ICSE Class 10 Physics Question Analysis

Chapter 1: Force, Moment, Equilibrium & Motion

Topics include moment of force, couple, levers (Class I, II, III properties), centre of gravity (C.G.), pressure (Archimedes/floating), and uniform circular motion.

• Draw a neat labelled diagram showing the forces acting on the brass ball and the cotton thread.2017
• The distance between two bodies is doubled. How is the magnitude of gravitational force between them affected?2017
• A uniform half metre rule balances horizontally on a knife edge at 29 cm mark when a weight of 20 gf is suspended from one end. Draw a diagram of the arrangement.2017
• What is the weight of the half metre rule?2017
• How does uniform circular motion differ from uniform linear motion?2017
• Define couple.2019
• State the S.I. unit of moment of couple.2019
• Define moment of force.2020
• Write the relationship between the SI and CGS unit of moment of force.2020
• With reference to the direction of action, how does a centripetal force differ from a centrifugal force during uniform circular motion?2020
• Is centrifugal force the force of reaction of centripetal force?2020
• Compare the magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force.2020
• Why is the motion of a body moving with a constant speed around a circular path said to be accelerated?2018
• Name the unit of physical quantity obtained by the formula 2K/V2. Where K: kinetic energy, V: Linear velocity.2018
• Which of the two forces acting on the rigid rod causes clockwise moment?2018
• Is the rod in equilibrium?2018
• The direction of 20 gf force is reversed. What is the magnitude of the resultant moment of the forces on the rod?2018
• Clockwise moment produced by a force about a fulcrum is considered to be: [MCQ]2023
• What is the position of centre of gravity of a triangular lamina?2023
• When this triangular lamina is suspended freely from any one vertex, what is the moment of force produced by its own weight in its rest position?2023
• Which force will produce maximum moment about A? (Diagram with forces at angle)2023
• Give a reason for your answer in (a) [Maximum moment force].2023
• Name the physical quantity obtained using the formula U/h, where U is the potential energy and h is the height.2023
• A door lock is opened by turning the lever (handle) of length 0.2 m. If the moment of force produced is 1 Nm, then the minimum force required is: [MCQ/Numerical]2024
• When a stone tied to a string is rotated in a horizontal plane, the tension in the string provides [centripetal] force necessary for circular motion. [Fill in the blank]2024
• A non uniform beam of weight 120 N pivoted at one end is shown... Calculate the value of F to keep the beam in equilibrium.2024
• Define Centre of Gravity.2024
• A hollow ice cream cone has height 6 cm. 1. Where is the position of its centre of gravity from the broad base? 2. Will its position change when it is filled completely with honey? Write Yes or No.2024
• A body is acted upon by two equal and opposite forces, that are NOT along the same straight line. The body will: [MCQ]2025
• Which among the following is a vector quantity? [MCQ]2025
• In uniform circular motion the centrifugal force acts [away from the centre]. [Fill in the blank]2025
• (Kite diagram) Fill in the blank. (P, Q, R or S) is the most probable position of its centre of gravity.2025
• Support your answer to (a) with a reason. [C.G. of kite].2025
• Akash takes a uniform meter scale and suspends a weight of 2 N at one end 'X' and a weight of 5 N on the other end 'Y'. He then balances the ruler horizontally on a knife edge placed at 70 cm from X. Draw a diagram... and calculate the weight of the ruler.2025
• An inflated gas balloon is placed in a jar... What will be observed if the air inside the jar is pumped out? Give a reason...2004
• State Newton's second law of motion both in words and in equation form. Under what condition does this equation become F = ma?2004
• State 'Archimedes' Principle.2004
• A cargo ship is loaded in sea water... What will happen if this ship is moved to river water? Give a reason...2004
• A body of mass 100 g is floating in water. What will be its apparent weight? Justify your answer.2004
• (Stone falling in water diagram) What do F2 and ml represent? Calculate the net force acting on the stone and its acceleration... (Neglect viscosity).2004

Chapter 2: Work, Energy and Power

Topics include definitions of work, energy (KE, PE, mechanical), power, conversions, and units (kWh).

• If the power of a motor be 100 kW, at what speed can it raise a load of 50,000 N?2017
• State and define the S.I. unit of power.2018
• How is the unit horse power related to the S.I. unit of power?2018
• State the energy changes in the following cases while in use: (i) An electric iron. (ii) A ceiling fan.2018
• Derive a relationship between S.I. and C.G.S. unit of work.2018
• A force acts on a body... What should be the value of θ to get the maximum positive work?2018
• Two bodies A and B have masses in the ratio 5:1 and their kinetic energies are in the ratio 125:9. Find the ratio of their velocities.2019
• A body of mass 10 Kg is kept at a height of 5 m... (i) What is the total mechanical energy possessed by the body at the height of 2 m...? (ii) What is the kinetic energy possessed by the body just before hitting the ground?2019
• Define a kilowatt hour. How is it related to joule?2020
• A satellite revolves around a planet in a circular orbit. What is the work done by the satellite at any instant? Give a reason.2020
• Give one example of each when: (i) Chemical energy changes into electrical energy. (ii) Electrical energy changes into sound energy.2020
• A crane 'A' lifts a heavy load in 5 seconds, whereas another crane 'B' does the same work in 2 seconds. Compare the power of crane 'A' to that of crane 'B'.2020
• (Simple pendulum) (i) What is the potential energy of the pendulum at the position B? (ii) What is the total mechanical energy at point C? (iii) What is the speed of the bob at the position A when released from B?2020
• When the speed of a moving object is doubled, then its kinetic energy: [MCQ]2023
• The energy conversion in a washing machine is from [electrical to mechanical]. [MCQ]2023
• What should be the angle between the direction of force and the direction of displacement, for work to be negative?2023
• Calculate the power spent by a crane while lifting a load of mass 2000 kg, at velocity of 1.5 ms^-1.2023
• A car of mass 120 kg is moving at a speed 18 km/h and it accelerates to attain a speed of 54 km/h in 5 seconds. Calculate: (a) the work done by the engine. (b) the power of the engine.2023
• When a bell fixed on a cycle rings, then the energy conversion that takes place is: [MCQ]2024
• A force 'F' moves a load from A to C... For the calculation of the work done, which of these lengths would you use as the displacement? [MCQ]2024
• Work done by this force [centripetal force] at any instant is [zero]. [Fill in the blank]2024
• Sumit does 600 J of work in 10 min and Amit does 300 J of work in 20 min. Calculate the ratio of the powers delivered by them.2024
• Which marble will surely reach the next peak? (Conservation of Energy)2024
• Along which path/s the mechanical energy will be conserved?2024
• Along which path/s is the law of conservation of energy obeyed?2024
• What is the correct energy transformation during burning of a candle? [MCQ]2025
• Richa weighing 40 kgf leaves point P on her skateboard and reaches point Q on the ground... Calculate: (a) the kinetic energy of Richa at point Q. (b) the vertical height of point P above the ground. (c) the kinetic energy of Richa at point R.2025
• State the energy changes in an oscillating pendulum.2004
• Two balls of mass ratio 1: 2 are dropped from the same height. i. State the ratio between their velocities when they strike the ground. ii. The ratio of the forces acting on them during motion.2004
• Express I kWh in terms of S.I. unit of energy.2004
• A ball of mass 0.20 kg is thrown vertically upwards... Calculate the maximum potential energy it gains as it goes up.2004

