Earth's atmosphere?
A
Oxygen
B
Nitrogen
C
Carbon dioxide
D
Argon
Correct Answer: B
Nitrogen makes up about 78 % of the atmosphere.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1007.
In a plant, which organ is responsible for absorbing water from the soil?
A
Stamen
B
Pollen
C
Roots
D
Stamen
Correct Answer: C
Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1008.
The law of conservation of mass states that:
A
Mass can be created in a chemical reaction.
B
Mass can be destroyed in a chemical reaction.
C
Mass is conserved only in physical changes.
D
Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Correct Answer: D
The total mass before and after a reaction remains constant.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1009.
Which of the following is a non-renewable natural resource?
A
Solar energy
B
Wind energy
C
Coal
D
Biomass
Correct Answer: C
Coal is a fossil fuel and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1010.
Which part of the cell contains genetic material in a eukaryotic cell?
A
Cytoplasm
B
Nucleus
C
Mitochondria
D
Ribosome
Correct Answer: B
The nucleus houses DNA, the genetic material.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1011.
Which of these is a physical change?
A
Rusting of iron
B
Burning of wood
C
Melting of ice
D
Fermentation of sugar
Correct Answer: C
Melting changes state but not chemical composition.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1012.
What is the main source of energy for the Earth's surface?
A
Solar radiation
B
Geothermal heat
C
Wind
D
Tidal forces
Correct Answer: A
Solar energy drives weather and life processes.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1013.
Which of the following is an example of a simple chemical reaction?
A
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
B
2NaCl + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + 2HCl
C
2Na + Cl₂ → 2NaCl
D
All of the above
Correct Answer: D
All listed equations represent simple chemical reactions.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1014.
In the human respiratory system, where does gas exchange primarily occur?
A
Trachea
B
Larynx
C
Alveoli
D
Bronchi
Correct Answer: C
Alveoli are tiny sacs where oxygen enters and CO₂ leaves the blood.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1015.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a chemical change?
A
Change in state only
B
Formation of a new substance
C
No heat exchange
D
Physical rearrangement of particles
Correct Answer: B
Chemical changes produce new substances with different properties.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1016.
The force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun is called:
A
Electromagnetic force
B
Gravitational force
C
Nuclear force
D
Centrifugal force
Correct Answer: B
Gravity attracts massive bodies and keeps them in orbit.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1017.
Which of the following best describes a mixture?
A
A pure substance with a fixed composition
B
A combination of two or more substances that can be separated physically
C
A chemical compound formed by covalent bonding
D
A solution of a single component
Correct Answer: B
Mixtures are physically combined substances that can be separated by physical means.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1018.
Which organ in the human body produces insulin?
A
Pancreas
B
Liver
C
Kidneys
D
Spleen
Correct Answer: A
The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood glucose.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1019.
What is the main function of the chloroplast in plant cells?
A
Protein synthesis
B
Energy storage
C
Photosynthesis
D
Waste removal
Correct Answer: C
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1020.
Which of the following is a type of energy transfer in the form of light?
A
Thermal energy
B
Mechanical energy
C
Solar energy
D
Chemical energy
Correct Answer: C
Solar energy is transferred via electromagnetic radiation (light).
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1021.
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 is:
A
Acidic
B
Basic
C
Neutral
D
Highly acidic
Correct Answer: C
pH 7 indicates a neutral solution.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1022.
Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
A
Petroleum
B
Natural gas
C
Wind
D
Uranium
Correct Answer: C
Wind energy can be replenished continuously.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1023.
In a simple circuit, what component limits the flow of current?
A
Resistor
B
Capacitor
C
Inductor
D
Conductor
Correct Answer: A
A resistor resists current flow, limiting it.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1024.
Which of the following best explains the greenhouse effect?
A
Absorption of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases
B
Reflection of UV rays by the ozone layer
C
Cooling of the planet by sea currents
D
Increase in solar radiation reaching the surface
Correct Answer: A
Greenhouse gases trap heat, warming the planet.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1025.
Which of these is an example of a non-metallic element?
A
Iron
B
Copper
C
Oxygen
D
Zinc
Correct Answer: C
Oxygen is a non-metallic element.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1026.
The process by which plants convert CO₂ and H₂O into glucose and O₂ is called:
A
Respiration
B
Fermentation
C
Photosynthesis
D
Transpiration
Correct Answer: C
Photosynthesis uses light to produce glucose and oxygen.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1027.
Which of the following best describes the function of the mitochondria?
A
Storage of genetic material
B
Production of ATP through cellular respiration
C
Protein synthesis
D
Detoxification of harmful substances
Correct Answer: B
Mitochondria generate ATP, the cell’s energy currency.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1028.
Which of the following is NOT a type of radiation?
