SAMPLE PAPER TEST 01 FOR BOARD EXAM 2024

SUBJECT: SCIENCE MAX. MARKS : 80

CLASS : X DURATION : 3 HRS
General Instruction:
1. This question paper consists of 39 questions in 5 sections.
2. All questions are compulsory. However, an internal choice is provided in some questions. A
student is expected to attempt only one of these questions.
3. Section A consists of 20 objective type questions carrying 1 mark each.
4. Section B consists of 6 Very Short questions carrying 02 marks each. Answers to these questions
should in the range of 30 to 50 words.
5. Section C consists of 7 Short Answer type questions carrying 03 marks each. Answers to these
questions should in the range of 50 to 80 words
6. Section D consists of 3 Long Answer type questions carrying 05 marks each. Answer to these
questions should be in the range of 80 to 120 words.
7. Section E consists of 3 source-based/case-based units of assessment of 04 marks each with sub-
parts.

SECTION – A
Questions 1 to 20 carry 1 mark each.
1. The diagram below shows a leaf that was covered by a piece of black paper for a period of 3
days. After 3 days, the paper was removed. On testing, it was found that the area under the black
paper tested negative for starch and the rest tested positive for starch. What was the experiment
trying to test?

(a) If plants make their own food

(b) If light is required for plants to make food
(c) If plants can respire in the absence of light
(d) If plants can survive even in the absence of light

2. What is the difference in the molecular mass of any two adjacent homologues?
(a) 14 amu (b) 15 amu (c) 16 amu (d) 17 amu
Ans: (a) 14 amu
3. What is the focal length of a plane mirror?
(a) Infinity (b) Zero (c) 1 (d) + 1

4. The diagram shows the reaction between metal and dil. acid. What is the reason for different
behaviour of Mg in test tube B?
 (a) Mg is lighter element than dil. HCI.
(b) Mg reacts with dil. HC1 to produce H2 gas which helps in floating.
(c) Mg reacts with dil. HC1 to produce N2 gas which helps in floating.
(d) Mg reacts with dil. HCI to produce CO2 gas which helps in floating.
5. A current-carrying conductor is held as shown:

In which direction should current be passed in the conductor in order to produce a clockwise
magnetic field around the conductor?
(a) North to South (b) South to North (c) East to West (d) West to East
6. For a current in a long straight solenoid N-pole and S-pole are created at the two ends. Among
the following statements, the incorrect statement is:
(a) The field lines inside the solenoid are in the form of straight lines which indicates that the
magnetic field is the same at all points inside the solenoid.
(b) The strong magnetic field produced inside the solenoid can be used to magnetise a piece of
magnetic material like soft iron, when placed inside the coil.
(c) The pattern of the magnetic field associated with the solenoid is different from the pattern of
the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
(d) The N-pole and S-pole exchange position when the direction of current through the solenoid
is reversed.
7. At the time of short circuit, the electric current in the circuit:
(a) vary continuously (b) does not change (c) reduces substantially (d) increases heavily
8. In a study it was found that fused ear lobes were found in more numbers within a population
rather than free ear lobes. What can you infer from the above observation with respect to
dominant/ recessive trait?
(a) Fused ear lobes – dominant (b) Free ear lobes – dominant
(c) Fused ear lobes – recessive (d) Both are dominant
9. The graph below shows the variation of force acting on a conductor with current:
 After analyzing the graph, a student noted the following. Select the correct statement:
(a) The force acting on a conductor increases exponentially with increase in current.
(b) The force acting on a conductor decreases exponentially with increase in current.
(c) The force acting on a conductor increases linearly with increase in current.
(d) The force acting on a conductor decreases linearly with increase in current.

10. What is the minimum resistance which can be made using the following resistors?

(a) 1 Ω (b) 2 Ω (c) 4 Ω (d) 3 Ω

11. Manish’s mother was baking cake in the kitchen. When Manish came back from school, he
detected smell of hot cake from the drawing room. Why?
(a) Due to the presence of olfactory receptors in forebrain
(b) Due to the presence of taste buds
(c) Due to the presence of olfactory receptors in midbrain
(d) Due to the presence of olfactory receptors in hindbrain

12. Which of the following is not the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?
(a) They clean the environment.
(b) They decompose non-biodegradable substances.
(c) They participate in food chain.
(d) They replenish the nutrients in the soil.

13. In the given diagram, when the magnet is pushed into the solenoid, the pointer of the
galvanometer deflects slightly to the left. Which of the following changes would cause the
pointer to deflect through a larger angle?

(a) Move the magnet faster. (b) Move the magnet away from the solenoid.
(c) Unwind some of the turns of the solenoid. (d) Keep the magnet stationary.

