CULTURAL QA 01202412
Q2 What are some interesting facts about water?
KR H2O was well read by us; but we do not know about Apa sutram.
But we are interested in talking about filling few pages on some kid ideas!
Biochemical science of water: It's often called the "water planet,"
and it's been given the nickname "the blue marble." You probably just call
it "home." Almost three-quarters of our home planet is covered by water,
and without it, life as we know it could not exist on Earth. Water, like
carbon, has a special role in living things. It is needed by all known
forms of life. Although water consists of simple molecules, each containing
just three atoms, its structure gives it unique properties that help
explain why it is vital to all living organisms.
Chemical Structure and Properties of Water
You are probably already familiar with many of the water’s properties. For
example, you no doubt know that water is tasteless, odorless, and
transparent. In small quantities, it is also colorless. However, when a
large amount of water is observed, as in a lake or the ocean, it is
actually light blue in color. The blue hue of the water is an intrinsic
property and is caused by selective absorption and scattering of white
light. These and other properties of water depend on its chemical structure.
The transparency of water is important for organisms that live in water.
Because water is transparent, sunlight can pass through it. Sunlight is
needed by water plants and other water organisms for photosynthesis.
Chemical Structure of Water
Each molecule of water consists of one atom of oxygen and two atoms of
hydrogen, so it has the chemical formula H2O. In each water molecule, the
nucleus of the oxygen atom (with 8 positively charged protons) attracts
electrons much more strongly than do the hydrogen nuclei (with only one
positively charged proton). This results in a negative electrical charge
near the oxygen atom (due to the "pull" of the negatively charged electrons
toward the oxygen nucleus) and a positive electrical charge near the
hydrogen atoms. A difference in electrical charge between different parts
of a molecule is called polarity. A polar molecule is a molecule in which
part of the molecule is positively charged and part of the molecule is
negatively charged.
Water is a good solvent
Table salt (NaCl) consists of a positively charged sodium ion and a
negatively charged chloride ion. The oxygen of water is attracted to the
positive Na ion. The hydrogens of water are attracted to the negative Cl
ion. (Are you aware this fact, which I am, but not many?)
Hydrogen Bonding
Opposite electrical charges attract one another. Therefore, the positive
part of one water molecule is attracted to the negative parts of other
water molecules. Because of this attraction, bonds form between hydrogen
and oxygen atoms of adjacent water molecules, so it is called a hydrogen
bond. Hydrogen bonds can also form within a single large organic molecule. For
example, hydrogen bonds that form between different parts of a protein
molecule bend the molecule into a distinctive shape, which is important for
the protein’s functions. Hydrogen bonds also hold together the two
nucleotide chains of a DNA molecule. (Are you aware this fact, which I am,
but not many?): Hydrogen bonds form between positively and negatively
charged parts of water molecules. The bonds hold the water molecules
together. How do you think this might affect water’s properties?
Sticky, Wet Water
Water has some unusual properties due to its hydrogen bonds. One property
is cohesion, the tendency for water molecules to stick together. The
cohesive forces between water molecules are responsible for the phenomenon
known as surface tension. The molecules at the surface do not have other
like molecules on all sides of them and consequently, they cohere more
strongly to those directly associated with them on the surface. For
example, if you drop a tiny amount of water onto a very smooth surface, the
water molecules will stick together and form a droplet, rather than spread
out over the surface. The same thing happens when water slowly drips from a
leaky faucet. The water doesn't fall from the faucet as individual water
molecules but as droplets of water. (Are you aware this fact, which I am,
but not many?)’
*Water is polar.* Water molecules are polar, with partial
positive charges on the hydrogens, a partial negative charge on the oxygen,
and a bent overall structure. This is because oxygen is more
*electronegative*, meaning that it is better than hydrogen at attracting
electrons.
1. *Water is an excellent solvent.* Water has the unique ability to
dissolve many polar and ionic substances. This is important to all living
things because, as water travels through the water cycle, it takes many
valuable nutrients along with it!
