SECTION A: CHEMISTRY (FULL CASES)
Case 1: Rohan's Cake & White Powder 'X'
Rohan's mother was making a cake. She added a white powder 'X' to the flour. When the cake was baked,
it became soft and fluffy. However, Rohan noticed a slightly bitter taste. He realized she forgot to add a
small amount of tartaric acid. Later, in his chemistry lab, Rohan found that 'X' is produced using the
Solvay process, where cold and concentrated brine is reacted with ammonia and carbon dioxide.
a) Identify the white powder 'X' and write its chemical name.
b) Why did the cake become soft and fluffy? Write the chemical reaction involved during heating.
c) Why was the cake bitter, and how does tartaric acid help in removing that bitterness?
d) What is the nature of the aqueous solution of 'X' (Acidic/Basic/Neutral)?
ANS 1:
a) Powder 'X' is Baking Soda . Chemical Name: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate ($NaHCO_3$).
b) When heated, it decomposes to release $CO_2$ gas , which bubbles out making the cake rise.
Reaction: $2NaHCO_3 \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} Na_2CO_3 + H_2O + CO_2 \uparrow$
c) Bitterness is due to $Na_2CO_3$ formed. Tartaric acid is added to neutralize this sodium carbonate,
forming a pleasant tasting salt.
d) Nature: Basic .
Case 2: Industrial Electrolysis of Brine
In a massive industrial plant, electricity is passed through an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (brine).
The process results in the decomposition of brine to give three very useful products. A gas 'A' is liberated
at the anode, which is used for disinfecting drinking water. A gas 'B' is liberated at the cathode, which is
used as a fuel for rockets. A solution 'C' is formed near the cathode, which is used for de-greasing metals
and making soaps.
a) Name the process described above.
b) Identify A, B, and C.
c) Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction taking place.
d) If gas 'A' is passed over dry slaked lime, which important bleaching agent is formed?
ANS 2:
a) This is the Chlor-alkali process .
b) A = Chlorine ($Cl_2$) , B = Hydrogen ($H_2$) , C = Sodium Hydroxide ($NaOH$) .
c) $2NaCl(aq) + 2H_2O(l) \rightarrow 2NaOH(aq) + Cl_2(g) + H_2(g)$
d) Bleaching Powder ($CaOCl_2$) is formed.
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Case 3: Rusting and Prevention
Iron is the most widely used metal, but it has a major drawback: it rusts. Rusting is an oxidation reaction
that occurs in the presence of both air and moisture. To prevent this, various methods like galvanization,
painting, and alloying are used. In galvanization, a thin layer of a more reactive metal is applied. In
contrast, stainless steel is an alloy where iron is mixed with Nickel and Chromium to make it resistant to
corrosion.
a) What is the chemical formula of rust?
b) Which metal is used for the coating in the process of galvanization?
c) Why does a galvanized iron object not rust even if the coating is scratched?
d) How does the property of iron change when it is converted into stainless steel?
ANS 3:
a) Formula: $Fe_2O_3 \cdot xH_2O$ (Hydrated Ferric Oxide).
b) Zinc ($Zn$) is used.
c) Zinc is more reactive than iron; it undergoes oxidation instead of iron even if the surface is scratched
(sacrificial protection).
d) It becomes harder, stronger , and completely rust-resistant .
Case 4: Water of Crystallization
A student took a few crystals of Copper Sulphate in a dry test tube and heated it over a flame. He
observed that the blue color of the crystals disappeared, and they turned white. Water droplets were also
seen on the upper cooler parts of the test tube. After cooling, when he added 2-3 drops of water back
onto the white sample, the blue color reappeared.
a) What is the chemical formula of the blue Copper Sulphate crystals?
b) What is the term used for the fixed number of water molecules attached to the salt?
c) Why did the blue color disappear on heating?
d) Is the regain of blue color upon adding water a physical or chemical change? Justify.
ANS 4:
a) Formula: $CuSO_4 \cdot 5H_2O$ .
b) Water of Crystallization .
c) Heat removes the water molecules that give the crystals their blue color and crystalline structure .
d) Physical change . Adding water just restores the hydrated form without changing the chemical identity
permanently.
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Case 5: pH in Digestive System
The pH of our body is tightly regulated between 7.0 and 7.8. Similarly, in our digestive system, the
stomach produces Hydrochloric acid which helps in the digestion of food without harming the stomach.
