CLASS X

There will be one paper of two hours duration (iv) Different types of energy (e.g. chemical
carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of energy, Mechanical energy, heat energy,
practical work carrying 20 marks. electrical energy, nuclear energy, sound
energy, light energy).
The paper will be divided into two sections, Section I
(40 marks) and Section II (40 marks). Mechanical energy: potential energy U =
mgh (derivation included) gravitational PE,
Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer
examples; kinetic energy K= ½ mv2
questions on the entire syllabus.
(derivation included); forms of kinetic
Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will energy: translational, rotational and
be required to answer any four of these six questions. vibrational - only simple examples.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, only SI Units are to [Numerical problems on K and U only in
be used while teaching and learning, as well as for case of translational motion]; qualitative
answering questions. discussions of electrical, chemical, heat,
nuclear, light and sound energy, conversion
1. Force, Work, Power and Energy from one form to another; common
(i) Turning forces concept; moment of a force; examples.
forces in equilibrium; centre of gravity; (v)Machines as force multipliers; load, effort,
[discussions using simple examples and mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and
simple numerical problems]. efficiency; simple treatment of levers, pulley
Elementary introduction of translational and systems showing the utility of each type of
rotational motions; moment (turning effect) machine.
of a force, also called torque and its cgs and Functions and uses of simple machines:
SI units; common examples - door, steering Terms- effort E, load L, mechanical
wheel, bicycle pedal, etc.; clockwise and advantage MA = L/E, velocity ratio
anti-clockwise moments; conditions for a VR = V E /V L = d E / d L , input (W i ), output
body to be in equilibrium ( translational and (W o ), efficiency (η), relation between η and
rotational); principle of moment and its MA, VR (derivation included); for all
verification using a metre rule suspended by practical machines η <1; MA < VR.
two spring balances with slotted weights
hanging from it; simple numerical problems; Lever: principle. First, second and third
Centre of gravity (qualitative only) with class of levers; examples: MA and VR in each
examples of some regular bodies and case. Examples of each of these classes of
irregular lamina. levers as also found in the human body.

(ii) Uniform circular motion. Pulley system: single fixed, single movable,
block and tackle; MA, VR and η in each
As an example of constant speed, though case.
acceleration (force) is present. Differences
between centrifugal and centripetal force. (vi) Principle of Conservation of energy.
(iii) Work, energy, power and their relation with Statement of the principle of conservation of
force. energy; theoretical verification that U + K =
constant for a freely falling body.
Definition of work. W = FS cosθ; special Application of this law to simple pendulum
cases of θ = 00, 900. W= mgh. Definition of (qualitative only); [simple numerical
energy, energy as work done. Various units problems].
of work and energy and their relation with SI
units.[erg, calorie, kW h and eV]. Definition 2. Light
of Power, P=W/t; SI and cgs units; other (i) Refraction of light through a glass block and
units, kilowatt (kW), megawatt (MW) and a triangular prism - qualitative treatment of
gigawatt (GW); and horse power simple applications such as real and apparent
(1hp=746W) [Simple numerical problems on depth of objects in water and apparent
work, power and energy].

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 bending of sticks in water. Applications of Sign convention and direct numerical
refraction of light. problems using the lens formula are included
(derivation of formula not required).
Partial reflection and refraction due to
change in medium. Laws of refraction; the Scale drawing or graphical representation
effect on speed (V), wavelength (λ) and of ray diagrams not required.
frequency (f) due to refraction of light; Power of a lens (concave and convex) –
conditions for a light ray to pass undeviated. [simple direct numerical problems]:
Values of speed of light (c) in vacuum, air, magnifying glass or simple microscope:
water and glass; refractive index µ = c/V, V location of image and magnification from
= fλ. Values of µ for common substances ray diagram only [formula and numerical
such as water, glass and diamond; problems not included]. Applications of
experimental verification; refraction through lenses.
glass block; lateral displacement; multiple
images in thick glass plate/mirror; refraction (iv) Using a triangular prism to produce a visible
through a glass prism simple applications: spectrum from white light; Electromagnetic
real and apparent depth of objects in water; spectrum. Scattering of light.
apparent bending of a stick under water. Deviation produced by a triangular prism;
(Simple numerical problems and dependence on colour (wavelength) of light;
approximate ray diagrams required). dispersion and spectrum; electromagnetic
(ii) Total internal reflection: Critical angle; spectrum: broad classification (names only
examples in triangular glass prisms; arranged in order of increasing wavelength);
comparison with reflection from a plane properties common to all electromagnetic
mirror (qualitative only). Applications of radiations; properties and uses of infrared
total internal reflection. and ultraviolet radiation. Simple application
of scattering of light e.g. blue colour of the
Transmission of light from a denser medium sky.