2. *Water has high heat capacity.* It takes a lot of energy to raise the
temperature of a certain amount of water by a degree, so water helps with
regulating temperature in the environment. For example, this property
allows the temperature of water in a pond to stay relatively constant from
day to night, regardless of the changing atmospheric temperature.
3. *Water has high heat of vaporization.* Humans (and other animals that
sweat) use water’s high heat of vaporization to cool off. Water is
converted from its liquid form to steam when the heat of vaporization is
reached. Since sweat is made mostly of water, the evaporating water absorbs
excess body heat, which is released into the atmosphere. This is known
as *evaporative
cooling*.
4. *Water has cohesive and adhesive properties.* Water molecules have
strong *cohesive* forces due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with
one another. Cohesive forces are responsible for *surface tension*, the
tendency of a liquid’s surface to resist rupture when placed under tension
or stress. Water also has *adhesive* properties that allow it to stick to
substances other than itself.
These cohesive and adhesive properties are essential for fluid transport in
many forms of life. For example, they allow nutrients to be transported to
the top of a tree against the force of gravity.
5. *Water is less dense as a solid than as a liquid.* As water freezes,
the molecules form a crystalline structure that spaces the molecules
further apart than in liquid water. This means that ice is less dense than
liquid water, which is why it floats.
This property is important, as it keeps ponds, lakes, and oceans from
freezing solid and allows life to continue to thrive under the icy surface.
*Common mistakes and misconceptions*
- *Water dissolves everything because it is the “universal solvent."* Water
has the ability to dissolve many substances but the term “universal
solvent" is misleading. Water is able to dissolve other polar molecules and
ions, such as sugars and salts. However, nonpolar molecules like oils lack
partial positive or partial negative charges, so they are not attracted to
water molecules. This is why nonpolar substances like oil remain separate
when added to water.
Now what our Vedas say?
Apah Suktam - Aapo Hi Sthaa Mayo-Bhuvasthaa - In sanskrit with meaning -
from Rig Veda - Mandala 10 - Sukta 9
आपः सुक्तम् - आपो हि ष्ठा मयोभुवस्था न ऊर्जे दधातन
आपो हि ष्ठा मयोभुवस्था न ऊर्जे दधातन ।
महे रणाय चक्षसे ॥१॥
Aapo Hi Sstthaa Mayo-Bhuvasthaa Na Uurje Dadhaatana |
Mahe Rannaaya Cakssase ||1||
Meaning:
1.1: O Water, because of your presence, the Atmosphere is so refreshing,
and imparts us with vigour and strength.
1.2: We revere you who is great, and who gladdens us by your Pure essence.
यो वः शिवतमो रसस्तस्य भाजयतेह नः ।
उशतीरिव मातरः ॥२॥
Yo Vah Shivatamo Rasas-Tasya Bhaajayate-Ha Nah |
Ushatiiriva Maatarah ||2||
Meaning:
2.1: O Water, this auspicious Sap of yours, please share with us,
2.2: Like a Mother desiring (to share her best possession with her
children).
तस्मा अरं गमाम वो यस्य क्षयाय जिन्वथ ।
आपो जनयथा च नः ॥३॥
Tasmaa Aram Gamaama Vo Yasya Kssayaaya Jinvatha |
Aapo Janayathaa Ca Nah ||3||
Meaning:
3.1: O Water, when your invigorating essence goes to one affected by
weakness, it enlivens him,
3.2: O Water, you are the source of our lives.
शं नो देवीरभिष्टय आपो भवन्तु पीतये ।
शं योरभि स्रवन्तु नः ॥४॥
Sham No Deviir-Abhissttaya Aapo Bhavantu Piitaye |
Sham Yor-Abhi Sravantu Nah ||4||
Meaning:
4.1: O Water, may the auspicious divinity which is wished for be present in
you when we drink (water).
4.2: May that auspiciousness which is there flow in us.