14. A straight wire is placed between two poles of a magnet as shown in figure. If an alternating
current passing through a wire then wire will

(a) Move into the page only (b) Move out of the page only
(c) Move out and into the page (d) Remain stationary

15. In the given reaction : ZnO + C → Zn + CO.

I. ZnO is being oxidised.
II. CO is being reduced.
 III. C is being oxidised.
IV. ZnO is being reduced.
Choose the correct statement.
(a) I and II only (b) III and IV only (c) I, II, and III only (d) All of these

16. Common salt besides being used in kitchen can also be used as the raw material for making :
(i) washing soda (ii) bleaching powder (iii) baking soda (iv) slaked lime
(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i), (ii) and (iv) (c) (i) and (iii) (d) (i), (iii) and (iv)

Q. no 17 to 20 are Assertion - Reasoning based questions. These consist of two statements –

Assertion (a) and Reason (R). Answer these questions selecting the appropriate option given
below:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

17. Assertion (a): Non–biodegradable substances are those substances which cannot be broken
down into simpler harmless substances in nature.
Reason (R): Non–biodegradable substances can cause air pollution and make the air poisonous
when burnt.

18. Assertion (a): The effect of root pressure in transport of water is more important during
daytime.
Reason (R): Transpiration pull is the major driving force in movement of water during the day.

19. Assertion (A): In Fleming's left hand rule, the direction of magnetic field, force and current are
mutually perpendicular.
Reason (R): Fleming's left hand rule is applied to measure the induced current.

20. Assertion (A): Unisexual flowers have separate male and female flowers.
Reason (R): Cucumber, pumpkin and watermelon are the examples of unisexual flowers.

SECTION – B
Questions 21 to 25 carry 2 marks each.

21. (a) Which plant hormone is present in greater concentration in the areas of rapid cell division?
(b) Give one example of a plant growth promoter and a plant growth inhibitor.

22. (a) What is the unit of current? Express it in terms of charge and time.
(b) The following table gives the value of resistivity of some materials:

Material Resistivity (Ohm-m)

A 44 × 10–6
B 1010 – 1012
C 1.62 × 10–6
D 1015 – 1017

Which material would you suggest to be used in electric heating devices? Give reason for your
choice.
OR
(a) On what factors does the resistance of a conductor depend?
(b) Calculate the resistance of an aluminium cable of length 10 km and diameter 2.0 mm if the
resistivity of aluminium is 2.7 × 10–8 m.
23. Identify the displacement and the double displacement reaction from the following reactions.
(a) HC1(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCI(aq) + H2O(l)
(b) Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) → FeSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
OR
A teacher provided acetic acid, water, lemon juice, aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen
carbonate and sodium hydroxide to students in the school laboratory to determine the pH values
of these substances using pH papers. One of the students reported the pH values of the given
substances as 3, 12, 4, 8 and 14 respectively. Which one of these values is not correct? Write its
correct value stating the reason.

24. What is a rainbow? Draw a well labelled diagram to show the formation of a rainbow.

25. Give reasons for the following observations:

(a) Covalent compounds are poor conductors of electricity.
(b) Highly reactive metals cannot be obtained from their oxides by heating them with carbon.

26. What are the differences between the transport of materials in xylem and phloem?

SECTION – C
Questions 27 to 33 carry 3 marks each.
27. Sahil took five solutions A, B, C, D and E and tested with universal indicator showed pH as 4,
1, 11, 7 and 9 respectively. Which solution is: (a) Neutral (b) Strongly alkaline (c) Strongly
acidic (d) Weakly acidic (E) Weakly alkaline?
Arrange the pH in increasing order of hydrogen ion concentration.

28. (a) Describe how a squirrel uses its hormonal system to react to a dangerous situation.
(b) How do sensory and motor neurons differ from one another?

29. Identify the acid and base which form sodium hydrogen carbonate. Write chemical equation in
support of your answer. State whether this compound is acidic, basic or neutral. Also, write its
pH value.

30. (a) What is an ecosystem? List its two main components.

(b) ‘The number of trophic levels in a food chain is limited’. Justify the statement.

31. Trace the sequence of events which occur when a bright light is focused on your eyes.
OR
List in tabular form three distinguishing features between autotrophic nutrition and
heterotrophic nutrition.

32. Give reasons for the following:

(a) Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling point
(b) Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten state
(c) Ionic compounds are solid at room temperature and are somewhat hard.

33. (a) What is a solenoid ?

(b) Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines of (i) a current carrying solenoid and (ii) a bar
magnet.
OR
Suppose your parents have constructed a two room house and you want that in the living room
there should be a provision of one electric bulb, one electric fan, a refrigerator and a plug point
for appliances of power upto 2 kilowatt. Draw a circuit diagram showing electric fuse and
earthing as safety devices.
 SECTION – D
Questions 34 to 36 carry 5 marks each.
34. Name three different glands associated with the structures labelled in digestive system as shown
in figure. Also write their secretions and their functions.

OR
(a) Define excretion.
(b) Name the basic filtration unit present in the kidney.
(c) Draw excretory system in human beings and label the following organs of excretory system
which perform following functions: (i) form urine. (ii) is a long tube which collects urine from
kidney. (iii) store urine until it is passed out.

35. Why are certain compounds called hydrocarbons? Write the general formula for homologous
series of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes and also draw the structure of the first member of each
series. Write the name of the reaction that converts alkenes into alkanes and also write a
chemical equation to show the necessary conditions for the reaction to occur.
OR
(a) Explain why carbon forms covalent bond ? Give two reasons for carbon forming a large
number of compounds.
(b) Explain the formation of ammonia molecule.

36. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on a screen 60 cm in front of a mirror by
keeping the candle flame at a distance of 15 cm from its pole.
(a) Which type of mirror should the student use?
(b) Find the magnification of the image produced.
(c) Find the distance between the object and its image.
(d) Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation in this case and mark the distance between
the object and its image.
OR
(a) Name the lens which can be used as a magnifying glass. For which position of the object a
convex lens form: (i) a real and inverted image of the same size as that of the object? (ii) a
virtual and erect image? Draw ray diagram to justify your answer in each case.
(b) One half of a convex lens is covered with a black paper. Will this lens produce a complete
image of the object? Draw ray diagram to justify your answer.

SECTION – E (Case Study Based Questions)

Questions 35 to 37 carry 4 marks each.
37. Case Study – 1
Manoj performed an experiment to understand that heat is produced when a few drops of
concentrated sulphuric acid is slowly added into a beaker containing water. For this, he took 10
 mL water in a beaker and added a few drops of concentrated H2SO4 to it. Then, he swirled the
beaker slowly. During the process, a vigourous reaction takes place. It is an exothermic process.

(a) Why is it recommended that the acid should be added to water and not water to the acid?
(b) How will the concentration of hydrogen ions gets affected if an acid is diluted?
(c) What is this process called? Define the process.
OR
If we have hydrochloric acid and acetic acid of equal concentration, which will be a stronger
acid and why?

38. Case Study – 2

A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on the walls of the school laboratory by
using a mirror.
(a) Which type of mirror should he use and why?
(b) At what distance, in terms of focal length of the mirror, should he place the candle flame to
get the magnified image on the wall?
(c) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the image in this case.
OR
(d) (i) To get the diminished image of the candle flame, where the object must be placed?
(ii) If the image formed by this mirror is inverted and real, then what will be its magnification?
39. Case Study – 3
Bacteria follow an asexual mode of reproduction, called binary fission. A single bacterium
divides into two daughter cells. These are identical to the parent cell as well as to each other.
Replication of DNA within parent bacterium marks the beginning of the fission. Eventually, cell
elongates to form two daughter cells.
The diagram shows the process of binary fission in bacteria
The rate and timing of reproduction depend upon the conditions like temperature and
availability of nutrients. When there is a favorable condition, E. coli or Escherichia coli
produces about 2 million bacteria every 7 hours.
(a) (i) What is the process of the division of a cell into several cells during reproduction in
Plasmodium?
(ii) A Planaria worm is cut horizontally in the middle into two halves P and Q such that the part
P contains the whole head of the worm. Another Planaria worm is cut vertically into two halves
R and S in such a way that both the cut pieces R and S contain half head each. Which of the cut
pieces of the two Planaria worms could regenerate to form the complete respective worms?
(b) The rapid spreading of bread would on slices of bread is due to spore formation. Explain
spore formation.
OR
(b) Suppose a bacterium reproduces by binary fission every 20 minutes. The new cells survive
and reproduce at the same rate. The graph below shows how the bacterial population would
grow from a single bacterium. What do you conclude?
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 SAMPLE PAPER TEST 01 FOR BOARD EXAM 2024
(ANSWERS)

SUBJECT: SCIENCE MAX. MARKS : 80

CLASS : X DURATION : 3 HRS
General Instruction:
1. This question paper consists of 39 questions in 5 sections.
2. All questions are compulsory. However, an internal choice is provided in some questions. A
student is expected to attempt only one of these questions.
3. Section A consists of 20 objective type questions carrying 1 mark each.
4. Section B consists of 6 Very Short questions carrying 02 marks each. Answers to these questions
should in the range of 30 to 50 words.
5. Section C consists of 7 Short Answer type questions carrying 03 marks each. Answers to these
questions should in the range of 50 to 80 words
6. Section D consists of 3 Long Answer type questions carrying 05 marks each. Answer to these
questions should be in the range of 80 to 120 words.
7. Section E consists of 3 source-based/case-based units of assessment of 04 marks each with sub-
parts.

SECTION – A
Questions 1 to 20 carry 1 mark each.
1. The diagram below shows a leaf that was covered by a piece of black paper for a period of 3
days. After 3 days, the paper was removed. On testing, it was found that the area under the black
paper tested negative for starch and the rest tested positive for starch. What was the experiment
trying to test?

(a) If plants make their own food

(b) If light is required for plants to make food
(c) If plants can respire in the absence of light
(d) If plants can survive even in the absence of light
Ans: (b) If light is required for plants to make food
Leaf exposed to sunlight give iodine test, proving that sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis.

2. What is the difference in the molecular mass of any two adjacent homologues?
(a) 14 amu (b) 15 amu (c) 16 amu (d) 17 amu
Ans: (a) 14 amu
Two successive homologues would differ by one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms in terms
of atoms in their molecules and thus differ by 14 amu in terms of molecular mass.
3. What is the focal length of a plane mirror?
 (a) Infinity (b) Zero (c) 1 (d) + 1
Ans: (a) Infinity
The focal length of a plane mirror is infinity. The focal length of a plane mirror is infinity as the
image can be formed at infinite distance inside the mirror. This is due to the parallel rays after
reflection through a plane mirror meet again at infinity.

