UPSC Prelims 2006 Q140: Science & Technology – Printing / Colour Technology
To which one of the following processes is the term CMYK related?
- (a) Railway signalling
- (b) Navigation
- (c) Offset printing
- (d) Electronic voting machine
Answer: (c) Offset printing
Explanation
CMYK
| Process option | Link with CMYK |
|---|---|
| Railway signalling | No |
| Navigation | No |
| Offset printing | Yes — Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black) are the four process inks |
| Electronic voting machine | No |
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black), the four colours used in offset (colour) printing.
Answer: (c) Offset printing.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. CMYK is not used in railway signalling.
- (b) Incorrect. CMYK is not a navigation term.
- (c) CORRECT. CMYK is the four-colour ink model of offset printing.
- (d) Incorrect. CMYK has no role in electronic voting machines.
Key point
CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key) is the four-colour process used in offset printing.
Remember
CMYK relates to offset (colour) printing.
Common mistakes
- Confusing CMYK with the RGB model used on screens.
- Reading the 'K' as a kilobyte rather than black (key).
- Linking it with signalling colours.
Exam tip
Screens use RGB (additive); printers use CMYK (subtractive).
Sources
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO 12647: Graphic technology — Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proofs and production prints
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — offset printing