Madhyamik Class 10 Physical Science Question Paper Solved 2026
Physical Science
Time – Three Hours Fifteen Minutes
(First fifteen minutes for reading the Question paper only)
Full Marks – 90
(For Regular and Sightless Regular Candidates)
Full Marks – 100
(For External and sightless External Candidates)
Special credits will be given for answers which are brief and to the point.
Marks will be deducted for spelling mistakes, untidiness and bad handwriting.
Figures in the margin indicate full marks for each Question.
Only the External Candidates will answer Group -E
Figures in the margin indicate full marks for each Question.
Questions in this paper
Which of the following gases does not help in the depletion of the ozone layer?
(a) CFC
(b) NO
(c) CO₂
(d) NO₂
(c) CO₂
Explanation
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, but it does not directly take part in the depletion of the ozone layer.
The mass of 11.2 L of NH₃ gas at S.T.P. is:
[N = 14, H = 1]
(a) 17 g
(b) 8.5 g
(c) 34 g
(d) 11.2 g
(b) 8.5 g
Explanation
At S.T.P., 1 mole of any gas occupies 22.4 L.
Therefore, 11.2 L of NH₃ = \frac{11.2}{22.4} = 0.5 mol
Molar mass of NH₃ = 14 + (1 × 3) = 17 g/mol
Mass of 0.5 mol NH₃ = 0.5 × 17 = 8.5 g
According to the following chemical equation, what volume of oxygen at S.T.P. is required for the complete combustion of 5 moles of methane?
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
(a) 224 L
(b) 448 L
(c) 44.8 L
(d) 22.4 L
(a) 224 L
Explanation
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
From the balanced chemical equation,
1 mole of CH₄ requires 2 moles of O₂.
Therefore, 5 moles of CH₄ require = 5 × 2
= 10 moles of O₂
At S.T.P., 1 mole of any gas occupies 22.4 L.
Volume of 10 moles of O₂ = 10 × 22.4 = 224 L
The SI unit of thermal conductivity is:
(a) W m⁻¹ K⁻¹
(b) cal m⁻¹ °C⁻¹
(c) W m K⁻¹
(d) W m² K⁻¹
(a) W m⁻¹ K⁻¹
Explanation
The SI unit of thermal conductivity is watt per metre per kelvin (W m⁻¹ K⁻¹).
Thermal conductivity is defined as the amount of heat conducted per second through unit area of a material of unit thickness when the temperature difference between its two faces is 1 K.
The least distance of distinct vision for a normal human eye is:
(a) 25 cm
(b) 100 cm
(c) Infinity
(d) 0 cm
(a) 25 cm
Explanation
The least distance of distinct vision (near point) for a normal human eye is 25 cm.
It is the minimum distance from the eye at which an object can be seen clearly and distinctly without strain.
When a ray of light is incident normally on the surface of a glass slab, the angle of refraction will be:
(a) 0°
(b) 90°
(c) 180°
(d) 30°
(a) 0°
Explanation
When a ray of light is incident normally on the surface of a glass slab, the angle of incidence is 0°.
According to Snell’s law, the ray passes undeviated along the normal. Therefore, the angle of refraction is also 0°.
The total charge of how many electrons is equal to 1 coulomb?
(a) 1.6 × 10¹⁹
(b) 6.25 × 10¹⁰
(c) 6.25 × 10¹⁸
(d) 6.023 × 10²³
(c) 6.25 × 10¹⁸
Explanation
Charge of one electron = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
Number of electrons corresponding to 1 C = \frac{1}{1.6 \times 10^{-19}}
= 6.25 × 10¹⁸
With increase in temperature, the resistance decreases in:
(a) Copper
(b) Nichrome
(c) Glass
(d) Silicon
(d) Silicon
Explanation
Silicon is a semiconductor. As its temperature increases, the number of free charge carriers also increases, causing its electrical resistance to decrease.
If the mass of an electron is m, then the mass of a β-particle is:
(a) m
(b) 2m
(c) 3m
(d) 4m
(a) m
Explanation
A β-particle (β⁻) is a high-speed electron emitted from the nucleus during beta decay.