4. The diagram shows the reaction between metal and dil. acid. What is the reason for different
behaviour of Mg in test tube B?

(a) Mg is lighter element than dil. HCI.

(b) Mg reacts with dil. HC1 to produce H2 gas which helps in floating.
(c) Mg reacts with dil. HC1 to produce N2 gas which helps in floating.
(d) Mg reacts with dil. HCI to produce CO2 gas which helps in floating.
Ans: (b) Mg reacts with dil. HC1 to produce H2 gas which helps in floating.
All metals reacts with dil. HCl and dil. sulphuric acid except for few less reactive metals like
copper, mercury, gold, silver, etc. Since, Zn, Fe and Cu are less reactive, so they do not react
with acid. Mg on the other hand is more reactive, so it reacts with HC1 to form hydrogen gas,
which helps in floating.
5. A current-carrying conductor is held as shown:

In which direction should current be passed in the conductor in order to produce a clockwise
magnetic field around the conductor?
(a) North to South (b) South to North (c) East to West (d) West to East
Ans: (a) North to South
The direction of current in the conductor should be from top to bottom i.e., from North to South
direction. It is given that the current-carrying conductor is held in exactly vertical direction. In
order to produce a clockwise magnetic field around the conductor, the current should be passed
in the conductor from top to bottom. It is concluded by applying right-hand thumb rule.

6. For a current in a long straight solenoid N-pole and S-pole are created at the two ends. Among
the following statements, the incorrect statement is:
(a) The field lines inside the solenoid are in the form of straight lines which indicates that the
magnetic field is the same at all points inside the solenoid.
(b) The strong magnetic field produced inside the solenoid can be used to magnetise a piece of
magnetic material like soft iron, when placed inside the coil.
(c) The pattern of the magnetic field associated with the solenoid is different from the pattern of
the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
(d) The N-pole and S-pole exchange position when the direction of current through the solenoid
is reversed.
Ans: (c) The pattern of the magnetic field associated with the solenoid is different from the
pattern of the magnetic field around a bar magnet.
 A solenoid behaves like a bar magnet. Hence, the pattern of the magnetic field associated with
the solenoid is same as the pattern of the magnetic field around a bar magnet.

7. At the time of short circuit, the electric current in the circuit:

(a) vary continuously (b) does not change (c) reduces substantially (d) increases heavily
Ans: (d) increases heavily
A short circuit in an electrical circuit allows a current to travel along an unintended path, often
where essentially no (or a very low) electrical impedance is encountered. An example of it is
when the positive and negative terminals of a battery are connected with a low-resistance
conductor, like a wire. With low resistance in the connection, a high current exists, causing the
cell to deliver a large amount of energy in a short time. Hence, during a short circuit, the current
in the circuit increases heavily.

8. In a study it was found that fused ear lobes were found in more numbers within a population
rather than free ear lobes. What can you infer from the above observation with respect to
dominant/ recessive trait?
(a) Fused ear lobes – dominant (b) Free ear lobes – dominant
(c) Fused ear lobes – recessive (d) Both are dominant
Ans: (a) Fused ear lobes – dominant
It can be inferred from the observation that fused ear lobes is a dominant trait whereas free ear
lobes are a recessive trait.

9. The graph below shows the variation of force acting on a conductor with current:

After analyzing the graph, a student noted the following. Select the correct statement:
(a) The force acting on a conductor increases exponentially with increase in current.
(b) The force acting on a conductor decreases exponentially with increase in current.
(c) The force acting on a conductor increases linearly with increase in current.
(d) The force acting on a conductor decreases linearly with increase in current.
Ans: (c) The force acting on a conductor increases linearly with increase in current.
The graph between the force and current is a straight line which shows that force varies linearly
with current.

10. What is the minimum resistance which can be made using the following resistors?

(a) 1 Ω (b) 2 Ω (c) 4 Ω (d) 3 Ω

Ans: (a) 1 Ω
 The direction of the current flowing in the conducting wire change alternatively when it is
connected to an alternating current supply.

15. In the given reaction : ZnO + C → Zn + CO.

I. ZnO is being oxidised.
II. CO is being reduced.
III. C is being oxidised.
IV. ZnO is being reduced.
Choose the correct statement.
(a) I and II only (b) III and IV only (c) I, II, and III only (d) All of these
Ans: (b) III and IV only
When zinc oxide is heated with coke, carbon monoxide and zinc are formed.
ZnO + C → Zn + CO
Zinc oxide gives oxygen to carbon. It is oxidation of carbon and reduction of zinc oxide. Carbon
is a reducing agent and zinc oxide is an oxidising agent. ZnO loses oxygen during the reaction.
So, ZnO is reduced.

16. Common salt besides being used in kitchen can also be used as the raw material for making :
(i) washing soda (ii) bleaching powder (iii) baking soda (iv) slaked lime
(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (i), (ii) and (iv) (c) (i) and (iii) (d) (i), (iii) and (iv)
Ans: (c) (i) and (iii)
The common salt obtained is an important raw material for various other materials of daily use,
such as sodium hydroxide, baking soda, washing soda and many more.