Chapter 3: Machines

Topics include levers, pulleys (single fixed, single movable, block and tackle), velocity ratio (VR), mechanical advantage (MA), and efficiency.

• Why is a jack screw provided with a long arm?2017
• Which class of lever will always have MA > 1 and why?2017
• A boy uses a single fixed pulley to lift a load of 50 Kgf... Another boy uses a single movable pulley... Compare the effort applied by them. Give a reason...2017
• A pulley system with VR=4 is used to lift a load of 175 kgf... Calculate: (i) Distance moved by the effort. (ii) Work done by the effort. (iii) M.A. of the pulley system. (iv) Efficiency of the pulley system.2017
• The diagram below shows a lever in use... To which class of levers does it belong?2018
• Without changing the dimensions of the lever, if the load is shifted towards the fulcrum what happens to the mechanical advantage of the lever?2018
• Draw a diagram to show a block and tackle pulley system having a velocity ratio of 3 marking the direction of load(L), effort(E) and tension(T).2018
• The pulley system drawn lifts a load of 150 N when an effort of 60 N is applied. Find its mechanical advantage.2018
• Is the above pulley system an ideal machine or not?2018
• The diagram below shows a claw hammer used to remove a nail: (i) To which class of lever does it belong? (ii) Give one more example of the same class of lever mentioned by you in (i) for which the mechanical advantage is greater than one.2019
• (Pulley arrangement diagram) (i) Copy the diagram and mark the direction of tension... (ii) What is the velocity ratio of the arrangement? (iii) If the tension acting on the string is T, then what is the relationship between T and effort E? (iv) If the free end of the string moves through a distance x, find the distance by which the load is raised.2019
• Identify the class of the lever shown in the diagram below: (Fulcrum in the middle)2020
• How is it possible to increase the M.A. of the above lever without increasing its length?2020
• A block and tackle system of pulleys has velocity ratio 4. (i) Draw a neat labelled diagram... (ii) What will be its V.R. if the weight of the movable block is doubled?2020
• Name a single pulley in which displacement of load and effort is not the same. State one advantage of this pulley.2023
• A block and tackle system of pulleys has velocity ratio 4. (a) Draw a labelled diagram... (b) What is the value of the mechanical advantage of the given pulley system if it is an ideal pulley system?2023
• Which of the following is a class III lever? [MCQ]2024
• Name the class of the lever shown in the picture below: (Bottle opener).2024
• What is the advantage of using a block and tackle system over a single movable pulley?2024
• Why should she connect more number of pulleys in the upper fixed block?2024
• Given are two pulleys. Copy and complete the labelled diagram connecting the two pulleys with a tackle to obtain Velocity Ratio = 2.2024
• If Load = 48 kgf and efficiency is 80% then calculate: 1. Mechanical Advantage. 2. Effort needed to lift the load.2024
• For a lever, a graph is plotted with load on Y-axis and effort on X-axis. Which of the following represents the slope of the graph? [MCQ]2025
• Three levers X, Y, Z of equal lengths are shown in the diagram. (a) Which class of lever do these belong to? (b) Among these (X, Y or Z) which one will give the maximum mechanical advantage? Justify your answer.2025
• Draw a block and tackle system of pulleys with velocity ratio equal to 3.2025
• Explain why scissors for cutting cloth may have blades longer than the handles; but shears for cutting metals have short blades and long handles.2004
• A woman draws water from a well using a fixed pulley... Calculate the mechanical advantage.2004
• Calculate: i. The gear ratio. ii. The number of teeth on the driven wheel. iii. The radius of the driven wheel. (Gear system numerical)2004

Chapter 4: Refraction of Light (Plane Surfaces & TIR)

Topics include Snell's law, critical angle, total internal reflection (TIR), real and apparent depth, and applications like prisms acting as mirrors and optical fibers.

