Alwin Memorial Public School

Class X 2025-26
Science ( 086)
Sample Paper 1
Time: 3 Hours ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Max. Marks: 80

SECTION-A (BIOLOGY)

1.​ Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare their own food. Which of the
following are the essential raw materials for this process?​ ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Oxygen, Water, and Sunlight
(b) Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, and Water
(c) Sunlight, Chlorophyll, and Oxygen
(d) Carbon Dioxide, Water, and Sunlight

2.​ Hormones regulate various functions in the human body. Which hormone is primarily
responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males? ​ (1M)
(a) Oestrogen ​​
(b) Testosterone
( c) Adrenaline ​
(d) Insulin

3.​ Organisms reproduce either sexually or asexually. What is the most significant difference
between these two methods? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Asexual reproduction is a very slow process compared to sexual reproduction.
(b) Asexual reproduction results in genetic variation, while sexual reproduction produces
clones.
(c) Asexual reproduction involves one parent, while sexual reproduction typically involves
two parents.
(d) Asexual reproduction occurs only in unicellular organisms, and sexual reproduction
only in multicellular ones. In genetics, a single gene can exist in different variations or
forms.

4.​ What is the term for the alternative forms of a gene? ​ ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Alleles (b) Phenotype (c) Zygote (d) Chromosome

5.​ Energy flows through an ecosystem from one trophic level to the next. What is considered
the ultimate source of energy for nearly all food chains on Earth? ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Green plants ​
(b) Geothermal vents ​
(c) The Sun ​ ​
(d) Decomposers

6.​ Consider the following statements about cellular respiration:

(i) Aerobic respiration occurs in the mitochondria and requires oxygen.
 (ii) Anaerobic respiration in human muscles produces ethanol and energy.
(iii) Aerobic respiration yields a much larger amount of ATP than anaerobic respiration.
(iv) The final step in anaerobic respiration is the breakdown of pyruvate into water and
carbon dioxide. Which of the above statements are correct? ​ ​ ​ (1M)

(a) (i) and (iii) ​​

(b) (ii) and (iv) ​
(c) (i), (ii), and (iii) ​
( d) All are correct.

7.​ The different parts of a flower are specialized for various roles in reproduction. What are
the primary functions of the sepals and petals? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Produce eggs and produce pollen.
(b) Protect the bud and attract pollinators.
(c) Attract pollinators and protect the bud.
(d) Develop into a seed and develop into a fruit.

8.​ Assertion(A) : All variations that arise in a species have an equal chance of survival.
Reason (R) : Natural selection favors variations that provide a survival advantage in a
particular environment. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explanation of A.
( c) A is true but R is false. (d) A is false but R is true.

9.​ Assertion(A) : The concentration of harmful, non-biodegradable chemicals increases at

higher trophic levels in a food chain.
Reason (R) : These chemicals are easily broken down and metabolized by the organisms
at each trophic level. ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (1M)
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explanation of A.
( c) A is true but R is false. (d) A is false but R is true.

10.​(a) Why are the walls of the atria (auricles) thinner than the walls of the ventricles?
(b) Explain the significance of the double circulation system in warm-blooded animals like
mammals. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (2M)
​​ ​ ​ (OR)
Differentiate between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition by giving one key
difference and one example for each.​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (2M)

11.​What is lymph? State two major functions of the lymphatic system in the human body.
(2M)

12.​If a pesticide like DDT is sprayed on a field, it enters the food chain:
Grass —-->Goat —--> Human.
In which organism will the concentration of this pesticide be the highest? Name the
phenomenon and explain why. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (2M)
13.​In an experiment, a destarched plant is placed in a setup containing potassium hydroxide
(KOH) and kept in sunlight. A starch test performed after a few hours is negative. What
conclusion can be drawn from this experiment regarding photosynthesis? What is the role
of KOH? ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (2M)

14.​Explain the mechanism of sex determination in human beings. With the help of a cross,
show why the statistical probability of a baby being a boy or a girl is 50%. ​​ (3M)

15.​A person ate a piece of buttered toast. Refer to the figure of the human alimentary canal to
the questions. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (4M)

A. Explain the role of the organ and its secretion in the digestion of fats.

B. The toast is rich in carbohydrates. Where does its digestion start and which enzyme
from the pancreas helps in its further digestion in the small intestine?
 C. Explain the process of peristalsis and its role in digestion.

16.​Attempt either option A or B

A.
(i) Explain the essential whorls of a flower.
(ii) Differentiate between unisexual and bisexual flowers with one example of each.
(iii) Why is it advantageous for a plant to be cross-pollinated? ​ ​ ​ (5M)
(OR)

B.
(i) Define puberty. List two changes observed in girls and two in boys during this time.
(ii) What is the function of the testes and ovaries in the human reproductive system, apart
from producing gametes?
(iii) Name two barrier methods of contraception. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (5M)

SECTION-B

17. Analyze the following equations. Which statement correctly identifies the redox
reaction and the values of 'p' and 'q'?