Q. no 17 to 20 are Assertion - Reasoning based questions. These consist of two statements –

Assertion (a) and Reason (R). Answer these questions selecting the appropriate option given
below:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

17. Assertion (a): Non–biodegradable substances are those substances which cannot be broken
down into simpler harmless substances in nature.
Reason (R): Non–biodegradable substances can cause air pollution and make the air poisonous
when burnt.
Ans: (b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
Non-biodegradable substances are the substances that cannot be broken down into simpler
substances by biological processes. They persist in the environment for a long time and may
cause harm to the various members of the ecosystem. Non-biodegradable substances like
plastic can cause air pollution when they are burnt.

18. Assertion (a): The effect of root pressure in transport of water is more important during
daytime.
Reason (R): Transpiration pull is the major driving force in movement of water during the day.
Ans: (d) A is false but R is true.
The effect of root pressure in transport of water is more important during night time as during
the day, when stomata are open, the transpiration pull becomes the major driving force in the
transport of water in the xylem.

19. Assertion (A): In Fleming's left hand rule, the direction of magnetic field, force and current are
mutually perpendicular.
Reason (R): Fleming's left hand rule is applied to measure the induced current.
Ans: (c) Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
It is used to find the direction of force in a current carrying conductor in the presence of
magnetic field.
20. Assertion (A): Unisexual flowers have separate male and female flowers.
Reason (R): Cucumber, pumpkin and watermelon are the examples of unisexual flowers.
Ans: (b) Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true and reason (R) is not the correct explanation
of assertion (A)
Unisexual flowers have separate male and female flowers. The example includes cucum-ber,
pumpkin and watermelon.

SECTION – B
Questions 21 to 25 carry 2 marks each.

21. (a) Which plant hormone is present in greater concentration in the areas of rapid cell division?
(b) Give one example of a plant growth promoter and a plant growth inhibitor.
Ans: (a) Cytokinin. (b) Plant Growth Promoter: Auxin/Gibberellin. Plant Growth Inhibitor:
Abscisic acid (ABA).

22. (a) What is the unit of current? Express it in terms of charge and time.
(b) The following table gives the value of resistivity of some materials:
Material Resistivity (Ohm-m)
A 44 × 10–6
B 1010 – 1012
C 1.62 × 10–6
D 1015 – 1017
Which material would you suggest to be used in electric heating devices? Give reason for your
choice.
Ans: (a) The SI unit of current is Ampere. Current (I) can be expressed in terms of the charge
(Q) flowing in time (t) as: I = Q /t
(b) As materials used in electric heating devices are generally made up of alloys having
resistivity in the range of 10–8 Ohm m to 10–6 Ohm–m, material A will be used for electric
heating devices as it’s resistivity is more than that of C, which is a metal since its resistivity is
very low. B and D are insulators as they have very high resistivity.
OR
(a) On what factors does the resistance of a conductor depend?
(b) Calculate the resistance of an aluminium cable of length 10 km and diameter 2.0 mm if the
resistivity of aluminium is 2.7 × 10–8 m.
Ans: (a) Resistance of a conductor depends on the following factors:
(1) Length of the conductor
(2) Area of cross section of the conductor
(3) Nature of material of the conductor
(4) Temperature of the conductor
(b) Given: l = 10 km = 10000 m; d = 2 mm; r = 1 mm = 10–3 m; r = 2.7 × 10–8  m
l 10000
R    2.7  108 
A 3.4  (103 )2
 R  0.859  102   86(approx.)

23. Identify the displacement and the double displacement reaction from the following reactions.
(a) HC1(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCI(aq) + H2O(l)
(b) Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) → FeSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
Ans: (a) Double displacement reaction (b) Displacement reaction
OR
A teacher provided acetic acid, water, lemon juice, aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen
carbonate and sodium hydroxide to students in the school laboratory to determine the pH values
of these substances using pH papers. One of the students reported the pH values of the given
 substances as 3, 12, 4, 8 and 14 respectively. Which one of these values is not correct? Write its
correct value stating the reason.
Ans: The pH value of water given is incorrect. Its correct value is 7 since it is neutral in nature.

24. What is a rainbow? Draw a well labelled diagram to show the formation of a rainbow.
Ans: Rainbow - A natural spectrum of sunlight appearing in the sky after a rain shower.

25. Give reasons for the following observations:

(a) Covalent compounds are poor conductors of electricity.
(b) Highly reactive metals cannot be obtained from their oxides by heating them with carbon.
Ans: (a) It is because covalent compounds do not form ions.
(b) It is because these metal, themselves are strong reducing agents. Therefore, cannot be
reduced by reducing agent like carbon.