Therefore, the mass of a β-particle is equal to the mass of an electron.
If the atomic number of an element is 19, in which group of the modern periodic table is the element placed?
(a) Group 1
(b) Group 2
(c) Group 18
(d) Group 9
(a) Group 1
Explanation
An element with atomic number 19 is Potassium (K).
Electronic configuration of potassium: 2, 8, 8, 1
Since it has one electron in its outermost shell, it belongs to Group 1 (Alkali Metals) of the modern periodic table.
The substance used for drying ammonia gas is:
(a) CaCl₂
(b) CaO
(c) H₂SO₄
(d) P₂O₅
(b) CaO
Explanation
Quick lime (CaO) is used for drying ammonia gas (NH₃) because it absorbs moisture without reacting with ammonia.
Concentrated H₂SO₄ and P₂O₅ cannot be used because they react with ammonia.
Anhydrous CaCl₂ is also not suitable because it forms an addition compound with ammonia.
Which of the following elements is not present in Duralumin?
(a) Al
(b) Zn
(c) Cu
(d) Mg
(b) Zn
Explanation
Duralumin is an alloy composed mainly of:
- Aluminium (Al)
- Copper (Cu)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Manganese (Mn)
Zinc (Zn) is not a constituent of duralumin.
What will be the colour of the solution formed when excess aqueous ammonia is added to aqueous copper sulphate solution?
(a) Yellow
(b) Orange
(c) Green
(d) Deep blue
(d) Deep blue
Explanation
When excess aqueous ammonia (NH₄OH) is added to copper sulphate (CuSO₄) solution, a deep blue solution is formed due to the formation of the tetraammine copper(II) complex.
Which of the following has the highest electrical conductivity?
(a) Aqueous solution of sugar
(b) Pure water
(c) Liquid hydrogen chloride
(d) None of these
(d) None of these
Explanation
- Aqueous sugar solution: Sugar is a covalent compound that dissolves as neutral molecules, not ions.
- Pure water: Contains almost no free ions (extremely weak self-ionization).
- Liquid HCl: Pure covalent liquid without free ions (it only ionizes and conducts when dissolved in water).
The value of the H-C-H bond angle in a methane molecule is –
(a) 109°28′
(b) 108°29′
(c) 100°
(d) 180°
(a) 109°28′
Explanation:
Methane (CH4) has a tetrahedral structure with four identical single bonds around the central carbon atom. In a regular tetrahedron, the bond angle between any two bonds is 109°28′ (or about 109.5°).
Write the name of the main component of biogas.
Methane (CH₄)
Explanation
Biogas mainly contains methane, along with smaller amounts of gases such as carbon dioxide.
Write the name of a gas involved in our breathing process whose increase in the atmosphere causes global warming.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Explanation
Carbon dioxide is involved in the breathing/respiration cycle and is also a greenhouse gas. An increase in its concentration in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.
What is meant by saying the calorific value of natural gas is 50 kJ/g?
The calorific value of natural gas is 50 kJ/g means that 50 kJ of heat energy is produced when 1 g of natural gas is completely burnt in oxygen.
State whether the following statement is true or false: Equal volumes of all gases under the same conditions of temperature and pressure contain an equal number of atoms.
False
Explanation
According to Avogadro’s Law, equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure contain an equal number of molecules, not necessarily an equal number of atoms.
Write the SI unit of the ideal gas constant.
The SI unit of the ideal gas constant R is: J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹
State whether the following statement is true or false: The real expansion of a liquid depends on the expansion of the vessel in which the liquid is kept.
False
Explanation
The real expansion of a liquid is independent of the expansion of the vessel. It is the actual increase in the volume of the liquid due to heating.
If the length and cross-sectional area of a conductor remain unchanged, what is the relationship between the thermal resistance and thermal conductivity of that conductor?
Thermal resistance, Rt = \frac{\text{L}}{\text{K}\text{A}}
Since the length L and cross-sectional area A remain constant,
Rt ∝ \frac{1}{\text{K}}
Therefore, thermal resistance is inversely proportional to thermal conductivity.
Which color of light undergoes the minimum scattering?
