General Science Quiz

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) was the first scientist to formulate the heliocentric model, proposing that Earth revolves around the Sun. This revolutionary idea, published in 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' (1543), challenged the geocentric view that had dominated for centuries. Dalton, Newton, and Einstein came much later.

Albert Einstein evolved the famous relationship E = mc² between mass and energy in his theory of special relativity (1905). This equation shows that mass and energy are interchangeable. Dalton proposed atomic theory, Planck contributed quantum theory, and Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus.

Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of cancer. The term comes from 'oncos' (Greek for tumor or mass). The other options are ornithology (birds), mammalogy (mammals), and pedology (soil).

Exobiology is the study of life in outer space, also known as astrobiology. The prefix 'exo-' means outer or external. The other options are made-up terms or refer to different branches of biology (enterobiology relates to intestines).

The Sun is the closest star to Earth, located about 93 million miles away. While pole star (Polaris), Wolf, and Castor are all stars, they are light-years away compared to our Sun. The Sun's proximity makes it the nearest star to our planet.

DNA is primarily found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, which houses the cell's genetic material. Mitochondria also contain small amounts of DNA, but the nucleus is the main repository. Ribosomes are protein synthesis sites, and the plasma membrane controls transport.

The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products and excess fluids. The heart pumps blood, lungs exchange gases, and the spleen filters blood cells and fights infection, but only kidneys perform blood filtration.

The number of protons (atomic number) uniquely defines each element. Neutrons vary among isotopes, electrons change in ions, and ions are charged particles, not element identifiers.

Quantum mechanics establishes that light exhibits both particle (photon) and wave properties. This wave-particle duality is fundamental to quantum physics.