CLASS X – SCIENCE
Time: 1 Hour
Maximum Marks: 50
Instructions:
• All questions are compulsory
• Each question carries 1 mark
• Choose the most appropriate option
SECTION – A (MCQs)
Q1.
A farmer tests the pH of soil samples from four plots P, Q, R and S. The pH values recorded are
4.5, 6.8, 8.2 and 5.2 respectively. Hydrangea plants show blue flowers in acidic soil and pink
flowers in alkaline soil.
Which plot will definitely show blue flowers?
A. Plot Q
B. Plot R
C. Plot P
D. Plot S
Q2.
Assertion (A): Aqueous solutions of acids conduct electricity.
Reason (R): Acids produce hydronium ions only in aqueous solutions.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q3.
Equal volumes of ethanol, ethanoic acid, propane and ethene are completely burnt under
identical conditions. Which substance will release the maximum amount of heat per mole?
A. Ethene
B. Ethanol
C. Propane
D. Ethanoic acid
Q4.
A student connects a voltmeter across a resistor and an ammeter in series with it. When the
resistance of the resistor is increased without changing the cell, what will happen?
A. Both current and potential difference increase
B. Current decreases, potential difference remains same
C. Current remains same, potential difference increases
D. Both current and potential difference decrease
Q5.
A tall pea plant (TT) is crossed with a short pea plant (tt). The F₁ generation is allowed to self-
pollinate. What percentage of plants in F₂ will be heterozygous tall?
A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%
Q6.
Diffusion alone is sufficient for oxygen transport in flatworms but not in humans because:
A. Humans have lungs but flatworms do not
B. Flatworms have moist skin
C. Humans have a complex multicellular body
D. Humans breathe faster
Q7.
Assertion (A): A myopic person cannot see distant objects clearly.
Reason (R): The image of distant objects is formed behind the retina.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q8.
The power of a lens is −2 D. The nature of the lens and focal length are:
A. Convex, 0.5 m
B. Concave, −0.5 m
C. Convex, −0.5 m
D. Concave, 0.5 m
Q9.
Three resistors of 2 Ω each are connected to obtain minimum resistance. The equivalent
resistance is:
A. 6 Ω
B. 2 Ω
C. 1.5 Ω
D. 0.67 Ω
Q10.
A diagram shows human lungs with alveoli surrounded by capillaries. The most important
feature that enables rapid diffusion of gases is:
A. Thick muscular walls
B. Large surface area
C. Presence of ribs
D. Slow blood flow
Q11.
Which of the following metals is stored under kerosene oil?
A. Zinc
B. Iron
C. Sodium
D. Copper
Q12.
Assertion (A): Rusting of iron is faster in coastal areas.
Reason (R): Presence of moisture and salts increases conductivity.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q13.
Why is solar cooker not suitable for use at night?
A. Sunlight is absent
B. Reflectors stop working
C. Heat cannot be trapped
D. Black surface cools down
Q14.
Which compound does not undergo esterification?
A. Ethanol
B. Methanol
C. Ethanoic acid
D. Ethene
Q15.
A colour-blind man marries a normal woman who is a carrier. The probability of a colour-blind
son is:
A. 0%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 75%
Q16.
A V–I graph of a conductor is a straight line through the origin. This indicates:
A. Non-ohmic behaviour
B. Infinite resistance
C. Ohm’s law is followed
D. Resistance is zero
Q17.
Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?
A. Larynx
B. Epiglottis
C. Pharynx
D. Diaphragm
Q18.
A person can read a book clearly only when it is held very close to the eyes. The defect is:
A. Hypermetropia
B. Myopia
C. Presbyopia
D. Astigmatism
Q19.
Biomagnification increases from lower to higher trophic levels because:
A. Energy increases
B. Toxins are biodegradable
C. Toxins accumulate in tissues
D. Organisms excrete toxins rapidly
Q20.
Which reaction represents both oxidation and reduction?
A. Neutralisation
B. Displacement
C. Decomposition
D. Double displacement
Q21.
A student adds excess carbon dioxide gas to freshly prepared lime water continuously. The
solution first turns milky and then becomes clear. This happens because:
A. Calcium carbonate is first formed and then decomposes
B. Calcium hydroxide first reacts and then evaporates
C. Insoluble calcium carbonate converts into soluble calcium bicarbonate
D. Carbon dioxide neutralises the base completely
Q22.
Assertion (A): Ethanoic acid is a weak acid.
