✦ ACHIEVERS ACADEMY ✦

Science Worksheet
C o m p l e t e Q u e s t i o n s & A n s w e rs — C l a s s 1 0

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 · Chemical Reactions & 2–5

Equations Marks

Chapter 5 · Life Processes 1–5 Marks

Chapter 9 · Light: Reflection & 1–5 Marks +

Refraction Numericals

CHAPTER ONE

01 Chemical Reactions &

Equations

★★ 2 MARKS

Q1 Why do we need to balance a skeletal chemical

equation?

A skeletal equation only shows reactants and products

but does not follow the Law of Conservation of Mass —
atoms cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical
reaction.

Balancing ensures equal numbers of each type of atom

on both sides, making the equation scientifically
accurate and valid.

Q2 Give two pieces of information that make a

chemical equation more useful (informative).

(i) Physical states of reactants and products — (s) solid,

(l) liquid, (g) gas, (aq) aqueous.

(ii) Conditions required — temperature, pressure,

catalyst — written above or below the arrow (e.g., heat
symbol Δ, sunlight, MnO₂ as catalyst).

Q3 X + Barium chloride → Y + Sodium chloride. (a)

Identify X and Y. (b) Name the type of reaction.

(a) X = Na₂SO₄ (Sodium sulphate) | Y = BaSO₄ (Barium

sulphate)

Na₂SO₄ + BaCl₂ → BaSO₄↓ + 2NaCl

(b) Type Double displacement / Precipitation reaction

— BaSO₄ forms as an insoluble precipitate.

Q4 Name the reducing agent in: 3MnO₂ + 4Al →

3Mn + 2Al₂O₃. Which is more reactive — Mn or
Al, and why?

Reducing agent: Aluminium (Al) — Al loses electrons

and gets oxidised (Al → Al₂O₃), thereby reducing MnO₂
to Mn.

Al is more reactive than Mn — it displaces Mn from its

oxide, which is only possible if Al has a greater
tendency to lose electrons (higher position in reactivity
series).

Q5 (i) Write the balanced equation for

photosynthesis. (ii) When do desert plants take
up CO₂ and perform photosynthesis?

6CO₂ + 6H₂O →(sunlight, chlorophyll)→

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

(ii) Desert (CAM) plants open their stomata at night to

absorb CO₂ (minimising water loss), store it as malic
acid, then use it for photosynthesis during the day when
stomata are closed.

Q6 What is observed when potassium iodide

solution is added to lead nitrate solution?
Name the type of reaction and write the
balanced equation.

Observation: A bright yellow precipitate of lead iodide

(PbI₂) is formed.

Type Double displacement / Precipitation reaction.

Pb(NO₃)₂ + 2KI → PbI₂↓ + 2KNO₃

Q7 Write balanced equations: (i) Silver bromide

decomposes in sunlight. (ii) Sodium metal
reacts with water.

2AgBr →(sunlight)→ 2Ag + Br₂

[Photochemical decomposition]

2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂↑ [Displacement /

Redox]

Q8 Identify the type of reaction: (a)

CH₄+2O₂→CO₂+2H₂O (b)
Pb(NO₃)₂+2KI→PbI₂+2KNO₃ (c)
CaO+H₂O→Ca(OH)₂ (d) CuSO₄+Zn→ZnSO₄+Cu

(a) Combustion (also Redox / Exothermic)

(b) Double Displacement / Precipitation

(c) Combination / Exothermic

(d) Displacement / Redox

Q9 Write balanced equation for Mg + HCl. Name

the products, identify the type of reaction.

Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂↑

Products: Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and Hydrogen

gas (H₂).

Type Displacement reaction (also Redox and

Exothermic).

Q10 Quicklime is added to water in a beaker. State

two important observations and name the type
of reaction.

Observations: (1) The reaction mixture becomes very

hot — heat is released. (2) A hissing sound is produced
and the solid dissolves forming a milky solution (slaked
lime).

CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat

Type Combination reaction + Exothermic reaction.

Q11 What is the colour of ferrous sulphate crystals?

How does the colour change after heating?

FeSO₄·7H₂O crystals are green.

On heating: they first turn white/pale (loss of water of

crystallisation), then form reddish-brown Fe₂O₃ with
release of SO₂ and SO₃ gases.

2FeSO₄ →(Δ)→ Fe₂O₃ + SO₂↑ + SO₃↑

Q12 Give one example each of thermal

decomposition and photochemical
decomposition. Write balanced equations.

