Physics
Light Energy – Short Running Notes (Class 7 ICSE)
Light:
Light is a form of energy that helps us to see objects. Objects are
visible when light enters our eyes.
Sources of Light:
Light sources may be natural like the Sun and stars or artificial like
bulbs, candles and lamps.
Luminous Objects:
Objects that produce their own light are called luminous objects,
for example the Sun and an electric bulb.
Non-luminous Objects:
Objects that do not produce light but reflect light are called non-
luminous objects, such as the Moon and a book.
Rectilinear Propagation of Light:
Light travels in a straight line. This property is called rectilinear
propagation of light.
Shadow:
A shadow is a dark patch formed when an opaque object blocks the
path of light. A source of light, object and screen are required.
Transparent Objects:
These objects allow almost all light to pass through them. Example:
glass and water.
Translucent Objects:
These objects allow only some light to pass through them. Example:
butter paper and frosted glass.
Opaque Objects:
These objects do not allow light to pass through them. Example:
wood and metal.
Reflection of Light:
Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a smooth surface like a
mirror.
Plane Mirror:
A plane mirror is a flat reflecting surface. It forms a virtual, erect
image of the same size.
Lateral Inversion:
In a plane mirror, the left side of the object appears right and the
right appears left. This is called lateral inversion.
Periscope:
A periscope works on the principle of reflection. It is used in
submarines to see objects above water.
Kaleidoscope:
A kaleidoscope uses multiple reflections to form colourful and
symmetrical patterns.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is a shadow?
A shadow is a dark patch formed when an opaque object blocks the
path of light.
2. What are luminous objects?
Luminous objects are those that produce their own light, such as
the Sun.
3. What is reflection of light?
Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a smooth surface like a
mirror.
4. Write two characteristics of an image formed by a plane mirror.
The image is virtual and erect, and of the same size as the object.
5. What is lateral inversion?
It is the sideways reversal of an image in a plane mirror.
HEAT – SHORT RUNNING NOTES (Class 7 ICSE)
Heat:
Heat is a form of energy that makes objects warm or hot. It flows
from a hotter body to a colder body.
Temperature:
Temperature tells us how hot or cold a body is. It is measured using
a thermometer.
Difference between Heat and Temperature:
Heat is energy, while temperature is the measure of hotness. Heat
depends on the amount of substance, temperature does not.
Sources of Heat:
Common sources of heat include the Sun, fire, electricity and
friction.
Effects of Heat:
Heat can raise temperature, cause expansion, and change the state
of a substance.
Expansion:
Most substances expand on heating and contract on cooling.
States of Matter:
Matter exists as solid, liquid and gas. Heat can change one state
into another.
Change of State:
Heating can change solids into liquids and liquids into gases. Cooling
causes the reverse change.
Melting:
Melting is the change of a solid into a liquid on heating.
Freezing:
Freezing is the change of a liquid into a solid on cooling.
Evaporation:
Evaporation is the slow change of a liquid into vapour at any
temperature.
Condensation:
Condensation is the change of vapour into liquid on cooling.
Conduction:
Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid without
movement of particles.
Conductors:
Materials that allow heat to pass through easily are called
conductors, e.g. metals.
Insulators:
Materials that do not allow heat to pass through easily are called
insulators, e.g. wood and plastic.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the difference between heat and temperature?
Heat is a form of energy, while temperature measures the hotness
of a body. Heat depends on quantity, temperature does not.
2. What is expansion?
Expansion is the increase in size of a substance when it is heated.
3. What is melting?
Melting is the process by which a solid changes into a liquid on
heating.
4. What is evaporation?
Evaporation is the slow change of a liquid into vapour at any
temperature.
5. What is conduction of heat?
Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid without
movement of its particles.
Biology
EXCRETORY SYSTEM – SHORT RUNNING NOTES
1. Excretion
Excretion is the process of removing waste products from the body.
Waste products include urea, carbon dioxide, excess water, and
salts.
Accumulation of wastes is harmful and can cause diseases.