• How is the refractive index of a material related to: (i) real and apparent depth? (ii) velocity of light in vacuum or air and the velocity of light in a given medium?2017
• State the conditions required for total internal reflection of light to take place.2017
• A ray of light travels from water to air... Given the critical angle for water is 48°. (i) Copy the diagram and complete the path of the ray. (ii) State the condition so that total internal reflection occurs in the above diagram.2017
• The diagram below shows a point source P inside a water container... (i) Show in the diagram the path of these rays after striking the water surface. (ii) Name the phenomenon which the rays B and D exhibit.2017
• State the relation between the critical angle and the absolute refractive index of a medium.2018
• Which colour of light has a higher critical angle? Red light or Green light.2018
• (Prism diagram 60°, 30°, 90°) Copy the diagram and complete the path of incident ray AB emerging out of the prism marking the angle of incidence on each surface.2018
• A ray of light XY passes through a right angled isosceles prism... (i) What is the angle through which the incident ray deviates...? (ii) Name the instrument where this action of prism is put into use. (iii) Which prism surface will behave as a mirror?2018
• Draw the diagram of a right angled isosceles prism which is used to make an inverted image erect.2018
• Define critical angle.Repeated2019
• State one important factor which affects the critical angle of a given medium.2019
• What is the relation between the refractive index of water with respect to air (_aμ_w) and the refractive index of air with respect to water (_wμ_a).2019
• If the refractive index of water with respect to air (_aμ_w) is 5/3 Calculate the refractive index of air with respect to water (_wμ_a).2019
• The diagram below shows a light source P embedded in a rectangular glass block... Complete the path of the ray PQ till it emerges out of the block.2019
• A ray of light falls normally on a rectangular glass slab. Draw a ray diagram showing the path of the ray till it emerges out of the slab.2020
• A pond appears to be 2.7 m deep. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the actual depth of the pond.2020
• A diver in water looks obliquely at an object AB in air. (i) Does the object appear taller, shorter or of the same size to the diver? (ii) Show the path of two rays AC & AD... and hence obtain the image of the object.2020
• Complete the path of the ray AB through the glass prism in PQR till it emerges out of the prism. Given the critical angle of the glass as 42°.2020
• When a ray of light travels normal to the given surface, then the angle of refraction is: [MCQ]2023
• Small air bubbles rising up a fish tank appear silvery when viewed from some particular angle is due to the: [MCQ]2023
• Copy the diagram given below and complete the path of the light ray PQ, as it emerges out of the prism by marking necessary angles. The critical angle of glass is 42°.2023
• A coin kept inside water [μ=4/3] when viewed from air in a vertical direction appears to be raised by 3.0 mm. Find the depth of the coin in water.2023
• How is the critical angle related to the refractive index of a medium?2023
• A block of glass is pushed into the path of the light as shown below. Then the converging point X will: [MCQ]2024
• Refractive index of glass with respect to water is 9/8. Find the refractive index of water with respect to glass.2024
• Name the principle used to find the value in part (a) [Reciprocity].2024
• If we change the temperature of water, then will the ratio 9/8 remain the same? Write Yes or No.2024
• Calculate the refractive index of the medium in terms of t₁ and t₂. (Using velocity ratio)2024
• When a ray of light passes from one optical medium to another, which of the following physical quantities does NOT change? [MCQ]2025
• A ray of light is incident normally on a face of an equilateral prism. The ray gets totally reflected... The total deviation produced... is: [MCQ]2025
• Refractive index of a medium is independent of [angle of incidence]. [Fill in the blank]2025
• A ray of light enters a rectangular glass slab submerged in water at an angle of incidence 55°. Does this ray undergo total internal reflection when it moves from water to glass? Justify your answer. (Critical angle is 54°.)2025
• Out of the three rays (I, J, H) shown in the diagram, which ray will suffer Total Internal Reflection while inside the prism? (Critical angle is 42°.) Copy the diagram to complete the path of the ray...2025
• A rectangular glass block... has an air bubble trapped inside... Calculate the actual depth of the air bubble from the surface AB.2025
• For which colour of light, blue or yellow, the apparent depth will be greater?2025
• Turning the glass block upside down, DOES NOT change the apparent depth of the air bubble. State True or False.2025
• Two rays PQ and RS are incident on a rectangular glass block... (a) Which of these two rays will: have greater lateral displacement...? (b) travel with greater speed in the block?2025
• A ray of light passes through a right angled prism as shown... State the angles of incidence at the faces AC and BC.2004
• State Snell's law.2004
• Calculate the velocity of light in a glass block of refractive index 1.5.2004
• What is an optical fibre?2004
• Give one practical use of an optical fibre.2004

Chapter 5: Lenses, Prisms, Spectrum & Scattering

Topics include lenses (ray diagrams, formulae, power), dispersion, spectrum (EM waves), and scattering (color of sky/clouds).