Thermal decomposition:

CaCO₃ →(Δ)→ CaO + CO₂↑

Photochemical decomposition:

2AgBr →(sunlight)→ 2Ag + Br₂

Q13 Why does the colour of copper sulphate

solution change when an iron nail is dipped in
it? Write two observations.

Iron is more reactive than copper, so Fe displaces Cu²⁺

from CuSO₄ solution.

Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu

Observations: (1) The blue colour of CuSO₄ fades,

turning pale green (FeSO₄ forms). (2) A reddish-brown
deposit of copper metal appears on the iron nail.

Q14 Translate: BaCl₂ + Al₂(SO₄)₃ → AlCl₃ + BaSO₄.

Balance it and state the types of reaction.

3BaCl₂ + Al₂(SO₄)₃ → 2AlCl₃ + 3BaSO₄↓

Types Double displacement reaction AND

Precipitation reaction (BaSO₄ is the insoluble
precipitate).

Q15 Why are decomposition reactions called the

opposite of combination reactions? Write
equations for both.

In combination, two or more substances join to form

one product. In decomposition, one compound breaks
into two or more simpler substances — they are reverse
processes.

Combination: CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂

Decomposition: Ca(OH)₂ →(Δ)→ CaO + H₂O

Q16 Using chemical equations, justify that some

reactions are determined by: (1) change in
colour (2) change in temperature.

(1) 2AgBr →(sunlight)→ 2Ag + Br₂ [white

AgBr turns grey — colour change]

(2) CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat [solution

heats up — temperature change]

Q17 (a) Substance X used for white-washing — what

is it? State its chemical reaction with water. (b)
Why does CuSO₄ solution change colour when
an iron nail is dipped in it?

(a) X = CaO (Calcium oxide / Quicklime).

CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat [Slaked lime —

used for white-washing]

(b) Fe is more reactive than Cu; Fe displaces Cu²⁺ from

CuSO₄. Blue colour fades to green as FeSO₄ forms;
reddish Cu deposits on the nail.

Q18 Balance the following equations: (1)

BaCl₂+H₂SO₄→BaSO₄+HCl (2)
Ca(OH)₂+HNO₃→Ca(NO₃)₂+H₂O (3)
Pb(NO₃)₂→PbO+NO₂+O₂ (4)
MnO₂+HCl→MnCl₂+H₂O+Cl₂

(1) BaCl₂ + H₂SO₄ → BaSO₄ + 2HCl

(2) Ca(OH)₂ + 2HNO₃ → Ca(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O

(3) 2Pb(NO₃)₂ →(Δ)→ 2PbO + 4NO₂ + O₂

(4) MnO₂ + 4HCl → MnCl₂ + 2H₂O + Cl₂

Q19 Write balanced equations and identify type: (1)

Potassium bromide + Barium iodide (2) H₂(g) +
Cl₂(g) → HCl(g)

(1) 2KBr + BaI₂ → 2KI + BaBr₂ [Double

displacement]

(2) H₂(g) + Cl₂(g) → 2HCl(g) [Combination

reaction]

Q20 A zinc plate in CuSO₄ solution: blue colour

fades, holes appear on plate. (1) Reason for
changes. (2) Chemical equation.

(1) Zinc is more reactive than copper. Zn atoms dissolve

into solution as Zn²⁺ ions (creating holes), while Cu²⁺
ions from solution deposit as copper metal on the plate.
Blue colour fades as Cu²⁺ is consumed.

(2) Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu [Displacement /

Redox reaction]

Q21 A white salt on heating gives brown fumes and

a residue. (1) Name the salt. (2) Write the
decomposition equation.

(1) Lead nitrate — Pb(NO₃)₂ (white solid; gives

characteristic brown NO₂ fumes on heating).

(2) 2Pb(NO₃)₂ →(Δ)→ 2PbO + 4NO₂↑ + O₂↑

Q22 When KI is added to Pb(NO₃)₂: (a) Type of

reaction? (b) Balanced equation.

(a) Type Double displacement / Precipitation reaction.

(b) Pb(NO₃)₂ + 2KI → PbI₂↓ + 2KNO₃ [yellow

precipitate of PbI₂]

Q23 Define combination reaction. Give one

example that is also exothermic.

Combination reaction: Two or more substances

combine to form a single new substance.

CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat [Combination +

Exothermic]

★★★ 3 MARKS

Q1 Define decomposition reaction. Give one

example each of thermal and electrolytic
decomposition.