A
Alpha particles
B
Beta particles
C
Gamma rays
D
Alpha rays
Correct Answer: D
Alpha rays are not a recognized form of radiation; alpha particles are.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1029.
In the context of ecology, what does the term "biomass" refer to?
A
The amount of water in a habitat
B
The total mass of living organisms in a given area
C
The number of species in an ecosystem
D
The rate of energy flow
Correct Answer: B
Biomass is the total mass of all living organisms in an ecosystem.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1030.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a chemical reaction that produces heat?
A
Exothermic reaction
B
Endothermic reaction
C
Physical change
D
Isothermal process
Correct Answer: A
Exothermic reactions release heat to their surroundings.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1031.
What is the primary function of chlorophyll in plants?
A
Store energy in the form of starch
B
Capture sunlight for photosynthesis
C
Transport water from roots to leaves
D
Protect plant cells from UV radiation
Correct Answer: B
Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, enabling photosynthesis to convert CO₂ and water into glucose.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1032.
Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP in eukaryotic cells?
A
Nucleus
B
Ribosome
C
Mitochondrion
D
Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C
Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1033.
A 12‑V battery is connected to a 3‑Ω resistor. What is the current flowing through the resistor?
A
0.25 A
B
4 A
C
3 A
D
0.36 A
Correct Answer: B
I = V/R = 12/3 = 4 A.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1034.
Which of the following is NOT a state of matter?
A
Solid
B
Liquid
C
Plasma
D
Elastic
Correct Answer: D
Elastic is a property, not a state of matter.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1035.
The process by which a liquid changes into a gas is called:
A
Condensation
B
Sublimation
C
Evaporation
D
Deposition
Correct Answer: C
Evaporation is the liquid-to-gas transition.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1036.
In the human body, which organ filters blood to produce urine?
A
Heart
B
Liver
C
Kidney
D
Lungs
Correct Answer: C
Kidneys filter blood and produce urine.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1037.
Which gas is most abundant in the Earth's atmosphere?
A
Oxygen
B
Nitrogen
C
Carbon dioxide
D
Argon
Correct Answer: B
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the atmosphere.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1038.
The law that states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature is known as:
A
Boyle’s law
B
Charles’s law
C
Avogadro’s law
D
Dalton’s law
Correct Answer: A
Boyle’s law describes P ∝ 1/V.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1039.
Which type of bond is formed when electrons are shared between atoms?
A
Ionic
B
Metallic
C
Covalent
D
Hydrogen
Correct Answer: C
Covalent bonds involve shared electrons.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1040.
A plant’s root system primarily absorbs:
A
Light
B
Carbon dioxide
C
Water and minerals
D
Oxygen
Correct Answer: C
Roots take up water and nutrients from soil.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1041.
Which of the following is a renewable resource?
A
Coal
B
Natural gas
C
Solar energy
D
Petroleum
Correct Answer: C
Solar energy is renewable and inexhaustible.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1042.
In the water cycle, the process that forms clouds from vapor is called:
A
Precipitation
B
Condensation
C
Evaporation
D
Sublimation
Correct Answer: B
Vapor cools and condenses into cloud droplets.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1043.
Which of the following is a characteristic of living organisms?
A
Ability to change color
B
Ability to grow and develop
C
Ability to move independently
D
Ability to reproduce only asexually
Correct Answer: B
Growth and development are essential life processes.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1044.
The unit of electrical resistance is:
A
Volt
B
Ohm
C
Watt
D
Ampere
Correct Answer: B
Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1045.
A mixture that can be separated into its components by simple physical means is called:
A
Compound
B
Solution
C
Homogeneous mixture
D
Heterogeneous mixture
Correct Answer: D
Heterogeneous mixtures can be separated by physical methods.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1046.
Which element is essential for the formation of hemoglobin?
A
Calcium
B
Iron
C
Sodium
D
Zinc
Correct Answer: B
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1047.
What type of energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds?
A
Kinetic energy
B
Potential energy
C
Thermal energy
D
Nuclear energy
Correct Answer: B
Chemical potential energy is stored in molecular bonds.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1048.
In the process of photosynthesis, plants convert CO₂ and H₂O into:
A
Glucose and O₂
B
Glucose and CO₂
C
O₂ and H₂O
D
CO₂ and H₂O
Correct Answer: A
Photosynthesis produces glucose and releases oxygen.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1049.
Which of the following is a non‑metal?
A
Iron
B
Copper
C
Oxygen
D
Aluminum
Correct Answer: C
Oxygen is a non‑metal element.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q1050.
The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately:
A
340 m/s
B
1500 m/s
C
110 m/s
D
3000 m/s
Correct Answer: A
Sound travels about 340 meters per second in air at 20 °C.