ICSE Class 6 Physics Sample Paper with Solutions Set 01

Question 1
Choose the correct answer out of the four available choices given under each question. [15]

1. 1 J is the energy required to do ____ of work. [1 Mark]
(a) 1 N
(b) 1 J
(c) 9.8 N
(d) 98 J

Answer: (b) 1 J

Energy is the capacity to do work, so both have the same numerical value. Thus, 1 J of energy is required to do 1 J of work.

Teacher's Note:
a) Energy and work are interchangeable terms in physics sharing the exact same unit, the Joule (J).
b) Students often confuse units of force (Newton) with units of work and energy (Joule).

2. When you stop pedalling a bicycle, it eventually comes to a stop. Which type of force is involved in this process? [1 Mark]
(a) Magnetic force
(b) Electric force
(c) Frictional force
(d) All of the above

Answer: (c) Frictional force

The bicycle slows down and stops due to the frictional force acting between the tyres and the road, as well as friction in the moving parts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Friction is a contact force that always opposes the relative motion between two surfaces in contact.
b) Do not assume an invisible force like magnetism is acting when stopping objects; mechanical contact forces are responsible.

3. Which out of the following is the biggest unit of measuring time? [1 Mark]
(a) Second
(b) Year
(c) Day
(d) Hour

Answer: (b) Year

A year comprises 365 days, which is much longer than a second, hour, or day.

Teacher's Note:
a) Time units scale up from seconds to minutes, hours, days, months, and years.
b) Always compare standard equivalent durations when determining the largest or smallest unit.

4. The Earth behaves like a huge bar magnet with its Magnetic North Pole situated near the [1 Mark]
(a) Geographical North Pole
(b) Geographical South Pole
(c) Geographical West Pole
(d) Geographical East Pole

Answer: (b) Geographical South Pole

The magnetic north pole of the Earth's internal magnet is located near the geographical south pole, which is why a compass needle's north pole points towards the geographical north.

Teacher's Note:
a) Unlike poles attract, so the Earth's geographic north attracts the north-seeking pole of a magnet because the Earth's magnetic south pole lies there.
b) Students frequently get confused between geographical poles and magnetic poles.

5. Name the machine which is used to change the direction of force applied. [1 Mark]
(a) A movable pulley
(b) Gear system or class III lever
(c) Single fixed pulley
(d) Inclined plane

Answer: (c) Single fixed pulley

A single fixed pulley allows a person to pull downwards to lift a load upwards, thereby changing the direction of the applied force.

Teacher's Note:
a) A single fixed pulley does not provide any mechanical advantage greater than 1, but it offers convenience by changing force direction.
b) Differentiate carefully between fixed and movable pulleys regarding their specific functions.

6. When the force remains constant and the area is less, the pressure will [1 Mark]
(a) Increase
(b) Decrease
(c) First increase then decrease
(d) First decrease then increase

Answer: (a) Increase

Pressure is inversely proportional to area (Pressure = Force / Area). When area decreases for a constant force, pressure increases.

Teacher's Note:
a) This principle explains why sharp tools like knives have very small surface areas at the cutting edge.
b) Remember the formula P = F / A to easily derive relationships between pressure, force, and area.

7. Work is said to be done if [1 Mark]
(a) A body moves
(b) A force is applied which brings about motion
(c) A force is applied but no motion is produced
(d) None of the above

Answer: (b) A force is applied which brings about motion

In physics, work is done only when a force applied on an object displaces it in the direction of the force.

Teacher's Note:
a) Two conditions must be met for work to be done: application of force and displacement of the body.
b) Pushing a heavy immovable wall involves muscular effort, but zero scientific work is done since displacement is zero.

8. Wheels reduce friction by [1 Mark]
(a) reducing the amount of sliding by rolling
(b) reducing the amount of sliding friction through lubrication
(c) reducing the amount of unevenness of the surface
(d) increasing the surface area

Answer: (a) reducing the amount of sliding by rolling

Rolling friction is significantly smaller than sliding friction, which is why wheels convert sliding motion into rolling motion.

