Module 1 · SSC CGL General Awareness

General Science

Basic physics, chemistry, biology, human body.

Physics · Chemistry · Biology · Human Body

Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamental concepts of General Science
Apply key formulas and techniques to solve problems
Practice with exam-level questions to build speed and accuracy

Key Concepts

What is General Science?

General Science for SSC CGL covers basic concepts from Physics (laws of motion, work-energy, light, sound, electricity), Chemistry (atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids-bases, periodic table, common compounds), and Biology (cell biology, human body systems, plant biology, diseases). Questions are typically at the high school level.

Key Concepts

Physics: Newton's Laws of Motion, Work-Energy theorem, Gravitation (g = 9.8 m/s²), Sound (speed 340 m/s in air, echo, ultrasound), Light (reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, human eye, dispersion — rainbow), Electricity (Ohm's Law V=IR, series/parallel circuits, electric power P=VI).

Chemistry: Atomic structure (proton, neutron, electron), Periodic Table (groups 1-18, periods 1-7), Chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic), Acids (pH < 7) and Bases (pH > 7), Common compounds (NaCl, H₂O, CO₂, CaCO₃, H₂SO₄, NH₃).

Biology: Cell (structure, organelles — nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell membrane), Human body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, excretory), Vitamins (A-K — sources, deficiency diseases), Diseases (bacterial — typhoid, TB; viral — flu, COVID; vector-borne — malaria, dengue).

Solved Examples

Example 1

What is the SI unit of electric current?

a) Volt b) Ampere c) Ohm d) Watt

Solution: b) Ampere (A). Electric current is the rate of flow of charge (I = Q/t). SI unit: Ampere. 1 A = 1 C/s. Voltage is measured in Volts (V). Resistance in Ohms (Ω). Power in Watts (W).

Example 2

Which vitamin is produced by the human body when exposed to sunlight?

a) Vitamin A b) Vitamin B12 c) Vitamin C d) Vitamin D

Solution: d) Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol). The skin synthesizes Vitamin D when exposed to UV-B rays from sunlight. It is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Shortcut Techniques

For Vitamin deficiency diseases: 'B-Beriberi, C-Scurvy, D-Rickets, K-Hemorrhage' — B for Beriberi (double B), C for Scurvy (sea voyages lacking citrus), D for Rickets (D for deformation), K for Koagulation (blood clotting).
For the electromagnetic spectrum: 'Raman's Microwaves, Infra-red Visible Ultra X-ray Gamma' — Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma (increasing frequency, decreasing wavelength).
For chemical formula of common compounds: Washing Soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O), Baking Soda (NaHCO₃), Bleaching Powder (CaOCl₂), Plaster of Paris (CaSO₄·½H₂O).

Pro Tip: Biology is the most asked section in General Science for SSC CGL (40% questions). Focus on human body systems (organs, functions, diseases) and vitamins. For Physics, focus on units, laws, and everyday applications. For Chemistry, focus on atomic number, valency, and common compounds.

Priority Topics

Based on previous year analysis: Current Affairs (40%), Static GK (15%), Polity (15%), Economy (15%), Science (10%), Environment (5%).

Memory Techniques

Use mnemonics, acronyms, and mind maps. Create weekly revision notes in question-answer format.

Pro Tip

Revise current affairs every Sunday. Spaced repetition ensures long-term retention without cramming.

Priority Topics

Based on previous year analysis: Current Affairs (40%), Static GK (15%), Polity (15%), Economy (15%), Science (10%), Environment (5%).

Memory Techniques

Use mnemonics, acronyms, and mind maps. Create weekly revision notes in question-answer format.

Pro Tip

Revise current affairs every Sunday. Spaced repetition ensures long-term retention without cramming.

Priority Topics

Based on previous year analysis: Current Affairs (40%), Static GK (15%), Polity (15%), Economy (15%), Science (10%), Environment (5%).

Memory Techniques

Use mnemonics, acronyms, and mind maps. Create weekly revision notes in question-answer format.

Pro Tip

Revise current affairs every Sunday. Spaced repetition ensures long-term retention without cramming.

Priority Topics

Based on previous year analysis: Current Affairs (40%), Static GK (15%), Polity (15%), Economy (15%), Science (10%), Environment (5%).

Memory Techniques

Use mnemonics, acronyms, and mind maps. Create weekly revision notes in question-answer format.

Pro Tip

Revise current affairs every Sunday. Spaced repetition ensures long-term retention without cramming.

Practice Questions

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