The Prof. Brahm Prakash Memorial Materials Quiz is a materials-centric, broad-based quiz intended for students at senior secondary school level (classes XI-XII). The basic themes of BPMMQ are usually drawn from two sources – topics introduced in school syllabi, and materials-based events/phenomena/news of general interest.
However, in keeping with the high standards set by past editions of BPMMQ, questions are rarely direct, and aim to test participants’ curiosity, passion and awareness about materials
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BPMMQ Quiz Format
Note: The information here is of indicative nature based on past quiz history, and need not be adhered to in entirety. Organisers reserve the right to make modifications when found suitable.
The BPMMQ consists of three rounds – preliminary, semi-final, and final. All rounds consist of verbal (not written) questions. Teams are divided into groups for preliminary rounds, based on a random lottery. Preliminary rounds are conducted in parallel, with best teams in each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Traditionally, preliminary rounds have consisted of 6 themes, and permit passing of questions. Wrong answers traditionally don’t carry negative points.
The semi-final round comprises more challenging questions, often requiring the use of logic, reasoning and analytical skills in conjunction with information. This round is traditionally associated with audio-visual clues and themes. Contestants reaching the semi-finals must expect a surprise or two!
The final round is a mystery round conducted by a professional quiz master. The scoring pattern, number of rounds, themes, and even the style of quizzing is a complete mystery, as the quiz master will often incorporate different quizzing styles into one grand finale.
In view of the keen audience that this round traditionally draws, contestants have often been subjected to elements of performative quizzing.
An indicative (not exhaustive) list of topics that may be used to formulate quiz questions includes
different types of materials – metals & alloys, insulators, semi-conductors, polymers, ceramics and composites, synthetic materials & bio-materials;
the various properties of different materials (physical, mechanical, atomistic, electrical, nuclear, chemical);
important phenomena associated with materials;
people who have made important contributions to materials and related sciences;
the evolution of materials, their connection with civilization and culture;
and last but not least – current trends in materials.
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Scroll down for indicative/sample questions!
What is the catalyst used in Contact process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid?
Platinised asbestos, or vanadium pentoxide
Name this bright yellow chemical produced by some plants. It is the principal component of turmeric, a member of the ginger family. This component is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring, and food coloring agent.
Curcumin
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles are very famous in households as containers for liquids and foods. These containers can be recycled, as indicated by number __ (the resin identification code) molded on PET bottles inside the universal recycling symbol.
1
In December 2016, an Indian research group demonstrated superconductivity in this element, challenging the applicability of the Bardeen-Cooper-Shrieffer (BCS) theory of superconductors. Name the element.
Bismuth
The head of a ‘safety’ matchstick contains an oxidizing agent mixed with sulfur and glass powder. Name the oxidizing agent
Potassium chlorate
The age of a given rock can be established by calculating the ratio of Uranium to Metal ratio in the sample. Name the metal used for dating.
Lead
Name the polysaccharides which are stored in the liver of animals.
Glycogen
Name the process of growing hard, protective native oxide layer on aluminum or titanium using electrochemical baths.
Anodizing
This organisation establishes a set of international technical standards for various materials, products, tests and systems; expand its abbreviation – ‘ASTM’.
American Society for Testing and Materials
The magnetic field is expelled when a material becomes a superconductor in a magnetic field. This effect is known as __________ .
Meissner effect
Which is the only liquid that cannot be solidified by lowering temperature at ordinary pressures?
Helium
Name the irreversibly hydrolysed form of collagen, which is present in gummy candies, marshmallows and ice cream
Gelatin