Strictly according to the Latest Syllabus for ICSE (Class X) prescribed

by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations

S. Chand’s

ICSE PHYSICS
BOOK – II

CLASS – X

PANKAJ BHATT
M.Sc. (Physics), B.Ed.
Head, Department of Science
Wynberg-Allen School
MUSSOORIE

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© 2007, Pankaj Bhatt

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only.

First Edition 2007

Second Edition 2008
Revised Edition 2009
Revised and Enlarged Two Colour Edition 2010

Revised Edition 2012

ISBN : 81-219-2836-2 Code : 16C 325

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 PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION
The present textbook of S. Chand’s ICSE Physics for Class X is based on the Latest ICSE syllabus prescribed for
students of ICSE courses. An attempt has been made in this textbook to ensure that it fulfills all the requirements of
Physics students of class IX.
Basic definitions and formulae of the subject remain the same in every textbook but the main difference lies in
explaining and presenting them with supporting examples and formulae so that the student does not feel any difficulty in
grasping the subject.
This textbook contains all that the students need and the main features are detailed below:
1. The basic principles are explained with examples from students daily life situations and every topic is followed
by thought provoking questions.
2. Relevant illustrations have been given wherever necessary;
3. The language used is simple and lucid, which keeps the interest of the students alive till the end of the topic;
4. The book caters both to the needs of very intelligent students as well as the average students.
I am myself a teacher in a ICSE reputed school teaching the subject for the last about 3 decades and I have utilized
to make the entire textual material helpful for the students and the teachers.
I am sure that the book will create interest of the students in learning the basics of Physics and motivate them in
choosing it for higher studies.
I am thankful to S. Chand & Company Ltd. for popularising this book in ICSE schools all over India. The book has
been printed in an attractive format and I thank all those who are associated with its designing and printing.
Feedback from students and teachers is most welcome, which will help me to make this textbook error-free and user-
friendly.

PANKAJ BHATT
Wynberg Allen School
MUSSOORIE – 248179
(Uttarakhand)

Disclaimer : While the author of this book have made every effort to avoid any mistake or omission and have used their skill,
expertise and knowledge to the best of their capacity to provide accurate and updated information. The author and S. Chand do
not give any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this publication and are
selling this publication on the condition and understanding that they shall not be made liable in any manner whatsoever. S.Chand
and the author expressly disclaim all and any liability/responsibility to any person, whether a purchaser or reader of this publication
or not, in respect of anything and everything forming part of the contents of this publication. S. Chand shall not be responsible for
any errors, omissions or damages arising out of the use of the information contained in this publication.
Further, the appearance of the personal name, location, place and incidence, if any; in the illustrations used herein is purely
coincidental and work of imagination. Thus the same should in no manner be termed as defamatory to any individual.

