IBPS PO Prelims 20 Oct 2024 Shift 2 Paper

Question Numbers: 41-48
Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.
On an overcast Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Anil Shah found himself in the laboratory, engrossed in a chemical experiment that had the potential to revolutionise solar energy. The walls of the lab, covered with charts and graphs, seemed to pulsate with possibilities. His primary objective was to create an ultra-thin solar cell that could capture energy more efficiently than existing technology. Dr. Shah believed that the key to achieving this lay in the unique properties of quantum dots—nanoparticles that had the potential to absorb light and convert it into electrical energy with minimal losses. The means to harness the power of quantum dots, however, was elusive. He had spent months refining a chemical solution that acted as a stabilising agent, allowing the dots to maintain their integrity when exposed to solar radiation. As the clock ticked away, Dr. Shah meticulously mixed a solution of gallium arsenide with a carefully measured quantity of phosphine gas. To enhance the reaction, he introduced a catalyst made from a rare earth element, hoping this new approach would yield better results. His net of hopes and hypotheses hung delicately on the outcome of this experiment. After the solutions were mixed, he placed the resulting compound on a thin, flexible substrate and positioned it under a high-intensity solar simulator. For a few tense moments, nothing happened. Then, almost imperceptibly at first, the experimental solar cell began to register higher energy conversion efficiency on the monitor. Dr. Shah’s heart raced as he observed the numbers. The preliminary results were promising, showing a 25% increase in efficiency compared to traditional solar cells. Dr. Shah knew that this was just the beginning. He would need to conduct further experiments, replicate the results, and optimise the process before it could be scaled for commercial use. But in that moment, standing alone in the lab with the soft hum of the equipment surrounding him, he felt a surge of hope. This breakthrough, however small, was a step toward a future where clean, renewable energy was not just a dream, but a means by which the world could thrive. In his mind, he captured the essence of his journey—a journey through the ___________ of science, driven by curiosity and sustained by perseverance. The net was cast wide, but with each experiment, he was one step closer to a sustainable, energy-efficient world.