Teacher's Note:
a) Rolling friction offers much less resistance to motion compared to sliding friction.
b) This is the foundational reason behind the invention of wheels and ball bearings in machinery.

9. Which of the following is not a function of a machine? [1 Mark]
(a) To make our work convenient
(b) To enable us to lift more load with less force
(c) To enable us to make measurements correctly
(d) To make our work faster

Answer: (c) To enable us to make measurements correctly

Making measurements correctly is the function of measuring instruments, not simple or complex machines.

Teacher's Note:
a) Machines help multiply force, change the direction of force, gain speed, or make tasks convenient.
b) Read options carefully to distinguish between general tools, measuring devices, and mechanical machines.

10. Which of the following is the best estimate in metres of the height of a mountain? [1 Mark]
(a) 1 m
(b) 1 km
(c) 100 m
(d) 1 mm

Answer: (b) 1 km

1 kilometre equals 1,000 metres, which is a realistic estimation for the height of a major mountain.

Teacher's Note:
a) 1 km = 1000 m, making it the appropriate order of magnitude for large geographical elevations.
b) Meters and millimeters are too small for large geographical heights.

11. The ultimate source of all energy is [1 Mark]
(a) Petroleum
(b) Coal
(c) Sun
(d) Wind

Answer: (c) Sun

The Sun provides light and heat energy to Earth, driving weather systems, plant growth (biomass), and fossil fuels, making it the ultimate source.

Teacher's Note:
a) Almost all renewable and non-renewable energy forms on Earth trace their origin back to solar radiation.
b) Fossil fuels are stored solar energy trapped over millions of years.

12. The proper care and maintenance of machines required [1 Mark]
(a) To make them good looking
(b) To preserve them for the future
(c) For their efficient and longer use
(d) None of the above

Answer: (c) For their efficient and longer use

Lubrication, cleaning, and servicing reduce friction and wear and tear, ensuring machines work efficiently over a longer period.

Teacher's Note:
a) Regular maintenance prevents sudden mechanical failures and reduces energy loss due to friction.
b) Aesthetic appearance is secondary compared to operational efficiency and durability.

13. Which of the following is not an example of the force of gravity? [1 Mark]
(a) A leaf falling from a tree
(b) A boy pushing a cart on a level plane
(c) A diver jumping into a swimming pool
(d) A stone falling from the top of the tower

Answer: (b) A boy pushing a cart on a level plane

Pushing a cart on a level plane involves an applied muscular force and friction, whereas falling objects are pulled directly by gravity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Gravity is a non-contact downward pull exerted by the Earth on all objects with mass.
b) Horizontal motion driven by muscle power is distinct from vertical free-fall motion due to gravity.

14. Magnetic poles always exist as [1 Mark]
(a) Dipoles
(b) Monopole
(c) No-pole
(d) None of the above

Answer: (a) Dipoles

Magnetic poles always occur in pairs (North and South); magnetic monopoles do not exist in nature.

Teacher's Note:
a) If you break a magnet into two pieces, each piece instantly develops its own North and South poles.
b) Magnetic dipoles are a fundamental characteristic of magnetism.

15. The unit of weight in the S.I. system is [1 Mark]
(a) kilogram
(b) Newton
(c) gram
(d) metre/second

Answer: (b) Newton

Weight is a force (gravitational pull on an object), and the S.I. unit of any force is the Newton (N).

Teacher's Note:
a) Mass is measured in kilograms (kg), whereas weight is measured in Newtons (N).
b) This is a classic point of confusion tested frequently in physics exams.

Question 2

(A) Name the following. [5 Marks]

1. The load between the effort and the fulcrum. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Class II levers

Teacher's Note:
a) In a class II lever, the load is situated in the middle between the fulcrum and the effort (e.g., wheelbarrow, nutcracker).
b) Memorize the 'FLE' rule (Fulcrum in middle = Class 1, Load in middle = Class 2, Effort in middle = Class 3).

2. A fixed quantity which is accepted as a standard by people all over the world. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Unit

Teacher's Note:
a) A standard unit ensures uniformity and universal acceptance of measurements across the globe.
b) Standard International (SI) units form the backbone of scientific measurement.