Decomposition reaction: A single compound breaks

down into two or more simpler substances.

Thermal: CaCO₃ →(Δ)→ CaO + CO₂↑

Electrolytic: 2H₂O →(electricity)→ 2H₂↑ +

O₂↑

Q2 Write equations for: (1) Change in colour (2)

Change in temperature (3) Formation of
precipitate.

(1) 2AgBr →(sunlight)→ 2Ag + Br₂ [white →

grey: colour change]

(2) CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat [temperature

rises: exothermic]

(3) Pb(NO₃)₂ + 2KI → PbI₂↓ + 2KNO₃ [yellow

precipitate forms]

Q3 State the type and write equations: (1) Mg wire

burnt in air (2) Electric current through water
(3) NH₃ + HCl.

(1) 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO [Combination +

Exothermic]

(2) 2H₂O →(electricity)→ 2H₂ + O₂

[Electrolytic decomposition]

(3) NH₃ + HCl → NH₄Cl [Combination

reaction]

Q4 (a) Essential condition for 2AgBr → 2Ag + Br₂;

one application. (b) Complete: 2FeSO₄
→(heat)→ Fe₂O₃ + ? (c) Water added to
quicklime.

(a) Condition: Sunlight (photochemical decomposition).

Application: Black-and-white photography.

(b) 2FeSO₄ →(Δ)→ Fe₂O₃ + SO₂↑ + SO₃↑

(c) CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + Heat [vigorous,

highly exothermic]

Q5 2g ferrous sulphate crystals heated. (a) Two

observations (b) Type of reaction (c) Chemical
equation.

(a) Observations: (1) Green crystals turn white/pale then

a brown solid (Fe₂O₃) remains. (2) Suffocating smell of
SO₂/SO₃ gases is produced.

(b) Type Thermal decomposition.

(c) 2FeSO₄ →(Δ)→ Fe₂O₃ + SO₂↑ + SO₃↑

Q6 Write equations: (a) Iron + steam (b)

Magnesium + dil. HCl (c) Copper heated in air.

(a) 3Fe + 4H₂O(steam) → Fe₃O₄ + 4H₂↑

(b) Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂↑

(c) 2Cu + O₂ →(Δ)→ 2CuO [copper turns

black]

Q7 Products when lead nitrate is simply heated.

Balanced equation. Type of reaction.

Products: Lead monoxide (PbO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂),

Oxygen (O₂).

2Pb(NO₃)₂ →(Δ)→ 2PbO + 4NO₂↑ + O₂↑

Type Thermal decomposition.

Q10 What is rancidity? Mention any two ways

rancidity can be prevented.

Rancidity: The oxidation of fats/oils in food by

atmospheric oxygen, producing an unpleasant smell
and taste — food becomes "rancid".

Prevention: (1) Adding antioxidants (e.g., BHA, BHT,

Vitamin E) — they get oxidised preferentially, protecting
the fats. (2) Storing food in airtight containers or in an
atmosphere of an inert gas like nitrogen.

Q12 What is a redox reaction? Identify oxidised and

reduced substances: (1) 2PbO+C→2Pb+CO₂ (2)
MnO₂+4HCl→MnCl₂+2H₂O+Cl₂

Redox reaction: A reaction involving simultaneous

oxidation (loss of electrons/gain of oxygen) and
reduction (gain of electrons/loss of oxygen).

(1) C is oxidised (C→CO₂); Pb is reduced (PbO→Pb).

Reducing agent = C.

(2) HCl is oxidised (Cl⁻→Cl₂); Mn is reduced

(MnO₂→MnCl₂). Reducing agent = HCl.

Q13 Write balanced equation for Thermite

reaction. Identify the type.

Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe (molten)

Type Displacement reaction + Highly exothermic

(used in welding railway tracks).

Q15 (a) Classify: (1) AgNO₃+NaCl→AgCl+NaNO₃ (2)

CaO+H₂O→Ca(OH)₂ (3) 2KClO₃→2KCl+3O₂. (b)
Which is/are precipitation reactions?

(1) Double Displacement / Precipitation

(2) Combination / Exothermic

(3) Thermal Decomposition

(b) Reaction (1) is the precipitation reaction — an

insoluble precipitate of AgCl↓ is formed from soluble
reactants.

★★★★★ 5 MARKS

Q1 (a) Define balanced chemical equation. Why

should it be balanced? (b) Write balanced
equations for: (i) P + Cl₂ → PCl₅ (ii) Burning
natural gas (iii) Respiration.