Red light
Explanation
Red light has the longest wavelength among the colours of visible light. According to Rayleigh’s law, the intensity of scattering is inversely proportional to the fourth power of wavelength:
Scattering ∝ \frac{1}{\text{λ}^4}
Therefore, red light undergoes the minimum scattering.
Give an example of a natural spectrum.
Rainbow
Explanation
A rainbow is an example of a natural spectrum. It is formed due to the dispersion of sunlight by tiny water droplets present in the atmosphere.
Write the name of a device where electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy.
Electric motor
How much work has to be done to move an electric charge against a potential difference?
The work required to move a charge Q through a potential difference V is QV joule.
Write the name of the positively charged radioactive particle.
Alpha (α) particle.
By which type of nuclear reaction is energy produced in a nuclear reactor?
In a nuclear reactor, energy is produced by a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.
Match the items in the Left Column with the appropriate items in the Right Column: [1 × 4 = 4]
| Left Column | Right Column |
|---|---|
| 2.11.1 Most electronegative element | (a) Cu |
| 2.11.2 Extracted from hematite | (b) Cl |
| 2.11.3 The element whose anion accelerates the rusting of iron | (c) F |
| 2.11.4 The metal present in a greater percentage in the alloy brass | (d) Fe |
2.11.1 – (c)
2.11.2 – (d)
2.11.3 – (b)
2.11.4 – (a)
Which of the following compounds is a covalent compound?
Potassium chloride, Sodium bromide, Carbon tetrachloride
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)
Explanation
Carbon tetrachloride is a covalent compound because carbon and chlorine atoms form bonds by sharing electrons.
Potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium bromide (NaBr) are ionic compounds.
Write the name of the electrolyte used for gold plating.
Potassium aurocyanide [K[Au(CN)₂]] solution is used as the electrolyte for gold plating.
How is electricity conducted in an aqueous solution of an electrolyte during electrolysis?
In an aqueous solution of an electrolyte, electricity is conducted by the movement of positive and negative ions (cations and anions) towards the respective electrodes.
Why cannot alternating current be used in electrolysis?
Alternating current (AC) cannot be used in electrolysis because its direction changes periodically. Hence, the electrodes continuously interchange their polarity and a continuous chemical reaction or deposition at a particular electrode cannot take place.
Write the formula of the black precipitate formed when H₂S gas is passed through an aqueous solution of lead nitrate.
PbS (Lead sulphide)
Explanation
When H₂S gas is passed through an aqueous solution of lead nitrate, a black precipitate of lead sulphide (PbS) is formed.
Pb(NO₃)₂ + H₂S → PbS↓ + 2HNO₃
Fill in the blank:
2NH₃ + CO₂ → ______ + H₂O
NH₂CONH₂ (Urea)
Write the chemical equation for the reaction between two gases to produce a solid substance.
The reaction between ammonia gas (NH₃) and hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) produces solid ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl).
NH₃(g) + HCl(g) → NH₄Cl(s)
The product ammonium chloride is formed as a white solid.
Write the IUPAC name of the organic compound:
CH₃–CH(OH)–CH₃
Propan-2-ol
Explanation
The compound contains three carbon atoms and the –OH functional group is attached to the second carbon atom. Hence, its IUPAC name is propan-2-ol.
Write the structural formula of ethanoic acid.
The structural formula of ethanoic acid is:

Write one use of PVC.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is used for making water pipes.
It is suitable for making pipes because it is durable, lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
What is the concept of sustainable development?
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
It aims at maintaining a proper balance between:
- Economic development
- Conservation of natural resources
- Protection of the environment
A fixed mass of gas kept at 0°C is heated. What will be the temperature of the gas when both its pressure and volume are doubled compared to the initial values?
Initial temperature (T₁) = 0°C = 273 K
Let initial pressure = P₁ and initial volume = V₁
Final pressure (P₂) = 2P₁
Final volume (V₂) = 2V₁
From Combined Gas Law: \frac{\text{P₁V₁}}{\text{T₁}}=\frac{\text{P₂V₂}}{\text{T₂}}
⇒ \frac{\text{P₁V₁}}{273}=\frac{2\text{P₁}\times2\text{V₁}}{\text{T₂}}
⇒ T₂ = 4 × 273 = 1092 K
⇒ T₂ = 1092 − 273 = 819°C
Hence, the final temperature of the gas is 819°C.