However, during indigestion, the stomach produces too much acid causing pain and irritation. To get relief,
people use bases called antacids.
a) What is the approximate pH of a healthy human stomach?
b) Name a common antacid used to treat indigestion and write its chemical formula.
c) What is the reaction between an antacid and stomach acid called?
d) How does the pH of the mouth lead to tooth decay?
a) Around 1.5 - 3.5 .
b) Milk of Magnesia [$Mg(OH)_2$].
c) Neutralization reaction .
d) If pH falls below 5.5 , bacteria produce acids that corrode the Calcium Phosphate enamel.
Case 6: Versatile Nature of Carbon
Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise to large molecules.
This property is called catenation. Carbon also shows tetravalency, meaning it can bond with four other
atoms. Because of these two properties, carbon forms a massive variety of compounds.
a) Define Catenation.
b) Why can't carbon form $C^{4+}$ or $C^{4-}$ ions easily?
c) Draw the electron dot structure of Ethane ($C_2H_6$).
d) What is a homologous series? Give an example of two consecutive members.
a) Self-linking property to form long chains or rings .
b) High energy is required to lose/gain 4 electrons; nucleus cannot hold 10 electrons ($C^{4-}$) or exist
with only 2 electrons ($C^{4+}$).
c) (Drawing: 2 Carbon dots connected with 3 Hydrogen dots each).
d) Series with same functional group, differing by $-CH_2$ unit . E.g., Methane ($CH_4$) & Ethane
($C_2H_6$).
Case 7: Amphoteric Oxides
Most metal oxides are basic in nature because they react with water to form bases or react with acids to
form salts. However, some metal oxides, such as Aluminum oxide and Zinc oxide, show both acidic as well
as basic behavior. They react with both acids as well as bases to produce salt and water.
a) What are amphoteric oxides?
b) Write the reaction of $Al_2O_3$ with $HCl$.
c) Write the reaction of $Al_2O_3$ with $NaOH$.
d) Name the salt formed when Zinc Oxide reacts with Sodium Hydroxide.
a) Oxides that react with both acids and bases .
b) $Al_2O_3 + 6HCl \rightarrow 2AlCl_3 + 3H_2O$
c) $Al_2O_3 + 2NaOH \rightarrow 2NaAlO_2 + H_2O$
d) Sodium Zincate ($Na_2ZnO_2$).
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SECTION B: BIOLOGY (FULL CASES)
Case 8: Double Circulation in Humans
In humans, the blood goes through the heart twice during each cycle. This consists of pulmonary
circulation and systemic circulation. This separation allows for a highly efficient supply of oxygen to the
body, which is necessary for warm-blooded animals to maintain their body temperature.
a) Why is it necessary to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood?
b) Which chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?
c) What is the function of the 'Pulmonary Artery'?
d) Why are the walls of the ventricles thicker than the walls of the atria?
a) For high energy needs and maintaining constant body temperature.
b) Left Atrium .
c) Carries deoxygenated blood from heart to lungs.
d) To pump blood with high pressure throughout the body.
Case 9: Nephron and Excretion
The kidneys contain filtration units called nephrons. A nephron consists of a cup-shaped Bowman’s
capsule which encloses a cluster of capillaries called the Glomerulus. As blood flows through the
glomerulus, water and small solutes are filtered. As this filtrate flows through the tubule, useful
substances are reabsorbed.
a) What is the name of the liquid filtered into the Bowman’s capsule?
b) Name two substances that are selectively reabsorbed.
c) What is the main nitrogenous waste excreted in human urine?
d) How is the amount of water reabsorbed regulated in the body?
a) Glomerular filtrate .
b) Glucose and Amino acids .
c) Urea .
d) Regulated by ADH hormone depending on water levels in body.
Case 10: Plant Responses (Phototropism)
Plants respond to stimuli using hormones. For example, when a plant is placed near a window, it bends
towards the light. This is called phototropism. This movement is caused by a hormone called Auxin, which
synthesizes at the shoot tip and helps the cells to grow longer.
a) Define Phototropism.
b) How does Auxin cause the plant to bend towards light?
c) Name a plant hormone that inhibits growth and causes wilting.
d) Which plant hormone is responsible for the ripening of fruits?
a) Growth/Movement towards light .
b) Auxin moves to the shaded side , making those cells grow longer, resulting in bending.
c) Abscisic Acid .
d) Ethylene .
