
Welcome to
ONLiNE UPSC
Deep within a mountain in China, scientists are constructing an enormous sphere designed to capture elusive particles known as neutrinos. These particles are incredibly small and can pass through almost anything, including the entire Earth! But why are scientists so eager to catch neutrinos?
Neutrinos hold valuable information about the beginning of the universe, the Sun, and even the inner workings of our planet. By studying these particles, researchers can gain insights into fundamental processes that govern the cosmos.
The massive sphere is filled with a special liquid that emits light when neutrinos pass through it. Thousands of sensors are installed to detect these fleeting flashes of light, enabling scientists to learn more about the neutrinos' properties and behaviors.
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is located in Guangdong, China. It features a colossal, 12-story high water pool that contains a spherical detector. The primary objectives of JUNO include:
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is situated in Theni, Tamil Nadu, India. Although smaller than JUNO, INO is still a significant detector. Its main goals are:
Both JUNO and INO represent pivotal scientific ventures that will enhance our understanding of neutrinos and the universe as a whole. They are expected to yield groundbreaking discoveries in the field of particle physics.
Q1. Why is the sphere built underground?
Answer: It is constructed underground to block cosmic particles that might interfere with the experiment's results.
Q2. What can we learn from neutrinos?
Answer: Neutrinos provide insights into the early universe, solar processes, and the Earth's internal structure.
Q3. How does the sphere catch neutrinos?
Answer: The sphere's special liquid lights up when neutrinos pass through, and sensors detect these light flashes.
Q4. What is special about this project?
Answer: JUNO is one of the largest neutrino detectors globally, poised to deepen our understanding of these mysterious particles.
Q5. Is there a similar project in India?
Answer: Yes, India is developing the INO, a smaller observatory that will contribute to neutrino research and scientific advancements.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the JUNO project?
A) To study dark matter
B) To capture neutrinos from nuclear reactors
C) To explore black holes
D) To investigate gravitational waves
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Where is the INO located?
A) Gujarat, India
B) Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
C) Beijing, China
D) Tokyo, Japan
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What unique feature does the JUNO observatory have?
A) It studies dark energy
B) It contains a spherical detector
C) It is located on the surface
D) It focuses on gravitational waves
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What type of neutrinos does INO primarily study?
A) Solar neutrinos
B) Reactor neutrinos
C) Atmospheric neutrinos
D) Cosmic neutrinos
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Why are neutrinos important in scientific research?
A) They are the heaviest particles
B) They help us understand the universe's formation
C) They do not interact with matter
D) They can be seen with the naked eye
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is a major goal of the JUNO project?
A) Detecting black holes
B) Determining neutrino mass hierarchy
C) Studying planetary atmospheres
D) Exploring antimatter
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: In which year did the construction of JUNO begin?
A) 2010
B) 2015
C) 2020
D) 2023
Correct Answer: B
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