UPSC Prelims 2008 Q47: Science & Technology – Science & Technology History
- (a) 2 and 3 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1 only
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Checking three theory-scientist pairs
These major scientific theories are matched here to their associated scientists, with two pairings deliberately swapped.
| Pair | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Continental Drift : Edwin Hubble | Incorrect | Continental Drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener, not Edwin Hubble |
| 2. Expansion of Universe : Alfred Wegener | Incorrect | The Expansion of the Universe was discovered by Edwin Hubble, not Alfred Wegener |
| 3. Photoelectric Effect : Albert Einstein | Correct | The Photoelectric Effect was indeed explained by Albert Einstein, earning him the Nobel Prize |
Correct theory-scientist pairs:
| Theory | Actual scientist |
|---|---|
| Continental Drift | Alfred Wegener (NOT Edwin Hubble) |
| Expansion of the Universe | Edwin Hubble (NOT Alfred Wegener) |
| Photoelectric Effect | Albert Einstein |
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pair 1 (Continental Drift-Hubble) is wrong, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly includes pair 2, which is also swapped.
- (b) CORRECT. Only pair 3, Photoelectric Effect-Einstein, is correctly matched; pairs 1 and 2 have their scientists swapped.
- (c) Incorrect. Pair 2 (Expansion of Universe-Wegener) is also wrong, so '2 only' is incorrect.
- (d) Incorrect. Pair 1 (Continental Drift-Hubble) is wrong, so '1 only' is incorrect.
Key point
Photoelectric Effect-Einstein is correctly matched — but Continental Drift is actually associated with Alfred Wegener (not Hubble), and the Expansion of the Universe is actually associated with Edwin Hubble (not Wegener); these two pairs have their scientists SWAPPED.
Remember
Only Photoelectric Effect-Einstein is correctly matched; Continental Drift-Wegener and Expansion of Universe-Hubble have their scientists swapped in this question.
Common mistakes
- Falling for the deliberately swapped Wegener-Hubble pairing between Continental Drift and Universe Expansion.
- Not knowing Alfred Wegener's specific Continental Drift theory.
- Confusing Edwin Hubble's cosmological discovery with an unrelated geological theory.
Exam tip
Continental Drift = Wegener. Expansion of Universe = Hubble. This question deliberately swaps the two — watch for this classic 'swapped pair' trap.
Sources
- Alfred Wegener — Die Entstehung der Kontinente und Ozeane (The Origin of Continents and Oceans), 1915
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 (Albert Einstein), press release