(iii)
(iii)
 NEW SYLLABUS
ICSE CLASS X
1. Force, Work, Energy and Power
(i) Contact and non-contact forces; cgs & SI units.
Examples of contact forces (frictional force, normal
reaction force, tension force as applied through
strings and force exerted during collision) and non-
contact forces (gravitational, electric and magnetic).
General properties of non-contact forces. cgs and
SI units of force and their relation, Gravitational
unit.
[No numerical problems]
(ii) Turning forces concept; moment of a force; forces
in equilibrium; centre of gravity; (discussions using
simple examples and simple direct problems).
Elementary introduction of translation and rotation;
moment (turning effect) of a force, also called torque
and its cgs and SI units; common examples - door,
steering wheel, bicycle pedal, etc,; clockwise and
anti clockwise moments; conditions for a body to
be in equilibrium (translational and rotational);
principle of moment and its verification using a
metre rule suspended by two spring balances with
slotted weights hanging from it; simple numerical
problems; Centre of gravity (qualitative only )with
examples of some regular bodies and irregular
lamina (students should be encouraged to try it out).
(iii) Uniform circular motion.
As example of constant speed, though acceleration
(force) is present. Basic idea of centrifugal and
centripetal force (qualitative only).
(iv) Machines as force multipliers; load, effort, mechani-
cal advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency; simple
treatment of levers, inclined plane and pulley sys-
tems showing the utility of each type of machine.
(vii) Energy sources.
Functions and uses of simple machines: Terms-ef-
fort E, load L, mechanical advantage MA = L/E,
velocity ratio VR = VE/VL = dE/dL. input (Wi), out-
put (Wo), efficiency (η) , relation between η and
MA, VR; for all practical machines η < 1; MA <VR.
Lever: principle First, second and third class of
levers; examples: MA and VR in each case. Ex-
amples of each of these classes of levers as found
in the human body.
(v)
Pulley system; simple fixed, single movable, com-
bination of movable pulleys, block and tackle; MA,
VR and η in each case.
[No derivation details.] Gear (toothed wheel)-prac-
tical applications in watches, vehicles, uphill, down-
hill motion, (no numerical).
Inclined plane: MA, VR and η . [derivation not re-
quired]. Utility of each type of machine. Simple
numerical problems.
(v) Work, energy, power and their relation with force.
Definition of work, W = FS cos θ; special cases of
θ = 0°, 90° W = mgh. Definition of energy. energy
as work done. Various units of work and energy and
their relation with SI units. [erg, calorie, kW h and
eV]. Definition of power, P = W/t; SI and cgs units;
other units, kilowatt (kW), megawatt (MW) and
gigawatt (GW); and horse power, (1hp = 746 W)
[Simple numerical problems on work, power and
energy].
(vi) Different types of energy (e.g., chemical energy,
mechanical energy, heat energy, electrical energy,
nuclear energy, sound energy, light energy).
Mechanical energy; potential energy (U)
gravitational, due to change in configuration,
examples; kinetic energy K = 1/2 mv2 (derive); forms
of kinetic energy; translational, rotational and
vibrational-only simple examples. [Numerical
problems on K and U only in case of translational
motion]; qualitative discussions of electrical,
chemical, heat, nuclear, light and sound energy,
conversion from one form to another; common
examples.
Solar, wind, water and nuclear energy (only
qualitative discussion of steps to produce electricity).
Renewable versus nonrenewable sources (elementary
ideas with example).
Energy degradation - In all energy transformations
some energy is lost to surroundings which is not
useful for any productive work (day to day
examples).
(viii) Principle of Conservation of energy.
Statement: Total energy of an isolated system
remains constant; OR energy can be converted from
one form to another but it cannot be created or
destroyed. Theoretical verification that U + K =
constant for a freely falling body. Application of
this law to simple pendulum (qualitative only);
simple numerical problems.
2. Light
(i) Refraction of light through a glass block and a tri-
angular prism qualitative treatment of simple appli-
cations such as real and apparent depth of objects
in water and apparent bending of sticks in water.
Change of medium causes partial reflection and
refraction. The refracted beam has a change in speed
(ν ) and wavelength (λ); frequency (ν ) remains
constant: the direction changes (except for i = 0).
Values of speed of light (c) in vacuum, air, water
and glass; refractive index n = c / ν., c = νλ, Values
of n for common substances; laws of refraction;