• Draw a ray diagram to show the refraction of a monochromatic ray through a prism when it suffers minimum deviation.2017
• Name the radiations which are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere.2017
• A radiation X is focused by a particular device on the bulb of a thermometer... Name the radiation X.2017
• A Lens forms an upright and diminished image of an object when the object is placed at the focal point of the given lens. (i) Name the lens. (ii) Draw a ray diagram...2017
• The power of a lens is -5D. (i) Find its focal length. (ii) Name the type of lens.2018
• State the position of the object in front of a converging lens if: (i) It produces a real and same size image of the object. (ii) It is used as a magnifying lens.2018
• Why is the ratio of the velocities of light of wavelengths 4000Å and 8000Å in vacuum 1:1?2018
• Which of the above wavelengths has a higher frequency?2018
• Define scattering.2018
• The smoke from a fire looks white. Which of the following statements is true? (Molecules size comparison)2018
• An object AB is placed between O and F₁ on the principal axis of a converging lens... Copy the diagram and by using three standard rays... obtain an image...2018
• An object is placed at a distance of 12 cm from a convex lens of focal length 8 cm. Find: (i) the position of the image (ii) nature of the image.2018
• An electromagnetic radiation is used for photography in fog. (i) Identify the radiation. (ii) Why is this radiation mentioned by you, ideal for this purpose?2019
• If the lens is placed in water instead of air, how does its focal length change?2019
• Which lens, thick or thin has greater focal length?2019
• How does the angle of deviation formed by a prism change with the increase in the angle of incidence? Draw a graph showing the variation in the angle of deviation with the angle of incidence at a prism surface.2019
• A virtual, diminished image is formed when an object is placed between the optical centre and the principal focus of a lens. (i) Name the type of lens... (ii) Draw a ray diagram...2019
• An object is placed at a distance 24 cm in front of a convex lens of focal length 8 cm. (i) What is the nature of the image so formed? (ii) Calculate the distance of the image from the lens. (iii) Calculate the magnification of the image.2019
• Complete the path of the monochromatic light ray AB incident on the surface PQ of the equilateral glass prism PQR till it emerges out of the prism due to refraction.2020
• Where should an object be placed in front of a convex lens in order to get: (i) an enlarged real image (ii) enlarged virtual image?2020
• Which colour has the greater speed in a vacuum? (Red/Blue comparison)2020
• Which colour has a greater speed in glass? (Red/Blue comparison)2020
• A lens of focal length 20 cm forms an inverted image at a distance 60 cm from the lens. (i) Identify the lens. (ii) How far is the lens present in front of the object? (iii) Calculate the magnification of the image.2020
• Give reasons for the following: During the day: (i) Clouds appear white. (ii) Sky appears blue.2020
• Speed of blue light in water is: [MCQ]2023
• A concave lens produces only [virtual, diminished] image. [MCQ]2023
• Is it possible for a concave lens to form an image of size two times that of the object? Write Yes or No.2023
• What will happen to the focal length of the lens if a part of the lens is covered with an opaque paper?2023
• The diagram below shows the ray OP travelling through an equilateral prism... Calculate the value of i₂, if the angle of deviation is 43°.2023
• What is the ray QS called? (Emergent ray)2023
• The diagram below shows two parallel rays A (Orange) & B (Blue) incident from air, on air-glass boundary. (a) Copy and complete the path of the rays A and B. (b) How do the speeds of these rays differ in glass? (c) Are the two refracted rays in glass parallel? Give a reason.2023
• A convex lens of focal length 10 cm is placed at a distance of 60 cm from a screen. How far from the lens should an object be placed so as to obtain a real image on the screen?2023
• Infrared radiations are used in warfare. Explain with reason, why.2023
• Name the phenomenon exhibited by the ray of light when it enters and emerges out of the prism. State the cause of the above phenomenon mentioned by you. (Dispersion)2023
• Assertion (A): Ultraviolet radiations are scattered more as compared to the microwave radiations. Reason (R): Wavelength of ultraviolet radiation is more than the wavelength of microwave radiation. [MCQ]2024
• Linear magnification(m) produced by a concave lens is: [MCQ]2024
• In a reading glass what is the position of the object with respect to the convex lens used?2024
• Why can we not use concave lens for the same purpose?2024
• The image of a candle flame placed at a distance of 36 cm from a spherical lens, is formed on a screen placed at a distance of 72 cm from the lens. Calculate the focal length of the lens and its power.2024
• Below is an incomplete table showing the arrangement of electromagnetic spectrum... Complete the table. (a) Identify the radiation A. (b) Name the radiation used to detect fracture in bones. (c) Name one property common to both A and Radio waves.2024
• Why do we use red colour as a danger signal on the top of a skyscraper?2024
• Calculate the critical angle of the material of the prism for blue colour. (From TIR diagram)2024
• What is the measure of the angle of this prism (A)?2024
• Which colour should replace the blue ray, for the ray to undergo Total Internal Reflection?2024
• A monochromatic ray of light is incident on an equilateral prism placed at minimum deviation position... Copy the diagram and complete the path of the ray PQ.2024
• State two factors on which the angle of deviation depends.2024
• Which one of the following combinations is the correct ascending order of electromagnetic waves in terms of wavelength? [MCQ]2025
• For a real image formed by a convex lens, the ratio of I: O = 2:5, then the object is: [MCQ]2025
• An object is placed at 2F position of a convex lens. Draw a ray diagram showing the formation of the image.2025
• How will the size of the image change if we, ONLY replace the lens... with another lens of a greater focal length?2025
• An object is placed in front of a concave lens at a distance of 45 cm from it. If its image is formed at a distance of 30 cm from the lens, calculate the focal length of the lens.2025
• Which of these two rays will: scatter more in the atmosphere?2025
• Name the radiations: 1. for which a quartz prism is used to study the spectrum. 2. which are used in remote sensing devices. 3. which are used in traffic signals in India.2025
• Name one property common to all electromagnetic radiations.2025
• White light is passed through a yellow filter. What colour is (colours are) seen on a screen placed at the end? If the light emerging from the yellow filter is then passed through a red filter, what will be seen...?2004
• The diagram given below shows an object O and its image I. Copy the diagram and draw suitable rays to locate the lens and its focus. Name the type of lens in this case.2004

Chapter 6: Sound

Topics include wave characteristics, definitions (pitch, loudness, quality), vibrations (free, damped, forced, resonance), echo, and applications (SONAR).

