Expand Your General Knowledge

General knowledge is a very important factor. We all have our own interests in different subjects. People with good general knowledge get more attention and they also have an advantage in starting a conversation. General knowledge subjects can be great starting points for a good conversation. So if you are wondering how to improve your GK, then this article is for you. With the advent of internet, acquiring knowledge of facts has become quite easy. There are plenty of online trivia sites that can increase your general knowledge and recall skills on world geography and history trivia as well as the lives of famous personalities. You can use online encyclopedia websites for greater benefits.

Start with a fixed routine. Spend at least 5-10 minutes every day reading up on fun trivia that interests you. If you interested in sports, start with sports trivia. This way, you will be able to remember the facts. By just browsing for few minutes on topics that capture your attention from one day to the next, you can specialize in different subjects. Most of these online trivia sites offer the option of emailing questions to your inbox every day. This is a free service which can prove really beneficial in increasing your knowledge base. Whenever you get time or are bored of your regular activities, you can always check these interesting facts and trivia.

There are different puzzles, word games, jigsaws and other varieties of learning tools catering to different age groups and language groups. You can join sites offering these services and enhance your knowledge base. Focus on the smaller details and try and strive for perfection. Share your knowledge with your friends and people with similar interests. Exchange of ideas and facts will further strengthen your knowledge base. Good command over general knowledge will add value as well as entertainment in addition to providing you with a wonderful skill.

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Posted in: gk

Fluorescence and Phosphorescence

Fluorescence and Phosphorescence

Fluorescence Physics :

There are certain substances which, on being illuminated by high – frequency light (blue, ultraviolet), emit light of relatively low frequency.The emission occurs so long the substance is being illuminated.

This phenomenon of emission of light is called ‘Fluorescence’and the substances exhibiting this phenomenon are called‘Fluorescent Substances’.

Different substances give fluorescence of different colours (i.e., different frequencies).

For example, when violet or ultraviolet light is incident on quinine sulphate, it gives fluorescence of blue colour.

Similarly, fluoricine, barium platinocynide and uranium oxide give green fluorescence.

Uses of Fluorescence :Fluorescence has many applications in daily life.

For example, the presence of invisible ultraviolet rays can be detected by their fluorescent effect. Now – a – days, fluorescence is used in the fluorescent tubes used for light purposes.

The inner surface of the fluorescent tube giving white light is painted with magnesium tungstate and zinc – berilium silicate.

The mercury light produced by electric discharge in the tube has ultraviolet rays in large quantity.

When these rays fall on the paint of the wall, the magnesium – tungstate produces light blue fluorescence and the zinc – berilium silicate produces yellow – orange fluorescence.

The mixture of these two produces white – light fluorescence. Similarly the tube painted with cadmium borate produces pink light, whereas the tube producing green light with zinc silicate.

Phosphorescence Physics :

Fluorescent materials emit light only so long as light is incident on them.

There are certain substances which continue emitting light for some time after the light incident on them is stopped.

This phenomenon is called ‘Phosphorescence’, e.g., if we make blue light incident on a zinc – sulphide (ZnS) screen, then it produces phosphorescence for some time.

Time of phosphorescence is different for different materials.

Uses of Phosphorescence :

Phosphorescent substances are painted on watch hands, electric switch – boards and sign – boards.

These substances absorb sunlight during day – time and illuminate during the dark night by phosphorescence.

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Posted in: science

Electricity in Physics

Electron has a negative charge equal to -1.6 x 10-19 coulomb while the charge on a proton is exactly equal and opposite to that on electron and is equal to +1.6 x 10-19 coulomb.Charge can neither be created nor destroyed. This is known as law of charge conservation; charge conservation is followed in nuclear reactors, electricity, electrification by friction, electrification by induction, etc.

For the electrification of a body only electrons are responsible.

If a body is negatively charged then it has an excess of electrons, while if a body is positively charged then it has a deficit of electrons.

Good conductors are the substances which allow an easy flow of charge through them.

They have a large number of free e- in them. Best conductor of electricity is Ag. All metals are good conductors.

If a small charged conductor is placed inside another big and hollow charged conductor and the two are joined by a wire then the charge flows from smaller conductor to bigger conductor because the potential of smaller conductor is more than that of bigger conductor.

Fuse Wire

Fuse Wire is used in a circuit to control the maximum current flowing in a circuit. It is a thin wire having high resistance and is made up of a material with low melting point.