26. What are the differences between the transport of materials in xylem and phloem?
Ans:

S. No. Xylem Phloem

1 Xylem conducts water and dissolved Phloem conducts prepared food material
minerals from roots to leaves and other from leaves to other parts of plant in
parts. dissolved form.
2 In xylem, transport of material takes In phloem, transport of material takes place
place through vessels and tracheids. with the help of companion cells.
3 In xylem, upward movement of water In translocation, material is transferred into
and dissolved materials is mainly phloem tissue using energy from ATP.
achieved by transpiration pull. It is This increases the osmotic pressure that
caused due to sanction created by moves the material in the phloem to the
evaporation of water molecules from the tissues which have less pressure.
stomata of a leaf.
4 Movement of water is achieved by The translocation in phloem is an active
simple physical forces. There is no process and requires energy. This energy is
expenditure of energy. So, ATP taken from ATP molecules.
molecules are not required.
 SECTION – C
Questions 27 to 33 carry 3 marks each.
27. Sahil took five solutions A, B, C, D and E and tested with universal indicator showed pH as 4,
1, 11, 7 and 9 respectively. Which solution is: (a) Neutral (b) Strongly alkaline (c) Strongly
acidic (d) Weakly acidic (E) Weakly alkaline?
Arrange the pH in increasing order of hydrogen ion concentration.
Ans: Given pH for the solutions are A = 4, B = 1, C = 11, D = 7, E = 9.
Hydrogen ions concentration increases with decrease in pH value and thus strength of acid
increases with decrease in pH value from 7 to 0. On the other hand, hydroxide ion’s
concentration decreases with increase in pH value and thus strength of bases increases with
increase in pH value from 7 to 14. While neutral solution has pH value = 7.
Therefore, (a) Solution D is neutral having pH value equal to 7.
(b) Solution C is strongly alkaline as its pH value is equal to 11
(c) Solution B is strongly acidic as its pH value is equal to 1
(d) Solution A is weakly acidic as its pH value is equal to 4
(e) Solution E is weakly alkaline as its pH value is equal to 9
Hence arrangement of given pH value in increasing order of hydrogen ion concentration: C
(11) < E (9) < D (7) < A (4) < B (1)

28. (a) Describe how a squirrel uses its hormonal system to react to a dangerous situation.
(b) How do sensory and motor neurons differ from one another?
Ans: (a) The hormone adrenaline is released into a squirrel's blood when it detects danger,
increasing heart rate and blood flow to tissues. As a result, its cells and tissues receive energy
more quickly, allowing it to flee dangerous situations.
(b) Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the central nervous system after receiving information
from receptors. In order for a muscle, gland, or organ to respond, motor neurons carry messages
from the control nervous system to those tissues.

29. Identify the acid and base which form sodium hydrogen carbonate. Write chemical equation in
support of your answer. State whether this compound is acidic, basic or neutral. Also, write its
pH value.
Ans: Acid - H2CO3
Base - NaOH
NaOH + H2CO3 → NaHCO3 + H2O
Compound is basic in nature. pH value - ranges between 7 to 10.

30. (a) What is an ecosystem? List its two main components.

(b) ‘The number of trophic levels in a food chain is limited’. Justify the statement.
Ans: (a) Ecosystem: It is the structural and functional unit of biosphere. It is a self-sustaining
system where energy and matter are exchanged between living and non-living components. The
main components of ecosystem are biotic and abiotic components. Biotic components comprise
of living organisms: plants, animals, human beings and microorganisms. Abiotic components
comprise of non-living part of the environment: air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight etc.
(b) When green plants are eaten by primary consumers, a great deal of energy is lost as heat to
the environment. Some amount goes into digestion and in doing work and the rest goes towards
growth and reproduction. Only 10 percent of the energy received by them is converted into their
body mass which is available for the organisms of the next trophic levels. The longer the food
chain, the less is the energy available to the final members of the food chain and that energy will
be insufficient for their survival.

31. Trace the sequence of events which occur when a bright light is focused on your eyes.
Ans: When bright light is focused on our eyes, the Photoreceptors generate electric impulses
and pass it to the sensory neurons. They carry the stimuli to the spinal cord which transports the
message to the brain. The brain sends the response to the muscles of the eyelids to close by
contracting the pupil.
 Receptor → Sensory neuron → Spinal cord → Brain → Motor neuron → Eye → Contraction of
eye muscles.
OR
List in tabular form three distinguishing features between autotrophic nutrition and
heterotrophic nutrition.
S.No Autotrophic nutrition Heterotrophic nutrition
1. It is a mode of nutrition in which It is a mode of nutrition in which organism
organism prepare their own food. cannot prepare their food and obtain it
from different sources.
2. The organisms falling in this category are The organisms falling in this category are
not dependent on any other organism. dependent on other organisms for their
food.
3. Organisms using this mode of nutrition Organisms using this mode of nutrition are
are called as producers. called as consumers.

32. Give reasons for the following:

(a) Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling point
(b) Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten state
(c) Ionic compounds are solid at room temperature and are somewhat hard.
Ans: (a) Ionic compounds have high boiling and melting point due to the presence of strong
bond between cations and anions. To break or overcome these strong forces of attraction, a
large amount of energy is required.
(b) Ionic compounds conduct electricity in molten state. Conductivity depends on the presence
of number of free ions. Solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity because of the
absence of ions (electrons) in the crystal structure. When the ionic compound is present in
molten state, crystal structure deforms and they can easily conduct electricity with the free ions.
(c) Ionic compounds are solid at room temperature and are somewhat hard. Due to the presence
of strong force of attraction between the positive and negative ions a solid ionic compound
formed becomes hard and solid at room temperature.

33. (a) What is a solenoid ?