experimental verification; refraction through glass
block; lateral displacement; multiple images in thick
glass plate/mirror; refraction through a glass prism;
relation i1 + i2 = A + δ and r1 + r2 = A (without
proof); i − δ graph. Unique δmin with, i1 = i2 and
r1 = r2 – refracted ray parallel to the base. No
geometrical proof-only recognition from ray
diagrams simple applications: real and apparent
depth of objects in water; apparent bending of a
stick under water. (no calculations, but approximate
ray diagrams required). Simple numerical problems].
(ii) Total internal reflection: Critical angle; examples in
triangular glass prisms; comparison with reflection
from a plane mirror (qualitative only).
Transmission of light from a denser medium (say
glass) to a rarer medium (air) at different angles of
incidence; critical angle (c) n = 1/sin c. essential
conditions for total internal reflection. Total inter-
nal reflection in a triangular glass prism; ray dia-
gram, different cases - angles of prism (60°, 60°,
60°), (60°, 30°, 90°) (45°, 45°, 90°): use of right
angle prism to obtain δ = 90° and 180° (ray dia-
gram); comparison of total internal reflection from
a prism and reflection from a plane mirror.
[No numerical problems].
(iii) Lenses (converging and diverging) including char-
acteristics of the images formed (using ray diagrams
only); magnifying glass; location of images using
(vi)
ray diagrams and thereby determining magnifica-
tion (sign convention and problems using the lens
formulae are excluded).
Types of lenses (converging and diverging), con-
vex, concave, (sketch of shapes only); detailed study
of refraction of light in equi-convex and equi-con-
cave spherical lenses only through ray diagrams:
action of a lens as a set of prisms; technical terms;
centre of curvature, radii of curvature, principal axis,
foci, focal plane and focal length. Experimental
determination of f of convex lens by distant object
method, and by auxiliary plane mirror: ray diagrams
and simple description: formation of images princi-
pal rays or construction rays; location of images
from ray diagram for various positions of a small
linear object on the principal axis; characteristics of
images. When the object is at focus. image is formed
at infinity and can be seen. Ray diagrams only [re-
lation between u, v and f and problems not included].
Magnifying glass or simple microscopes: location
of image and magnification from ray diagram only.
[formation and problems not included].
(iv) Using a triangular prism to produce a visible spec-
trum from white light; Electromagnetic spectrum.
Scattering of light.
Deviation produced by a triangular prism; depen-
dence on colour (wavelength) of light; dispersion
and spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum: broad clas-
sification and approximate ranges of wavelengths;
properties common to all types; simple properties
and uses of each type, Simple application of scat-
tering of light e.g. blue colour of the sky.
[No numerical problems].
3. Sound
(i) Reflection of Sound Waves; echoes: their use;
simple numerical problems on echoes.
Production of echoes, condition for formation of
echoes; simple numerical problems; use of echoes
by bats, dolphins, fishermen, medical. SONAR.
(ii) Forced, natural vibrations, resonance (through ex-
amples).
Examples of natural and forced vibrations - quali-
tative discussion; resonance, a special case of forced
vibration of pendulums, machine parts, stretched
string, sound box of musical instrument - guitar,
only brief qualitative description.
(iii) Loudness, pitch and quality of sound:
Characteristics of sound; loudness and intensity;
subjective and objective nature of these properties;
 sound level in db (as unit only); noise pollution;
pitch and frequency examples; quality and wave-
form examples. [No numerical problems].
4. Electricity and Magnetism
(i) Ohm’s Law; concepts of emf, potential difference,
resistance in series and parallel; simple direct prob-
lems using combinations of resistors in circuits.
Review of Class IX topics as introduction. Concepts
of pd (V), current (I)and resistance (R) and Charge
(Q) by comparison with gravitational (free fall),
hydrostatic (water flow), heat (conduction) and
electric current through a resistor, compare V with
h Q with mg (force) in mgh, pd as work done /
charge. Ohm’s law: statement, V = IR; SI units;
experimental verification; graph of V vs I and
resistance from slope; ohmic and non-ohmic
resistors, super conductors, electromotive force
(emf); combination of resistances in series and
parallel and derivations of expressions for equivalent
resistance. Simple direct problems using the above
relations. Avoid complicated network of resistors.