• The human ear can detect continuous sounds in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz... calculate the wavelengths corresponding to the given extreme frequencies of the audible range.2017
• An enemy plane is at a distance of 300 km from a radar. In how much time the radar will be able to detect the plane? Take velocity of radiowaves as 3×10⁸ ms^-1.2017
• How is the frequency of a stretched string related to: (i) its length? (ii) its tension?2017
• Name the factor that determines: (i) Loudness of the sound heard. (ii) Quality of the note. (iii) Pitch of the note.2017
• What are damped vibrations?2017
• Give one example of damped vibrations.2017
• Name the phenomenon that causes a loud sound when the stem of a vibrating tuning fork is kept pressed on the surface of a table.Repeated2017
• A wire of length 80 cm has a frequency of 256 Hz. Calculate the length of a similar wire under similar tension, which will have frequency 1024 Hz.2017
• A certain sound has a frequency of 256 hertz and a wavelength of 1.3 m. 1. Calculate the speed with which this sound travels. 2. What difference would be felt by a listener between the above sound and another sound travelling at the same speed, but of wavelength 2.6 m?2017
• Displacement distance graph of two sound waves A and B... compare their: (i) Amplitudes (ii) Wavelengths.2018
• What do you understand by free vibrations of a body?2018
• Why does the amplitude of a vibrating body continuously decrease during damped vibrations?2018
• Name the phenomenon when the paper rider just vibrates. (Sonometer experiment)2018
• Name the phenomenon when the paper rider flies off. (Sonometer experiment)2018
• Why does the paper rider fly off when the stem of tuning fork B is touched to the box?2018
• A person is standing at the sea shore... hears two sounds, 2 seconds and 3 seconds after seeing the smoke... calculate: (i) the distance between the observer... and the person... (ii) the distance between the cliff and the observer...2018
• A man playing a flute... will the pitch of the note produced, increase or decrease? Give a reason.2019
• Two waves of the same pitch have amplitudes in the ratio 1: 3. What will be the ratio of their: (i) intensities and (ii) frequencies?2019
• Define resonant vibrations.2019
• Which characteristic of sound, makes it possible to recognize a person by his voice without seeing him?2019
• It is observed that during march-past we hear a base drum distinctly... (i) Name the characteristic of sound... (ii) Give a reason for the above observation.2019
• A pendulum has a frequency of 4 vibrations per second... He hears the echo from the cliff after 6 vibrations... find the distance between the cliff and the observer.2019
• Two pendulums C and D are suspended from a wire... (i) Name the type of oscillation, C will execute. (ii) Name the type of oscillation, D will execute. (iii) If the length of D is made equal to C then what difference will you notice...? (iv) What is the name of the phenomenon when the length of D is made equal to C?2019
• Draw a graph between displacement from mean position and time for a body executing free vibration in a vacuum.2020
• A sound wave travelling in water has wavelength 0.4 m. Is this wave audible in air?2020
• Name the system which enables us to locate underwater objects by transmitting ultrasonic waves and detecting the reflecting impulse.2020
• What are acoustically measurable quantities related to pitch and loudness?2020
• When a tuning fork [vibrating] is held close to ear, one hears a faint hum... Explain.2020
• A man standing in front of a vertical cliff fires a gun. He hears the echo after 3.5 seconds. On moving closer to the cliff by 84 m, he hears the echo after 3 seconds. Calculate the distance of the cliff from the initial position of the man.2020
• When a body vibrates under a periodic force, the vibrations of the body are always: [MCQ]2023
• Two notes are produced from two different musical instruments, such that they have same loudness and same pitch. The produced notes differ in their: [MCQ]2023
• A metal foot ruler is held at the edge of a table... (a) Name the vibrations produced. (b) State one way to increase the frequency of these vibrations.2023
• Which characteristic of sound is affected due to the larger surface of a school bell?2023
• Calculate the distance covered by the Ultrasonic wave having a velocity of 1.5 kms^-1 in 14 s, when it is received after reflection by the receiver of the SONAR.2023
• Which phenomenon led to the clear visibility of the channels, due to auto-tuning? Define the above phenomenon... Give any one more example of this phenomenon. (Resonance)2023
• Rohan conducted experiments on echo in different media... Compare 'x' and 'y'. Justify your answer.2024
• Name the waves used in SONAR.2024
• Lata stands between two cliffs... Determine the time taken by her to hear the first echo.2024
• Name the phenomenon illustrated by the above experiment. (Air column resonance)2024
• Why is a loud sound heard at this particular length?2024
• If the present tuning fork is replaced with a tuning fork of higher frequency, should the length of the air column increase or decrease...? Give a reason.2024
• Assertion (A): As the level of water in a tall measuring cylinder kept under running tap rises, the pitch of sound gradually increases. Reason (R): Frequency of sound is inversely proportional to the length of the water column. [MCQ]2025
• How will you adjust the tension in the wire, to reduce the length of PR [Time period]?2025
• Which characteristic of sound is affected by the reduction in the length of PR?2025
• A submarine in the sea, sends ultrasonic ping... Calculate the distance of the obstacle from the submarine.2025
• Name and explain the phenomenon responsible for the falling off of the paper rider in B. (Resonance/Vibrating wires)2025
• The wire A resonates with a tuning fork of frequency f. Is 'f' greater than, less than or equal to 300 Hz? Justify your answer.2025
• What is Sonar? State the principle on which it is based.2004
• Differentiate between resonance and forced vibrations.2004
• The wavelength of waves produced on the surface of water is 20 cm... calculate: 1. The number of waves produced in one second and 2. The time required to produce one wave.2004

Chapter 7: Heat and Calorimetry

Topics include specific heat capacity, heat capacity, principle of calorimetry, latent heat (fusion/vaporization), phase change graphs, and related calculations.