House Wiring circuits are in parallel therefore the voltage across each bulb is constant.

The filament of 60 W bulb is thinner than the filament of 100 W bulb.

If two bulbs, one of 60 W and the other of 100 W are connected in parallel, then 100 W bulb will glow more.

If two bulbs, one of 60 W and other of 100 W are connected in series, then the 60 W bulb will glow more, because in series combination current through both the bulbs is the same and the Power consumed P = I²R or P ∞ R.

Now, since the resistance of 60 W bulb is more than the resistance of 100 bulb, the 60 W bulb will glow more.

In Series Resistance Circuit, it should be remembered that :

• The current is same in every part of the series circuit.
• The total resistance in the circuit is the sum of the individual resistances including internal resistance of the cell (if any).
• Voltage across any part of a circuit is proportional to the resistance of that part
• Current in the circuit is independent of the relative positions of the various resistances in the series.

In Parallel Combination of Resistances, it should be remembered that :

• Total current through the combination is the sum of individual currents through the various branches
• The potential difference across all the resistances is the same.
• The current through each branch is inversely proportional to die resistance of that branch.
• The reciprocal of the total resistance of the combination is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances.

• Resistivity of a conductor changes with impurity. The impurity increases the resistivity.
• Resistivity of an alloy is greater than the resistivity of its constituents.
• Resistivity increases with temperature.

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Posted in: science

Basic Forces in Nature

Basic Forces in Nature

Following Four Basic Forces operate in all natural processes:

1. Gravitation Forces
2. Weak Force
3. Electromagnetic Force
4. Strong Forces

1. Gravitation Forces

• It is the force of attraction between two masses.
• It is always attractive in nature; hence sometimes it is taken with negative sign.

• It is a long range force, i.e., it can extend up to infinity.
• It follows inverse square law i.e., F ∞ 1 / r2.
• It is assumed to be created by a particle called gravitation.
• It is central force and hence, it is conservative in nature.
• It is the weakest force.

2. Weak Force in Physics
a) It is the force associated with beta - decay in radioactivity.
b) During beta - decay, following reaction takes place.

0n1 ⇒ β- + 1P1 + γ Neutron   Beta Particle or Electron   Proton   Antineutrino

Since, neutrino is a chargeless - massless particle, therefore during beta - decay, the electron and antineutrino interact with each other through very weak forces.

c) Moreover, the leptons interact with Leptons, Baryons or Mesons through these weak forces.
3. Electromagnetic Force Physics
a) Force between two static charges is called electrostatic force.
b) A moving charge produces both magnetic and electric fields.

The charged particle moving in magnetic field experiences a force called electromagnetic force comprising of electrostatic as well as magnetic forces.

c) Electromagnetic force bears following properties:

1. It may be attractive or repulsive in nature.
2. It is created due to exchange of photons.
3. It is long range force.
4. It is 10¹¹ time stronger than weak forces and 10³⁶ times stronger than the gravitational force.
5. It is central and conservative force.

4. Strong Forces (Nuclear Force)

1. It is the force of nuclear origin.
2. It is basically attractive in nature.
3. It is short range force and is operative only inside the nucleus (i.e., for distance = 10^-14 m)
4. They are produced by the exchange of mesons between the nucleons (neutron & proton).
5. It is not a central force.
6. It is the strongest force acting in nature. The relative strengths of the gravitational force, the weak force, the electromagnetic force and the strong nuclear force are :
   
   

   Fg : Fw : Fe : Fn :: 1 : 1025 : 1036 : 1038

Basic Forces in Nature

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SOLAR SYSTEM

Pluto			Diameter	3,040 Kilometer
			Moons	1
			Avg.Distance to Sun	5,865.5 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	248 Years
			Facts	This Planet is the farthest, the smallest, the darkest, the coldest and arguably the strangest. It follows the most elongated and tilted orbit in the solar system. Its moon, Charon, is nearly half its size - appears like a bi-planet. NASA used a new infra-red telescope, has learned that Pluto is shrouded in frozen nitrogen- not methane as once thought. Nitrogen makes 78% of the air.

Neptune			Diameter	49,000 Kilometer
			Moons	8
			Avg.Distance to Sun	4,497 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	165 Years
			Facts	It is denser & little smaller than Uranus. Its Atmosphere appear blue, with quickly changing white clouds often suspended high above an apparent surface. Atmosphere constituents are mostly hydrocarbon compounds. It Emits about 2.3 times more energy than it receives from the sun and the Aurora phenomenon was noticed by Voyager II.