Reason (R): It partially ionises in aqueous solution.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q23.
Two copper wires X and Y have same length but radius of X is double that of Y. If resistance of
Y is R, the resistance of X is:
A. R
B. R/2
C. R/4
D. 2R
Q24.
A diagram shows a stomatal pore surrounded by two guard cells. The pore closes when:
A. Guard cells gain water and become turgid
B. Guard cells lose water and become flaccid
C. Carbon dioxide concentration increases
D. Light intensity increases
Q25.
Which of the following traits is least likely to be inherited?
A. Blood group
B. Colour of eyes
C. Ability to swim
D. Shape of ear lobes
Q26.
An object is placed at the principal focus of a convex lens. The image formed will be:
A. At focus, real and inverted
B. At infinity, real and inverted
C. At infinity, virtual and erect
D. At centre of curvature, real
Q27.
Which property of metals is used in making electrical wires?
A. Hardness
B. Sonority
C. Ductility
D. Malleability
Q28.
Assertion (A): The rate of breathing increases during exercise.
Reason (R): More oxygen is required for cellular respiration.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q29.
Why are biogas plants considered environment friendly?
A. They produce only carbon dioxide
B. They reduce usage of fossil fuels
C. They release methane into air
D. They consume large amount of biomass
Q30.
A metal reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid producing hydrogen gas. The reaction will be fastest
if the metal is:
A. Iron
B. Zinc
C. Copper
D. Magnesium
Q31.
In a ray diagram of the human eye, image of a distant object is formed in front of the retina.
The defect is corrected using:
A. Convex lens
B. Concave lens
C. Bifocal lens
D. Cylindrical lens
Q32.
Which pair represents homologous series?
A. CH₄ and C₂H₄
B. C₂H₅OH and CH₃COOH
C. C₂H₆ and C₃H₈
D. C₂H₄ and C₂H₂
Q33.
Fishes at higher trophic levels contain higher concentration of mercury due to:
A. Diffusion
B. Biodegradation
C. Biomagnification
D. Bioaccumulation only
Q34.
An element belongs to group 1 and period 3. The number of valence electrons is:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 8
Q35.
Which process releases maximum energy?
A. Glycolysis
B. Anaerobic respiration
C. Aerobic respiration
D. Fermentation
Q36.
Assertion (A): Electric bulbs glow when current passes through them.
Reason (R): Electric current produces heating effect.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q37.
Which of the following ensures genetic variation?
A. Binary fission
B. Fragmentation
C. Sexual reproduction
D. Vegetative propagation
Q38.
Which metal will NOT displace hydrogen from dilute acids?
A. Magnesium
B. Zinc
C. Iron
D. Copper
Q39.
If the focal length of a lens is 25 cm, its power is:
A. +4 D
B. −4 D
C. +0.25 D
D. −0.25 D
Q40.
Why is haemoglobin essential in humans?
A. Oxygen diffuses very fast
B. Blood flows slowly
C. Diffusion alone is insufficient
D. Lungs have small surface area
Q41.
Assertion (A): Deforestation leads to soil erosion.
Reason (R): Roots of plants bind soil particles together.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Q42.
Which compound will decolourise bromine water?
A. Ethane
B. Ethene
C. Ethanol
D. Ethanoic acid
Q43.
A fuse wire has:
A. High resistance and low melting point
B. Low resistance and high melting point
C. High resistance and high melting point
D. Low resistance and low melting point
Q44.
Which statement is correct about acquired traits?
A. They are inherited
B. They are passed through genes
C. They do not affect DNA
D. They increase variation
Q45.
Why do we see a rainbow after rain?
A. Dispersion and scattering
B. Reflection and refraction
C. Refraction, dispersion and total internal reflection
D. Diffraction of light
Q46.
Why are thermal power plants located near coal fields?
A. To save transport cost
B. Coal is renewable
C. Water availability
D. Less pollution
Q47.
Which reaction represents a combination reaction?
A. CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
B. Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
C. CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂
D. NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
Q48.
Which structure increases surface area for absorption in small intestine?
A. Rugae
B. Villi
C. Alveoli
D. Nephrons
Q49.
Galvanisation prevents rusting by:
A. Painting iron
B. Alloying iron
C. Coating iron with zinc
D. Removing moisture
Q50.
Assertion (A): Electric power is the rate of doing electric work.
Reason (R): Power = Voltage × Current.
A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true