(ii) Electrical power and energy.
Electrical energy: examples of heater, motor, lamp,
loudspeaker. etc. Electrical power; measurement of
electrical energy. W = QV = VIt from the definition
of pd. Combining with ohm’s law W = VIt = I2 Rt
= (V2/R)t and electrical power P = (W/t) = VI = I2R
= V2/R. Units: SI and commercial; Power rating of
common appliances, household consumption of
electric energy; calculation of total energy consumed
by electrical appliances; W = Pt (kilowatt x hour =
kWh). Simple numerical problems.
(iii) Household circuits – main circuit; switches; fuses;
earthing; safety precautions; three-pin plugs; colour
coding of wires.
House wiring system. (Power distribution); main
circuit (3 wires-live, neutral, earth) with fuse, main
switch; and its advantages-circuit diagram; two-
way switch, staircase wiring, need for earthing, fuse,
3-pin plug and socket; Conventional location of live,
neutral and earth points in 3 pin plugs and sockets.
Safety precautions, conventional colour coding of
wires.
[No numerical problems].
Magnetic effect of a current (principles only, laws
not required); electromagnetic induction (elemen-
tary); transformer.
Oersted’s experiment on the magnetic effect of
electric current; magnetic field (B) and field lines
(vii)
due to current in a straight wire (qualitative only),
right hand (clasp) rule- thumb along current, curved
fingers point along the B field or the other way;
magnetic field due to a current in a loop; clockwise
current - south pole and anticlockwise current - north
pole; electromagnet; simple construction of I-shaped
and U-shaped (horse shoe type) electromagnets; their
uses; comparisons with a permanent magnet: the dc
electric motor-simple sketch of main parts (coil,
magnet, split ring commutators and brushes); brief
description and type of energy transfer: Simple
introduction to electromagnetic induction; frequency
of ac generator, similar treatment as of dc motor;
advantage of ac over dc. The transformer; primary
Ns
and secondary coils with turns ratio > 1 or< 1
Np
for step up or step down transformer. Representative
diagrams (not symbolic).
[No numerical problems]
5. Heat
(i) Specific heat capacities; Principle of method of
mixtures; problems on specific heat capacity using
heat loss and gain and the method of mixtures.
Review concepts of heat and temperature from Class
IX text. Thermal (heat) capacity C = Q / ΔT . Note
that the change in temperature has the same mag-
nitude in °C and kelvin. (ΔT = 1 °C = 1K ). Unit of
C’: SI unit, J/K = J/°C; old unit (still used) cal/°C
= cal/K; Sp. heat capacity defined as heat capacity
per unit mass or heat energy per unit mass per unit
degree change of temperature. C = Q / mΔT ; and
Q = mc.ΔT . Units; J/kg.K (SI) = J/kg. °C also cal/
g. °C = cal/g. K. Matual relations, values of C for
some common substances.
Principle of method of mixtures including math-
ematical statement. Natural phenomena involving
sp. heat; consequences of high sp. heat of water.
Simple numerical problems.
(ii) Latent heat; loss and gain of heat involving change
of state for fusion only.
Change of phase (state); heating curve for water;
latent heat; sp latent heat of fusion; some values;
unit J/kg or cal/g. Mutual relation between these
units of latent heat. Mathematical expressions for
heat loss and heat gain involving latent heat. Simple
numerical problems. Common physical phenomena
involving latent heat of fusion.
6. Modern Physics
(i) Thermionic emission; simple qualitative treatment
of a hot cathode ray tube.
Simple introduction - electrons in metals, conduc-
tion electrons; thermionic emission; work functions
and its value in eV for a few common substances;
[application and use of diode or triode not included].
Hot cathode ray tube; principle - thermionic emis-
sion. deflection of charged particles (electrons) by
electric fields and florescence produced by elec-
trons; simple sketch (labeled) showing electron gun,
anode, deflection plates and screen with vacuum
tube, low tension (LT) connected to filament and
high tension (HT) between anode and cathode quali-
(viii)
tative explanation of working, mention two uses.
[No numerical problems].
(ii) Radioactivity and changes in the nucleus; back-
ground radiation and safety precautions.
Brief introduction (qualitative only) of the nucleus,
nuclear structure, atomic number (Z), mass number
(A). Radioactivity as spontaneous disintegration.
α, β and γ - their nature and properties; changes
within the nucleus. One example each of α and β
decay with equations showing changes in Z and A.
Uses of radioactivity - radio isotopes. Harmful ef-
fects. Safety precautions. Background radiation.
[No numerical problems].
 CONTENTS

