Respiration in Organisms – Class 7 ICSE Notes

1. Introduction

Respiration is the process by which living organisms release energy from food. This
energy is needed for growth, movement, repair, and other life processes.

 Formula for Respiration (simplified):

Food (glucose) + Oxygen → Energy + Carbon dioxide + Water

C 6 H 12 O6+ 6 O2 → 6 C O2 +6 H 2 O+ Energy (ATP)

2. Types of Respiration

There are two main types of respiration:

A. Aerobic Respiration

 Requires oxygen.

 Takes place in mitochondria.

 Produces large amount of energy (36-38 ATP per glucose molecule).

 Equation:

C 6 H 12 O6+ 6 O2 → 6 C O2 +6 H 2 O+ Energy

 Examples: Humans, animals, most plants.

Key points:

 Efficient energy release.

 End products: CO₂ and H₂O.

B. Anaerobic Respiration

 Does not require oxygen.

  Produces less energy (2 ATP per glucose molecule).

 Produces different end products depending on the organism:

End
Organism Equation
Product

Alcohol + C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂ +

Yeast
CO₂ Energy

Human
Lactic acid C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₃H₆O₃ + Energy
muscles

Key points:

 Occurs when oxygen is not available.

 Less efficient than aerobic respiration.

 Responsible for muscle fatigue due to lactic acid accumulation.

3. Respiration in Plants vs Animals

Feature Plants Animals

Oxygen
Yes, mostly aerobic Yes, aerobic & sometimes anaerobic
requirement

Mitochondria (aerobic) or cytoplasm

Site Mitochondria
(anaerobic)

Less energy used for

Energy released Energy used for movement, repair, etc.
growth

4. Human Respiratory System (Quick Overview)

 Organs involved: Nose → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Lungs →

Alveoli

 Mechanism of breathing:

o Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts, lungs expand, air enters.

o Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes, lungs shrink, air leaves.

5. Importance of Respiration

1. Provides energy for: growth, movement, reproduction, repair.

2. Helps maintain body temperature.

3. Supports other life processes like circulation and excretion.

6. Interesting Facts

 Plants respire all the time, even at night (but photosynthesis only in daylight).

 Anaerobic respiration in yeast is used to make bread and alcohol.

 Lactic acid fermentation in muscles causes temporary soreness.

7. Sample ICSE Class 7 Admission Test Questions

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is an anaerobic process in humans?

a) Digestion
b) Lactic acid formation
c) Breathing
d) Photosynthesis

2. What is the main site of aerobic respiration in cells?

a) Cytoplasm
b) Nucleus
c) Mitochondria
d) Ribosome

3. Anaerobic respiration in yeast produces:

a) Lactic acid
b) Alcohol and CO₂
c) Water and CO₂
d) Only energy

B. Short Answer Questions

1. Define respiration.

2. Write the equation for aerobic respiration.

3. Give one difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

4. Name the organ in humans where gas exchange occurs.

C. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain aerobic and anaerobic respiration with examples.

2. Describe the process of breathing in humans.

3. Explain the importance of respiration in living organisms.

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Answers

1. b) Lactic acid formation – This is anaerobic respiration in humans.

2. c) Mitochondria – Main site of aerobic respiration.

3. b) Alcohol and CO₂ – Produced by anaerobic respiration in yeast.

B. Short Answer Questions Answers

1. Define respiration:
Respiration is the process by which living organisms release energy from food
to carry out life processes.

2. Equation for aerobic respiration:

C 6 H 12 O6+ 6 O2 → 6 C O2 +6 H 2 O+ Energy (ATP)

3. Difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration:

Feature Aerobic Respiration Anaerobic Respiration

Oxygen
Yes No
required

Energy Large amount (36–38

Small amount (2 ATP)
released ATP)

Lactic acid (humans) / Alcohol + CO₂

End products CO₂ and H₂O
(yeast)

4. Organ where gas exchange occurs in humans:

Alveoli in lungs

C. Long Answer Questions Answers

1. Explain aerobic and anaerobic respiration with examples:

 Aerobic respiration: Occurs in the presence of oxygen. Glucose is completely

broken down in mitochondria to produce energy, CO₂, and water.

o Example: Humans and most animals.

 Anaerobic respiration: Occurs in the absence of oxygen. Glucose is partially

broken down to release small energy along with end products.

o Example: Human muscles → lactic acid

o Example: Yeast → alcohol + CO₂

2. Describe the process of breathing in humans:

 Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts → moves down → chest cavity expands → lungs

fill with air.

 Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes → moves up → chest cavity decreases → air is

pushed out.

 Gas exchange: Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into blood at alveoli, CO₂ from
blood diffuses into lungs to be exhaled.
3. Importance of respiration in living organisms:

 Provides energy for growth, movement, repair, and other life processes.

 Helps in maintaining body temperature.

 Supports processes like circulation, digestion, and excretion.

 Enables plants to release energy even at night.

Light – Class 7 ICSE Notes

1. Introduction

Light is a form of energy that makes vision possible. It allows us to see objects
and colors.

 Light travels in straight lines and is visible when it reflects from objects into our
eyes.

 It also exhibits reflection, refraction, and dispersion.

2. Properties of Light

1. Light Travels in Straight Lines

o Evidence: Formation of shadows.

o Example: Sunlight passing through a pinhole forms a bright spot.

2. Reflection of Light

o Reflection: Bouncing back of light from a surface.

o Laws of Reflection:

1. Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection

2. Incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane

o Types of reflection surfaces:

 Plane surface → Plane mirror

 Curved surface → Concave and Convex mirrors

3. Refraction of Light
 o Refraction: Bending of light when it passes from one medium to
another

o Examples: Pencil appearing bent in water, straw in a glass of water

o Lenses use refraction to focus or spread light

4. Dispersion of Light

o Splitting of white light into 7 colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow,
Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet (ROYGBIV)

o Example: Prism dispersing sunlight

5. Speed of Light

o In air: ~ 3 × 10⁸ m/s

o In water or glass: Slower than in air

3. Images Formed by Mirrors

A. Plane Mirrors
 Forms virtual, erect, and same-size images.

 Image appears behind the mirror at the same distance as the object.

B. Spherical Mirrors

1. Concave Mirror (converging)

o Can form real or virtual images depending on object distance

o Used in: torches, headlights, shaving mirrors

2. Convex Mirror (diverging)

o Always forms virtual, erect, and smaller images

o Used in: rear-view mirrors of vehicles

4. Lenses

 Lenses are transparent objects that bend light.

Types of Lenses

Lens
Shape Image formed Example Uses
Type

Bulges Real or virtual, Magnifying glass,

Convex
outward magnified camera

Concave Caves inward Virtual, diminished Peepholes, torchlight

5. Human Eye and Vision

 Parts of the Eye: Cornea, Lens, Retina, Optic nerve, Iris

 Working of the Eye:

1. Light enters through the cornea and pupil

2. Lens refracts light to focus on the retina

3. Retina converts light into electrical signals

4. Optic nerve sends signals to the brain → we see the image

 Defects of Vision:

o Myopia (nearsightedness) → Corrected by concave lens

o Hypermetropia (farsightedness) → Corrected by convex lens

o Cataract → Clouding of lens

6. Important Terms

 Shadow: Dark region formed when light is blocked

 Umbra: Darkest part of a shadow

 Penumbra: Lighter part around umbra

7. Sample ICSE Class 7 Admission Test Questions

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The speed of light in air is approximately:

a) 3 × 10⁶ m/s
b) 3 × 10⁸ m/s
c) 3 × 10⁵ m/s
d) 3 × 10⁷ m/s

2. Which mirror always forms a virtual, erect, and smaller image?

a) Plane mirror
b) Concave mirror
c) Convex mirror
d) None

3. Dispersion of light produces how many colors?

a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 8

B. Short Answer Questions

1. Define reflection of light.

2. Name the part of the human eye that focuses light on the retina.

3. Give one use of a concave mirror.

4. What is the difference between umbra and penumbra?

C. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the types of mirrors and the images formed by them.

2. Describe the process of vision in the human eye.

3. Explain the refraction and dispersion of light with examples.

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Answers

1. b) 3 × 10⁸ m/s – Speed of light in air.

2. c) Convex mirror – Always forms virtual, erect, and smaller images.

3. c) 7 – Dispersion of white light gives 7 colors (ROYGBIV).

B. Short Answer Questions Answers

1. Define reflection of light:

Reflection of light is the bouncing back of light from a surface when it strikes
it.

2. Part of the human eye that focuses light on the retina:

Lens

3. One use of a concave mirror:

o Used in torches, headlights, and shaving mirrors because it

converges light.

