General Science Knowledge Questions! Trivia Quiz
What we have here are some general science knowledge questions! There are a lot of people who have a negative opinion of science saying how hard it is to understand some topics. Still, if one reads adequately topic by topic, they stand a higher chance of understanding the concepts. In this quiz, you will get to test your understanding of some general scientific facts. Give it a try and see if you might need a tutor.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
How many colors are in a rainbow?
- A.
One
- B.
Seven
- C.
700
- D.
As many as the eye can see
Correct Answer
D. As many as the eye can seeExplanation
The question asks for the number of colors in a rainbow. The correct answer, "as many as the eye can see," implies that there is no specific number of colors in a rainbow. A rainbow is a spectrum of colors formed by the refraction and dispersion of sunlight in rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere. The number of colors perceived in a rainbow can vary depending on factors such as lighting conditions and individual perception. Therefore, the answer suggests that the number of colors in a rainbow is subjective and can be as many as the human eye can distinguish.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the approximate total number of genes, that we humans possess?
- A.
200 million
- B.
200 thousand
- C.
20 thousand
- D.
2,000
- E.
200
Correct Answer
C. 20 thousandExplanation
Humans possess approximately 20 thousand genes. Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of our bodies. These genes determine our physical traits, susceptibility to diseases, and other biological characteristics. The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, estimated that humans have around 20,000 to 25,000 genes. This number is significantly smaller than initially anticipated, but ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of the human genome.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How many planets are in the solar system?
- A.
Nine
- B.
Eight
- C.
Seven
- D.
Six
- E.
More than 1,000
Correct Answer
B. EightExplanation
The correct answer is eight because after the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006, there are currently eight recognized planets in the solar system. These planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.Rate this question:
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- 4.
As of 2023, the world population is closest to:
- A.
800 million
- B.
800,000
- C.
8 billion
- D.
8 trillion
Correct Answer
C. 8 billionExplanation
According to the United Nations estimate, the global population is estimated to be around 8 billion people.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of these is NOT one of the risks of smoking tobacco?
- A.
Coronary heart disease
- B.
Emphysema
- C.
Rheumatic fever.
- D.
increased incidence of stillbirths and low-weight babies.
- E.
Cancer of the bladder and pancreas
Correct Answer
C. Rheumatic fever.Explanation
Rheumatic fever is not one of the risks of smoking tobacco. Smoking tobacco is associated with various health risks such as coronary heart disease, emphysema, increased incidence of stillbirths and low-weight babies, and cancer of the bladder and pancreas. However, rheumatic fever is not directly linked to smoking tobacco. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur after a streptococcal infection, particularly in children.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which is NOT an example of a mineral? a. quartz, b. calcite, c. gypsum, d. mica, e. slate.
- A.
Quartz
- B.
Slate
- C.
Mica
- D.
Corundum
- E.
Gypsum
Correct Answer
B. SlateExplanation
Slate is not an example of a mineral because it is a metamorphic rock, not a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Quartz, calcite, gypsum, and mica are all examples of minerals as they meet the criteria of being naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substances with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Corundum is also a mineral, so it is not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Most of the naturally occurring elements on the Earth were formed during:
- A.
Nuclear fission within the earth
- B.
Fusion reactions within stars
- C.
Supernovae explosions of supergiant stars
- D.
The Big Bang
- E.
The Cambrian period
Correct Answer
C. Supernovae explosions of supergiant starsExplanation
Supernovae explosions of supergiant stars is the correct answer because these explosions release enormous amounts of energy, which leads to the synthesis of heavy elements through nuclear reactions. During a supernova, the outer layers of the star are ejected into space, dispersing these newly formed elements. This process is crucial for the formation of elements beyond iron, such as gold, uranium, and lead. Therefore, supernovae explosions of supergiant stars are responsible for the creation of most of the naturally occurring elements on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which planet can never be seen directly overhead at midnight?
- A.
Mercury
- B.
Mars
- C.
Jupiter
- D.