A gas of mass 2 g occupies a volume of 820 ml at 7°C temperature and 2 atm pressure. Determine the molar mass of the gas. [R = 0.082 L atm mole⁻¹ K⁻¹]
Mass of gas (m) = 2 g
Volume (V) = 820 ml = 0.820 L
Temperature (T) = 7°C = 280 K
Pressure (P) = 2 atm
Gas constant (R) = 0.082 L atm mol⁻¹ K⁻¹
From Ideal Gas Equation: PV = nRT
Number of moles (n) = \frac{\text{PV}}{\text{RT}}
= \frac{2\times0.820}{0.082\times280}
= 0.0714 mol
Molar mass (M) = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Number of moles}}
= \frac{2}{0.0714}
= 28 g mol⁻¹
Hence, the molar mass of the gas is 28 g mol⁻¹.
Determine the speed of a light ray passing through a glass slab of refractive index 1.5. [c = 3 × 10⁵ m s⁻¹]
Refractive index of glass (μ) = 1.5
Speed of light in vacuum (c) = 3 × 10⁵ m s⁻¹
Speed of light in glass (v) = ?
We know, μ = \frac{\text{c}}{\text{v}}
Therefore,
v = \frac{\text{c}}{\text{μ}}
= \frac{3\times10^5}{1.5}
= 2 × 10⁵ m s⁻¹
Hence, the speed of light in the glass slab is 2 × 10⁵ m s⁻¹.
A convex lens forms a 10 times magnified image of an object. If the length of the object is 5 cm, determine the length of the image.
Magnification (m) = 10
Height of object (h₁) = 5 cm
Height of image (h₂) = ?
We know,
m = \frac{\text{h₂}}{\text{h₁}}
Therefore,
h₂ = m × h₁
= 10 × 5
= 50 cm
Hence, the length of the image is 50 cm.
The length of a wire having a resistance of 15 ohms is stretched by 20%. If the volume of the wire remains constant after stretching and its cross-section remains uniform throughout, determine the new resistance of the wire
Initial resistance (R₁) = 15 Ω
Let initial length = L₁
After stretching by 20%,
Final Length (L₂) = L₁ + 20% of L₁ = 1.2L₁
Since the volume of the wire remains constant,
A₁L₁ = A₂L₂
Therefore,
A₂ = \frac{\text{A₁L₁}}{\text{L₂}}
= \frac{\text{A₁}}{1.2}
We know,
R = \frac{\text{ρL}}{\text{A}}
Therefore, \frac{\text{R₂}}{\text{R₁}}=\frac{\text{L₂A₁}}{\text{L₁A₂}}
= 1.2 × 1.2
= 1.44
R₂ = 1.44 × 15
= 21.6 Ω
Hence, the new resistance of the wire is 21.6 Ω.
Liquid hydrogen chloride is unable to conduct electricity, but molten sodium chloride is able to conduct electricity — explain
Liquid hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a covalent compound and does not contain free ions in the liquid state. Therefore, it cannot conduct electricity.
On the other hand, molten sodium chloride (NaCl) contains freely moving Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. These ions carry electric charge through the molten salt. Therefore, molten NaCl conducts electricity.
Explain with an example of a suitable ionic compound that its ions do not obey the octet rule.
The octet rule is not obeyed by all ions. For example, lithium hydride (LiH) is an ionic compound.
Li → Li⁺ + e⁻
H + e⁻ → H⁻
The Li⁺ and H⁻ ions have only 2 electrons each in their outermost shell and attain a duplet configuration instead of an octet.
Thus, ions of some ionic compounds such as LiH attain a stable duplet configuration and do not obey the octet rule.
Give an example of a solid and a liquid covalent compound.
Solid covalent compound: Naphthalene (C₁₀H₈)
Liquid covalent compound: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)
Both are covalent compounds in which atoms are bonded by the sharing of electrons.