1. Force 1 – 16

2. Machines 17 – 37

3. Work, Energy and Power 38 – 59

4. Refraction at Plane Surfaces 60 – 94

5. Refraction through a Lens 95 – 113

6. Spectrum and Colours 114 – 127

7. Sound 128 – 147

8. Current Electricity 148– 174

9. Electrical Power and Household Circuits 175 – 190

10. Electromagnetism 191 – 219

11. Calorimetry 220 – 239

12. Thermionic Emission, Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy 240 – 251

(ix)
(iii)
CHAPTER

1 FORCE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1.1 FORCE

(i) Contact and non-contact forces; cgs A force is an agency that changes the shape or state of motion of
& SI units. a body or tries to change it.
Examples of contact forces
(frictional force, normal reaction
We know that all bodies around us are either in the state of rest or
force, tension force as applied in the state of motion. What brings the change from one state to an-
through strings and force exerted other? The force can change the state of motion of the body. We apply
during collision) and non-contact force to move a stationary bicycle and also to stop a moving bicycle.
forces (gravitational. electric and The force is used to change the shape of the body. It can expand air to
magnetic). General properties of non- blow a balloon and also compress the air in a cycle tube. (Fig. 1.1)
contact forces. cgs and SI units of
force and their relation, Gravitational
unit.
[No numerical problems] F
Air
(ii) Turning forces concept; moment of a
force; forces in equilibrium; centre of
gravity; (discussions using simple
examples and simple direct problems).
Fig. 1.1. A force in all directions blow the balloon.
Elementary introduction of
translation and rotation; moment Various types of forces are broadly divided into two groups, con-
(turning effect) of a force, also called tact and non–contact forces.
torque and its cgs and SI units; 1.2 CONTACT FORCES
common examples - door, steering
wheel, bicycle pedal, etc,; clockwise Contact force is the force between two bodies in actual contact.
and anti clockwise moments; Following are the types of contact forces.
conditions for a body to be in Pull or push force : We can open or close a door by pulling or by
equilibrium (translational and pushing the door. A hand driven cart can be moved by pushing the cart.
rotational); principle of moment and (Fig. 1.2)
its verification using a metre rule
suspended by two spring balances with
slotted weights hanging from it;
simple numerical problems; Centre of
gravity (qualitative only )with
examples of some regular bodies and
irregular lamina (students should be
encouraged to try it out).
(iii) Uniform circular motion.
As example of constant speed, though
acceleration (force) is present. Basic
idea of centrifugal and centripetal
force (qualitative only). Fig. 1.2. A man pushing a cart.
2 ICSE PHYSICS – X

Normal reaction force : When a body is placed on a surface, it exerts a force equal to the weight of the body on the
surface. The body does not fall because the surface also applies equal and opposite force on the body known as reaction
force R. This reaction force is always directed perpendicular to plane of the surface and also known as normal reaction
force. (Fig. 1.3)
R
O

Surface body

W W

Fig. 1.3. A surface applies reaction R equal to the weight of the body. Fig. 1.4. Reaction on string is called tension T.
Tension force in the strings : When a body is suspended from a string, the weight of the body acting vertically
downwards is balanced by the tension T in the string acting upwards. In other words, reaction force R when acts on a
string is called tension T. (Fig. 1.4)
Frictional force : When a body slides on a rough surface, the surface due to its roughness opposes the motion of the
body and applies a force opposite to the direction of motion. This force is called force of friction or the frictional force.
(Fig. 1.5)

Fig. 1.5. Frictional force is due to roughness Fig. 1.6. Two bodies apply equal and opposite
of the surface. force on each other.
Collision force : When two bodies collide each body applies an equal and opposite force on the other body. This
results in the motion in the bodies after collision. (Fig. 1.6)
1.3 NON-CONTACT FORCES
When two bodies not in contact experience a force it is called non-contact force. This force depends on the distance
between the bodies. Generally when the distance between the bodies increases the force decreases. Following are the
examples of non-contact forces.
Gravitational force : We know that earth pulls every body towards its centre. The force between the body and
the earth is called gravitational force. There is gravitational force of attraction between sun and the earth as well as
between earth and the moon. In general due to this force each particle of the universe attracts another particle. (Fig. 1.7)

Fg Fe Fe
S Earth
+q1 +q2

Fig. 1.7. There is force of gravitation Fg between Fig. 1.8. Two positive charges repel each
sun and earth. other with electric force Fe.
Electrostatic force : Two charged particles when placed at some distance experience this force. There is force of
electrostatic repulsion between similar charges and the force of attraction between opposite charges. (Fig. 1.8)
Nuclear force : There is force of attraction between the neutrons and protons inside the nucleus. This force is called
nuclear force.
 FORCE 3

