Class X Science – Competency-Based
Full Question Paper
Chapters: Chemical Reactions and Equations, Acids, Bases and Salts, Metals and Non-Metals,
Life Processes, Control and Coordination
Total Marks: 80 Time: 2 Hours
Design: 80% Competency-Based, 10% HOTS, 10% Simple
SECTION A – MCQs [1 × 20 = 20]
Competency-Based:
1. 1. When iron nails are dipped into copper sulphate solution, a brown coating is
observed. What does this indicate about the chemical reactivity of the metals involved?
2. 2. A student adds blue litmus solution to a colorless liquid and it turns red. What can be
inferred about the liquid?
3. 3. Which compound is responsible for the formation of hard water when calcium reacts
with bicarbonates?
4. 4. Which part of the brain helps in maintaining posture while dancing?
5. 5. A farmer uses quicklime in his field. What is the purpose of adding quicklime to the
soil?
6. 6. Which part of the digestive system secretes bile and what is its function?
7. 7. Identify the product formed when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with zinc metal.
8. 8. Why does milkman add baking soda to fresh milk before transporting it over long
distances?
9. 9. What is the significance of reflex action in daily life activities?
10. 10. Which gas is evolved during anaerobic respiration in yeast and how does it affect the
environment?
11. 11. A student finds the pH of shampoo to be around 6.5. Is it acidic, basic or neutral?
Justify.
12. 12. Why is tooth enamel damaged by acidic substances? Which preventive measure is
recommended?
13. 13. How do auxins help in the bending of plants toward light?
14. 14. Why do green plants not absorb green light during photosynthesis?
15. 15. A grey metal X reacts with dilute sulphuric acid and releases a gas that burns with a
pop sound. Identify metal X.
16. 16. While testing the reaction of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid, a student notices
gas formation. What test can confirm the gas identity?
Simple:
17. 17. What is the chemical formula of sodium chloride?
18. 18. Name the functional unit of kidney.
HOTS:
19. 19. Why is damage to medulla oblongata likely to be fatal?
20. 20. If the cerebellum of a person is damaged, how will it affect daily activities?
SECTION B – Very Short Answer Questions [2 × 10 = 20]
Competency-Based:
21. 1. Explain why baking soda is used in antacids.
22. 2. Why are aluminium sheets used to wrap food items instead of iron sheets?
23. 3. Give a reason why stomata are more numerous on the underside of a leaf.
24. 4. Why is hydrochloric acid present in the stomach despite its corrosive nature?
25. 5. Why does a magnesium ribbon burn with a dazzling white flame?
Simple:
26. 6. What is the pH of pure water?
27. 7. Define reflex arc.
HOTS:
28. 8. Predict what would happen if bile were absent in the digestive process.
29. 9. Why do electrical impulses travel faster than hormonal responses in the human body?
30. 10. A student observed green coating on copper after few days. Explain the chemistry
behind it.
SECTION C – Short Answer Questions [3 × 7 = 21]
Competency-Based:
31. 1. Explain with equations the reactions that occur when: (i) a metal reacts with water,
(ii) a metal reacts with acid.
32. 2. Compare and contrast aerobic and anaerobic respiration based on location, products
and energy yield.
33. 3. Describe the process of transmission of nerve impulses.
34. 4. Explain the physiological changes that occur during photosynthesis in plants.
35. 5. How does acid rain affect soil and plant growth? Suggest two preventive measures.
Simple:
36. 6. Write the balanced equation for the reaction between calcium carbonate and
hydrochloric acid.
HOTS:
37. 7. If the pancreas stops functioning, what effect would it have on digestion and glucose
regulation?
SECTION D – Long Answer Questions [5 × 5 = 25]
Competency-Based:
38. 1. With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the process of nutrition in Amoeba.
39. 2. Write the chemical reactions and observations for the following: (i) Fe + CuSO₄, (ii) Zn
+ HCl, (iii) CaCO₃ + HCl.
40. 3. Describe the mechanism of action of plant hormones with one example each: Auxin,
Gibberellin, Cytokinin, ABA.
41. 4. Explain the structure of human heart and path of blood circulation with a diagram.
HOTS:
42. 5. If all stomata of a plant were clogged, what physiological and environmental effects
would result?
SECTION E – Case Based Questions [7 × 3 = 21]
Competency-Based:
43. 1. Case: A student adds dilute HCl to chalk powder and observes brisk effervescence.
Questions:
(a) Name the gas evolved.
(b) Write the chemical equation.
(c) How can the gas be tested?
44. 2. Case: A boy touches a hot object and immediately withdraws his hand.
Questions:
(a) What is this response called?
(b) Name the parts involved in this pathway.
(c) Explain why the brain is not involved initially.
HOTS:
45. 3. Case: In a desert plant, leaves are reduced to spines and photosynthesis occurs in
stems.
Questions:
(a) What advantage does this adaptation provide?
(b) How does the plant minimize water loss?
(c) Which tissue transports water to the photosynthetic site?