Uranus			Diameter	52,096 Kilometer
			Moons	17
			Avg.Distance to Sun	2,852.8 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	84 Years
			Facts	Waterly Uranus is the only planet that lies on its side. One pole, than the other, faces the Sun as it orbits. Voyager-I found nine dark, compact rings around the planet and a corkscrew-shaped magnetic field that stretches millions of kilometers.

Mars			Diameter	6,755.2 Kilometer
			Moons	2
			Avg.Distance to Sun	225.6 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	687 Days
			Facts	The Viking probes failed to Beneath its thin atmosphere. Mars is barren, covered with pink soil and boulders. Long ago it was active, the surface is marked with dormant volcanoes and deep chasms where water once freely flowed.

Venus			Diameter	12,032 Kilometer
			Moons	None
			Avg.Distance to Sun	107.52 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	225 Days
			Facts	Earth's twin in size and mass, sparingly hot Venus is perpetually veiled behind reflective sulfuric-acid clouds. Probes and radar mapping have pierced the clouds and carbon-dioxide environment to reveal flat, rocky plains & signs of volcanic activity.

Mercury			Diameter	4,849.6 Kilometer
			Moons	None
			Avg.Distance to Sun	57.6 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	88 Days
			Facts	Tiny Mercury, slightly larger than Earth's moon. Races along its elliptical orbital 1,76,000 kilometer per hour. A speed that keeps it from being drawn into the Sun's gravity field. The crated planet has no atmosphere, days are scorching hot and nights, frigid.

Earth			Diameter	12,732.2 Kilometer
			Moons	1
			Avg.Distance to Sun	148.8 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	365 Days
			Facts	Uniquely moderate temperature and the presence of oxygen and copious water maker Earth the only planet in the solar system to support life.

Jupiter			Diameter	1,41,968 Kilometer
			Moons	16
			Avg.Distance to Sun	772.8 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	11.9 Years
			Facts	Two Pioneer space probes photographed the Great Red Spot on the Solar system's largest planet. Voyagers I and II later showed it is an enormous eddy in the turbulent cloud cover. Earth the only planet in the solar system to support life. They also spotted dusty rings, three new moons and volcanoes on the Moon.

Saturn			Diameter	1,19,296 Kilometer
			Moons	20 or more
			Avg.Distance to Sun	1,417.6 million KM
			Time to Orbit the Sun	29.5 Years
			Facts	Voyager I found that the celebrated rings of the golden giant Saturn are composed of thousands of rippling, spiraling bands just 100 feets thick. The moon Titan has a nitrogen atmosphere and hydrocarbons.

Sun			Diameter	13,84,000 Kilometer
			Statellites	9 Planets
			Age	4.5 billion years
			Facts	A rather ordinary, middle age star, the gaseous sun may reach a temperature of 27-millon degrees Celsius at its core. Its 11 years cycle is now approaching a solar maximum, a period marked by frequent sunspots and flares. On Earth, some radio waves will be disturbed and the amazing sky streamers called Northern Lights will appear.

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Posted in: gk

Go Green

• First step in go green process is to turn off the lights of your home or office when not in use to lower monthly electricity bills and to save energy.
• We should buy only those electricity bulbs or tubes which are more energy efficient.
• Use recycled paper for printing your documents.
• Try to use printer capable of double-sided printing though it is very difficult but it will save pape and reduce cost also.
  
  
  • Going green by using eco-friendly products is an must these days.
  • Try to get paperless statements(online) from your banks or financial institutions in stead of mailed ones.
  • Use those items which can be recycled easily.
  • Try to avoid use of polythene.
  • After washing your hands use only paper towels needed to dry them. I see people grab four and five towels to dry their hands.
  • Some people are also involved in Green Home Businesses these days to save the enviorment
    
    
    Keep the earth as green as possible while keeping more ‘green’ in your pocket.

    Discover ways of having an online green home based business with EcoQuest International, a company that offers air purification products that promote healthy environment. Head over to Ecoquest's profile for more background information.

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Posted in: general tips

Tips For Choosing Trustee For Living Trust

Living trust means a trust that may be revocable by the trust creator. It is not just for the rich but Living Trusts are one of the most common estate planning tools in use today. A Living Trust is called so because it is created while you're alive.