• Define heat capacity and state its SI unit.2017
• Why is the base of a cooking pan generally made thick?2017
• A solid of mass 50 g at 150°C is placed in 100 g of water at 11°C... Find the specific heat capacity of the solid.2017
• How is the transference of heat energy by radiation prevented in a calorimeter?2017
• Which material will you select [for a calorimeter]? Justify your answer. (Based on specific heat capacity)2017
• Calculate the mass of ice needed to cool 150g of water contained in a calorimeter... such that the final temperature is 5°C.2017
• Name two factors on which the heat energy liberated by a body depends.2017
• How can a temperature in degree Celsius be converted into S.I. unit of temperature?2018
• A liquid X has the maximum specific heat capacity and is used as a coolant in Car radiators. Name the liquid X.2018
• A solid metal weighing 150 g melts at its melting point... What is the specific latent heat of fusion of the metal?2018
• Heat supplied to a solid changes it into liquid. What is this change in phase called?2018
• During the phase change does the average kinetic energy of the molecules of the substance increase?2018
• What is the energy absorbed during the phase change called?2018
• State two differences between "Heat Capacity" and "Specific Heat Capacity".2018
• Give a mathematical relation between Heat Capacity and Specific Heat Capacity.2018
• The temperature of 170g of water at 50°C is lowered to 5°C by adding certain amount of ice to it. Find the mass of ice added.2018
• Name the physical quantity which is measured in calories.2019
• How is calorie related to the S.I unit of that quantity?2019
• The specific heat capacity of a substance A... and substance B... Which of the two substances is a good conductor of heat? Give a reason...2019
• State whether the specific heat capacity of a substance remains the same when its state changes from solid to liquid. Give one example to support your answer.Repeated2019
• Define Calorimetry.2019
• Name the material used for making a Calorimeter.2019
• Why is a Calorimeter made up of thin sheets of the above material answered in (ii)?2019
• Draw a temperature time graph to represent this cooling (liquid naphthalene). In the graph, mark the region which corresponds to the freezing process.2019
• 104 g of water... is taken in a calorimeter... When a certain mass of ice at 0°C is added... Find the mass of ice added.2019
• Why does stone lying in the sun get heated up much more than water lying for the same duration of time?2020
• Two metallic blocks P and Q having masses in ratio 2:1 are supplied with the same amount of heat. If their temperatures rise by same degree, compare their specific heat capacities.2020
• Define heat capacity of a substance.2020
• Write the SI unit of heat capacity.2020
• What is the relationship between heat capacity and specific heat capacity of a substance?2020
• (Temperature vs time graph) Why is the slope of CD less than slope of AB?2020
• What is the boiling and melting point of the substance?2020
• A piece of ice of mass 60 g is dropped into 140 g of water at 50°C. Calculate the final temperature of water when all the ice has melted.2020
• Specific latent heat of a substance: [MCQ]2023
• Specific heat capacity of a substance X is 1900 Jkg^-1°C^-1 means: [MCQ]2023
• Thermal capacities of substances A and B are same. If mass of A is more than mass of B then: (a) Which substance will have more specific heat capacity? (b) Which substance will show greater rise in temperature if the same amount of heat is supplied to both?2023
• Calculate the total amount of heat energy required to melt 200 g of ice at 0°C to water at 100°C.2023
• State the principle of calorimetry.Repeated2023
• Write one characteristic property of the material chosen for making a calorimeter.2023
• During melting of ice at 0°C the: [MCQ]2024
• The graph given below shows heat energy supplied against change in temperature... The slope of this graph will give: [MCQ]2024
• How much heat is required to convert 500 g of ice at 0°C to water at 0°C?2024
• 85 g of water at 30°C is cooled to 5°C by adding certain mass of ice. Find the mass of ice required.2024
• Why does it become pleasantly warm when the lakes start freezing?2024
• Water freezes to form ice. What change would you expect in the average kinetic energy of the molecules?2024
• Which will contain more heat energy 1 g of ice at 0°C or 1 g water at 0°C?Repeated2024
• A metal piece of mass 5 g has thermal capacity 2.5 JK^-1. If the mass of the metal is tripled, then its specific heat capacity will be: [MCQ]2025
• Each of the substances given below is supplied with same amount of heat. Which one will attain the highest temperature? [MCQ]2025
• Heat absorbed during change of phase depends on [mass] of the substance. [Fill in the blank]2025
• Calcuate the amount of heat absorbed by 200 g of paraffin wax to melt completely at its melting point.2025
• 30 g of ice at 0°C is used to bring down the temperature of a certain mass of water at 70°C to 20°C. Find the mass of water.2025
• A certain amount of heat will warm 1 g of material X by 10°C and 1 g of material Y by 40°C. Which material has higher specific heat capacity?2025
• Which material, X or Y, would you select to make a calorimeter?2025
• The specific heat capacity of a substance remains the same when it changes its state from solid to liquid. State True or False.2025
• A piece of ice floating on a glass of water melts but the level of water in the glass does not change. Explain this phenomenon.2004
• In winter, the weather forecast for a certain day was 'severe frost'. A wise farmer watered his yields the night before... Why did he water his fields?2004
• 10125 J of heat energy boils 4.5g of water at 100°C to steam at 100°C. Find the specific latent heat of steam.2004

Chapter 8: Current Electricity (Ohm's Law, Circuits, Resistivity)

Topics include definitions (specific resistance, EMF, terminal voltage), Ohm's law, series/parallel circuits, superconductivity, power calculation, and internal resistance.

• Define specific resistance and state its SI unit.Repeated2017
• An electric bulb of resistance 500Ω, draws a current of 0.4A. Calculate the power of the bulb and the potential difference at its end.2017
• You have three resistors of values 2Ω, 3Ω and 5Ω. How will you join them so that the total resistance is more than 7Ω? (i) Draw a diagram... (ii) Calculate the equivalent resistance.2018
• Find the equivalent resistance between A and B. (Circuit diagram given)2018
• State whether the resistivity of a wire changes with the change in the thickness of the wire.2018
• An electric iron is rated 220V, 2kW. If the iron is used for 2h daily find the cost of running it for one week if it costs 4.25 per kWh.2018
• How does an increase in the temperature affect the specific resistance of a: (i) Metal and (ii) Semiconductor?2019
• Calculate the effective resistance across AB: (Circuit diagram given)2019
• Circuit diagram given showing resistors, EMF and internal resistance r. Calculate: (i) the resistance of the circuit when the key k is open. (ii) the current drawn from the cell when the key k is open. (iii) the resistance of the circuit when the key k is closed. (iv) the current drawn from the cell when the key k is closed.2019
• Calculate the total resistance across AB: (Circuit diagram given)2020
• What are superconductors?2020
• Calculate the current drawn by an appliance rated 110 W, 220 V when connected across 220 V supply.2020
• Name a substance whose resistance decreases with the increase in temperature.2020
• Circuit diagram including internal resistance r. Calculate: (i) Current through 3 Ω resistor. (ii) The internal resistance r.2020
• When a current I flows through a wire of resistance R for time t then the electrical energy produced is given by: [MCQ]2023
• Choose the correct relation for e.m.f. (ε) and terminal voltage V: [MCQ]2023
• 'A geyser is rated 240 W – 220 V'. Explain the meaning of this statement.2023
• What happens to the specific resistance of a conductor if its length is doubled?2023
• Name a substance whose specific resistance remains almost unchanged with the increase in its temperature.2023
• Find the value of current I drawn from the cell. (Circuit calculation) (a) Calculate the current I. (b) Calculate the terminal voltage.2023
• The specific resistance of a conductor depends on its: [MCQ]2024
• The potential difference between terminals of a cell in a closed electric circuit is: [MCQ]2024
• 5 bulbs are connected in series... What will be the effect on the following physical quantities? (a) Resistance (b) Intensity of light.2024
• The voltage - current readings... (a) State whether the conductor used is ohmic or non-ohmic. (b) Justify your answer. (c) State Ohm's law.2024
• Calculate the total resistance of the circuit. (Circuit calculation)2024
• Calculate the current drawn from the cell. (Circuit calculation)2024
• State whether the current through 10 Ω resistor is greater than, less than or equal to the current through the 12 Ω resistor.2024
• In a closed circuit containing a bulb and a cell, the electromotive force (ε) and the terminal voltage (V) is related as. [MCQ]2025
• In the given circuits Y and Z, the resistors, R1 and R2, are connected in: [MCQ]2025
• Emf of a cell is [greater than] the terminal voltage when the cell is in open circuit. [Fill in the blank]2025
• A current flows through a metallic conductor for a long period of time. State the change you would expect in its: (a) Resistance (b) Resistivity.2025
• Calculate: 1. the resistance of each bulb 2. the current drawn from the cell. (Bulbs in circuit)2025
• If the bulb B3 is removed from the circuit, then will the brightness of the bulb B1 increase, decrease or remain the same?2025
• Mention two factors on which the internal resistance of a cell depends.2004
• An electric bulb rated 220V, 60W is working at full efficiency. Calculate the resistance of the coil of the bulb.2004
• Another identical bulb is connected in series with the first one... What will be the total power...?2004
• What will be the total power, if the bulbs are connected in parallel?2004