(a) A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers of

atoms of each element on both sides. It must be
balanced to obey the Law of Conservation of Mass —
matter cannot be created or destroyed.

(b)(i) P₄ + 10Cl₂ → 4PCl₅

(b)(ii) CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O [combustion

of methane / natural gas]

(b)(iii) C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy

Q2 (a) Two ways food industries prevent rancidity.

(b) Discuss the importance of decomposition
reactions in metal industry.

(a) (1) Antioxidants (BHA, BHT, ascorbic acid) added to

food — they oxidise preferentially, protecting fats/oils.
(2) Nitrogen/inert gas packaging — inert atmosphere
prevents oxidation of fats.

(b) Importance in metal industry: (1) Calcination:

ZnCO₃ →(Δ)→ ZnO + CO₂ (carbonate ores decomposed to
oxides for easier reduction). (2) Electrolytic
decomposition used to extract highly reactive metals
like Al and Na from their molten ores. (3) Roasting
converts sulphide ores to oxides: 2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO +
2SO₂.

Q3 (a) One example of decomposition by

electricity, heat, and light. (b) Why can copper
displace silver from AgNO₃ but silver cannot
displace copper from CuSO₄?

(a) Electricity: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂

Heat: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂

Light: 2AgBr → 2Ag + Br₂

(b) In the reactivity series, copper is more reactive than

silver. A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive
metal from its salt solution.

Cu + 2AgNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag ✓

Silver is less reactive than copper, so Ag cannot provide

electrons to displace Cu²⁺ — no reaction occurs.

05
CHAPTER FIVE

Life Processes

★ 1 MARK

Q1 Mention the raw material required for

photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), sunlight, and

chlorophyll.

Q2 Consequences of deficiency of haemoglobin in

the body?

Anaemia — reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood,

leading to fatigue, weakness, and breathlessness.

Q3 Green dot-like structures seen in leaf cells

under microscope — what are they, and why
green?

Chloroplasts; they appear green because they contain

the pigment chlorophyll.

Q4 State any one difference between autotrophic

and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

Autotrophs synthesise their own food from inorganic

substances using light or chemical energy (e.g., plants
via photosynthesis). Heterotrophs cannot make their
own food and depend on other organisms (e.g., animals,
fungi).

Q5 Why do multicellular organisms require

special organs for gas exchange?

Their body surface area-to-volume ratio is too small —

diffusion alone is far too slow to supply oxygen to all
cells deep inside the body. Specialised organs (lungs,
gills) with large surface areas enable efficient and rapid
gas exchange.

Q6 Name the process in plants where water is lost

as water vapour.

Transpiration.

Q7 What is 'translocation' in plants?

The transport of soluble food (sucrose) manufactured in

leaves to other parts of the plant — roots, growing tips,
storage organs — through the phloem.

Q8 State the basic difference between respiration

and photosynthesis.

Respiration breaks down glucose to release energy

(occurs in all living cells, day and night).
Photosynthesis builds glucose using light energy
(occurs only in green plant cells, only in the presence of
light).

Q9 Name the intermediate and end products of

glucose breakdown in aerobic respiration.

Intermediate: Pyruvate (pyruvic acid). End products:

CO₂, H₂O, and ATP (energy).

Q10 In the experiment "Light is essential for

photosynthesis," why does the uncovered part
of the leaf turn blue-black after iodine
solution?

Light reached the uncovered part, so photosynthesis

occurred and starch was produced. Iodine turns blue-
black in the presence of starch, confirming the result.

Q11 Name the component of blood that helps in

blood clot formation.

Platelets (thrombocytes).

Q12 How do organisms like bread moulds and

mushrooms obtain their food?

Saprophytic nutrition — they secrete digestive enzymes

onto dead organic matter, break it down externally
(extracellular digestion), then absorb the soluble
products.

Q13 What will happen to a plant if its xylem is

removed?

Water and mineral transport from roots to leaves will

stop; the plant will wilt and eventually die due to
dehydration and mineral deficiency.

Q14 Where does digestion of fat take place in our

body?

Small intestine — bile from the liver emulsifies fats;

lipase from the pancreas then digests them into fatty
acids and glycerol.

Q15 What is the mode of nutrition in human

beings?

Holozoic nutrition (ingestive heterotrophic nutrition).

★★ 2 MARKS

Q16 State two functions performed by bile juice.

(1) Emulsification of fats — breaks large fat globules

into smaller droplets, greatly increasing the surface
area available for lipase enzymes.