ईशाना वार्याणां क्षयन्तीश्चर्षणीनाम् ।
अपो याचामि भेषजम् ॥५॥
Iishaanaa Vaaryaannaam Kssayantiish-Carssanniinaam |
Apo Yaacaami Bhessajam ||5||
Meaning:
5.1: O Water, may the divinity in Water dwell in the Farm lands,
5.2: O Water, I implore you to give nutrition (to the crops).
अप्सु मे सोमो अब्रवीदन्तर्विश्वानि भेषजा ।
अग्नि च विश्वशंभुवम् ॥६॥
Apsu Me Somo Abraviid-Antar-Vishvaani Bhessajaa |
Agni Ca Vishva-Shambhuvam ||6||
Meaning:
6.1: O Water, Soma told me that in Water is present all Medicinal Herbs of
the World, ...
6.2: ... and also Agni (Fire) who brings auspiciousness to the World.
आपः पृणीत भेषजं वरूथं तन्वेऽ मम ।
ज्योक्च सूर्यं दृशे ॥७॥
Aapah Prnniita Bhessajam Varuutham Tanve Mama |
Jyokca Suuryam Drshe ||7||
Meaning:
7.1: O Water, you are abundantly filled with Medicinal Herbs; Please
protect my body, ...
7.2: ... so that I can see the Sun for long (i.e. I live long).
इदमापः प्र वहत यत्किं च दुरितं मयि ।
यद्वाहमभिदुद्रोह यद्वा शेप उतानृतम् ॥८॥
Idam-Aapah Pra Vahata Yat-Kim Ca Duritam Mayi |
Yad-Vaaham-Abhidu-Droha Yadvaa Shepa Uta-[A]anrtam ||8||
Meaning:
8.1: O Water, please wash away whatever wicked tendencies are in me, ...
8.2: ... and also wash away the treacheries burning me from within, and any
falsehood present in my Mind.
आपो अद्यान्वचारिषं रसेन समगस्महि ।
पयस्वानग्न आ गहि तं मा सं सृज वर्चसा ॥९॥
Aapo Adya-Anv[nnu]-Acaarissam Rasena Sam-Agasmahi |
Payasvaan-Agna Aa Gahi Tam Maa Sam Srja Varcasaa ||9||
Meaning:
9.1: O Water, today, to you who is pervaded by fine Rasa (Invigorating Sap)
I came,
9.2: I deeply enter (i.e. bathe) in you who is pervaded by Agni (Fire
Principle); May that Agni produce lustre in me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q3 How is serfdom any different from slavery?
KR A Comparative Analysis of Serfdom and Slavery: Two Forms of
Unfree Labor
Introduction:
Serfdom and slavery are two historical systems of unfree labor that have
played significant roles in shaping the socio-economic structures of
different societies. Although both involve the restriction of individual
freedoms and the subjugation of laborers to the will of others, there are
key differences between serfdom and slavery that warrant exploration. This
essay aims to compare and contrast these two systems, examining their
origins, characteristics, and impacts on the individuals and societies
involved.
Origins and Historical Context:
Serfdom and slavery emerged in distinct historical and cultural contexts.
Serfdom, prevalent in medieval Europe, was a feudal system where peasants
worked the land owned by nobles in exchange for protection and limited
rights. Slavery, on the other hand, has a broader historical context,
existing in various forms across different cultures and periods, from
ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome to the transatlantic slave trade
in the Americas.
Nature of Relationship:
One fundamental difference lies in the nature of the relationship between
the laborer and the master. Serfs were tied to the land and obligated to
work it, but they were not considered property. In contrast, slaves were
treated as chattel, regarded as personal property that could be bought,
sold, and inherited. The legal status of slaves was often absolute, with
little or no recognition of their individual rights.
Legal Status and Rights:
In serfdom, serfs were bound by specific legal obligations to their lords,
but they retained certain rights, such as the right to marry, own property,
and participate in local governance to varying extents. Slaves, however,
were generally deprived of most legal rights. They were considered the
property of their owners and had no legal standing. The legal distinctions
between serfs and slaves had profound implications for their respective
societies' legal systems and social structures.
