Solutions and Marking Scheme
Section A (20 Marks)
Q. No. Correct Reasoning/ Marks Allocation
Option/Answer Formula
1 (B) Decomposition A single reactant [1]
reaction ($Pb(NO_3)_2$)
breaks down into
multiple products.
2 (D) All of the above All methods listed [1]
prevent the metal
from coming into
contact with
air/moisture.
3 (B) $\text{C}$ Non-metal oxides [1]
are generally
acidic. $\text{C}$ is
a non-metal,
forming $\
text{CO}_2$
(acidic). $\text{Na}
$ and $\text{Ca}$
are metals, $\
text{Al}_2\
text{O}_3$ is
amphoteric.
4 (C) Ketone Propanone ($\ [1]
text{CH}_3\
text{COCH}_3$)
has the $\text{C}=\
text{O}$ functional
group within the
carbon chain.
5 (C) Small intestine It is the primary site [1]
for the complete
digestion and
absorption of
nutrients.
6 (B) Right Atrium $\ Deoxygenated [1]
to$ Right Ventricle blood enters the
$\to$ Lungs $\to$ right side, goes to
Left Atrium $\to$ the lungs, then
Left Ventricle oxygenated blood
returns to the left
side.
7 (A) Pupil size This is a rapid, [1]
changes when light involuntary
intensity changes. response mediated
by the spinal
cord/brain stem,
not conscious
thought.
8 (D) Fallopian tube The fusion of the [1]
sperm and the egg
occurs here.
9 (B) All tall Cross $\text{TT} \ [1]
times \text{tt} \to \
text{Tt}$
(heterozygous tall)
in $F_1$.
10 (D) Scattering The small particles [1]
in the atmosphere
scatter the shorter
(blue) wavelengths
of visible light more
effectively.
11 (B) At $2F$, real, A standard [1]
inverted, and same position/size image
size formation rule for a
convex lens.
12 (B) Watt Watt (W) is the unit [1]
of power, defined
as Joule per
second ($\text{J/s}
$).
13 (C) Become four Power $P = I^2R$. [1]
times If $I' = 2I$, then $P'
= (2I)^2R = 4(I^2R)
= 4P$.
14 (D) Material of the The force $F=BIL$ [1]
conductor depends only on
current ($I$),
length ($L$), and
field strength
($B$), not the
material itself.
15 (B) Natural gas It is a fossil fuel and [1]
thus depletable.
The others are
renewable.
16 (B) Grass $\to$ This is a primary [1]
Deer $\to$ Tiger producer $\to$
primary consumer
$\to$ secondary
consumer chain
typical of a forest.
17 (C) A is true, but R The burning of LPG [1]
is false. releases heat
(exothermic), but
decomposition
reactions usually
absorb heat
(endothermic).
18 (B) Both A and R The renal artery [1]
are true, but R is carries blood to the
not the correct kidney for filtration
explanation of A. (A is true). Kidney
function is filtration
(R is true). But A
doesn't explain R,
they are separate
facts.
19 (D) A is false, but R Twinkling is due to [1]
is true. atmospheric
refraction (not
TIR). The refractive
index does
fluctuate (R is true).
20 (B) Both A and R The definition of [1]
are true, but R is current is $I=Q/t$
not the correct (A is true). The unit
explanation of A. is Ampere (R is
true). But R is just a
unit, not the
explanation for the
definition.
Section B (12 Marks)
Q. No. Solution/Steps Marks Allocation
21 The gas evolved is [2]
Hydrogen ($\text{H}_2$).
(M 1/2 for gas name) Test:
Bring a burning splinter
near the mouth of the test
tube. The gas burns with a
'pop' sound. (M 1 1/2 for
test)
22 (i) Catenation: The ability [2]
of carbon atoms to form
bonds with other carbon
atoms to form long chains,
branched chains, and rings.
(M 1) (ii) Tetravalency:
Carbon has a valency of
four, allowing it to bond
with four other atoms,
including other carbon
atoms and atoms of other
elements. (M 1)
22 OR The molecular formula $\ [2]
text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}$
follows the general formula
$\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}$
(where $n=6$), which is
the formula for alkenes
(unsaturated
hydrocarbons) or
cycloalkanes. (M 1) Since
the formula is $\text{C}_n\
text{H}_{2n}$, it is
unsaturated (likely an
alkene) because it contains
at least one double bond
between carbon atoms. (M
1)
23 A Receptor is a specialized [2]
cell or group of cells that
detects changes (stimuli) in
the environment. (M 1/2)
They are usually located in
the sense organs (or
specialized parts of the
body, e.g., skin, ear). (M
1/2) Example:
Photoreceptors (in the
eye for light) or Gustatory
receptors (in the tongue
for taste). (M 1)
24 Power $P = \frac{1}{f \ (\ [2]
text{in metres})}$. (M 1/2
for formula) $f = +20 \ \
text{cm} = +0.2 \ \text{m}$
(Convex lens focal length is
positive). (M 1/2 for
conversion and sign) $P = \
frac{1}{0.2} = 5 \ \
text{Dioptres}$ ($+5 \ \
text{D}$). (M 1 for final
calculation with unit) Final
Answer: $+5 \ \text{D}$
24 OR The headlights of a car are [2]
fitted with a concave
mirror. (M 1) This is
because when the bulb is
placed at the principal
focus of the concave
mirror, the mirror produces
a powerful, parallel beam
of light, which is essential
for good illumination of the
road ahead. (M 1)
25 Magnetic Field Lines are [2]
lines drawn in a magnetic
field along which a north
magnetic pole would move.