Write the name of a gas that can be prepared using Kipp’s apparatus. Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of preparation of the gas. [1 + 1]
Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) can be prepared using Kipp’s apparatus.
It is prepared by the reaction of iron sulphide (FeS) with dilute sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄).
FeS + H₂SO₄ → FeSO₄ + H₂S↑
Hence, the gas prepared is hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).
Why does a copper vessel turn green in open air?
Copper reacts slowly with moist air containing oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour and forms a green coating of basic copper carbonate [CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂] on its surface.
Therefore, a copper vessel turns green when exposed to open air for a long time.
Write two reasons why curd and sour fruits are not kept in copper and brass vessels for a long time
Curd and sour fruits contain acids. Therefore, they should not be kept in copper or brass vessels for a long time because:
- The acids react with the metals present in the vessels and form metal salts.
- These metal salts may be toxic and harmful to health, making the food unfit for consumption.
CH₃COOH is an organic compound but NaHCO₃ is not an organic compound; write one reason for each case.
CH₃COOH (acetic acid) is an organic compound because it contains carbon bonded with hydrogen and possesses the characteristic –COOH functional group of organic carboxylic acids.
NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate) is not an organic compound because it is an ionic salt containing the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) and is classified as an inorganic carbon compound.
Show with the help of the structural formula of ethylene that it is an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
Structural formula of ethylene (C₂H₄):
H₂C = CH₂
Ethylene contains a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). Therefore, the valencies of carbon atoms are not fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.
Hence, ethylene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
State and explain Charles’s law. Determine the value of absolute zero on the Celsius scale from Charles’s law. [1+2]
Charles’s Law: At constant pressure, the volume of a fixed mass of gas increases or decreases by 1/273 of its volume at 0°C for every 1°C rise or fall in temperature.
If V₀ is the volume of a gas at 0°C, then its volume at t°C is:
Vt = V₀ \left(1+\frac{\text{t}}{273}\right)
or, Vt = \frac{\text{V₀}(273+\text{t})}{273}
Therefore, \frac{\text{Vₜ}}{273+\text{t}}=\frac{\text{V₀}}{273}
Hence, at constant pressure,
\frac{\text{V}}{\text{T}}=\text{Constant}
Determination of Absolute Zero
According to Charles’s law,
Vt = V₀ \left(1+\frac{\text{t}}{273}\right)
At absolute zero, the volume of an ideal gas theoretically becomes zero.
Therefore, 0 = V₀ \left(1+\frac{\text{t}}{273}\right)
or, 1 + \frac{\text{t}}{273} = 0
or, t = −273°C
Hence, the value of absolute zero on the Celsius scale is −273°C.
What mass of KClO₃ needs to be heated to produce the same amount of oxygen as is obtained by heating 216 g of HgO?
[Hg = 200, K = 39, Cl = 35.5, O = 16]
(i) From HgO
Balanced equation: 2HgO → 2Hg + O₂
Molar mass of HgO = 200 + 16 = 216 g/mol
From the equation,
2 × 216 g HgO produces 32 g O₂
Therefore, 216 g HgO produces = \frac{32\times216}{2\times216} = 16 g O₂
Now,
Balanced equation for KClO₃:
2KClO₃ → 2KCl + 3O₂
Molar mass of KClO₃ = 39 + 35.5 + (16 × 3)
= 122.5 g/mol
From the equation,
2 × 122.5 g KClO₃ produces 3 × 32 g O₂
Therefore, mass of KClO₃ required to produce 16 g O₂
= \frac{2\times122.5\times16}{3\times32}
= 40.83 g
Hence, 40.83 g of KClO₃ must be heated.
Heating 200 g of a metallic carbonate produces 112 g of metallic oxide and a gaseous compound. The vapour density of the gaseous compound is 22. How many moles of the gaseous compound are produced in the reaction?
Mass of metallic carbonate = 200 g
Mass of metallic oxide = 112 g
Therefore, Mass of gaseous compound
= 200 − 112
= 88 g
Given, Vapour density = 22
Molar mass of gas = 2 × Vapour density
= 2 × 22
= 44 g/mol
Number of moles = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Molar Mass}}
= \frac{88}{44}
= 2 mol
Hence, 2 moles of the gaseous compound are produced.