Social Mobility:
Another key difference is the potential for social mobility. In some cases,
serfs could improve their social status through hard work or other means,
and their offspring could gradually attain more freedom. In slavery,
however, social mobility was severely restricted. Slaves were typically
born into slavery, and their status was inherited, making it extremely
difficult for them to improve their condition or that of their descendants.
Economic Contributions:
Both serfdom and slavery played crucial roles in the economic systems of
their respective societies. Serfs contributed to the agricultural output in
feudal societies, cultivating the land and supporting the economy. Slaves,
too, were vital to the economic prosperity of many civilizations, providing
labor for agriculture, mining, and various other industries.
Abolition and Legacy:
Serfdom began to decline in Western Europe during the late medieval period
and eventually disappeared with the rise of capitalism and the Industrial
Revolution. Slavery, on the other hand, persisted for centuries, with the
abolition movements gaining momentum in the 18th and 19th centuries. The
legacies of both systems continue to influence social, economic, and
cultural dynamics in the regions where they once prevailed.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while serfdom and slavery share similarities as systems of
unfree labor, they differ significantly in their origins, legal status,
social mobility, and ultimate fates. Understanding the distinctions between
serfdom and slavery is crucial for comprehending the complex historical and
social forces that shaped these systems and their lasting impacts on the
societies that experienced them.
Emancipation dates by country
Scotland: neyfs (serfs) disappeared by the late 14th century.[55] In
the salt and coal mining industries a form of serfdom survived until the
Colliers (Scotland) Act 1799.[56][57]
England and Wales: obsolete by 15th–16th century.[56]
Wallachia: August 5, 1746[58] (land reforms in 1864)
Moldavia: August 6, 1749[58] (land reforms in 1864)
Piedmont-Sardinia: 19 December 1771
Austria: 1 November 1781 (first step; second step: 1848)
Bohemia: 1 November 1781 (first step; second step: 1848)
Baden: 23 July 1783
Denmark: 20 June 1788 (part of Denmark–Norway)
France: August 4, 1789
Helvetic Republic: 4 May 1798
Batavian Republic (Netherlands): constitution of 12 June 1798 (in theory;
in practice with the introduction of the French Code Napoléon in 1811)
Serbia: 1804 (de facto, de jure in 1830)
Schleswig-Holstein: 19 December 1804 (part of Denmark–Norway)
Swedish Pomerania: 4 July 1806
Duchy of Warsaw (Poland): 22 July 1807
Prussia: 9 October 1807 (effectively 1811–1823)
Mecklenburg: October 1807 (effectively 1820)
Bavaria: 31 August 1808
Old Finland in 1812 (as the area was incorporated into Grand Duchy
of Finland where serfdom had not existed in centuries, if ever)
Nassau: 1 September 1812
Spain: 18 March 1812 (first step; second step: 26 August 1837)
Argentina: 1813
Governorate of Estonia: 23 March 1816
Governorate of Courland: 25 August 1817
Württemberg: 18 November 1817
Governorate of Livonia: 26 March 1819
Hanover: 1831
Saxony: 17 March 1832
Hungary: 11 April 1848
Croatia: First steps in 1780 and 1785.[59] Final step on 8 May 1848
Austrian Empire: 7 September 1848[60]
Bulgaria: 1858 (de jure by Ottoman Empire; de facto in 1878)
Russian Empire: 19 February 1861 (see Emancipation reform of 1861)
Tonga: 1862
Hawaii: 1835
Congress Poland: 1864[61]
Georgia: 1864–1871
Kalmykia: 1892