(2) Makes the medium alkaline, creating the correct pH

for pancreatic enzymes (lipase, trypsin, amylase) to
function effectively.

Q17 Mention the site of complete digestion. Name

the end products of carbohydrates, proteins
and fats.

Site: Small intestine (duodenum and ileum).

Carbohydrates → Glucose | Proteins → Amino acids |

Fats → Fatty acids + Glycerol

Q18 What are enzymes? Name one enzyme of the

digestive system and write its function.

Enzymes are biological catalysts (proteins) that speed

up metabolic reactions without being consumed in the
process.

Example: Pepsin (secreted in the stomach) — breaks

down proteins into shorter peptides in an acidic
medium.

Q19 (i) Write the balanced equation for

photosynthesis. (ii) When do desert plants take
up CO₂?

(i) 6CO₂ + 6H₂O →(sunlight, chlorophyll)→

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

(ii) Desert (CAM) plants open their stomata at night to

absorb CO₂, minimising daytime water loss through
transpiration. The CO₂ is stored as malic acid and used
for photosynthesis during the day.

Q20 Why do herbivores have longer, small

intestines than carnivores?

Herbivores eat plant material rich in cellulose, which is

difficult to digest. A longer intestine provides more time
and a greater surface area for the complete digestion
and absorption of these hard-to-break-down nutrients.

Q22 Why do the walls of the trachea not collapse

when there is less air in it?

The trachea has incomplete C-shaped rings of cartilage

that act as a rigid support, preventing the walls from
collapsing even when air pressure inside drops during
inhalation.

Q23 What are the final products after digestion of

carbohydrates and proteins?

Carbohydrates → Glucose (monosaccharides)

Proteins → Amino acids

Q24 What is saliva? State its role in the digestion of

food.

Saliva is a watery secretion produced by the salivary

glands in the mouth.

Role: Contains salivary amylase (ptyalin) which begins

the digestion of starch into maltose. Also moistens food
for easy swallowing and contains mucus for lubrication.

Q25 Explain the process of nutrition in Amoeba.

Amoeba uses holozoic nutrition in five steps:

(1) Ingestion: Pseudopodia engulf food particles,

forming a food vacuole.

(2) Digestion: Enzymes digest food inside the food

vacuole.

(3) Absorption: Digested nutrients diffuse into the

cytoplasm.

(4) Assimilation: Nutrients are used for energy, growth,

and repair.

(5) Egestion: Undigested waste is expelled by

exocytosis.

Q26 State two differences between arteries and

veins.

Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood (except pulmonary

artery); thick, elastic, muscular walls; no valves; high
pressure flow.

Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood (except pulmonary

vein); thin walls; have valves to prevent backflow; low
pressure flow.

Q27 How are the alveoli designed to maximise the

exchange of gases?

(1) Very thin walls (one cell thick) — short diffusion

distance.

(2) Rich blood capillary network — rapid transport of

gases.

(3) Large total surface area (~70 m² in humans).

(4) Moist inner surface — gases dissolve for easier

diffusion.

★★★ 3 MARKS

Q29 Mention the three kinds of cells present in

blood. Write one function of each.

RBCs (Erythrocytes): Contain haemoglobin; transport

oxygen from lungs to all body cells.

WBCs (Leucocytes): Fight infections and form the

body's immune defence.

Platelets (Thrombocytes): Initiate blood clotting at

wound sites to prevent excessive blood loss.

Q30 Write one function each: (a) Blood vessels (b)

Lymph (c) Heart.

(a) Blood vessels: Transport blood — carrying oxygen,

nutrients, hormones, and waste products — throughout
the body.

(b) Lymph: Returns excess tissue fluid to the blood;

transports digested fats (as chyle) from the small
intestine; contains WBCs for immunity.

(c) Heart: Pumps blood continuously through the

circulatory system via rhythmic contractions,
maintaining blood pressure and flow.

Q31 In single-celled organisms diffusion is

sufficient but not in multicellular organisms —
explain the reason.

In single-celled organisms, every part of the cell is in

direct contact with the surrounding environment;
diffusion over these tiny distances is fast enough to
meet all metabolic needs.

In multicellular organisms, cells deep inside the body

are far from the external surface. Diffusion would be far
too slow to supply oxygen and nutrients to — or remove
waste from — these inner cells. Specialised transport
systems (circulatory, respiratory, excretory) are
essential.