Chapter 9: Household Circuits and Electromagnetism

Topics include household wiring (color codes, fuse, earthing, switches, meters), magnetic effect of current (solenoids, forces on conductors), DC motors, AC/DC generators, and transformers.

• State two causes of energy loss in a transformer.2017
• Name the colour code of the wire which is connected to the metallic body of an appliance.2017
• Draw the diagram of a dual control switch when the appliance is switched 'ON'.2017
• To which wire of a cable in a power circuit should the metal case of a geyser be connected?Repeated2017
• To which wire should the fuse be connected?Repeated2017
• Explain the meaning of the statement 'current rating of a fuse is 5A'.2017
• In the transmission of power the voltage... is stepped up... Why?2017
• How is the e.m.f. across primary and secondary coils of a transformer related with the number of turns of coil in them?2018
• On which type of current do transformers work?2018
• Identify the following wires used in a household circuit: (i) The wire is also called as the phase wire. (ii) The wire is connected to the top terminal of a three pin socket.2018
• State any two advantages of electromagnets over permanent magnets.2018
• A fuse is rated 8A. Can it be used with an electrical appliance rated 5 KW, 200 V? Give a reason.2018
• Name two safety devices which are connected to the live wire of a household electric circuit.2018
• Why is the fuse absolutely necessary in a power circuit?2018
• The diagram shows a coil wound around a U shape soft iron bar AB. (i) What is the polarity induced at the ends A and B when the switch is pressed? (ii) Suggest one way to strengthen the magnetic field in the electromagnet. (iii) What will be the polarities at A & B if the direction of current is reversed...?2018
• A magnet kept at the centre of two coils A and B is moved to and fro... State with a reason whether: x > y or x < y. (Induction context)2019
• State two ways to increase the speed of rotation of a D.C. motor.2019
• Write one advantage of connecting electrical appliances in parallel combination.2019
• What characteristics should a fuse wire have?2019
• (Dual control switch) (i) Copy the diagram and complete it so that the bulb is switched ON. (ii) Out of A & B which one is the live wire and which one is the neutral wire?2019
• Draw a neat labeled diagram of an A.C. generator.2019
• The diagram below shows a magnetic needle kept just below the conductor AB... (i) In which direction will the needle deflect...? (ii) Why is the deflection produced? (iii) What will be the change in the deflection if the magnetic needle is taken just above...? (iv) Name one device which works on this principle.2019
• Why is it not advisable to use a piece of copper wire as fuse wire in an electric circuit?2020
• What should be the angle between the magnetic field and the length of the conductor so that the force experienced is: (i) Zero (ii) Maximum?2020
• (Loop of wire carrying current I) (i) What is the magnetic polarity of the loop that faces us? (ii) With respect to the diagram how can we increase the strength of the magnetic field produced by this loop?2020
• (Transformer core diagram) (i) State the material used for the core. (ii) Copy and complete the diagram... by drawing input and output coils.2020
• Draw a neat labeled diagram of a d.c. motor. (ii) Write any one use of a d.c. motor.2020
• If the strength of the current flowing through a wire is increased, the strength of the magnetic field produced by it: [MCQ]2023
• Which electrical component protects the electric circuit in case of excess current and which can also be used as a switch? (Circuit breaker/MCB)2023
• Name the wire to which this electrical component is connected in an electric circuit.2023
• What should be the magnetic poles at the points A and B lying on either side of the conductor to experience the force in the upward direction?2023
• Name the law used to find these polarities.2023
• State the polarities of the battery at A and B. (Magnetic field due to loop)2023
• State the effect on the magnetic field if an iron rod is held along the axis of the coil.2023
• State one way to: 1. Change the polarity of the coil. 2. Decrease the strength of the magnetic field around the coil.2023
• Identify the option that displays the correct wiring with correct colour code: [MCQ]2024
• A fuse is rated 5 A. Can it be used with a geyser rated 1540 W, 220 V. Write Yes or No. Give supporting calculations...2024
• State two factors affecting the speed of rotation of the coil in a D.C. motor.2024
• Identify the type of transformer. (Diagram provided)2024
• In this type of transformer which of the wire is thicker, the primary or the secondary? Give a reason.2024
• State one factor that affects the magnitude of induced current in an AC generator.2024
• Name the rule that is used to predict the direction of deflection of the magnetic compass.2024
• State the direction of current in the conductor (X to Y or Y to X) when the circuit is complete.2024
• If resistance R is increased, then what will be the effect on the magnetic lines of force around the conductor?2024
• The following figure shows a small bar magnet falling freely through a copper ring. For the observer at A, the direction of the induced current will be: [MCQ]2025
• In a step-up transformer the turns ratio is [more than 1]. [Fill in the blank]2025
• According to the NEW colour convention which colour of wire is connected to: (a) the metal body of the appliance (b) the switch of the appliance?2025
• Which of the two, alternating current or direct current, produces a varying magnetic field when it flows through a conductor?2025
• State the frequency of the alternating current supply in India.2025
• (Electromagnetism diagram, winding around steel bar) Draw only the magnetised bar FT and mark its poles. Trace two magnetic lines of force around FT clearly indicating the direction.2025
• What is the current rating of device X? (Meter room wiring)2025
• What is the difference between the switch Z shown in the diagram and the switches you use to operate different appliances at home?2025
• What is the unit of the physical quantity displayed in Y? (Energy Meter reading)2025
• Name the law used to determine the direction of motion of PQ.2025
• What will be the effect on the force experienced, if the rod PQ is replaced by another copper rod of same length but of greater cross-sectional area? Justify your answer in (c).2025
• State the purpose of a fuse in an electric circuit. Name the material used for making a fuse wire.2004
• Draw a labelled diagram to show the various components of a step-down transformer.2004
• State the main difference between a step up and step-down transformer.2004
• Explain briefly how a magnet, can be demagnetised using an alternating current?2004
• State two ways by which the emf in an A.C. generator can be increased.2004