4. Difference between umbra and penumbra:

Featur
Umbra Penumbra
e

Darknes
Completely dark Partially lit
s

Central part of Outer region of

Location
shadow shadow

Light No light reaches Some light reaches

C. Long Answer Questions Answers

1. Types of mirrors and images formed:

 Plane Mirror:

o Image is virtual, erect, and same size.

o Appears behind the mirror.

 Concave Mirror (Converging):

o Can form real or virtual images depending on object distance.

o Applications: torches, headlights, shaving mirrors.

 Convex Mirror (Diverging):

o Always forms virtual, erect, and smaller images.

o Applications: rear-view mirrors in vehicles.

2. Process of vision in the human eye:

 Light enters through the cornea and pupil.

 The lens refracts light and focuses it on the retina.

 The retina converts light into electrical signals.

 Signals travel via the optic nerve to the brain, and we see the image.

Defects of vision:

 Myopia (nearsightedness) → Concave lens

 Hypermetropia (farsightedness) → Convex lens

 Cataract → Clouded lens

3. Refraction and dispersion of light with examples:

 Refraction: Bending of light when it passes from one medium to another.

o Examples: Pencil appears bent in water, straw in glass of water.

 Dispersion: Splitting of white light into 7 colors (ROYGBIV) using a prism.

o Example: Rainbow formed when sunlight passes through raindrops.

Motion and Time – Class 7 ICSE Detailed Notes

1. Introduction

Motion is the change in position of an object with respect to time.

 Reference Point: A fixed point used to determine whether an object is moving.

 Distance: The total path length covered by an object.

 Displacement: The shortest straight-line distance from the initial to final

position.

Key Formulas:

Distance
1. Speed v=
Time
Displacement
2. Velocity v=
Time
Change in velocity
3. Acceleration a=
Time

2. Types of Motion

1. Uniform Motion
 o Object moves equal distances in equal intervals of time.

o Speed is constant.

o Example: A car moving at a constant speed of 60 km/h on a straight road.

2. Non-uniform Motion

o Object moves unequal distances in equal intervals of time.

o Speed is variable.

o Example: A bus moving in traffic, stopping at signals.

3. Periodic Motion

o Motion that repeats at regular intervals of time.

o Example: A pendulum swinging back and forth.

4. Random Motion

o Motion without any fixed pattern or path.

 o Example: Leaves moving in wind, butterflies flying randomly.

3. Distance vs Displacement

Feature Distance Displacement

Definitio Total path Shortest distance from start

n covered to end

Directio
Not important Direction matters
n

Can be positive, negative, or

Value Always positive
zero

[Diagram: Object moving along a curved path from A to B showing distance vs

displacement]

4. Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration

1. Speed

o How fast an object moves.

Distance
o Formula: Speed=
Time
o Unit: m/s

2. Velocity

o Speed with direction.

Displacement
o Formula: Velocity=
Time
o Unit: m/s

3. Acceleration

o Rate at which velocity changes with time.

 v f −vi
o Formula: a= where v f = final velocity, v i= initial velocity, t = time
t
o Unit: m/s²

Note:

 If velocity is constant → Acceleration = 0

 Acceleration can be positive (speeding up) or negative (slowing down /

deceleration)

[Diagram: Object speeding up on a straight path showing acceleration]

5. Motion Graphs

Graphs are visual tools to study motion.

1. Distance-Time Graph

o Slope = Speed

o Straight line → Uniform motion

o Curved line → Non-uniform motion

2. Velocity-Time Graph

o Slope = Acceleration

o Area under graph = Distance travelled

o Straight line at zero slope → Constant velocity

6. Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion Examples

Motion
Example
Type

Uniform Car moving at constant speed

Non-
Bus stopping at traffic signals
uniform

Pendulum swing, Earth revolving around

Periodic
the Sun

Random Leaves blowing in wind

7. Measurement of Time

 Units of Time: Second (s), Minute (min), Hour (h), Day

 Instruments: Clock, Stopwatch, Calendar

 Periodic Time: Time for one complete cycle of motion

o Example: Pendulum completes one swing → period T

 Time is essential to calculate speed, velocity, and acceleration

8. Numerical Examples (Important for ICSE)

Example 1:
A car travels 120 km in 2 hours. Calculate its speed.
 Distance 120
Speed= = =60 km/h
Time 2
Example 2:
A bike travels 150 m in 10 s. Find its velocity.