(glass/water) to a rarer medium (air) at
different angles of incidence; critical angle 3. Sound
(C) µ = 1/sinC. Essential conditions for total (i) Reflection of Sound Waves; echoes: their
internal reflection. Total internal reflection use; simple numerical problems on echoes.
in a triangular glass prism; ray diagram,
different cases - angles of prism Production of echoes, condition for
(60º,60º,60º), (60º,30º,90º), (45º,45º,90º); formation of echoes; simple numerical
use of right angle prism to obtain δ = 90º and problems; use of echoes by bats, dolphins,
180º (ray diagram); comparison of total fishermen, medical field. SONAR.
internal reflection from a prism and (ii) Natural vibrations, Damped vibrations,
reflection from a plane mirror. Forced vibrations and Resonance - a special
(iii) Lenses (converging and diverging) including case of forced vibrations. Meaning and
characteristics of the images formed simple applications of natural, damped,
(using ray diagrams only); magnifying glass; forced vibrations and resonance.
location of images using ray diagrams and (iii) Loudness, pitch and quality of sound:
thereby determining magnification.
Characteristics of sound: loudness and
Types of lenses (converging and diverging), intensity; subjective and objective nature of
convex and concave, action of a lens as a set these properties; sound level in db (as unit
of prisms; technical terms; centre of only); noise pollution; interdependence of:
curvature, radii of curvature, principal axis, pitch and frequency; quality and waveforms
foci, focal plane and focal length; detailed (with examples).
study of refraction of light in spherical lenses
through ray diagrams; formation of images - 4. Electricity and Magnetism
principal rays or construction rays; location (i) Ohm’s Law; concepts of emf, potential
of images from ray diagram for various difference, resistance; resistances in series
positions of a small linear object on the and parallel, internal resistance.
principal axis; characteristics of images.
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 Concepts of pd (V), current (I), resistance required): Simple introduction to
(R) and charge (Q). Ohm's law: statement, electromagnetic induction; frequency of AC
V=IR; SI units; experimental verification; in house hold supplies , Fleming’s Right
graph of V vs I and resistance from slope; Hand Rule, AC Generator - Simple sketch of
ohmic and non-ohmic resistors, factors main parts, brief description and type of
affecting resistance (including specific energy transfer(working not required).
resistance) and internal resistance; super Advantage of AC over DC. Transformer- its
conductors, electromotive force (emf); types, characteristics of primary and
combination of resistances in series and secondary coils in each type (simple labelled
parallel and derivation of expressions for diagram and its uses).
equivalent resistance. Simple numerical
5. Heat
problems using the above relations. [Simple
network of resistors]. (i) Calorimetry: meaning, specific heat
capacity; principle of method of mixtures;
(ii) Electrical power and energy. Numerical Problems on specific heat
Electrical energy; examples of heater, motor, capacity using heat loss and gain and the
method of mixtures.
lamp, loudspeaker, etc. Electrical power;
measurement of electrical energy, W = QV Heat and its units (calorie, joule),
= VIt from the definition of pd. Combining temperature and its units (oC, K); thermal
with ohm’s law W = VIt = I2 Rt = (V2/R)t and (heat) capacity C' = Q/T... (SI unit of C):
Specific heat Capacity C = Q/mT (SI unit
electrical power P = (W/t) = VI = I2R = V2/R. of C) Mutual relation between Heat Capacity
Units: SI and commercial; Power rating of and Specific Heat capacity, values of C for
common appliances, household consumption some common substances (ice, water and
of electric energy; calculation of total energy copper). Principle of method of mixtures
consumed by electrical appliances; W = Pt including mathematical statement. Natural
(kilowatt × hour = kW h), [simple numerical phenomenon involving specific heat.
problems]. Consequences of high sp. heat of water.
[Simple numerical problems].
(iii) Household circuits – main circuit; switches;
(ii) Latent heat; loss and gain of heat involving
fuses; earthing; safety precautions; three-pin
change of state for fusion only.
plugs; colour coding of wires.
Change of phase (state); heating curve for
House wiring (ring system), power water; latent heat; specific latent heat of
distribution; main circuit (3 wires-live, fusion (SI unit). Simple numerical problems.
neutral, earth) with fuse / MCB, main switch Common physical phenomena involving
and its advantages - circuit diagram; latent heat of fusion.
two-way switch, staircase wiring, need for 6. Modern Physics
earthing, fuse, 3-pin plug and socket;
(i) Radioactivity and changes in the nucleus;
Conventional location of live, neutral and background radiation and safety precautions.
earth points in 3 pin plugs and sockets.
Safety precautions, colour coding of wires. Brief introduction (qualitative only) of the
nucleus, nuclear structure, atomic number
(iv) Magnetic effect of a current (principles only, (Z), mass number (A). Radioactivity as
laws not required); electromagnetic spontaneous disintegration. α, β and γ - their
induction (elementary); transformer. nature and properties; changes within the
nucleus. One example each of α and β decay
Oersted’s experiment on the magnetic effect with equations showing changes in Z and A.
of electric current; magnetic field (B) and Uses of radioactivity - radio isotopes.
field lines due to current in a straight wire Harmful effects. Safety precautions.
(qualitative only), right hand thumb rule – Background radiation.
magnetic field due to a current in a loop; Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout from
Electromagnets: their uses; comparisons nuclear plants and other sources.
with a permanent magnet; Fleming’s Left Nuclear Energy: working on safe disposal of
Hand Rule, the DC electric motor- simple waste. Safety measures to be strictly
sketch of main parts (coil, magnet, split ring reinforced.
commutators and brushes); brief description (ii) Nuclear fission and fusion; basic
and type of energy transfer(working not introduction and equations.