Saturn
Correct Answer
A. MercuryExplanation
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun, and its orbit is located between the Sun and Earth. Therefore, it can never be seen directly overhead at midnight because it is always in close proximity to the Sun in the sky.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is characteristic of all living things:
- A.
Phototropism
- B.
Being composed of cells
- C.
Dependence on the Sun’s energy for energy
- D.
Ability to move
Correct Answer
B. Being composed of cellsExplanation
Being composed of cells is characteristic of all living things. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. They are responsible for carrying out essential processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. All living organisms, from the simplest bacteria to complex multicellular organisms, are composed of cells. Cells provide the necessary framework for life and allow for the organization and specialization of different tissues and organs. Therefore, the presence of cells is a fundamental characteristic of all living things.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is necessary for ALL living things:
- A.
Oxygen
- B.
Water
- C.
Light
- D.
Shelter
- E.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
B. WaterExplanation
Among the options listed, water is necessary for all living things. Water is a fundamental requirement for life because it plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including hydration, metabolism, and the transport of nutrients and waste within living organisms. While oxygen is essential for many living organisms, not all life forms require oxygen (e.g., anaerobic bacteria). Similarly, light and shelter are important for specific types of organisms but not universally necessary for all living things. Therefore, the correct answer is "water."Rate this question:
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- 11.
____ is the process by which energy travels from a warm substance to a colder substance.
- A.
Conduction
- B.
Convection
- C.
Radiation
- D.
Absorption
Correct Answer
A. ConductionExplanation
Conduction is the process by which energy travels from a warm substance to a colder substance. This occurs through direct contact between the particles of the two substances, where the faster-moving particles transfer their energy to the slower-moving particles. Unlike convection, which involves the movement of a fluid, or radiation, which involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, conduction relies on physical contact for energy transfer. Absorption, on the other hand, refers to the process of taking in or assimilating energy, rather than transferring it between substances.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Overall, which is considered the most nutritious fruit?
- A.
Apple
- B.
Tomato
- C.
Grapefruit
- D.
Passion fruit
- E.
Watermelon
Correct Answer
E. WatermelonExplanation
true if juiced and the rind is included.Rate this question:
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- 13.
At what time of day would one find the sun directly overhead (say, in Roanoke, Virginia or New York City)?
- A.
Varies between 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- B.
Noon
- C.
Noon during Standard Time only
- D.
1:00 pm
- E.
Never
Correct Answer
E. NeverExplanation
The sun is never directly overhead in Roanoke, Virginia or New York City. This is because these cities are located north of the Tropic of Cancer, which means that the sun's rays never reach a point directly overhead. The sun is only directly overhead at locations between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Considering Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, we are talking about:
- A.
A proven fact
- B.
A hunch or idea, or a possibility
- C.
An explanation which is well established
- D.
A law of science
Correct Answer
C. An explanation which is well establishedExplanation
The answer "an explanation which is well established" is correct because Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is a widely accepted and extensively supported scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. It is based on a vast amount of evidence from various fields of study, including paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy. The theory has been tested and validated over time, and it continues to be a fundamental concept in the field of biology.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What percentage do Americans represent of the world population and what percentage of the world's energy is consumed by Americans?
- A.
20 percent and 30 percent
- B.
15 percent and 35 percent
- C.
5 percent and 25 percent
- D.
1 percent and 8 percent
Correct Answer
C. 5 percent and 25 percentExplanation
Americans represent 5 percent of the world population. This means that out of every 100 people in the world, 5 are Americans. On the other hand, Americans consume 25 percent of the world's energy. This implies that out of all the energy consumed globally, 25 percent is consumed by Americans.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jan 31, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Aug 12, 2010Quiz Created by
Greenprof2
General Science Trivia Questions and Facts! Knowledge Test
General Science Trivia Questions and Facts! Knowledge Test
How Good Is Your Knowledge In General Science? Quiz
How Good Is Your Knowledge In General Science? Quiz
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