India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th Five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
- 1.Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
- 2.Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
- 3.Neutrinos have a negligible, but nonzero mass.
- 4.Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A.1 and 3 only
- B.1, 2 and 3 only
- C.2, 3 and 4
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Neutrinos are fundamental particles with no electric charge and very little mass. They interact weakly with matter, meaning they can pass through vast amounts of material unimpeded, making them difficult to detect. They are produced in nuclear reactions, such as those in stars, nuclear reactors, and radioactive decay processes like beta decay. Due to their abundance and elusive nature, trillions of neutrinos pass through every square centimeter of Earth and our bodies every second.
Source: UPSC gs1 2010