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 A NOTE ON SI UNITS When the unit is named after a person, the symbol has
a capital letter.
SI units (Systeme International d’Unites) were
adopted internationally in 1968. Standard prefixes
Fundamental units Decimal multiples and submultiples are attached to
units when appropriate, as below:
The system has seven fundamental (or basic) units,
one for each of the fundamental quantities. Multiple Prefix Symbol
Fundamental quantity Unit 109 giga G
Name Symbol 10 6
mega M
Mass kilogram kg 103 kilo k
Length metre m
10-1 deci d
Time second s
10-2 centi c
Electric current ampere A
-3
10 milli m
Temperature kelvin K
Luminous intensity candela cd 10 -6
micro µ
-9
Amount of substance mole mol 10 nano n
10-12 pico p
Derived units
These are obtained from the fundamental units by 10-15 femto f
multiplication or division; no numerical factors are
involved. Some derived units with complex names INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF
are: PRACTICAL WORK
Derived Unit Candidates will be asked to carry out experiments for
quantity Name Symbol which instructions will be given. The experiments
Volume cubic metre m3 may be based on topics that are not included in the
syllabus but theoretical knowledge will not be
Density kilogram per cubic metre kg.m-3 required. A candidate will be expected to be able to
Velocity metre per second m.s-1 follow simple instructions, to take suitable readings
Acceleration metre per second squared m. s-2 and to present these readings in a systematic form.
He/she may be required to exhibit his/her data
Momentum kilogram metre per kg.m.s-1 graphically. Candidates will be expected to
second appreciate and use the concepts of least count,
significant figures and elementary error handling.
Some derived units are given special names due to Note: Teachers may design their own set of
their complexity when expressed in terms of the experiments, preferably related to the theory
fundamental units, as below: syllabus. A comprehensive list is suggested
Derived quantity Unit below.
Name Symbol 1. Lever - There are many possibilities with a meter
rule as a lever with a load (known or unknown)
Force newton N
suspended from a point near one end (say left),
Pressure pascal Pa the lever itself pivoted on a knife edge, use
Energy, Work joule J slotted weights suspended from the other (right)
side for effort.
Power watt W
Determine the mass of a metre rule using a spring
Frequency hertz Hz
balance or by balancing it on a knife edge at some
Electric charge coulomb C point away from the middle and a 50g weight on
Electric resistance ohm Ω the other side. Next pivot (F) the metre rule at
the 40cm, 50cm and 60cm mark, each time
Electromotive force volt V suspending a load L or the left end and effort E
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 near the right end. Adjust E and or its position so 9. Determination of sp. heat of a metal by method
that the rule is balanced. Tabulate the position of of mixtures.
L, F and E and the magnitudes of L and E and the
10. Determination of specific latent heat of ice.
distances of load arm and effort arm. Calculate
MA=L/E and VR = effort arm/load arm. It 11. Using as simple electric circuit, verify Ohm’s
will be found that MA <VR in one case, MA=VR law. Draw a graph, and obtain the slope.
in another and MA>VR in the third case. Try to 12. Set up model of household wiring including ring
explain why this is so. Also try to calculate the main circuit. Study the function of switches and
real load and real effort in these cases. fuses.
2. Determine the VR and MA of a given pulley Teachers may feel free to alter or add to the above
system. list. The students may perform about 10 experiments.
3. Trace the course of different rays of light Some experiments may be demonstrated.
refracting through a rectangular glass slab at
different angles of incidence, measure the angles EVALUATION
of incidence, refraction and emergence. Also The practical work/project work are to be evaluated
measure the lateral displacement. by the subject teacher and by an External Examiner.
4. Determine the focal length of a convex lens by (The External Examiner may be a teacher nominated
(a) the distant object method and (b) using a by the Head of the school, who could be from the
needle and a plane mirror. faculty, but not teaching the subject in the relevant
section/class. For example, a teacher of Physics of
5. Determine the focal length of a convex lens by Class VIII may be deputed to be an External
using two pins and formula f = uv/(u+v). Examiner for Class X, Physics projects.)
6. For a triangular prism, trace the course of rays The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner
passing through it, measure angles i 1 , i 2 , A and will assess the practical work/project work
δ.Repeat for four different angles of incidence independently.
(say i 1 =400 , 500, 600 and 700). Verify i 1 + i 2 =A+δ
and A = r 1 + r 2 . Award of marks (20 Marks)
7. For a ray of light incident normally (i 1 =0) on one Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
face of a prism, trace course of the ray. Measure External Examiner 10 marks
the angle δ. Explain briefly. Do this for prisms
with A=600, 450 and 900. The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to
the Council by the Head of the school.
8. Calculate the sp. heat of the material of the given
calorimeter, from the temperature readings and The Head of the school will be responsible for the
masses of cold water, warm water and its mixture online entry of marks on the Council’s CAREERS
taken in the calorimeter. portal by the due date.

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