Living trusts are often used because without going through the process of probate they may allow assets to be passed to heirs. Probate is the process of paying your debts and distributing your property to the people who inherit it under court supervision.

The person by whom trust is established is called the Grantor and the Trustee is the person who controls the Trust's assets. And Beneficiaries are the heirs that will benefit from the Trust after grantor's death.

Choosing the right person as trustee to act on your behalf is very important. You can choose a spouse, adult child, domestic partner, other relative, family friend, business associate, or professional fiduciary to be your trustee. Discuss your choice with a Living Trust Attorney in San Diego, CA

It is very important to choose someone in which you have full faith and confidence. You can think of a close family friend, close family member, child, or trusted nephew or niece. Otherwise you can hire an outside trustee like your bank, a trust company, your lawyer, or an expert estate planning attorney.

Heirs who are unhappy with the terms and conditions of the living trust will try to sway your representative to do what they want. But if you know that you have a strong, trustworthy person protecting your property will provide peace of mind.

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Posted in: general tips

Safety With Kitchen Knives

A cook's best friend and most important utensil is a sharp knife. You may not notice, but through repeated use, knives become dull. Most kitchen accidents are knife-related, and dull knives are often the cause. Keep the following tips in mind when working with your kitchen knives.

                                               

• Purchase a good knife. A good knife is heavy and well balanced compared to a flimsy knife that can easily bend or snap. Poorly constructed knives have a difficult time maintaining their edge, and they can warp over time. A good, forged knife with high carbon content and a molded handle will last a long time, if cared for properly.
• Always use a cutting board. Knives should not be used on kitchen counters, metal, glass or steel surfaces when chopping, slicing or mincing. Using a knife on such a surface can cause slipping and sliding. When setting up a work area, place a damp kitchen towel beneath the cutting board to prevent it from slipping while you work.
• Select the proper cutting board. Most plastic boards are economical and dishwasher-safe and remain more sanitary than wooden blocks. However, plastic boards do tend to dull knives more quickly. Wooden boards are ideal, yet they require a thorough cleansing to remain sanitary, as the pores of the wood tend to trap bacteria. What ever choice you make, purchase a big board, with ample space for cutting.

• Know your knife. The tip of the knife is the most delicate part of the utensil - ideal for slicing mushrooms. The mid-section is the most commonly used area and does the majority of the work. And the heel or back 1/3 of the knife is the heavy work area - ideal for cutting off a bunch of celery.
• Protect your fingers. Curl your fingers under and position them on top of the item to be cut, for example an onion half. With your hand on the item and fingers safely tucked, place the side of the knife next to your knuckles. Maintain a strong grip on the item you are cutting.
• Sharpen your knife. Many tools, such as steel sharpening rods, whetstones, and hand sharpeners are available to keep your knife sharp. Steel rods, complete with many knife sets, should be used for quick rehoning. If using a sharpening stone or whetstone, place the stone securely on the counter top using both hands to hold the knife gently against the stone. Keep sharpening stones oiled with food-grade mineral oil. Other oils can ruin the stone. When using manual, electrical hand-sharpeners, follow operating instructions carefully.
• Always store knives in a knife holder. Storing knives loose in a drawer with other tools can damage the knife blade. More importantly, it can lead to severe cuts.
• Never attempt to catch a falling knife. Step back and let it hit the floor.
• Never cut anything that is placed in your hand. Instead of "palming" food, place it on the board.

• Use the knife for its intended purpose. Don't use them to open cans, remove jars and bottle caps, or cut string, bones, metal or paper.
• Clean knives. Carbon steel knives should be washed and dried immediately after using to prevent rusting. Never soak knives in water. Do not place your knives in the dishwasher - always wash them by hand or the handles will gradually deteriorate and the blades will dull.
• Select the correct knife for the job.
• Focus on the job at hand. Keep your mind on your work when holding a knife and cut away from the body.
• The safest knife is a sharp knife. With a sharp knife you have control and can easily cut through food. When the blade is dull, it forces the knife through the food.

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Posted in: general tips

Causes of Bed Wetting: Eat,Drink, and Wet the Bed

Well, we are on a roll with causes of bed wetting theories. Here's one that seems to make sense. I'm still pretty much sold on the idea that it's a hereditary issue - but it seems like if there are other causes of bed wetting, they may be more controllable. If it's just heredity, you kind of have to wait it out until your child reaches the pre-set magical age of dryness. By nature not especially patient, the idea of waiting it out doesn't appeal to me. So, here's what I've learned about the food and drink leading to bedwetting theory.

