UPSC Prelims 2006 Q49: Science & Technology – Science & Technology History
Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
Inventor : Invention
1. Christopher Cockerell : Hovercraft
2. David Bushnell : Submarine
3. J.
C. Perrier : Steamship
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Inventors and inventions
| Inventor | Invention | Matched? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Christopher Cockerell | Hovercraft (1950s) | Yes |
| 2. David Bushnell | Submarine (the *Turtle*, 1775) | Yes |
| 3. J. C. Perrier | Steamship (steam-driven boat on the Seine, 1775) | Yes, as per the key |
All three pairs are accepted as correct.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Cockerell-hovercraft, Bushnell-submarine and Perrier-steamship are all accepted pairs.
- (b) Incorrect. Pair 3 (Perrier-steamship) is also accepted, so '1 and 2 only' is incomplete.
- (c) Incorrect. Pair 1 (Cockerell-hovercraft) is also correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Pair 2 (Bushnell-submarine) is also correct.
Key point
All three inventor-invention pairs (Cockerell, Bushnell, Perrier) are accepted as correctly matched.
Remember
Cockerell-hovercraft, Bushnell-submarine, Perrier-steamship are all correct.
Common mistakes
- Doubting Perrier, a less familiar name than Fulton.
- Confusing Bushnell's Turtle with later submarines.
- Assuming Cockerell invented the aircraft.
Exam tip
Hovercraft - Cockerell; submarine - Bushnell; early steamboat - Perrier/Jouffroy.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — hovercraft
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — submarine
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — steamboat