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Case 11: Endocrine System
The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood. The Pituitary
gland is the 'Master Gland'. Excess Growth Hormone leads to gigantism, while deficiency leads to
dwarfism.
a) Why are endocrine glands called 'ductless glands'?
b) Where is the Thyroid gland located, and which hormone does it secrete?
c) What is the function of Adrenaline?
d) Explain the 'Feedback Mechanism' with Insulin.
a) No ducts; hormones go directly into blood .
b) Location: Neck ; Hormone: Thyroxine .
c) Prepares body for emergency (Flight or Fight).
d) Pancreas detects high sugar $\rightarrow$ secretes Insulin ; Level drops $\rightarrow$ secretion stops.
Case 12: Types of Respiration
In yeast, glucose is broken down into ethanol and $CO_2$. In our muscles, during heavy exercise, glucose
is converted into lactic acid when oxygen supply is insufficient. This causes muscle cramps.
a) Word equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast.
b) Why do we get muscle cramps after heavy exercise?
c) Where does the breakdown of pyruvate take place in a cell?
d) How is energy stored in the cell?
a) Glucose $\rightarrow$ Ethanol + $CO_2$ + Energy .
b) Due to Lactic acid buildup .
c) Mitochondria .
d) In the form of ATP .
Case 13: Mendel's Pea Experiments
Mendel crossed a tall plant (TT) with a short plant (tt). In F1, only tall plants appeared. Self-pollination
of F1 gave tall and short in specific ratio.
a) Why did short trait disappear in F1?
b) Phenotypic ratio in F2?
c) Genotypic ratio in F2?
d) Define 'Dominant Trait'.
a) Because it is a recessive trait .
b) 3 : 1 .
c) 1 : 2 : 1 (TT : Tt : tt).
d) Trait that expresses itself even if only one copy is present.
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SECTION C: PHYSICS (FULL CASES)
Case 15: Dentist's Spherical Mirror
A dentist uses a special type of spherical mirror to examine a small cavity. To get a clear view, the
dentist holds the mirror very close to the tooth. This results in an erect and highly magnified image of
the cavity.
a) Which type of spherical mirror is used?
b) Where is the tooth placed with respect to the mirror?
c) What is the nature of the image formed?
d) If focal length is 15 cm, possible object distance?
a) Concave Mirror .
b) Between Pole (P) and Focus (F) .
c) Virtual, Erect, and Magnified .
d) Any value < 15cm (e.g., 10 cm ).
Case 16: Refraction in Glass Slab
Light ray bends towards normal when entering glass and away when leaving. The emergent ray is parallel
to the incident ray but shifted sideways (lateral displacement).
a) Why does light bend in glass?
b) Define 'Refractive Index'.
c) Factors for lateral displacement?
d) Speed of light in glass if n=1.5?
a) Change in speed of light .
b) Ratio of speed of light in air to speed in medium.
c) Thickness, angle of incidence, refractive index.
d) $v = c/n = 3 \times 10^8 / 1.5 = \mathbf{2 \times 10^8 \, m/s}$.
Case 18: Household Electric Circuits
Household appliances are connected in parallel. A fuse wire with low melting point is used for safety. If
current exceeds limit, fuse melts.
a) Why parallel connection?
b) How does a fuse protect?
c) What is 'Short-circuiting'?
d) 2kW oven, 220V, 5A fuse - calculation?
a) Independent switches and same voltage .
b) It melts and breaks the circuit.
c) Live and Neutral wires touch directly .
d) $I = 2000/220 = \mathbf{9.09 \, A}$. Since 9.09A > 5A , fuse will blow.
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Case 19: Resistance Factors
Resistance (R) is directly proportional to length (L) and inversely to area (A). Alloys like Nichrome have
higher resistance than Copper.
a) State Ohm's Law.
b) What happens to R if Area is doubled?
c) Define 'Resistivity'. Does it change with length?
d) Why use alloys in heaters?
a) $V = IR$ (at constant temp).
b) R becomes half .
c) Resistance of unit cube. No change with length.
d) High resistivity; doesn't oxidize easily.
Case 21: Atmospheric Phenomena
Atmospheric refraction causes twinkling of stars and advanced sunrise. Blue sky and red sun are due to
scattering.
a) Stars twinkle, planets don't - why?
b) Why sun appears flattened at sunrise?
c) Why blue sky?
d) Why reddish sun at sunset?
a) Stars are point sources far away.
b) Atmospheric Refraction .
c) Scattering of blue light by air particles.
d) Light travels longer path; blue scatters away, leaving Red .
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