(M 1/2 for definition) Non-
intersection: Two
magnetic field lines never
intersect because if they
did, the compass needle
placed at the point of
intersection would point in
two different directions,
which is impossible. (M 1
1/2 for reason)
26 Decomposers (bacteria [2]
and fungi) break down the
complex organic matter
(dead remains of plants
and animals) into simpler,
inorganic substances. (M 1)
These substances are
released back into the soil,
water, and air, thus
recycling the nutrients
and making them available
for producers (plants)
again. (M 1)
Section C (21 Marks)
Q. No. Solution/Steps Marks Allocation
27 (i) Sodium metal is stored [3]
immersed in kerosene oil
because sodium is a highly
reactive metal that reacts
vigorously (exothermic)
with oxygen and water
vapor present in the air.
Kerosene prevents this
reaction. (M 1) (ii) Curd
and sour substances are
not kept in brass and
copper vessels because
these substances contain
acids (lactic acid). Acids
react with the metal/metal-
oxide, forming toxic salts
which are harmful to
consume. (M 1) (iii) When a
metal is exposed to the
environment, it gets
tarnished due to
corrosion. The metal
reacts slowly with air,
moisture, and other
chemicals (like $\text{H}_2\
text{S}$) present in the
atmosphere to form a layer
of metal oxide, sulfide, etc.
(M 1)
28 **
** $\text{pH}$ Scale Diagram: Should show a line/scale from 0 to 14, with 7 marked as
Neutral, 0-7 as Acidic, and 7-14 as Basic. (M 1) (i) Strong Acids: $\text{pH}$ range $\
mathbf{0}$ to $\mathbf{3}$ (or $0-3.5$). (M 1) (ii) Strong Bases: $\text{pH}$ range $\
mathbf{11}$ to $\mathbf{14}$ (or $10.5-14$). (M 1) | [3] |
| 29 | (i) Amylase: (Salivary or Pancreatic) Digests starch (complex carbohydrate) into simpler
sugars (like maltose). (M 1) (ii) $\text{HCl}$ (Hydrochloric Acid): Kills bacteria that enter with
food and creates an acidic medium (essential for the action of the enzyme pepsin). (M 1) (iii)
Bile: Emulsifies fats (breaks large fat globules into smaller ones), increasing the efficiency of
the enzyme lipase. It also makes the medium alkaline. (M 1) | [3] |
| 30 | | Asexual Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction |
| :---: | :---: | :---: |
| Point 1 | Only one parent is involved. | Two parents (usually male and female) are involved. |
| Point 2 | Offspring are genetically identical to the parent (no variation). | Offspring are
genetically different from the parents (shows variation). |
| Point 3 | Gametes are not formed. (Any two points are sufficient) | Gametes are formed and
fuse (fertilization). | (M 1 1/2 for differences) (M 1 1/2 for 3rd point if given) |
| 30 OR | Variation: It is the difference in the characters or traits among the individuals of a
species. (M 1) Benefit to Species: Variation is essential for the survival of a species in a
changing environment. If a whole population is identical, a sudden change (e.g., disease,
temperature rise) could wipe out the entire species. Variant individuals may survive and
reproduce. (M 1 1/2) Not to Individual: Variation may lead to traits that are immediately
disadvantageous (e.g., poor eyesight) to an individual, even though it may prove beneficial to
the species in the long run. (M 1/2) | [3] |
| 31 | Refraction in atmosphere: The Earth's atmosphere has layers of varying air density and
hence varying refractive indices. Light from a source (like the Sun/star) passes through these
layers, bending continuously as it moves from a rarer to a denser medium. (M 1)
Sunrise/Sunset: The actual horizon is the line of sight. The atmosphere refracts the Sun's light
when it is still below the horizon, making the Sun appear to be visible early (advanced sunrise)
and making it appear visible after it has set (delayed sunset). This atmospheric refraction
causes the apparent time difference of $\mathbf{2}$ minutes. (M 2) | [3] |
