Important Topics to Study for the ICSE Physics Board Exam

Disclaimer: This post was written in 2013 for the ICSE 2014 Board Exams. Possible changes in the syllabus for the subsequent years should be kept in mind while reading the following guidelines, and due discretion should be applied.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum (Photo credit: Space Ritual)

A reader requested that I help her with studying Physics for her Class 10 ICSE Board Exams, and I thought I might share the answer I gave her with you all as well.

Here are the guidelines that I gave her:

For Physics, I made notes on small pieces of chart paper. I used index cards – which are approximately 4″x3″ – to take notes of all formulae, conditions, relations between units, quantities and their units, types with examples, uses, important labelled diagrams (such as in total reflection/refraction and lenses), etc. I stuck these index cards on my closet and everyday while brushing my teeth, I would stand in front of my closet and go over those notes. This made it really easy for me to memorize formulae and keep myself in touch with that part of the syllabus which was already over in school. Hence, when exams came, I was familiar with the entire syllabus. Take time out of your day to read through these notes for five to ten minutes. It makes a huge difference!

As per my experience, from the exam point of view, the following is important:

(Note that the following is solely my interpretation of what is important and likely to be asked)

*Definitions

*Relations between units and their derivation

*All derivations mentioned in the scope of syllabus booklet

*Special conditions or characteristics, wherever mentioned

* Examples of turning forces and reasons for the same (They may be asked as 2 mark ‘give reason’ questions)

* Differences

* Factors affecting anything, wherever mentioned

* Factors on which something depends, wherever mentioned

* Special cases, for example in work

* Whether a quantity is a scalar or vector quantity

* Conversions of energy into different forms

* Laws or principles or rules

* Levers in the human body

* All kinds of examples of each class of lever

* M.A. and V.R. of all simple machines and the formulae for the same

* Diagrams with labels

* Critical angle for water and glass

*Absolute refractive index for water and glass

* Minimum angle of delta for which <i = 48 deg

* Numericals related to refractive index

* Applications or consequences or examples, wherever mentioned (May be asked as 2 mark ‘give reason’ questions)

* Diagrams of lenses and their application

* Experimental determination of focal length of convex lens

* Order of electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies/wavelengths

* Properties and uses of electromagnetic spectrum

* Applications of scattering of light

* Applications of echo and resonance

* Wave forms diagrams

* V-I graphs

* Variation of resistance/resistivity with temperature

* Choice of material of wire and why

* Superconductors with examples

* Numericals related to current electricity

* Give reasons, wherever you can find any

* Similarities and dissimilarities

* Ways of increasing magnetic field

* Ways of increasing speed of rotation of coil

* Heat capacity and latent heat examples/applications and reasons for the same

* Heating curves

* Specific heat capacity and latent heat values for ice/water

* Effect of impurities on melting/boiling point

* Properties, wherever mentioned

* Alpha/Beta/Gamma emissions and numericals on the same

I would like to let you know that the aforementioned points are merely what I feel is important and what has been told by my previous teacher as what is asked frequently in the board examinations. Nothing is sure which is why, of course, it is recommended that you study thoroughly. However, you may put extra focus on these points as they will surely fetch you marks in the objective part of the paper, i.e. in Section A.

Hope these pointers help you score well in your Class 10 ICSE Physics Board Exam!

 

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Also see:

How To Make Notes on Various Subjects (TIPS)

Last One Month Revision Tips for the ICSE Board Exams

ICSE Biology: Last-Minute Tips before Board Exams