3. Unit of force. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Newton

Teacher's Note:
a) Named after Sir Isaac Newton, the symbol is N.
b) Ensure proper capitalization when writing units named after scientists.

4. The frictional force that comes into action when a roller rolls over a surface. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Rolling friction

Teacher's Note:
a) Rolling friction is much weaker than sliding friction.
b) Wheels and ball bearings take advantage of this low-friction property.

5. Force applied to a machine to do mechanical work. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Effort

Teacher's Note:
a) Effort is the input force applied to a simple machine to overcome a load.
b) Distinguish clearly between effort (input force) and load (resistive force).

(B) Fill in the blanks. [5 Marks]

1. Length of a curved line can be measured with the help of a ____________ or a ___________. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Thread, divider

Teacher's Note:
a) A thread is laid along the curved path and then measured with a metre scale.
b) A pair of dividers can also step along a curved path in small straight segments.

2. ___________ is the force of one Newton exerted over an area of one square metre. [1 Mark]

Answer:
One Pascal

Teacher's Note:
a) Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit of pressure.
b) 1 Pa = 1 N / m².

3. The pulley changes the _________________ of force. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Direction

Teacher's Note:
a) A single fixed pulley reverses the direction of applied pull from upward to downward.
b) This makes lifting loads much more ergonomic using body weight.

4. Magnetic force is ____________ in the middle of a magnet. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Least

Teacher's Note:
a) Magnetic strength is concentrated at the two poles and is minimal at the centre.
b) Iron filings cling tightly to the ends of a bar magnet rather than the middle.

5. The upper fixed point of a Celsius thermometer is ________________. [1 Mark]

Answer:
100 degrees Celsius

Teacher's Note:
a) The upper fixed point corresponds to the boiling point of pure water at standard atmospheric pressure.
b) The lower fixed point is 0 degrees Celsius (melting point of ice).

Question 3

(A) Match the following. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1 - c
2 - b
3 - e
4 - d
5 - a (or matching pairs as: 1-c, 2-b, 3-e, 4-d, 5-a based on the revised answer key mapping)

Teacher's Note:
a) Match items precisely by analyzing scientific definitions and energy conversions.
b) Soft iron is specifically used to make temporary electromagnets.

(B) Correct the following sentences. [5 Marks]

1. A beam balance is a lever of the second type. [1 Mark]

Answer:
A beam balance is a lever of the first type.

Teacher's Note:
a) In a beam balance, the fulcrum is in the centre with the loads on both sides (Class I lever).
b) Always check the position of the fulcrum, load, and effort to classify levers correctly.

2. The device used to measure the temperature of a body is called a barometer. [1 Mark]

Answer:
The device used to measure the temperature of a body is called a thermometer.

Teacher's Note:
a) A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure, not temperature.
b) Be precise with scientific instrument names and their specific applications.

3. A loudspeaker converts sound energy to electrical energy. [1 Mark]

Answer:
A loudspeaker converts electrical energy to sound energy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Microphones convert sound to electrical energy, while loudspeakers do the exact opposite.
b) Energy conversion devices must be understood in pairs.

4. Area is the amount of space occupied by an object. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object.

Teacher's Note:
a) Area refers to the extent of a two-dimensional surface, whereas volume refers to three-dimensional space.
b) Precision in definitions is vital in physics.

5. Magnetic force always causes attraction. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Magnetic force causes both attraction and repulsion.

Teacher's Note:
a) Like magnetic poles repel each other, while unlike magnetic poles attract.
b) Repulsion is considered the surest test for magnetism.

Question 4

(A) Write a short note on wedge and pulley. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Wedge: A wedge is a simple machine consisting of two inclined planes placed back to back, forming a sharp edge. The upper part has a large area, while the lower sharpened edge has a very small area. When hammered, it creates a large pressure on the sharp edge, making it useful for splitting logs, cutting, or piercing. Examples include knives, axes, and needles.
Pulley: A pulley is a metallic or wooden disc with a grooved rim through which a string or rope passes. The disc rotates about an axle fixed to a frame. By pulling one end of the rope down, an object tied to the other end is lifted up, effectively changing the direction of the applied force. Examples include drawing water from a well and lifting heavy loads in factories.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain both machines with structural features and practical applications.
b) Highlight how a wedge increases pressure via small area and how a pulley changes force direction.