| 32 | (i) Circuit Diagram: Should show the three resistors $R_1, R_2, R_3$ connected end-to-
end in a single path (series) with the battery ($3 \times 2 \ \text{V} = 6 \ \text{V}$) and key. (M
2 for correct diagram/labels) (ii) Effective Resistance ($R_{eq}$): For series connection,
$R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3$. $R_{eq} = 5 \ \Omega + 8 \ \Omega + 12 \ \Omega = \
mathbf{25} \ \Omega$. (M 1 for calculation) Final Answer: $25 \ \Omega$ | [3] |
| 32 OR | (i) Parallel Resistance ($R_p$): $\frac{1}{R_p} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}
{R_3} = \frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{50} + \frac{1}{500}$. (M 1 for formula/substitution) $\frac{1}
{R_p} = \frac{50+10+1}{500} = \frac{61}{500} \ \Omega^{-1}$. Total current ($I_{total}$):
$I_{total} = \frac{V}{R_p} = 220 \ \text{V} \times \frac{61}{500 \ \Omega} = \mathbf{26.84} \ \
text{A}$. (M 1) (ii) The electric iron draws the same current $I_{total} = 26.84 \ \text{A}$ at $V
= 220 \ \text{V}$. Let $R_{iron}$ be its resistance. $R_{iron} = \frac{V}{I} = \frac{220 \ \text{V}}
{61/500 \ \text{A}} = \frac{220 \times 500}{61} \approx \mathbf{1803.3} \ \Omega$. (M 1 for
final resistance) Final Answer: $1803.3 \ \Omega$ (or $500/61 \ \Omega$) | [3] |
| 33 | Biodegradable Substances: Substances that are broken down into simpler, harmless
compounds by the action of biological processes (like bacteria or fungi). (M 1/2) Examples:
Vegetable peels, paper, cotton. (M 1) Non-biodegradable Substances: Substances that
cannot be broken down by biological processes and persist in the environment for a long
time. (M 1/2) Examples: Plastics, glass, $\text{DDT}$. (M 1) | [3] |
Section D (15 Marks)
Q. No. Solution/Steps Marks Allocation
34 (i) Ethanoic Acid ($\
text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$)
and Ethanol ($\text{C}_2\
text{H}_5\text{OH}$):
Test 1: Sodium Hydrogen
Carbonate ($\
text{NaHCO}_3$) Test:
Ethanoic acid reacts with
$\text{NaHCO}_3$ to
produce carbon dioxide
($\text{CO}_2$) gas with
brisk effervescence.
Ethanol does not react. (M
1 for observation) $\
text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \
text{NaHCO}_3 \to \
text{CH}_3\text{COONa}
+ \text{H}_2\text{O} + \
text{CO}_2 \uparrow$ (M 1
for equation) Test 2:
Alkaline $\
text{KMnO}_4$ Test (or
Esterification Test):
Ethanol reacts with hot
alkaline $\text{KMnO}_4$
solution (or with $\
text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$ in
the presence of conc. $\
text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$) to
form ethanoic acid (or an
ester). Ethanoic acid does
not show this reaction. (M 1
for observation/equation)
(ii) Electron Dot Structure
of Methane ($\
text{CH}_4$): Should
show one central $\text{C}
$ atom sharing one pair of
electrons with each of the
four surrounding $\text{H}
$ atoms, completing the
duplet of $\text{H}$ and
the octet of $\text{C}$.
ShutterstockExplore[Image of Electron Dot Structure of Methane ($ (M 2) | [5] |
| 34 OR | (i) Catenation: It is the unique property of carbon atoms to link with each other
through covalent bonds to form long chains, branched chains, or closed rings. (M 1 1/2 for
definition) Examples: Cyclohexane (ring), Hexane (long chain). (M 1 1/2 for two
examples/structures) (ii) Homologous Series: A series of organic compounds having the same
functional group and similar chemical properties, and whose consecutive members differ by a
$\mathbf{-\text{CH}_2}$ unit. (M 1 for definition) Example: Alkanes (Methane $\text{CH}_4$,
Ethane $\text{C}_2\text{H}_6$, Propane $\text{C}_3\text{H}_8$, etc.). (M 1 for example) | [5] |
| 35 | (i) Longitudinal Section of a Flower: Diagram should clearly show and label: Sepals,
Petals, Stamen (Anther and Filament), and Pistil/Carpel (Stigma, Style, and Ovary with
Ovules).