Equation 1:
pCuSO4(aq) + Fe(s)→ FeSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
Equation 2:
Heat CaCO3(s) → CaO (s) +qCO2(g)
(a) Both are redox reactions; p = 1 , q = 1
(b) Only Equation 1 is a redox reaction; p = 1 q = 1
(c) Only Equation 2 is a redox reaction; p = 1 q = 2
(d) Both are redox reactions; p = 2 q = 1

18. Most non-metal oxides are acidic in nature, but some are neutral. Which of the
following is a neutral oxide?
(a) SO, (Sulphur dioxide)
(b) CO, (Carbon dioxide)
(c) P₂O (Phosphorus pentoxide)
(d) CO (Carbon monoxide)

19. A student performs experiments with four unknown metals A, B, C, and D. The
observations are as follows:
1. Metal A displaces Metal B from its salt solution.
2. Metal B displaces Metal C from its salt solution.
3. Metal C displaces Metal D from its salt solution.
Based on these results, what is the correct order of decreasing reactivity?
(a) D C B A
(b) A B C D
(c) C B A D
(d) B A D C
20. A curry stain on a white cloth is yellow in colour. When soap is scrubbed on it, the stain
turns reddish-brown. What is the nature of soap and why does the colour change?

(a) Soap is acidic, and it reacts with the stain.

(b) Soap is neutral, and it cleans the stain.
(c) Soap is basic, and the turmeric in the curry acts as a natural indicator.
(d) Soap is acidic, and it bleaches the colour of the stain.

21. A student takes 10 mL of a hydrochloric acid solution (pH = 2) in a beaker and adds 90
ml of distilled water to it. What will be the effect on the pH of the final solution?
(a) The pH will decrease.
(b) The pH will increase.
(c) The pH will remain unchanged.
(d) The pH will become 1.

22. A student mixes a solution of dilute hydrochloric acid with a solution of sodium
hydroxide. Which of the following correctly represents the products of this reaction?
(a) Sodium chloride and hydrogen gas
(b) Sodium chloride, water, and chlorine gas
(c) Sodium oxide and water
(d) Sodium chloride and water

23. A pale yellow powder, silver bromide, is kept in a china dish in the open. After some
time, its colour changes to grey. This change is an example of a:
(a) Combination reaction
(b) Photolytic decomposition reaction
(c) Displacement reaction
(d) Precipitation reaction

24. Assertion (A): Covalent compounds, like methane and ethanol, generally have low
melting and boiling points.
Reason (R): The intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules of covalent
compounds are very weak.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.

25. Answer the following based on the physical properties of metals:

(a) Why are metals like gold and platinum, which are described as 'noble metals',
exceptionally suitable for making jewellery? Give a reason based on their chemical
property.

(b) Sodium is a metal, yet it is stored in kerosene and can be easily cut with a knife. What
does this indicate about the physical hardness and chemical reactivity of sodium?
 26. Attempt either option A or B.

(A) A highly exothermic reaction between aluminium powder and iron(III) oxide is used for
welding purposes on site.
(i) Give the common name of this reaction.
(ii) Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction, indicating the physical
states of the reactants and products.
(iii) Explain why the product of this reaction is useful for welding.

(OR)
(B) Ionic compounds exhibit a unique set of physical properties due to the nature of the
ionic bond.
(i) Explain why ionic compounds are generally hard, crystalline solids with high
melting points.
(ii) Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved in water or in the
molten state, but not in the solid state?
(iii) Are ionic compounds typically soluble in an organic solvent like kerosene? Give
a reason.

27. A student places a clean iron nail in a test tube containing a blue solution of copper
sulphate. In another test tube, she places a copper wire in a freshly prepared pale green
solution of ferrous sulphate.

(a) What changes would she observe in the first test tube containing the iron nail after 30
minutes?
(b) Write the balanced chemical equation for the chemical reaction that occurred in the first test
tube.
(c) Would she observe any reaction in the second test tube? Justify your answer based on the
reactivity series.

28. Attempt either the main question or the OR option.

A white chemical compound 'P' has the formula CaSO4 +H₂O. It is prepared by carefully heating
another calcium compound, Gypsum. This powder 'P' is widely used in hospitals and for making
decorative items.
(a) Identify the compound 'P' and write its common name.
(b) Write the balanced chemical equation for the preparation of 'P' from Gypsum.
(c) Explain why 'P' must be stored in a moisture-proof container. Write the chemical
equation for the change that occurs if it is not.
OR
Bleaching powder is a yellowish-white solid used for various purposes, including disinfecting
drinking water supplies and as a bleaching agent for cotton in the textile industry. It is produced by
the action of a specific gas on dry slaked lime.
(a) What is the chemical name and formula for bleaching powder?
(b) Name the gas used in its preparation and write the balanced chemical equation for the
reaction.
(c) What happens when bleaching powder is exposed to air for a long time? Explain why it
loses its effectiveness.