Chapter 10: Modern Physics and Radioactivity

Topics include thermionic emission, cathode ray tubes, nuclear structure, radioactivity (alpha, beta, gamma properties, decay equations), fission, fusion, and safety.

• State two characteristics of a good thermion emitter.2017
• State two factors upon which the rate of emission of thermions depends.2017
• When does the nucleus of an atom tend to be radioactive?Repeated2017
• Name the process used for producing electricity using nuclear energy.2017
• Answer the following questions based on a hot cathode ray tube. (i) Name the charged particles. (ii) State the approximate voltage used to heat the filament. (iii) What will happen to the beam when it passes through the electric field?2017
• State three factors on which the rate of emission of electrons from a metal surface depends.2017
• What are free electrons? Why do they not leave the metal surface on their own? How can they be made to leave the metal surface? (State any two ways)2017
• What do you understand by the term nuclear fusion?2018
• What is the advantage of producing electricity by fusion reaction?2018
• What are isobars? Give one example of isobars.2018
• Name the isotope of Uranium which is easily fissionable. Give a reason for your answer.2018
• Write a nuclear reaction when Uranium 238 emits an alpha particle to form a Thorium (Th) nucleus.2018
• (Alpha, beta, gamma deflection diagram) Name the radiation B which is unaffected by the electrostatic field.2018
• Why does the radiation C deflect more than A?2018
• Which among the three causes the least biological damage externally?2018
• Name the radiation which is used in carbon dating.2018
• Is it possible for a hydrogen (¹₁H) nucleus to emit an alpha particle? Give a reason for your answer.2019
• Why is a nuclear fusion reaction called a thermo nuclear reaction?2019
• Complete the reaction: 42He + 21H → 42He + ... + Energy2019
• Define nuclear fission.2019
• Rewrite and complete the following nuclear reaction by filling in the atomic number of Ba and mass number of Kr: 235U + 10n → 144...Ba + ...36Kr + 3 10n + Energy2019
• A nucleus ²⁰²₈₄X of an element emits an alpha particle followed by a beta particle. The final nucleus is ^b_aY. Find a and b.2020
• Differentiate between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.2020
• State one safety precaution in the disposal of nuclear waste.2020
• An atomic nucleus A is composed of 84 protons and 128 neutrons. A emits an alpha particle... to B. B emits a beta particle... to C. (i) What is the composition of B? (ii) What is the composition of C? (iii) What is mass number of the nucleus A? (iv) Does the composition of C change if it emits gamma radiations?2020
• Which of the following radiations suffer maximum deflection in a magnetic field? [MCQ]2023
• Complete the following nuclear changes: 23892P → _Q + 42He → _R + 0-1e.2023
• Name the nuclear radiation which has the highest ionizing power.2023
• How is the radioactivity of a radio isotope affected if it undergoes a chemical change? Give a reason for your answer.2023
• Which nuclear radiation will travel undeviated in an electric field?2023
• How can one stop the radiations escaping from a nuclear reactor in a nuclear power plant?2023
• Name one internal source of background radiations.2023
• A radioactive nucleus containing 128 nucleons emits a β particle. After β - emission the number of nucleons present in the nucleus will be: [MCQ]2024
• A radioactive element is placed in an evacuated chamber. Then the rate of radioactive decay will: [MCQ]2024
• In the following atoms, which one is a radioisotope? Give one use of this isotope.2024
• Copy and complete the nuclear reaction by filling in the blanks. 23592U + 10n → --56Ba + 92...Kr + 3 10n2024
• Complete the following radioactive reaction: -X → Y + 4-1He → 23491Z + 0-1e.2024
• Uranium is available in two forms U-235 and U-238. Which of the two isotopes of Uranium is more fissionable?2024
• A radioactive element P emits one α-particle and transforms to a new element Q. What will be the position of the element Q in the periodic table? [MCQ]2025
• The nuclear radiation with lowest ionizing power is [γ]. [Fill in the blank]2025
• Curium is a radioactive element... (a) Which point on the graph indicates the element Cm? (b) Which point on the graph indicates daughter nucleus after Cm undergoes radioactive decay of 1 α followed by 2 β? (c) State the mass number of the daughter nucleus.2025
• Name the process depicted in the diagram (Fission). What is the value of X? Identify Y, the missing product of the reaction.2025
• Define the term 'Work function' of a metal.2004
• Mention two common properties of gamma radiations and visible light.2004
• Copy and complete the below diagram by showing and labelling the paths of alpha, beta and gamma radiations in an electric field.Repeated2004
• Name the radiations which have the least penetrating power.2004
• Give one difference between a chemical change and a nuclear change.2004
• How is the cathode ray tube used to convert an electrical signal into a visual signal?2004
• Copy and complete the following nuclear equations filling in the correct values in the blanks. 23892P → ... P1...2004

Summary of Question Distribution

The table below shows the total number of questions (or distinct sub-parts) allocated to each chapter per year. Note that this is an approximate count for trend analysis.

Frequently Repeated Concepts

Core concepts that are frequently tested, either through direct definition or as the basis for numerical/application questions.