Question

Direction - For the below Assertion [As] and Reason [R], choose the correct alternative-
Assertion [As] : Mercury is the farthest planet from the Sun.
Reason [R] : Mercury is the smallest planet in the entire solar system.

• A. Both [As] and [R] are true, and [R] is the correct explanation of [As].
• B. Both [As] and [R] are true, but [R] is not the correct explanation of [As].
• C. [As] is true, but [R] is false.
• D. [As] is false, but [R] is true.

Hint:

In Assertion-Reason questions, always evaluate the two statements independently first. If you find that either statement is false, you can immediately eliminate three options and arrive at the correct answer without needing to find a causal relationship.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Read the claims separately.
We treat the Assertion and the Reason as two independent science facts and judge each on its own.
Step 2: Recall planetary order.
Going outward from the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. So Mercury sits closest, and $\text{Neptune}$ is farthest.
Step 3: Test the Assertion.
It says Mercury is the farthest planet. That contradicts the order above, so the Assertion is false.
Step 4: Test the Reason.
Mercury's diameter is about $4879$ km, the smallest of the eight planets. So the Reason is true.
Step 5: Combine the two verdicts.
We have a false Assertion paired with a true Reason.
Step 6: Pick the matching option.
The choice that reads "As is false, but R is true" fits exactly.
\[ \boxed{\text{[As] is false, but [R] is true.}} \]