📚 Part of: Indian History And Culture Mcqs: Test Your Knowledge

Which is the world's third highest peak?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: B) Kanchenjunga.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The world's highest peaks are a part of the Himalayan range, with Mount Everest being the highest. Kanchenjunga and K2 are the third and second highest peaks, respectively. Understanding the hierarchy of these peaks is crucial for geographical knowledge and competitive exams.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the order of K2 and Kanchenjunga.
  • Believing that K2 is the third highest peak due to its prominence.
  • Not being aware of the exact heights of these peaks.
Explanation:

The world's highest peaks are a significant part of geographical knowledge, particularly in the context of the Himalayan range. Mount Everest, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), is the highest peak in the world. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China). The second highest peak is K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, which stands at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) and is located on the border between Pakistan and China.

Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak, is situated on the border between Nepal and India. It has an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). The confusion often arises due to the proximity in height between K2 and Kanchenjunga, leading some to mistakenly believe that K2 might be the third highest peak. However, K2 is the second highest, and Kanchenjunga is the third highest.

Understanding the hierarchy of these peaks is crucial for various competitive examinations, especially those related to geography and general knowledge. The mnemonic "E-K-K" can help remember the order: Everest, Kanchenjunga, K2. This mnemonic simplifies the memorization process and ensures that the correct order is retained.

In summary, Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world, and it is important to distinguish it from K2, which is the second highest. This knowledge is essential for students preparing for competitive examinations that test geographical knowledge and understanding of the Himalayan range.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is the second highest peak in the world, standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). It is located on the border between Pakistan and China. The misconception here is that K2 might be considered the third highest peak due to its proximity to Mount Everest in height and prominence.
  • Option B: Correct. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). It is located on the border between Nepal and India. This peak is significant in the context of the Himalayan range and is often confused with K2 due to their similar heights and proximity to Mount Everest.
  • Option C: Incorrect. This option suggests that either K2 or Kanchenjunga could be the third highest peak, which is not accurate. K2 is the second highest peak, and Kanchenjunga is the third highest. The confusion here arises from the similar heights of these peaks, leading some to believe they could be interchangeable in terms of ranking.
  • Option D: Incorrect. This option implies that neither K2 nor Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak, which is incorrect. Kanchenjunga is indeed the third highest peak in the world, making this option false.

Mnemonic: Remember the order: "E-K-K" for Everest, Kanchenjunga, K2.

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