29. Attempt either option A or B.

(A) Soaps are molecules that have two ends with different properties. This unique structure is key
to their cleansing action.
(a) What are the two distinct parts of a soap molecule called? Describe their affinity
towards water.
(b) With the help of a labelled diagram, show the formation of a micelle when soap is
dissolved in water.
(c) Explain how these micelles help in washing away oily dirt from clothes.
(d) Why are detergents considered more effective cleansing agents than soaps, especially
in hard water?
(OR)

(B) Hydrocarbons are classified as saturated or unsaturated, and they undergo characteristic
chemical reactions.
(a) Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Give one example for
each class.
(b) What type of reaction converts vegetable oils into solid fats (vanaspati ghee)? Name
the catalyst used in this process.
(c) Write a balanced chemical equation showing the conversion of ethene (C₂H₄) to ethane
(CH).
(d) Saturated hydrocarbons are relatively unreactive but undergo substitution reactions.
What is a substitution reaction?
(e) Give one reason why the reaction between methane and chlorine (CH4+Cl₂→
CH3Cl+HCl) is considered a substitution reaction.
 SECTION-C(PHYSICS)

[Link] resistors of resistance 2Ω and 4Ω when connected to a battery will have:

a. same current flowing through them when connected in parallel
b. same current flowing through them when connected in series
c. same potential difference across them when connected in series
d. different potential difference across them when connected in parallel

[Link] students A, B and C focussed a distant building on a screen with the help of a concave
mirror. To determine focal length of the concave mirror they measured the distances as given
below:
Student A: From mirror to the screen
Student B: From building to the screen
Student C: From building to the mirror
Who measured the focal length correctly?
a. Only A
b. Only B
c. A and B
d. B and C

[Link] object is placed 20.0 cm in front of a concave mirror whose focal length is 25.0 cm. Where is
the image located?

a. 1.0 x 10 2cm in front of the mirror

b. 1.0 x 10 2 cm behind the mirror

c. 5.0 x 101 cm in front of the mirror

d. 5.0 x 101 cm behind the mirror

[Link] the diagram given below, X and Y are the end colours of the spectrum of white light. The
colour of "Y" represents the:

a. Colour of sky as seen from earth during the day

b. Colour of the sky as seen from the moon

c. Colour used to paint the danger signals

d. Colour of sun at the time of noon

[Link] (A): A compass needle is placed near a current carrying wire. The deflection of the
compass needle decreases when the magnitude of electric current in the wire increases.

Reason (R): The magnitude of the magnetic field produced at a point increases as the current
through the wire increases.

Section B
1.a) Calculate the resistance of a copper wire of length 1000 m and area of cross-section 2 mm².
Resistivity of copper is 1.6 × 10-8 Ωm.
(Or)
b) Define the term power of accommodation. Write the modification in the curvature of the eye
lens which enables us to see the nearby objects clearly?

Section C
[Link] linear magnification produced by a spherical mirror is -1. Analysing this value state the (i)
type of mirror and (ii) position of the object with respect to the pole of the mirror. Draw any
diagram to justify your answer

2.A circuit is shown in the diagram given below:

(i) Find the value of R.

(ii) Find the potential difference across the terminals of the battery.

3.i)The refractive indices of glass and water with respect to air are 3/2 and 4/3 respectively. If the
speed of light in glass is 2 x 108 m/s, find the speed of light in water.
ii) Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines produced by a current-carrying circular loop showing
the direction of current in the loop and the direction of the magnetic field lines.

(Or)
b) For a heater rated at 4 kW and 220 V, calculate:
a) the current,

b) the energy consumed in 2 hours, and

c) If 1 kWh is priced at Rs 4.50, the cost of energy consumed.

Section D
1.a)A concave mirror is used for image formation for different positions of an object. What
inferences can be drawn about the following when an object is placed at a distance of 10 cm from
the pole of a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm?

(i) Position of the image

ii) Size of the image

iii) Nature of the image

iv) Draw a labelled ray diagram to justify your inferences.

v) state two uses of concave mirror.

(Or)

A person is unable to see distinctly the objects closer than 1 m. Name the defect of vision he is
suffering from. Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the cause of the defect and its correction by suitable
lens.
Define the above defect.
State the causes of the above defect.

Section E
The electrical energy consumed by an electrical appliance is given by the product of its power
rating and the time for which it is used. The St unit of electrical energy is Joule. Actually. Joule
represents a very small quantity of energy and therefore it is inconvenient to use where a large
quantity of energy is involved. So for commercial purposes we use a bigger unit of electrical
energy which is called kilowatt hour. 1 kilowatt-hour is equal to 3.6 x 106 joules of electrical
energy.

Read the above passage carefully and give the answers of the following Questions.

Q1. The energy dissipated by the heater is E. When the time of operating the heater is doubled, the
energy dissipated is:

a doubled
b remains same

c. half

d. four times

Q2. The power of a lamp is 60 W. The energy consumed in 1 minute is:

a 360 J

b 3600 J

c. 36 J

d 3.6J

Q3. The electrical refrigerator rated 400 W operates 8 hours a day. The cost of electrical energy is
Rs.5 per kWh. Find the cost of running the refrigerator for one day?

[Link]. 32

[Link].16
[Link].8

d Rs. 24

Q4. Calculate the energy transformed by a 5 A current flowing through a resistor of 20 for 30
minutes?

a 90 kJ

c 60 kJ

b. 80 kJ

d. 40 kJ