Q33 Name the acid present in: (i) Tomato (ii)

Vinegar (iii) Tamarind.

(i) Tomato — Oxalic acid

(ii) Vinegar — Acetic acid (ethanoic acid)

(iii) Tamarind — Tartaric acid

Q34 State the role in the human digestive system:

(i) Digestive enzymes (ii) Hydrochloric acid
(iii) Villi.

(i) Digestive enzymes: Catalyse the breakdown of

complex food molecules (proteins, fats, carbohydrates)
into simpler absorbable units (amino acids, fatty acids,
glucose).

(ii) HCl: Activates pepsinogen to active pepsin; creates

an acidic medium (pH ~2) optimal for protein digestion;
kills harmful bacteria in food.

(iii) Villi: Finger-like projections lining the small

intestine; dramatically increase the surface area for
efficient absorption of digested food into the
bloodstream.

Q35 In mammals and birds why is it necessary to

separate oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood?

Mammals and birds are warm-blooded (homeotherms)

— they maintain a constant, high body temperature.
This demands a very high metabolic rate and a
continuous, highly efficient oxygen supply.

Keeping oxygenated and deoxygenated blood separate

ensures that only fully oxygenated blood is pumped to
the body tissues at high pressure, maximising the
oxygen delivered to cells and preventing dilution with
deoxygenated blood.

CHAPTER NINE

09 Light — Reflection &

Refraction

★ 1 MARK

Q1 What is the magnification of images formed by

plane mirrors and why?

Magnification = +1. Plane mirrors always form images

of the same size as the object (virtual, erect, laterally
inverted). Since image distance equals object distance,
m = -v/u = +1.

Q2 What is meant by power of a lens?

Power of a lens (P) = 1/f, where f is the focal length in

metres. SI unit: Dioptre (D). It measures the converging
or diverging ability of the lens. Positive P = converging
(convex); Negative P = diverging (concave).

Q3 Nature of image formed by a concave mirror if

magnification = +4.

Virtual, erect, and magnified. Positive m → virtual and

erect; |m| > 1 → magnified. The object is between the
focus (F) and the pole (P) of the mirror.

Q5 Nature of image from concave mirror if

magnification = +3.

Virtual, erect, and magnified. Object is between F and

the pole of the concave mirror.

Q6 Between which two points should an object be

placed to obtain magnification of -3?

Between F (focus) and C (centre of curvature) of a

concave mirror. Negative m → real and inverted; |m| = 3
> 1 → magnified.

Q7 Refractive index of carbon disulphide is 1.63 —

what does this mean in relation to speed of
light?

Light travels 1.63 times slower in carbon disulphide

than in vacuum/air. Speed in medium = c/n =
(3×10⁸)/1.63 ≈ 1.84×10⁸ m/s.

Q8 Outer surface of hollow aluminium sphere of

radius 50 cm used as mirror — focal length and
type?

f = R/2 = 50/2 = 25 cm. The outer surface of a hollow

sphere acts as a convex mirror.

★★ 2 MARKS

Q9 What is power of a lens? Sign, SI unit, and

relation to focal length.

P = 1/f(m). SI unit: Dioptre (D).

+ve P → converging (convex) lens. −ve P → diverging

(concave) lens.

Relation: f(m) = 1/P. Example: P = +2D → f = +0.5 m = 50

cm.

Q10 Type of mirror in solar furnaces. How is high

temperature achieved?

Large concave mirrors are used. Parallel rays of

sunlight striking the mirror are all reflected and
converge at the principal focus, concentrating a large
amount of solar energy at one point — generating very
high temperatures.

Q12 List two properties of images formed by

convex mirrors.

(1) Always virtual, erect, and diminished — for all

positions of the object.

(2) Image always forms behind the mirror, between the

pole (P) and the focus (F).

Q13 Linear magnification from a spherical mirror

is +3. Analyse: (i) Type of mirror (ii) Position of
object.

m = +3 → positive means virtual and erect; |m| > 1

means magnified.

(i) Concave mirror (only concave mirrors can produce

magnified virtual images).

(ii) Object is between the focus (F) and the pole (P) of
the mirror.

Q18 Two ways a concave mirror can produce a

magnified image. State the difference.

(1) Object between F and pole → virtual, erect,

magnified image (formed behind the mirror).

(2) Object between F and C → real, inverted, magnified

image (formed in front of mirror).

Difference: First is virtual and erect; second is real and

inverted.