(B) [5 Marks]

1. Is force a scalar or a vector quantity? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Force is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and a specific direction.

Teacher's Note:
a) Vector quantities require both a numerical value with a unit and a direction to be fully specified.
b) Pushing an object requires knowing not just how hard (magnitude) but also where (direction).

2. What is the S.I. unit of work? Define it. [1 Mark]

Answer:
The S.I. unit of work is the Joule (J).
1 Joule of work is said to be done when a force of 1 Newton displaces a body by 1 metre in the direction of the force.

Teacher's Note:
a) Formula: Work = Force \times Displacement (W = F \times s).
b) Always include the mathematical definition along with the verbal definition.

3. What conditions determine the class of a lever? [1 Mark]

Answer:
The relative positions of the fulcrum (F), load (L), and effort (E) determine the class of a lever.

Teacher's Note:
a) Depending on which of the three components is in the middle, a lever is classified as Class I, II, or III.
b) Memorize the FLE mnemonic for easy recall.

4. What do you understand by the term estimation? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Estimation is a quick judgment or a rough approximation about a measurement of some particular quantity without actual precise measurement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Estimation is useful in daily life when exact measurements are not immediately required.
b) It relies on previous experience and visual judgment.

5. What is static electric force? How is it created? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Static electric force is the force exerted by stationary electrically charged objects produced due to friction.
It is created by rubbing specific insulating substances against each other (such as a plastic comb through dry hair).

Teacher's Note:
a) Friction transfers electrons between surfaces, creating static electric charges.
b) Static electricity can attract light uncharged objects like bits of paper.

Question 5

(A) Answer in one sentence: [5 Marks]

1. Define: Area [1 Mark]

Answer:
The space occupied by any object on a two-dimensional surface is called the area of that object.

Teacher's Note:
a) The standard SI unit of area is square metre (m²).
b) Differentiate clearly between area (2D surface extent) and volume (3D capacity).

2. Give one practical use of a lever. [1 Mark]

Answer:
A nutcracker (class II lever) is used to crack open hard nuts effortlessly.

Teacher's Note:
a) Levers make work easier by multiplying the applied effort.
b) Other examples include scissors, crowbars, and tongs.

3. What would cause more friction - a rough surface or a smooth surface? [1 Mark]

Answer:
A rough surface causes more friction than a smooth surface because interlocking between surface irregularities is greater.

Teacher's Note:
a) Friction arises due to microscopic irregularities locking together.
b) Smoother surfaces have fewer irregularities, resulting in reduced friction.

4. What is pressure? [1 Mark]

Answer:
Pressure is defined as the amount of force acting perpendicularly per unit area.

Teacher's Note:
a) Formula: Pressure = Force / Area (P = F / A).
b) Its SI unit is Pascal (Pa) or N / m².

5. Give three names of devices developed by man to use solar energy. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Solar cooker, solar water heater, and solar cell.

Teacher's Note:
a) Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source directly harnessed from sunlight.
b) Solar cells convert light directly into electrical energy.

(B) Find the odd one out. [5 Marks]

1. Measuring tape, measuring flask, measuring cylinder, burette [1 Mark]

Answer:
Measuring tape

Teacher's Note:
a) Measuring tape is used to measure length, whereas the others are vessels used to measure the volume of liquids.
b) Classification questions test categorical reasoning.

2. Loudspeaker, microphone, electric bell, stereo system [1 Mark]

Answer:
Microphone

Teacher's Note:
a) A microphone converts sound energy into electrical energy, while the others convert electrical energy into sound energy.
b) Pay close attention to energy input and output directions.

3. Ramp, revolving staircase, wheel, wooden plane [1 Mark]

Answer:
Wheel

Teacher's Note:
a) A wheel is a circular rolling machine, whereas ramps, revolving staircases, and wooden planes are examples of inclined planes.
b) Group simple machines by their underlying mechanical principles.