Explain the statement: “The coefficient of linear expansion of iron is 12 × 10⁻⁶ /°C”. Give an example of volume expansion of a liquid due to the application of heat. [2+1]
The coefficient of linear expansion of iron is 12 × 10⁻⁶ /°C means that for every 1°C rise in temperature, a unit length of iron increases in length by 12 × 10⁻⁶ of its original length.
For example, if the initial length of an iron rod is 1 m, then for a rise of temperature of 1°C, increase in length will be:
ΔL = 12 × 10⁻⁶ m
Define the coefficient of apparent expansion and the coefficient of real expansion of a liquid. Write the relationship between them. [2+1]
Coefficient of apparent expansion: The apparent increase in volume per unit original volume of a liquid for a rise in temperature of 1°C is called the coefficient of apparent expansion of the liquid.
Coefficient of real expansion: The actual increase in volume per unit original volume of a liquid for a rise in temperature of 1°C is called the coefficient of real expansion of the liquid.
The relationship is:
Coefficient of real expansion = Coefficient of apparent expansion + Coefficient of volume expansion of the vessel
or, γr = γa + γv
Establish the relationship between radius of curvature (r) and focal length (f) for a convex mirror. Write one use of a concave mirror. [2+1]

Let P, F and C be the pole, focus and centre of curvature of the convex mirror.
According to the law of reflection, ∠MQC’ = ∠NQC’
Since MQ ∥ PC, ∠CQC’ = ∠FCQ
Therefore, ∠FCQ = ∠FQC
Hence, FC = FQ
For paraxial rays, FQ ≈ FP = f
Therefore, FC = FP = f
Now, CP = CF + FP = 2f
Since CP = r,
r = 2f or, f = \frac{\text{r}}{2}
Use of concave mirror: It is used as a reflector in vehicle headlights.
For the same angle of incidence, the angles of refraction in three different media A, B and C are 30°, 45° and 60° respectively. In which medium is the speed of light minimum and why? [3]
For the same angle of incidence,
Angle of refraction in medium A = 30°
Angle of refraction in medium B = 45°
Angle of refraction in medium C = 60°
According to Snell’s law,
μ = \frac{\sin\text{i}}{\sin\text{r}}
Since the angle of incidence i is the same for all three media, the medium having the smallest angle of refraction has the highest refractive index.
Therefore,
μA > μB > μC
Also, v = \frac{\text{c}}{\text{μ}}
Thus, greater refractive index means lower speed of light.
Hence, the speed of light is minimum in medium A because it has the smallest angle of refraction (30°) and therefore the highest refractive index.
Write two causes of short-sightedness or myopia. Which type of lens is used to correct it? [2+1]
Myopia may occur due to:
- Excessive curvature of the eye lens, which increases its converging power.
- Elongation of the eyeball, which causes the image of a distant object to form in front of the retina.
Correction- Myopia is corrected by using a concave lens of suitable focal length.
The cost per B.O.T unit of electrical energy is ₹6. Calculate the total cost of electricity used in a month of 30 days if ten 50 W bulbs are used for 10 hours daily. [3]
Number of bulbs = 10
Power of each bulb = 50 W
Total power (P) = 10 × 50 = 500 W = 0.5 kW
Time used per day = 10 hours
Total time in 30 days (t) = 10 × 30 = 300 hours
Electrical energy consumed = 0.5 × 300
= 150 kWh = 150 B.O.T units
Total cost = 150 × 6 (Cost per unit = ₹6)
= ₹900
Hence, the total cost of electricity for 30 days is ₹900.
When two conductors are connected in series, the equivalent resistance is 25 Ω, and when connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance is 6 Ω. Determine the resistance of each conductor.
Let the resistances be R₁ and R₂.