Magnetic force : Two magnetic poles when placed at some distance S N N S

experience this force. There is force of magnetic repulsion between F F
similar magnetic poles and the force of attraction between opposite
Fig. 1.9. Same poles of two bar
magnetic poles. (Fig. 1.9)
magnets repel each other.
1.4 EFFECTS OF A FORCE
The application of force can cause the following effects :
(i) It can start or stop the motion : We know that bodies at rest don’t move themselves. Always a force is required
to move such bodies. We apply force on a stationary football to move, on a cricket ball to throw the ball up; rail engine
applies force on a stationary train to move and so on.
On the other hand, though it looks strange but it is true that no force is required to keep the motion of a moving body.
Always a force is required to stop a moving body. We apply brakes to stop a moving bicycle immediately. It is the force
of friction that stops the bicycle gradually. On a frictionless surface the moving bicycle will not stop at all. It is only
because of friction a marble rolls less distance on a rough ground than on a smooth floor. Again if this marble is rolled on
a frictionless surface it keeps rolling indefinitely.
(ii) It can change the speed or the direction of the motion or both : A force can accelerate or retard the motion of
a moving body. It can also change the direction of motion of the body. A body accelerates when the force is applied along
the direction of its motion and retards when the force is applied opposite to direction of its motion. For example, speed
of a bicycle can be increased by pushing it and can be decreased by pulling it from behind. (Fig. 1.10)

F
v

F
Stone
O r

Fig. 1.10. A boy pushing the bicycle from behind. Fig. 1.11. In circular motion a force always
acts towards centre of circle.
A body simply changes the direction of its motion when the force is applied normally to the direction of its motion.
For example, we need a constant force to whirl a stone tied from one end of a string with uniform speed. (Fig. 1.11)
When applied force does not act, normally both speed of the body as well as its direction of motion changes. For
example, a batsman hits the cricket ball and changes both its speed and its direction of motion. (Fig. 1.12)

Fig. 1.12. A batsman hitting a cricket ball in any direction Fig. 1.13. A pull force extends the length of
(Force changes the direction of motion). spring.
(iii) It can change the size and shape of the body : When a force is applied on a non-rigid immovable body it
can change the size or shape of the body. For example, a spring when pulled from its lower end increases in length, a
rubber band when stretched increases in length, a silver foil is obtained by hammering a thin sheet of silver and cotton
bales are made by pressing the loose cotton. (Fig. 1.13)
4 ICSE PHYSICS – X

Thus we see that when a force is applied on a rigid body where it cannot change the shape of the body it causes
motion in the body. However, when the same force is applied on a non-rigid body where it can change the shape of the
body it does so and also can cause motion in the body.
1.5 UNITS OF FORCE
We know that the force can produce acceleration in the body. According to Newton’s second law (studied in the next
previous chapter) force is defined as the product of mass of the body and the acceleration produced in it.
Force = mass × acceleration
F = ma
On this basis following are the units of force.
(i) The SI unit of force is newton or N.
One newton is defined as the force required producing an acceleration of 1 m s-2 in a body of mass 1 kg. Thus,
1 newton = 1 kg × 1 m s–2
(ii) The C.G.S. unit of force is dyne.
One dyne is defined as the force required producing an acceleration of 1cm s–2 in a body of mass 1 g. Thus,
1 dyne = 1 g × 1 cm s–2
Again, 1 N = 1 kg × 1 m s–2
= 1000 g × 100 cm s–2
= 105 g × cm s–2
= 105 dyne.
Hence the relation between newton and dyne is, 1 N = 105 dyne.
(iii) The gravitational unit of force is kilogram force (kgf) or gram force (gf).
One kilogram force is defined as the gravitational pull on a body of mass 1kg.
Since, force = mass × acceleration due to gravity
1 kgf = 1 kg × 9.8 m s-2
= 9.8 kg × m s-2
= 9.8 N
Hence the relation between kgf and newton is, 1 kgf = 9.8 N.
Similarly one gram force is defined as the gravitational pull on a body of mass 1g.
1 gf = 1 g × 980 cm s–2
= 980 g × cm s-2
= 980 dyne
Hence the relation between gf and dyne is, 1 gf = 980 dyne.

QUESTIONS
Before we proceed further and discuss the turning forces lar force, (iv) tension force, (v) magnetic force, (vi) nuclear
please answer the following questions. force.
1. Define force. 4. State any four effects of force.
2. What are contact and non-contact forces ? Give two ex- 5. What is the effect of force on (i) a rigid body, (ii) non-
amples of each. rigid body.
3. State whether following force are contact or non-contact 6. Write SI unit of force.
force : (i) Frictional force, (ii) electrical force, (iii) muscu- 7. Write any three effects that a force can cause.
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