Class 8 - ICSE Physics
Chapter: Physical Quantities and Measurement
Time: 1 hour | Maximum Marks: 30
Instructions:
- All questions are compulsory.
- Show all calculations neatly.
- Use appropriate units in all answers.
Section A: Definitions & Concepts (2 × 2 = 4 marks)
1. Define:
a) Derived physical quantity with an example.
b) Relative density.
Section B: Multiple Choice Questions (4 × 1 = 4 marks)
(Write only the correct option.)
2. Which of the following statements about density is correct?
a) It is a vector quantity and depends on direction.
b) It is measured in kg/m².
c) It is constant for a pure substance at a given temperature and pressure.
d) It is always equal to 1 g/cm³.
3. Which instrument would you choose to measure the thickness of a thin sheet of aluminium accurately?
a) Meter scale
b) Screw gauge
c) Measuring cylinder
d) Spring balance
4. Assertion (A): The volume of a solid sphere can be calculated if its radius is known.
Reason (R): Volume of a sphere is given by (4/3)pir³.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) Both A and R are false.
5. The least count of a screw gauge is:
a) 0.1 mm
b) 0.01 mm
c) 1 mm
d) 10 mm
Section C: Numericals (3 × 3 = 9 marks)
6. A metal sphere has a radius of 1.5 cm and a mass of 45 g. Calculate its density. (Take pi = 3.1416)
7. A measuring cylinder contains water up to 50 ml. When a solid object is fully immersed in it, the water level
rises to 65 ml. If the mass of the solid is 30 g, find its density in g/cm³.
8. A student uses a vernier caliper to measure the diameter of a wire. The main scale reading is 1.2 cm and
the 7th vernier division coincides with a main scale division. The least count of the vernier caliper is 0.01 cm.
Calculate the diameter of the wire.
Section D: Application & HOTS (2 × 4 = 8 marks)
9. A wooden block appears to weigh 120 g in air and 80 g when fully immersed in water.
a) What is the volume of the block?
b) Calculate the density of the wood.
(Density of water = 1 g/cm³)
10. The density of mercury is 13.6 g/cm³, and the density of water is 1 g/cm³. If a density bottle weighs 80 g
when empty, 130 g when filled with water, and 750 g when filled with mercury, calculate:
a) Volume of the bottle.
b) Experimental density of mercury using these observations.
c) Percentage error in the density of mercury.
Section E: Reasoning (1 × 5 = 5 marks)
11. Answer the following with reasons:
a) Why can't a meter scale measure the diameter of a hair accurately?
b) Why does an iron nail sink in water but a wooden block floats?
c) Why should the zero error of an instrument always be checked before taking measurements?
d) Why is the SI system of units preferred in scientific work?
e) Why does a balloon filled with helium rise up in air?
Total: 30 marks