Displacement 150
Velocity= = =15 m/s
Time 10
Example 3 (Acceleration):
A car increases speed from 20 m/s to 50 m/s in 5 s. Find acceleration.

v f −vi 50−20
a= = =6 m/s²
t 5

9. Key Formulas – Quick Revision

1. Speed = Distance / Time

2. Velocity = Displacement / Time

3. Acceleration = Change in Velocity / Time

10. Important Terms

 Distance: Total path covered

 Displacement: Shortest distance from start to end

 Speed: Rate of motion

 Velocity: Speed with direction

 Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity

 Periodic Motion: Repeated motion

 Reference Point: Point used to check motion

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The SI unit of velocity is:

a) m/s²
b) m/s
c) km/h
d) m

2. Which graph represents uniform motion?

a) Curved distance-time graph
b) Straight distance-time graph
c) Curved velocity-time graph
d) Horizontal velocity-time graph
3. Acceleration occurs when:
a) Velocity remains constant
b) Object is at rest
c) Velocity changes
d) Distance is zero

4. An object moves 10 m east, then 6 m west. Its displacement is:

a) 16 m
b) 4 m east
c) 4 m west
d) 6 m

5. Time period of a pendulum is 2 s. How many oscillations will it complete in 1

minute?
a) 15
b) 30
c) 60
d) 120

B. Short Answer Questions

1. Define motion and give one example.

2. Differentiate between distance and displacement with examples.

3. Define acceleration. Give one example of positive and one of negative

acceleration.

4. Give one example each of uniform, non-uniform, periodic, and random motion.

5. What is the slope of a distance-time graph? What does it represent?

C. Numerical Problems

1. A car covers 180 km in 3 hours. Calculate its speed.

2. A train moves with uniform velocity of 60 km/h. How long will it take to cover 90
km?

3. A bike accelerates from 10 m/s to 25 m/s in 5 s. Find acceleration.

4. A body moves 20 m north and then 15 m south. Find the total distance and
displacement.

5. A car travels 150 m in 10 s, then 100 m in 5 s. Find its average speed.

D. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain uniform and non-uniform motion with examples.

2. Draw and explain a distance-time graph for uniform and non-uniform motion.

3. Explain how velocity-time graphs help in understanding acceleration and distance

travelled.
4. A pendulum completes 50 oscillations in 100 s. Find its time period.

Answers

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. b) m/s

2. b) Straight distance-time graph

3. c) Velocity changes

4. b) 4 m east (10 – 6 = 4 m east)

5. b) 30 oscillations (60 s ÷ 2 s = 30)

B. Short Answer Questions

1. Motion: Change in position of an object with respect to time.

o Example: A car moving on a road.

2. Distance vs Displacement:

o Distance: Total path covered. Example: 10 km walked.

o Displacement: Shortest distance between initial and final position.

Example: 6 km straight line from start to end.

3. Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity per unit time.

v f −vi
o Formula: a=
t
o Positive acceleration: Car speeding up

o Negative acceleration: Car slowing down (deceleration)

4. Examples of Motion:

o Uniform: Car moving at constant speed

o Non-uniform: Bus stopping at signals

o Periodic: Pendulum

o Random: Leaves moving in wind

5. Slope of distance-time graph: Represents speed

C. Numerical Problems

1. Speed:
 Distance 180
v= = =60 km/h
Time 3
2. Time to cover 90 km:

Distance 90
Time= = =1.5 hours=1 hour 30 min
Speed 60
3. Acceleration:

v f −vi 25−10
a= = =3 m/s²
t 5
4. Distance and Displacement:

 Total distance = 20 + 15 = 35 m

 Displacement = 20 – 15 = 5 m north

5. Average speed:

250
Total distance=150+100=250 m Total time=10+5=15 sAverage speed= ≈ 16.67 m/s
15

D. Long Answer Questions

1. Uniform motion: Equal distances in equal time → constant speed. Example: Car
at 60 km/h
Non-uniform motion: Unequal distances in equal time → variable speed.
Example: Bus in traffic

2. Distance-time graph:

o Uniform → straight line

o Non-uniform → curved line

[Placeholder: draw distance-time graph showing both]

3. Velocity-time graph:

o Slope = acceleration

o Area under graph = distance travelled

[Placeholder: draw velocity-time graph showing constant velocity and
acceleration]

4. Time period of pendulum:

Total time 100

T= = =2 s
Number of oscillations 50