Q20 Linear magnification = +1/3. State (i) type of

mirror (ii) position of object.

m = +1/3 → positive (virtual/erect); < 1 (diminished).

(i) Convex mirror. (ii) Object can be anywhere in front

— convex mirrors always give diminished virtual erect
images.

Q21 Linear magnification = −1/5. State (i) type of

mirror (ii) position of object.

m = −1/5 → negative (real/inverted); < 1 (diminished).

(i) Concave mirror. (ii) Object is beyond the centre of

curvature (C).

Q22 State the meaning of linear magnification.

Relation to object/image distance. When
positive or negative?

m = Height of image / Height of object = −v/u (mirrors)

or v/u (lenses).

Positive m: image is virtual and erect. Negative m:

image is real and inverted.

Q26 Type of mirrors for (i) rear-view mirrors (ii)

shaving mirrors. Two reasons each.

(i) Rear-view: Convex mirror. Reasons: (1) Wide field of

view. (2) Image always virtual, erect, and diminished —
driver sees more area safely.

(ii) Shaving: Concave mirror. Reasons: (1) Gives

magnified virtual erect image (object within f). (2)
Illuminates the face by reflecting light onto it.

Q27 Type of mirror for dentists and solar furnaces.

Two reasons each.

Dentists — Concave mirror: (1) Magnified image of teeth

when object inside focal length. (2) Reflects and
concentrates light onto the tooth for visibility.

Solar furnace — Large concave mirror: (1) Converges

parallel sunrays at focus → very high temperature. (2)
Large aperture collects more solar energy.

★★★ 3 MARKS

Q23 Image always virtual, erect, diminished for all

object positions — type of lens. If f = 20 cm, find
its power.

Type: Concave (diverging) lens — always forms virtual,

erect, diminished images regardless of object position.

New Cartesian sign: f = −20 cm = −0.20 m

P = 1/f = 1/(−0.20) = −5 D

Q24 Image always virtual and diminished for all

object positions — type of mirror. Where are
they used and why?

Type: Convex mirror.

Uses: (1) Rear-view/wing mirrors in vehicles. (2)

Security mirrors in shops/banks/corridors.

Reason: Provides a wide field of view; image is always

upright and diminished, so more area is visible to the
observer.

Q25 Concave mirror, f = 12 cm. Range of object

distance for erect image. Nature and size.

For a virtual, erect image from a concave mirror, the

object must be between F and pole: 0 < u < 12 cm.

Nature: Virtual, erect. Size: Magnified (larger than the

object, m > 1).

Q28 Mirrors for (i) vehicle headlights (ii) rear-view

mirrors. Type and two reasons each.

(i) Headlights — Concave mirror (behind the bulb):

(1) Bulb at focus → reflected rays emerge as a powerful

parallel beam. (2) Concentrates and directs light far
ahead of the vehicle.

(ii) Rear-view — Convex mirror:

(1) Wide field of view — driver sees more area behind.

(2) Image always erect and diminished — easier to judge
the traffic situation.

⟨/⟩ NUMERICALS

N1 Refractive index = 1.5, speed in air = 3×10⁸ m/s.

Find speed in glass.

v = c/n = (3×10⁸)/1.5 = 2×10⁸ m/s

N2 Speed in medium = 0.6 × speed in vacuum. Find

refractive index.

n = c/v = 1/0.6 = 5/3 ≈ 1.67

N3 Object 4 m from mirror, erect image 1.0 m from

mirror. Magnification? Mirror type?

Erect image → virtual → image behind mirror: v = +1.0

m, u = −4 m

m = −v/u = −(+1.0)/(−4) = +0.25

Positive m, diminished → Convex mirror.

N4 Object 3 m, erect image 0.5 m from mirror.

Magnification? Mirror type?

m = −v/u = −(+0.5)/(−3) = +1/6 ≈ +0.17

Convex mirror (virtual, erect, diminished).

N5 n_glass = 3/2, n_water = 4/3, v_glass = 2×10⁸

m/s. Find speed of light in water.

v_vacuum = n_glass × v_glass = (3/2) ×

2×10⁸ = 3×10⁸ m/s

v_water = v_vacuum / n_water = 3×10⁸ ÷

(4/3) = 3×10⁸ × 3/4 = 2.25×10⁸ m/s

N6 n_glass = 3/2, n_water = 4/3, v_glass = 2×10⁸

m/s. Find (i) speed in vacuum (ii) speed in
water.