Iceland: 1894 (Vistarband)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1918
Afghanistan: 1923
Bhutan: officially abolished by 1959[11]
Tibet, People's Republic of China: 29 March 1959, but use of
"serf" for Tibet is controversial. There are differences depending on the
region and sect
KR In short slavery is time scheduled which can be abolished; but
never serfdom; all of you in this group had the stamp of serfdom at least
for a short term; all govt servants as well as Pub and private Ltd are
serving as serfs only. One who cannot defy but bend including women are
only serfs and does not relate only to Agriculture. There is a big list of
serfdom abolished; but truth cannot be gainsaid. KR IRS 13124
On Sat, 13 Jan 2024 at 12:52, 'gopala krishnan' via KeralaIyers <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *CULTURAL QA 01-2024-12*
>
> *All the BELOW QA are from Quora digest to me on 13-01-2024.*
>
> * Quora answers need not be 100% correct answers *
>
> *.Compiled* *and posted by R. Gopala krishnan, on 13-01-2024*
>
> *Q1 Do you know a joke about a fishing licence?*
>
> *A1 Andras Lu,14h*
>
> *A man is in his boat out on the lake with a bucket full of fish that he
> had just caught. A wildlife officer spots him and pulls his boat up
> alongside. Seeing the bucket of fish in the man's boat, the wildlife
> officer asks to see his fishing license.*
>
> * The man tells the officer that he doesn't need a fishing license. The
> wildlife officer looks down at the bucket and says: *
>
> *"You definitely need a license to be catching fish, I can see that you've
> been fishing today. You have live fish right there!"*
>
> *The man says: "Oh no, those are my pet fish. I just brought them out here
> for the day to enjoy the lake."*
>
> *"Pet fish?" Replied the wildlife officer. "Oh absolutely, I let him out
> of the bucket and they swim around and play, but when I whistle they all
> jump right back in. They are very well trained." *
>
> *The wildlife officers scratches his chin, then says: "I've never heard
> about trained pet fish. Well I've got to see this."*
>
> *The man dumps the bucket of fish into the lake, then calmly turns and
> looks at the wildlife officer.*
>
> *The wildlife officer says: "Well, call them back."*
>
> *The man says: "Call who back."*
>
> *The wild life officer says: "Your pet fish."*
>
> *"What pet fish?" Replied the man.*
>
> *Q2 What are some interesting facts about water?*
>
> *A2 Deepaktopzone, Dec 6*
>
> *There are two kinds of water: salt water and fresh water. Salt water
> contains—you guessed it—large quantities of salt, while fresh water has a
> dissolved salt concentration of less than 1%. Only fresh water can be used
> as drinking water.*
>
> *Americans use five times the amount of water that Europeans use.*
>
> *A small drip from a faucet can waste as much as 75 litres of water a day.*
>
> *Frozen water is 9% lighter than water, which explains why ice floats.*
>
> *Water is the only substance on earth that is found naturally in three
> forms: liquid, solid and gas.*
>
> *A trillion tons of water is evaporated every day by the sun!*
>
> *If you ever catch a fever, be sure to drink lots of water—it regulates
> your body temperature.*
>
> *In Canada, there is more water underground than on the surface.*
>
> *Most of the water found on the earth's surface is permanently frozen or
> salty.*
>
> *Less than 1% of the water supply on earth can be used as drinking water.*
>
> *More than 90% of the world's supply of fresh water is located in
> Antarctica.*
>
> *The earth is a closed system that rarely loses or gains extra matter.