4. Wound-up spring, stretched bow, stone lying on the roof, moving car [1 Mark]

Answer:
Moving car

Teacher's Note:
a) A moving car possesses kinetic energy due to its motion, whereas the others possess potential energy due to their position or state of strain.
b) Differentiate between kinetic and potential energy.

5. Square metre, hectare, square kilometre and litre [1 Mark]

Answer:
Litre

Teacher's Note:
a) Litre is a unit of volume for liquids, whereas square metre, hectare, and square kilometre are units of area.
b) Always match physical quantities with their correct measurement units.

Question 6

(A) With the help of diagrams, demonstrate the differences between I, II and III classes of levers. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Levers are classified into three categories based on the relative positions of the Fulcrum (F), Load (L), and Effort (E):
1. Class I Lever: The fulcrum is situated between the effort and the load (F is in the middle). Example: Seesaw, scissor, beam balance.
[Figure: Diagram showing fulcrum in the middle with effort on one side and load on the other]
2. Class II Lever: The load is situated between the fulcrum and the effort (L is in the middle). Example: Nutcracker, wheelbarrow, bottle opener.
[Figure: Diagram showing load in the middle between fulcrum at one end and effort at the other]
3. Class III Lever: The effort is situated between the fulcrum and the load (E is in the middle). Example: Tongs, human forearm, fishing rod.
[Figure: Diagram showing effort in the middle between fulcrum at one end and load at the other]

Teacher's Note:
a) Clear diagrams showing the positions of F, L, and E are essential for scoring full marks.
b) Use the FLE mnemonic (1=F middle, 2=L middle, 3=E middle) to remember lever classes accurately.

(B) Define the following. [5 Marks]

1. Properties of friction [1 Mark]

Answer:
Friction is a contact force that opposes relative motion, produces heat, and causes wear and tear of surfaces in contact.

Teacher's Note:
a) Friction can be both advantageous (walking, writing) and disadvantageous (energy loss, machinery wear).
b) It always acts parallel to the surfaces in contact and opposite to the direction of motion.

2. Wedge [1 Mark]

Answer:
A wedge is a simple machine made of two inclined planes placed back to back, forming a sharp edge used for splitting or cutting objects.

Teacher's Note:
a) Common examples include knives, axes, and chisels.
b) The sharper the wedge, the smaller the area and the greater the cutting pressure.

3. Physical quantity [1 Mark]

Answer:
Any quantity that can be measured directly or indirectly and expressed in numbers with units is called a physical quantity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Examples include length, mass, time, temperature, and volume.
b) Emotions or feelings are not physical quantities because they cannot be measured.

4. Magnetic field [1 Mark]

Answer:
The space or region surrounding a magnet where its magnetic force is experienced is called a magnetic field.

Teacher's Note:
a) Magnetic field lines run from the North pole to the South pole outside the magnet.
b) Field strength is strongest near the poles where the magnetic lines are densely crowded.

5. Output or output energy [1 Mark]

Answer:
The useful work done by a machine or the total energy obtained from a machine is called the output or output energy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Output energy is always less than input energy due to energy losses from friction.
b) Efficiency of a machine is the ratio of useful output energy to input energy.

Question 7

(A) Answer the following.

1. If you jerk a piece of paper from under a book quickly enough, the book does not move. Why? [1 Mark]

Answer:
The book remains in its place due to its inertia of rest.

Teacher's Note:
a) Inertia is the inherent property of a body to resist any change in its state of rest or motion.
b) A sudden jerk does not give enough time for the frictional force between paper and book to move the heavy book.

2. State the effects which a force can produce. [4 Marks]

Answer:
A force can produce the following effects:
1. It can start or stop the motion of a body.
2. It can change the speed of a moving body.
3. It can change the direction of motion of a body.
4. It can bring about a change in the shape or dimensions of a body.

Teacher's Note:
a) Force is an external push or pull that can alter the state of rest or uniform motion.
b) Give clear real-life examples for each effect to score full marks.

(B) Differentiate between temporary magnet and permanent magnet? [5 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Temporary magnets (electromagnets) are used in electric bells and cranes, while permanent magnets are used in speakers and compasses.
b) Present differences in a structured tabular format with clear points of comparison.