2. Human Excretory System – Organs
The human excretory system consists of:
1. Kidneys
2. Ureters
3. Urinary bladder
4. Urethra
3. Kidneys
Bean-shaped organs, reddish-brown in colour.
Located on either side of the backbone.
Function: Filter blood and remove nitrogenous wastes (urea).
Each kidney contains millions of nephrons.
4. Nephron
Structural and functional unit of the kidney.
Parts of nephron:
Bowman’s capsule
Glomerulus
Renal tubule
Function: Filters blood and forms urine.
5. Urine Formation
Urine is formed in three steps:
1. Filtration – Blood is filtered in the glomerulus.
2. Reabsorption – Useful substances like glucose and water are
reabsorbed.
3. Secretion – Extra wastes are added to urine.
6. Ureters
Thin muscular tubes.
Carry urine from kidneys to urinary bladder.
7. Urinary Bladder
Muscular sac that stores urine.
Urine is stored temporarily before excretion.
8. Urethra
Tube through which urine is passed out of the body.
Controlled by muscles.
9. Other Excretory Organs
Lungs – remove carbon dioxide and water vapour.
Skin – removes sweat (water, salts, small amount of urea).
Liver – converts ammonia into urea.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q1. What is excretion?
Ans: Excretion is the process of removing harmful waste products
from the body.
Q2. Name the organs of the human excretory system.
Ans: Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
Q3. What is the function of kidneys?
Ans: Kidneys filter blood and remove nitrogenous wastes in the
form of urine.
Q4. What is a nephron?
Ans: A nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney
that helps in urine formation.
Q5. Name the three steps of urine formation.
Ans: Filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
Q6. What is urine made of?
Ans: Urine contains water, urea, excess salts, and other wastes.
Q7. Which organ stores urine?
Ans: Urinary bladder.
Q8. How does skin help in excretion?
Ans: Skin removes sweat which contains water, salts, and a small
amount of urea.
Q9. What waste is removed by lungs?
Ans: Carbon dioxide and water vapour.
Q10. Why is excretion important?
Ans: Excretion prevents the accumulation of toxic wastes in the
body.
Short Running Notes (2–3 lines each)
1. Nervous System
The nervous system controls and coordinates all activities of the
body.
It helps the body respond quickly to internal and external changes.
2. Parts of Nervous System
The nervous system has three main parts: Brain, Spinal Cord, and
Nerves.
Together they control actions and reactions of the body.
3. Brain
The brain is the control centre of the body.
It is protected by the skull and covered by membranes called
meninges.
4. Parts of Brain
The brain has three parts: Cerebrum, Cerebellum, and Medulla.
Each part has a specific function.
5. Cerebrum
The cerebrum controls thinking, memory, intelligence, and
voluntary actions.
It is the largest part of the brain.
6. Cerebellum
The cerebellum controls balance and coordination of muscles.
It helps in smooth and accurate movements.
7. Medulla Oblongata
The medulla controls involuntary actions like breathing and
heartbeat.
It connects the brain to the spinal cord.
8. Spinal Cord
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body.
It also controls reflex actions.
9. Nerves
Nerves carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord.
They are made of nerve cells called neurons.
10. Reflex Action
A reflex action is a quick, automatic response to a stimulus.
It helps protect the body from harm.
Question and Answers
Q1. What is the nervous system?
Ans: The nervous system is a system that controls and coordinates
body activities and responses.
Q2. Name the main parts of the nervous system.
Ans: Brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Q3. What is the function of the cerebrum?
Ans: It controls thinking, memory, intelligence, and voluntary
actions.
Q4. What does the cerebellum do?
Ans: It controls balance and coordination of muscles.
Q5. Name two involuntary actions controlled by the medulla.
Ans: Breathing and heartbeat.
Q6. What is a reflex action?
Ans: A reflex action is a quick and automatic response to a stimulus.
Q7. Why are reflex actions important?
Ans: They protect the body from danger.
Q8. What is the function of the spinal cord?
Ans: It carries messages and controls reflex actions.