(i) v_vacuum = 1.5 × 2×10⁸ = 3×10⁸ m/s

(ii) v_water = 3×10⁸ / (4/3) = 2.25×10⁸ m/s

N7 Radius of curvature of convex mirror = 30 cm.

Focal length?

f = R/2 = 30/2 = +15 cm (positive for

convex mirror)

N8 Concave lens f = 10 cm, u = 20 cm. Position,

nature, size of image.

1/v − 1/u = 1/f → 1/v = 1/(−10) + 1/(−20)

= −3/20 → v = −6.67 cm

m = v/u = (−6.67)/(−20) = +1/3

Image: virtual, erect, diminished (1/3 size), 6.67 cm

from lens on same side as object.

N9 Real, inverted image, m = −1, image 40 cm from

mirror. Find object position and focal length.
Move object 20 cm closer — new image?

m = −v/u = −1 → v = −40 cm, u = −40 cm

1/f = 1/(−40) + 1/(−40) = −2/40 → f = −20

cm (Concave mirror)

Object at centre of curvature C (u = −40 cm = 2f).

After moving 20 cm closer: u = −20 cm = f → object at

focus → image at infinity.

N10 Speed in vacuum = 3×10⁸ m/s, speed in medium

= 1.4×10⁸ m/s. Find refractive index.

n = c/v = (3×10⁸)/(1.4×10⁸) = 30/14 ≈ 2.14

N11 Candle at 20 cm, screen at 80 cm from mirror

pole. (i) Mirror type (ii) Magnification (iii)
Image description.

u = −20 cm, v = −80 cm

1/f = 1/(−80) + 1/(−20) = −5/80 → f = −16

cm → Concave mirror ✓

m = −v/u = −(−80)/(−20) = −4

Image: real, inverted, magnified (4×).

N12 m = −1, screen 50 cm from mirror. (a) Mirror

type (b) Object distance (c) Focal length.

(a) m = −1, real image → Concave mirror.

(b) m = −v/u = −1 → u = v = −50 cm

(c) 1/f = 1/(−50) + 1/(−50) = −2/50 → f =

−25 cm

N13 Absolute refractive index = 1.5, speed in

vacuum = 3×10⁸ m/s. Speed in medium?

v = c/n = (3×10⁸)/1.5 = 2×10⁸ m/s

N14 m = −1 on screen 40 cm from mirror. (i) Mirror

(ii) Nature (iii) Object distance.

(i) Concave mirror. (ii) Real, inverted, same size as

object.

(iii) v = −40 cm; m = −v/u = −1 → u = −40

cm

N16 Concave lens f = 5 cm, object height 6 cm, u =

10 cm. Position, size, nature of image.

1/v − 1/u = 1/f → 1/v = 1/(−5) + 1/(−10) =

−3/10 → v = −3.33 cm

m = v/u = (−3.33)/(−10) = +1/3 → image

height = 6 × 1/3 = 2 cm

Image: virtual, erect, diminished (2 cm tall), 3.33 cm

from lens on same side as object.

N17 Object at 8 cm mark, screen at 92 cm,

converging lens at 50 cm mark. (i) Find f. (ii)
New image if object shifted to 29 cm mark.

(i) u = 8−50 = −42 cm, v = 92−50 = +42 cm

1/f = 1/v − 1/u = 1/42 − 1/(−42) = 2/42 →

f = 21 cm

(ii) Object at 29 cm mark: u = 29−50 = −21 cm = f → object

at focus → image at infinity (no image on screen).

N19 Convex lens f = 24 cm, u = 16 cm. Position, size,

nature of image.

1/v = 1/f + 1/u... using 1/v − 1/u = 1/f:

1/v = 1/24 + 1/(−16) = (2−3)/48 = −1/48 →

v = −48 cm

m = v/u = (−48)/(−16) = +3

Image: virtual, erect, magnified (3×), 48 cm from lens

on same side as object.

N20 Convex lens f = 18 cm, u = 12 cm. Position, size,

nature of image.

1/v = 1/18 + 1/(−12) = (2−3)/36 = −1/36 →

v = −36 cm

m = v/u = (−36)/(−12) = +3

Image: virtual, erect, magnified (3×), 36 cm from lens

on same side as object.

📐 Note on Diagram Questions: Questions requiring ray

diagrams (mirrors, lenses, stomata, heart, nephron, excretory
system, alimentary canal) should be practised in your notebook
using standard NCERT constructions. All ray diagram principles
are explained in the theory answers above.

Achievers Academy · Science Worksheet Answer Key · Class

10