Chocolate

Oh no! Say it isn't so! Well, actually it's not necessarily the chocolate; it's the caffeine in chocolate that may cause bed wetting. What does caffeine do? It stimulates the body, including the bladder. So that evening cup of cocoa or slice of chocolate cake may be a problem. (Gosh, now I'm craving chocolate!)

Soda

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. Carbonation is rumored to do strange things to immature bladders. Actually, for any adults who drink soda, you know first-hand that a can of Coke is a ticket to the restroom. It's an effect that's compounded by caffeine - and the sugar's probably not helping matters either.

Oranges and Grapefruits

OK, if you've actually got a child who will eat grapefruit, I'd like to hear about it! But oranges are another story. I get a strange reaction when I eat oranges (and raw cranberries for some reason) - my face gets hot and I feel kind of funky. So, I'm assuming it's possible to be allergic to citrus. The citric acid is the most likely culprit. Try cutting back on the orange juice and citrus in your child's diet to see what happens.

 

Spicy Stuff

There are some spices out there that could probably be rated pharmaceutical grade. Think of the effect Chinese mustard has on your nose! No doubt some of these spices have an equivalent effect on the bladder. Salsa, Asian food, and other hot, hot, hot foods may be contributing to the bedwetting problem.

Food Allergies

I've heard of people whose children are allergic to everything from eggs to wheat, and have to say that dealing with bedwetting is nothing compared to the trouble they have to go through just to feed their children. Couple a serious food allergy with bedwetting, and it's enough to make you want to retreat to the bath tub for the next ten years! Some allergies cause bladder spasms - which of course, means a bedwetting accident. It's not just food, either. Some people are really sensitive to preservatives, dyes, and other additives. It doesn't seem that the only effect of a food allergy would be bedwetting, though. So don't throw out all your groceries just yet. But if your child has multiple challenges, it's something to consider. You may have to shop around for an allergist - so be prepared.

So what do you do if you discover your child's bedwetting problem is caused by a food sensitivity? It's not like being allergic to a cat - get some shots or send Fluffy to live with Grandma. You'll have to enroll your child's compliance on this (so what else is new?). Get your child to see the value, the what's-in-it-for-me of staying away from what may be a favorite food. Dry nights are pretty valuable - and your child may come to see the tradeoff as worthwhile. The sensitivity may be temporary, too - and that should help.

After all, just the thought of never being able to eat chocolate is cruel and unusual punishment.

Author :-Sue LaPoint

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Posted in: general tips

Life Insurance Quote (Term Or Whole) - How To Ensure The Best Value

Life insurance is one important area you should pay a lot of attention to, as part of personal financial planning. Lots of folks simply ignore this, but it really should be never be overlooked. Do not ignore this area - for it could mean financial disasters for you.

This investment is necessary, no matter how your situation looks like. Looking into this investment will give you peace of mind to carry out your daily activities. The information in this article will help you.

A "term life" plan is one of the most popular, since it is usually the most inexpensive way to obtain life coverage. It does not build cash value and no refund is given if the policy is canceled. It can be renewed annually or for a more common term of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. If the insured passes away, the benefit is paid to the beneficiaries.

A whole life policy is quite a popular option as well. It lasts until for the lifetime of the insured or chooses to cash out. There are various options available for this form of insurance and can be quite confusing to the lay person. People who want more flexibility with their policy will find this useful. There are several categories of whole life insurance. In this respect, it may be useful to consult a financial planner.

A life insurance agent, like anyone else who sells anything, shows you the very best sides of the product or service being sold. It's your responsibility as the buyer to ensure you know the downsides too.Don't buy any life insurance until any doubts are cleared. Know what you stand to gain and what you stand to lose. Take out some time to visit sites by life insurance experts and you'll be able to make more informed choices.You can get the best rate for your preferred life insurance policy by getting and comparing life insurance quotes from up to five or more sites. You can save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars by doing this. It will take you just a few minutes per site

It's best to choose a company that has been long in the game of life insurance. Not doing this may prove fatal. Know their standing across different independent research companies. My suggested site is www.advantagetermlife.com because you can Save Money on Insurance with Reduce Premiums. Their Employee Benefit Package and their Corporate Insurance Plans for Employers are the best in market today.

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Posted in: general tips