> Essentially, this means that the same water that existed on earth millions
> of years ago is still present today.*
>
> *Pure water has no smell and no taste. It also has a **pH level of around
> 7.*
>
> *Canada is home to 25% of the world's wetlands. In fact, it's the largest
> wetland area in the world.*
>
> *Our bodies are 60-70% water; our brains are 75% water; our lungs are
> nearly 90% water; and our blood is about 82% water.*
>
> *Q3 How is serfdom any different from slavery?*
>
> *A3 Claire Jordan,Worked at National Health Service (NHS)15h*
>
> *In most places in Europe serfs were only like slaves in that they
> couldn’t change their location or job without their lord’s permission. They
> were basically employees with a rather restrictive contract, not property.*
>
> *They had legal protection from cruel treatment, against sexual assault
> etc. and they and their lord were legally bound to protect *each other* -
> it wasn’t just one way.*
>
> *They could marry whomever they pleased.*
>
> *Their children weren’t sent away from them against their will, and though
> it was normal for children to go away to new jobs quite young, there were
> networks in place for parent and child to keep tabs on how each other were
> doing, visit each other at Easter etc.*
>
> *They had a *lot* of holy days off - some sources say 150 a year.** Of
> course they still had to feed and milk their beasts, but other than that
> they spent the day watching religious playlets, dancing etc.*
>
> *In England, at least, they usually had comfortable two-storey houses and
> could afford good kitchenware and the occasional flagon of wine.*
>
>
>
> *Although they were required to work the lord’s land as a form of rent in
> exchange for their own land, they had a *lot* of land for themselves as
> well - not the occasional small garden patch that slaves got, but a whole
> small farm’s worth of fertile strips to raise wheat and barley, turnips,
> pigs and chickens, and they could sell their surplus produce.*
>
> *There was no literal slave-driver standing over them and forcing them to
> do things *his* way**: they had work that needed to be done, but it was
> up to them to do it in their own way, so long as it got done.*
>
> *Any infractions, such as failing to do their share of the work on their
> lord’s fields, were punished with fines, **not whipping.*
>
> *Having said that, serfs in Russia *were* effectively slaves until the
> early 19thC, and could be put up as stakes in card games and sold away from
> their families against their will.*
>
> *Q4 What are some unknown facts about Srirangam?*
>
> *A4 Dev Kumar, student Wed*
>
> *Srirangam was attacked by the Delhi Sultanate during the Tamil month of
> Vaikasi**. Nearly, 12,000 residents of Srirangam island had laid down
> their lives fighting to protect the temple. The forces attacked the temple
> and Lord Ranganatha's jewels and the temple gold were taken away.*
>
> *The forces also wanted to seize the murti of Vishnu. They searched for
> the murti but the Vaishnavite Acharya, Pillailokacharya had taken the murti
> away and fled to Madurai. (The murti of Vishnu, called Namperumal that left
> Srirangam in 1323 returned back only in 1371).*
>
> *Unable to locate the murti, the Sultanate forces killed the temple
> authorities and later launched a massive hunt for Pillailokacharya and
> Namperumal.*
>
> *Fearing that the forces would capture the Acharya and the image, Vellayi,
> a temple dancer ( devadasi ) performed a dance before the commander of the
> forces thus gaining time for Pillailokacharya to escape with the image.*
>
> *Her dance lasted for hours together and finally she took the commander to
> the eastern gopuram and pushed him down.* *After killing him, Vellayi
> jumped to her death from the tower of the eastern entrance chanting the
> name of Ranganathar.*
>
> *Hailing Vellayi's sacrifice, the chief of Vijayanagara forces, Kempanna,
> who drove away the Sultanate forces, named the tower after her**. *
>
> *The gopuram continues to be painted white in her memory and now called as
> Vellai Gopuram.*
>
> *Q5 What are some of the greatest examples of presence of
> mind?*
>
> *A5 Ashwin Amar, Works at Students6y*
>
> *This is about the most loved and intelligent Cheif Minister of Tamil
> Nadu.He is none other than the renowned scholar C.N. AnnaDurai.*
>
> *During 1968,Anna made his debut visit to USA to attend a** conference at
> Yale University. In order to judge his English skills ,a student asked him
> to tell ten words in English which doesn't have alphabets “A,B,C and D” in
> them within a minute.*
>
> *Little complex right?*
>
> *Nope.Anna replied with 100 words within a second.*
>
> *He said “one,two,three…..ninetynine”.Suddenly he said “STOP”. *
>
> *If you notice you would understand that no word has letters “A,B,C and D”
> in one to ninetynine. The crowd was flattered by his presence of mind.*
>
> *erase most of the traces of asteroid collisions.*
>
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