(b) Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines of (i) a current carrying solenoid and (ii) a bar
magnet.
Ans: (a) A coil of many turns of insulated copper wire wrapped closely in the shape of a
cylinder is called solenoid.
(b)

OR
Suppose your parents have constructed a two room house and you want that in the living room
there should be a provision of one electric bulb, one electric fan, a refrigerator and a plug point
for appliances of power upto 2 kilowatt. Draw a circuit diagram showing electric fuse and
earthing as safety devices.
Ans:
 (i) Four components should be labelled.
(ii) All of them should be in parallel and there should be a fuse for safety.
(iii) Live and earth wires should be there.

SECTION – D
Questions 34 to 36 carry 5 marks each.
34. Name three different glands associated with the structures labelled in digestive system as shown
in figure. Also write their secretions and their functions.

Ans: The different glands, their secretions and functions associated with the human digestive
system are tabulated below:

Organ Gland Secretion Enzymes Action of Enzyme

Mouth Salivary Saliva Salivary Breaks down starch to sugar
gland amylase
Stomach Gastric Gastric 1. Pepsin Breaks down protein-
glands juices peptone.
2. HCl Kills germs, creates acidic
medium.
3. Mucus Protects the walls of stomach
from the action of HCl acid.
Small Liver Bile Juice Emulsification of fats and
Intestine creates alkaline medium.

OR
(a) Define excretion.
(b) Name the basic filtration unit present in the kidney.
(c) Draw excretory system in human beings and label the following organs of excretory system
which perform following functions: (i) form urine. (ii) is a long tube which collects urine from
kidney. (iii) store urine until it is passed out.
 Ans: (a) Excretion is defined as the biological process of removal of harmful nitrogenous wastes
like urea and uric acid from our body which are produced as byproducts of the various
metabolic processes taking place in our body.
(b) The basic filtration unit present in the kidney is the nephron.
(c) The human excretory system is drawn here:

The organs performing the following functions have been labelled in the diagram.
(i) form urine: Kidneys
(ii) is a long tube which collects urine from kidney: Ureter
(iii) stores urine until it is passed out: Urinary bladder

35. Why are certain compounds called hydrocarbons? Write the general formula for homologous
series of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes and also draw the structure of the first member of each
series. Write the name of the reaction that converts alkenes into alkanes and also write a
chemical equation to show the necessary conditions for the reaction to occur.
Ans: Certain compounds are called hydrocarbons because they are a group of compounds which
are made up of hydrogen and carbon.
The homologous group of compounds are like alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, etc.
The alkanes only have carbon atoms that are attached to the other carbon atoms through single
bonds.
In alkenes, the carbon atoms are connected through at least one double bond and the rest might
or might not be single bonds.
In alkynes, the carbon atoms are connected through at least one triple bond and the rest might or
might not be single bonds.
The homologous group of compounds have the same general formula.
The general formula of homologous series alkanes is CnH2n+2.
The general formula of homologous series alkenes is CnH2n.
The general formula of homologous series alkynes is CnH2n−2.
The first member of alkanes homologous series is methane.

The first member of alkenes homologous series is ethene.

 The first member of alkynes homologous series is ethyne.

Ethene can be converted to ethane through the reaction known as catalytic hydrogenation
reaction. This is known as this because it uses Raney Ni, Pt, or Pd as a catalyst. The reaction is
given below.

The conditions which are necessary for this reaction are the presence of a catalyst Ni and the
temperature should be 423K.
OR
(a) Explain why carbon forms covalent bond ? Give two reasons for carbon forming a large
number of compounds.
(b) Explain the formation of ammonia molecule.
Ans: (a) Carbon has 4 electrons in its outermost shell, and needs to gain or loss 4 electrons to
attain nobel gas configuration. Losing or gaining 4 electrons is not possible due to energy
considerations, hence it shares electrons to form covalent bonds.
Two reasons for forming large number of compounds are:
1) Catenation: The unique ability of carbon to form bonds with other atoms of carbon giving
rise to long chains of different types of compounds.
2) Tetravalency: since carbon has a valency of 4, it is capable of bonding with four other atoms
of Carbon or atoms of elements like oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine etc.
(b) Formation of NH3 molecule
N - 2,5
H-1
Three hydrogen atoms each share their 1 electron with nitrogen to form three covalent bonds
and make an ammonia molecule (NH3).

36. A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on a screen 60 cm in front of a mirror by
keeping the candle flame at a distance of 15 cm from its pole.
(a) Which type of mirror should the student use?
(b) Find the magnification of the image produced.
(c) Find the distance between the object and its image.
(d) Draw a ray diagram to show the image formation in this case and mark the distance between
the object and its image.
Ans: (a) The student should use a concave mirror, as it forms a real image on the same side of
the mirror.
(b) Object distance, u = –15 cm Image distance, v = –60 cm
v 60
Magnification, m      4
u 15
(c) Distance of image from the object = v – u = – 60 – (–15) = – 60 + 15 = –45
The image is formed at a distance of 45 cm from the object.
(d) By applying mirror formula,
 1 1 1 1 1 1  4 5 1
        f  12cm
f v u 60 15 60 60 12
And C = -24 cm
Object will be between F and C and the image will be formed beyond C (centre of curvature).
Image will be 4 times magnified, real and inverted.

