TNPSC Group II exam – UNIT-I: GENERAL SCIENCE

(i) Scientific Knowledge and Scientific Temper

1. Power of Reasoning
   • Logical thinking and deduction
   • Critical analysis and evaluation
   • Problem-solving techniques and methodologies
2. Rote Learning vs Conceptual Learning
   • Definitions and differences
   • Advantages and disadvantages
   • Strategies for improving conceptual understanding
   • Examples of rote learning vs conceptual understanding
3. Science as a Tool to Understand the Past, Present, and Future
   • Historical significance of key scientific discoveries
   • Role of science in addressing current global challenges
   • Future technological advancements and their potential impact

(ii) Nature of Universe and General Scientific Laws

1. Mechanics
   • Newton’s Laws of Motion
     • First law: Inertia
     • Second law: F=ma
     • Third law: Action and reaction
   • Work, Energy, and Power
     • Work done by a force
     • Kinetic and potential energy
     • Conservation of energy
     • Power and its calculations
   • Momentum and collisions
     • Linear momentum
     • Conservation of momentum
     • Elastic and inelastic collisions
2. Properties of Matter
   • States of matter: Solid, liquid, gas, and plasma
   • Physical properties: Density, viscosity, surface tension
   • Chemical properties: Reactivity, combustion, acidity/basicity
   • Changes of state: Melting, boiling, condensation, sublimation
3. Force, Motion, and Energy
   • Types of forces: Gravitational, electromagnetic, nuclear, frictional
   • Motion: Speed, velocity, acceleration, uniform and non-uniform motion
   • Energy types: Mechanical, thermal, chemical, nuclear, and electrical
   • Conservation laws: Mass, energy, and momentum conservation
4. Everyday Applications of Basic Principles
   • Electricity and Magnetism
     • Ohm’s law
     • Electrical circuits: Series and parallel
     • Electromagnetic induction
     • Applications: Motors, generators, transformers
   • Light
     • Reflection and refraction
     • Dispersion and spectra
     • Optical instruments: Lenses, mirrors, microscopes, telescopes
   • Sound
     • Properties of sound waves
     • Speed of sound in different media
     • Applications: Sonar, ultrasound
   • Heat
     • Modes of heat transfer: Conduction, convection, radiation
     • Thermodynamics: Laws and applications
     • Temperature scales: Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin
   • Nuclear Physics
     • Radioactivity: Alpha, beta, gamma radiation
     • Nuclear reactions: Fission and fusion
     • Applications: Nuclear energy, medical imaging
   • Laser
     • Principles of laser operation
     • Types of lasers and their applications
   • Electronics and Communications
     • Basic electronic components: Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors
     • Communication systems: Analog and digital, wireless communication

(iii) Elements and Compounds

1. Elements and Compounds
   • Atomic structure: Protons, neutrons, electrons
   • Periodic table: Groups, periods, trends
   • Chemical bonding: Ionic, covalent, metallic bonds
2. Acids, Bases, and Salts
   • Properties of acids and bases
   • pH scale and indicators
   • Neutralization reactions
   • Common acids (HCl, H2SO4) and bases (NaOH, KOH)
   • Applications in daily life and industry
3. Petroleum Products
   • Types: Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lubricants
   • Extraction and refining processes
   • Uses and environmental impact
4. Fertilizers and Pesticides
   • Types of fertilizers: Nitrogenous, phosphatic, potassic
   • Pesticides: Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides
   • Impact on agriculture and environment
   • Safe usage and regulations

(iv) Main Concepts of Life Science

1. Classification of Living Organisms
   • Taxonomy: Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
   • Characteristics of major groups: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
2. Evolution
   • Theories of evolution: Darwinism, Lamarckism, Modern synthesis
   • Natural selection and adaptation
   • Evidence of evolution: Fossils, anatomical similarities, molecular biology
3. Genetics
   • Mendelian genetics: Laws of inheritance
   • Chromosomes and DNA
   • Genetic disorders: Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia
   • Biotechnology: Genetic engineering, cloning
4. Physiology
   • Human body systems: Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, excretory, reproductive
   • Functions and major organs
   • Plant physiology: Photosynthesis, transpiration, nutrient absorption
5. Nutrition, Health, and Hygiene
   • Essential nutrients: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals
   • Balanced diet and dietary requirements
   • Personal and public hygiene practices
   • Preventive health care and immunization
6. Human Diseases
   • Infectious diseases: Bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan
   • Non-infectious diseases: Diabetes, hypertension, cancer
   • Causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
   • Public health measures and awareness

(v) Environment and Ecology

1. Environment
   • Components of the environment: Biotic and abiotic
   • Environmental pollution: Types, sources, effects
   • Conservation of natural resources: Water, soil, forests, wildlife
   • Environmental legislation and policies
2. Ecology
   • Ecosystems: Structure, function, types (terrestrial, aquatic)
   • Energy flow: Food chains, food webs, ecological pyramids
   • Biodiversity: Importance, threats, conservation strategies
   • Environmental issues: Global warming, ozone depletion, deforestation, pollution
   • Sustainable development: Principles, practices, global efforts

By covering these detailed topics and subtopics, you will be well-prepared for the General Studies section of the TNPSC Group II exam.