Chemistry
Characteristics of Chemical Reactions – Running Notes (Expanded)
Evolution of Gas
Some chemical reactions produce gases which can be identified by
smell, sound, or bubbles.
Example: When zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, hydrogen
gas is evolved.
Change in Colour
In many reactions, the original colour of the substance changes,
indicating formation of a new substance.
Example: Blue copper sulphate solution turns green when iron is
added.
Change in Temperature
Heat may be given out (exothermic) or absorbed (endothermic)
during a reaction.
Example: Burning of fuel is exothermic; heating calcium carbonate
is endothermic.
Formation of a Precipitate
When two aqueous solutions react and form an insoluble solid, it is
called a precipitate.
Example: Mixing lead nitrate and potassium iodide forms a yellow
precipitate.
Change in State
The physical state of reactants or products may change during a
chemical reaction.
Example: Solid wax changes into liquid on heating.
Emission of Light or Sound
Some reactions release energy in the form of light or sound.
Example: Fireworks produce light and sound.
Formation of a New Substance
The most important characteristic is that a new substance with
different properties is formed.
Example: Rusting of iron forms rust, which is different from iron.
Questions and Answers
Q1. Define a chemical reaction.
A chemical reaction is a change in which one or more substances
are converted into new substances with different properties.
Q2. List any four characteristics of a chemical reaction.
Evolution of gas
Change in colour
Change in temperature
Formation of precipitate
Q3. What is meant by exothermic reaction?
A reaction that releases heat energy is called an exothermic
reaction.
Q4. What is an endothermic reaction?
A reaction that absorbs heat energy is called an endothermic
reaction.
Q5. How does formation of a precipitate indicate a chemical
reaction?
It shows that a new insoluble substance has been formed.
Q6. Give one example each of:
(a) Change in colour – Rusting of iron
(b) Evolution of gas – Zinc reacting with acid
(c) Emission of light – Burning of magnesium ribbon
Air and Its Constituents – Detailed Running Notes
1. Air
Air is a mixture of gases, water vapour, and dust particles.
It is not a compound because the gases are not chemically
combined.
2. Composition of Air (by Volume)
Nitrogen – 78%
Oxygen – 21%
Argon – 0.93%
Carbon dioxide – 0.04%
Other noble gases (neon, helium, krypton, xenon) – traces
Water vapour & dust – variable amount
3. Nitrogen (78%)
Colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas
Does not support burning or respiration
Dilutes oxygen and prevents rapid combustion
Essential for plant growth (used to make proteins)
4. Oxygen (21%)
Colourless and odourless gas
Supports respiration and combustion
Necessary for survival of plants and animals
Used in hospitals and welding
5. Carbon Dioxide (0.04%)
Colourless gas with slightly acidic nature
Used by plants for photosynthesis
Released during respiration and burning of fuels
Excess causes global warming
6. Argon (0.93%)
A noble (inactive) gas
Does not take part in chemical reactions
Used in electric bulbs to protect the filament
7. Other Noble Gases (Traces)
Neon – used in advertising lights
Helium – used in balloons and airships
Krypton & Xenon – used in special lamps
All noble gases are chemically inactive
8. Water Vapour
Amount varies with temperature and location
Causes humidity, clouds, and rainfall
Important for the water cycle
9. Dust and Smoke Particles
Include pollen, smoke, and microorganisms
Help in condensation of water vapour
Excess dust and smoke cause air pollution
Questions and Answers
Q1. What is air?
Air is a mixture of gases, water vapour, and dust particles.
Q2. Why is air called a mixture?
Because its components are not chemically combined and can be
separated.
Q3. Name the gases present in air.
Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, neon, helium, krypton,
and xenon.
Q4. Which gas prevents rapid burning?
Nitrogen.
Q5. Which gas is essential for respiration?
Oxygen.
Q6. Name two uses of noble gases.
Argon in electric bulbs
Neon in advertising lights
Q7. What is the importance of water vapour in air?
It helps in cloud formation and rainfall.
Q8. State the percentage of nitrogen and oxygen in air.
Nitrogen – 78%, Oxygen – 21%.