OR
(a) Name the lens which can be used as a magnifying glass. For which position of the object a
convex lens form: (i) a real and inverted image of the same size as that of the object? (ii) a
virtual and erect image? Draw ray diagram to justify your answer in each case.
(b) One half of a convex lens is covered with a black paper. Will this lens produce a complete
image of the object? Draw ray diagram to justify your answer.
Ans: (a) Convex lens can be used as a magnifying glass,
Position of the object:
(i) When an object is placed at centre of curvature, a real, inverted and equal size image is
obtained.

(ii) When an object is placed between the focus and the optical centre of a convex lens, a virtual
and erect image of the object is formed.
 (b) Even when one half of the convex lens is covered with a black paper, the complete image of
the object will be formed.
When the upper half of the lens is covered: In this situation, rays of light coming from the object
will be refracted by the lower half of the lens. These rays meet at the other side of the lens to
form the image of the given object, as shown in the following figure.
When the lower half of the lens is covered: In this situation, rays of light coming from the object
will be refracted by the upper half of the lens. These rays meet at the other side of the lens to
form the image of the given object, as shown in the following figure. We will get a sharp image
but the brightness of the image will be less now.

SECTION – E (Case Study Based Questions)

Questions 35 to 37 carry 4 marks each.
37. Case Study – 1
Manoj performed an experiment to understand that heat is produced when a few drops of
concentrated sulphuric acid is slowly added into a beaker containing water. For this, he took 10
mL water in a beaker and added a few drops of concentrated H2SO4 to it. Then, he swirled the
beaker slowly. During the process, a vigourous reaction takes place. It is an exothermic process.

(a) Why is it recommended that the acid should be added to water and not water to the acid?
(b) How will the concentration of hydrogen ions gets affected if an acid is diluted?
(c) What is this process called? Define the process.
OR
If we have hydrochloric acid and acetic acid of equal concentration, which will be a stronger
acid and why?
Ans: (a) Dilution of concentrated acid is an exothermic process. If water is added to a
concentrated acid, the heat generated may cause the mixture to splash out and cause burns.
When the acid is added to water slowly with constant stirring, the mixture will not splash out.
(b) Concentration of H+ decreases with increase in dilution.
(c) Dilution of the acid. Dilution of an acid or base means mixing an acid or base with water.
This is done to decrease the concentration of ions (H3O+/OH-) per unit volume.
OR
Hydrochloric acid will be a stronger acid, because it produces more H+ ions.
38. Case Study – 2
A student wants to project the image of a candle flame on the walls of the school laboratory by
using a mirror.
(a) Which type of mirror should he use and why?
(b) At what distance, in terms of focal length of the mirror, should he place the candle flame to
get the magnified image on the wall?
(c) Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the image in this case.
OR
(d) (i) To get the diminished image of the candle flame, where the object must be placed?
(ii) If the image formed by this mirror is inverted and real, then what will be its magnification?
Ans: (a) He should use a concave mirror as it forms real images.
(b) He should place the candle flame between the focus and centre of curvature of the mirror to
get the magnified image on the wall.
(c)

OR
(d) (i) To get the diminished image of the candle flame, the object must be placed at infinity.
(ii) If the image formed by this mirror is inverted and real, then the magnification will be
negative.

39. Case Study – 3

Bacteria follow an asexual mode of reproduction, called binary fission. A single bacterium
divides into two daughter cells. These are identical to the parent cell as well as to each other.
Replication of DNA within parent bacterium marks the beginning of the fission. Eventually, cell
elongates to form two daughter cells.
The diagram shows the process of binary fission in bacteria
The rate and timing of reproduction depend upon the conditions like temperature and
availability of nutrients. When there is a favorable condition, E. coli or Escherichia coli
produces about 2 million bacteria every 7 hours.
(a) (i) What is the process of the division of a cell into several cells during reproduction in
Plasmodium?
(ii) A Planaria worm is cut horizontally in the middle into two halves P and Q such that the part
P contains the whole head of the worm. Another Planaria worm is cut vertically into two halves
R and S in such a way that both the cut pieces R and S contain half head each. Which of the cut
pieces of the two Planaria worms could regenerate to form the complete respective worms?
(b) The rapid spreading of bread would on slices of bread is due to spore formation. Explain
spore formation.
OR
(b) Suppose a bacterium reproduces by binary fission every 20 minutes. The new cells survive
and reproduce at the same rate. The graph below shows how the bacterial population would
grow from a single bacterium. What do you conclude?

Ans: (a) (i) Plasmodium reproduces by multiple fission whereby a single cell divides into a
large number of cells.
(ii) P, Q, R and S
Each piece or fragment of Planaria grows into new individual by the method of regeneration. It
is carried out by specialized cells.
(b) Spore formation is a common method of asexual reproduction. The hyphae develop
sporangia. The nucleus of each sporangium divides several. times. Each nucleus gets
surrounded by a bit of cytoplasm and develops into spore. Upon maturation, the sporangium
ruptures and spores disperse to grow on to new substratum.
OR
(b) The growth of bacteria population increases exponentially with time. The variation of time
and number of bacterial cells is not linear, as the graph is not a straight line. The growth pattern
is an exponential increase in number of bacterial cells with time.