For series combination:
R₁ + R₂ = 25 Ω …(1)
For parallel combination: 6 = \frac{\text{R₁R₂}}{\text{R₁}+\text{R₂}}
Using (1),
6 = \frac{\text{R₁R₂}}{25}
Therefore,
R₁R₂ = 150 …(2)
From (1), R₂ = 25 − R₁
Putting in (2), R₁(25 − R₁) = 150
25R₁ − R₁² = 150
⇒ R₁² − 25R₁ + 150 = 0
⇒ R₁² − 15R₁ − 10R₁ + 150 = 0
⇒ R₁(R₁ − 15) − 10(R₁ − 15) = 0
⇒ (R₁ − 15)(R₁ − 10) = 0
⇒ R₁ = 15 Ω or 10 Ω
Therefore, R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω
Mention any two advantages of using alternating current over direct current. Why is hydroelectric power generation more environmentally friendly than thermal power generation? [1+2]
Two advantages of AC over DC
- AC voltage can be easily increased or decreased using a transformer.
- AC can be transmitted over long distances with less power loss by transmitting it at high voltage.
Hydroelectric power is more environmentally friendly because:
- It uses flowing or stored water, which is a renewable source of energy.
- It does not involve the burning of fossil fuels and hence produces almost no smoke, CO₂ or other harmful gases during electricity generation.
Explain nuclear fission. Why is nuclear fission essential for nuclear fusion? [2+1]
Nuclear Fission
The process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, with the release of a large amount of energy and neutrons, is called nuclear fission.
For example:
²³⁵U + ¹n → ¹⁴¹Ba + ⁹²Kr + 3¹n + Energy
Nuclear fusion requires an extremely high temperature to occur. The large amount of heat produced by nuclear fission is used to provide this high temperature and initiate nuclear fusion.
What is meant by the electronegativity of an element? How does the electronegativity of Group 1 elements in the long periodic table change from top to bottom? [1+2]
Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself.
In Group 1, electronegativity decreases from top to bottom. This is because down the group the atomic size increases. The attraction of the nucleus for the shared pair of electrons decreases.
Hence, Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
What is the important conclusion of Moseley’s experiment? What is the importance of this conclusion regarding the periodic table? [2+1]
From Moseley’s experiment, it was concluded that the atomic number, and not the atomic mass, is the fundamental property of an element.
Therefore, the modern periodic law is based on atomic number: The physical and chemical properties of elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.
This removed the defects caused by arranging elements according to their atomic masses.
In the extraction of aluminium by electrolysis, what substances are present in the molten mixture besides pure alumina? What are used as the cathode and anode in this electrolysis? [2+1]
Besides pure alumina (Al₂O₃), the molten mixture contains:
- Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆)
- Fluorspar (CaF₂)
In the electrolytic cell:
- Cathode: Carbon lining of the iron tank
- Anode: Graphite (carbon) rods
Write how nitric oxide is produced by the oxidation of ammonia with atmospheric oxygen, mentioning the name of the catalyst and the reaction conditions. Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction. [2+1]
In the Ostwald process, ammonia is oxidised by atmospheric oxygen by passing a mixture of ammonia and air over a wired mesh of platinum or platinum–rhodium catalyst at a temperature of 750–900°C (1023–1173 K).
Nitric oxide is formed according to the reaction:
4NH₃ + 5O₂ → 4NO + 6H₂O + Heat
Thus, nitric oxide (NO) is obtained by the catalytic oxidation of ammonia with atmospheric oxygen.
Catalyst: Platinum or platinum–rhodium wired mesh
Temperature: 750–900°C (1023–1173 K)
Write the balanced chemical equation for the addition reaction of hydrogen with acetylene and mention any two conditions for the reaction. [3]
Acetylene undergoes addition reaction with hydrogen to form ethane.
CH≡CH + H₂ {\overset{Ni}{\longrightarrow}} CH₂=CH₂ + H₂ {\overset{Ni}{\longrightarrow}} CH₃–CH₃
Conditions:
- Nickel (Ni) is used as a catalyst.
- The reaction is carried out on heating.
Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate. Between jute and polythene, which one is eco-friendly for packaging purposes and why? [1+2]
Acetic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to form sodium acetate, water and carbon dioxide.
CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂↑
Jute is more eco-friendly than polythene for packaging because:
- Jute is biodegradable and decomposes naturally.
- Polythene is non-biodegradable and causes environmental pollution.
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