(M 3 for diagram and correct labels) (ii) | Self-Pollination | Cross-Pollination |
| :---: | :---: | :---: |
| Point 1 | Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma of the same flower or another flower on the
same plant. | Transfer of pollen from anther of one flower to stigma of a flower on a different
plant of the same species. |
| Point 2 | Does not lead to variation; results in inbreeding depression. | Introduces variation in
the offspring; results in healthier progeny. | (M 2 for 2 points of distinction) |
| 36 | (i) Snell's Law of Refraction: The ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence ($\sin i$) to
the sine of the angle of refraction ($\sin r$) is constant for a given pair of media.
Mathematically, $\frac{\sin i}{\sin r} = \text{constant}$ (refractive index $\eta$). (M 1) (ii)
Vision Defect: The person cannot see objects beyond $1.2 \ \text{m}$ (far point is $1.2 \ \
text{m}$ instead of infinity). This is Myopia (Near-sightedness). (M 1) Nature of Lens: To
correct Myopia, a Concave (Diverging) lens is required. (M 1) Calculation of Power: The lens
must form a virtual image ($v$) of an object at infinity ($u$) at the person's far point. $u = -\
infty$, $v = -1.2 \ \text{m}$. (M 1/2 for sign convention) Lens Formula: $\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v}
- \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{-1.2} - \frac{1}{-\infty} \implies f = -1.2 \ \text{m}$. (M 1/2 for focal
length) Power $P = \frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{-1.2} \approx \mathbf{-0.83 \ \text{D}}$. (M 1 for
power calculation and unit) Final Answer: Concave lens, $-0.83 \ \text{D}$ | [5] |
| 36 OR | (i) Fleming's Left-Hand Rule: If we stretch the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of
the left hand such that they are mutually perpendicular to each other, then: (M 1/2) * $\
mathbf{Forefinger}$ represents the direction of the Magnetic Field ($\mathbf{B}$). (M 1/2) *
$\mathbf{Middle}$ finger represents the direction of the Current ($\mathbf{I}$). (M 1/2) * $\
mathbf{Thumb}$ represents the direction of the Force ($\mathbf{F}$) or motion. (M 1/2) (ii)
Electric Motor: A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. (M 1)
Principle: It works on the principle that a current-carrying conductor placed perpendicularly
in a magnetic field experiences a force. (M 2) | [5] |
Section E (12 Marks)
37. Case Study 1: Electrolysis and Redox Reactions
(i) $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ is added to the water because pure water is a very poor
conductor of electricity. The acid acts as an electrolyte, which dissociates into ions ($\
text{H}^+$ and $\text{SO}_4^{2-}$), making the water conductive. [1]
(ii) (a) Anode (Positive electrode): $\mathbf{Oxygen}$ ($\text{O}_2$) gas is collected. (M 1)
(b) Cathode (Negative electrode): $\mathbf{Hydrogen}$ ($\text{H}_2$) gas is collected. (M 1)
(iii) Balanced Chemical Equation: $2\text{H}_2\text{O}(\ell) \xrightarrow{\text{Electricity}} 2\
text{H}_2(g) + \text{O}_2(g)$ [1]
38. Case Study 2: Life Processes and Excretion
(i) The main nitrogenous waste $\mathbf{X}$ is Urea. [1]
(ii) Reabsorption is the process where useful substances from the primary filtrate (like
glucose, amino acids, salts, and a major amount of water) are selectively returned to the
blood capillaries surrounding the tubule. This prevents the body from losing essential
nutrients and excessive water. (M 2 for useful substances + selective return)
(iii) The two components are the Loop of Henle and the Collecting Duct. [1]
39. Case Study 3: Parallel Combination of Resistors
(i) In a parallel circuit, the potential difference across each component is the same as the
source voltage. Therefore, the $\text{PD}$ across each resistor is $\mathbf{12 \ \text{V}}$. [1]
(ii) Total Current ($I_{total}$): Method 1: Using Individual Currents $I_1 = V/R_1 = 12/10 = 1.2 \ \
text{A}$ (M 1/2) $I_2 = V/R_2 = 12/15 = 0.8 \ \text{A}$ (M 1/2) $I_3 = V/R_3 = 12/30 = 0.4 \ \
text{A}$ (M 1/2) $I_{total} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 = 1.2 + 0.8 + 0.4 = \mathbf{2.4 \ \text{A}}$. (M 1 1/2)
Method 2: Using Equivalent Resistance $\frac{1}{R_p} = \frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{15} + \frac{1}
{30} = \frac{3+2+1}{30} = \frac{6}{30} = \frac{1}{5} \ \Omega^{-1}$. (M 1 1/2) $R_p = 5 \ \
Omega$. (M 1/2) $I_{total} = V/R_p = 12 \ \text{V} / 5 \ \Omega = \mathbf{2.4 \ \text{A}}$. (M 1)
Final Answer: $2.4 \ \text{A}$ [3]