ICSE Physics Syllabus for Class 10: CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) is a well-known examination board in India. Every year it organises ICSE and ISC examinations all over the nation to check the validity of the knowledge students grabbed throughout their academic year. Well, the new academic session 2023-24 has just begun and it’s time for ICSE students to check the syllabus of all their subjects covered in class 10. A syllabus is a document that outlines the units/chapters and topics that will be covered in a specific subject. CISCE has released the subject-wise syllabus for ICSE 9 and 10 together. This article discusses the detailed syllabus of Physics, one of the components of science (52). Students must check and read the syllabus thoroughly along with additional guidelines to make things clearer.
Students can also check the note of SI units at the tail of this article. These basic notes will help you understand Physics better as it involves numerous conversions and the use of different symbols.
ICSE Physics Syllabus; Aims:
- To acquire knowledge and understanding of the terms, facts, concepts, definitions, laws, principles and processes of Physics.
- To develop skills in practical aspects of handling apparatus, recording observations and in drawing diagrams, graphs, etc.
- To develop instrumental, communication, deductive and problem-solving skills.
- To discover that there is a living and growing physics relevant to the modern age in which we live.
ICSE Class 10 Physics General Paper Guidelines:
- There will be one paper of two hours duration carrying 80 marks and an Internal Assessment of practical work carrying 20 marks.
- The paper will be divided into two sections, Section I (40 marks) and Section II (40 marks).
- Section I (compulsory) will contain short answer questions on the entire syllabus.
- Section II will contain six questions. Candidates will be required to answer any four of these six questions.
- Note: Unless otherwise specified, only SI Units are to be used while teaching and learning, as well as for answering questions.
ICSE Class 10 Physics Syllabus 2023-24:
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Units |
Topics |
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1. Force, Work, Power and Energy |
(i) Turning forces concept; moment of a force; forces in equilibrium; centre of gravity; [discussions using simple examples and simple numerical problems]. Elementary introduction of translational and rotational motions; 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 anticlockwise 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. (ii) Uniform circular motion. As an example of constant speed, though acceleration (force) is present. Differences between centrifugal and centripetal force. (iii)Work, energy, power and their relation with force. Definition of work. W FS = cosθ; special cases of θ = 00 , 900 . 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 horsepower (1hp=746W) [Simple numerical problems on work, power and energy]. (iv) 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 = mgh (derivation included) gravitational PE, examples; kinetic energy K= ½ mv2 (derivation included); 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. (v) Machines as force multipliers; load, effort, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency; simple treatment of levers, pulley systems showing the utility of each type of machine. Functions and uses of simple machines: Terms- effort E, load L, mechanical advantage MA = L/E, velocity ratio VR = VE/VL = dE / dL, input (Wi), output (Wo), efficiency (η), relation between η and MA, VR (derivation included); for all practical machines η <1; MA < VR. Lever: principle. First, second and third class of levers; examples: MA and VR in each case. Examples of each of these classes of levers as also found in the human body. Pulley system: single fixed, single movable, block and tackle; MA, VR and η in each case. (vi) Principle of Conservation of energy. Statement of the principle of conservation of energy; theoretical verification that U + K = constant for a freely falling body. Application of this law to simple pendulum (qualitative only); [simple numerical problems]. |
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2. Light |
(i) Refraction of light through a glass block and a triangular prism – qualitative treatment of simple applications such as real and apparent depth of objects in water and apparent bending of sticks in water. Applications of refraction of light. Partial reflection and refraction due to change in medium. Laws of refraction; the effect on speed (V), wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) due to refraction of light; conditions for a light ray to pass undeviated. Values of speed of light (c) in vacuum, air, water and glass; refractive index µ = c/V, V = fλ. Values of µ for common substances such as water, glass and diamond; experimental verification; refraction through glass block; lateral displacement; multiple images in thick glass plate/mirror; refraction through a glass prism, simple applications: real and apparent depth of objects in water; apparent bending of a stick under water. (Simple numerical problems and approximate ray diagrams required). (ii) Total internal reflection: Critical angle; examples in triangular glass prisms; comparison with reflection from a plane mirror (qualitative only). Applications of total internal reflection. Transmission of light from a denser medium (glass/water) to a rarer medium (air) at different angles of incidence; critical angle (C) µ = 1/sin C. Essential conditions for total internal reflection. Total internal reflection in a triangular glass prism; ray diagram, different cases – angles of prism (60º,60º,60º), (60º,30º,90º), (45º,45º,90º); use of right angle prism to obtain δ = 90º and 180º (ray diagram); comparison of total internal reflection from a prism and reflection from a plane mirror. (iii) Lenses (converging and diverging) including characteristics of the images formed (using ray diagrams only); magnifying glass; location of images using ray diagrams and thereby determining magnification. Types of lenses (converging and diverging), convex and concave, 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; detailed study of refraction of light in spherical lenses through ray diagrams; formation of images – principal 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. Sign convention and direct numerical problems using the lens formula are included (derivation of formula not required). Scale drawing or graphical representation of ray diagrams not required. Power of a lens (concave and convex) – [simple direct numerical problems]: magnifying glass or simple microscope: location of image and magnification from ray diagram only [formula and numerical problems not included]. Applications of lenses. (iv) Using a triangular prism to produce a visible spectrum from white light; Electromagnetic spectrum. Scattering of light. Deviation produced by a triangular prism; dependence on colour (wavelength) of light; dispersion and spectrum; electromagnetic spectrum: broad classification (names only arranged in order of increasing wavelength); properties common to all electromagnetic radiations; properties and uses of infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Simple application of scattering of light e.g. blue colour of the sky. |
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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 field. SONAR. (ii) Natural vibrations, Damped vibrations, Forced vibrations and Resonance – a special case of forced vibrations. Meaning and simple applications of natural, damped, forced vibrations and resonance. (iii)Loudness, pitch and quality of sound: Characteristics of sound: loudness and intensity; subjective and objective nature of these properties; sound level in decibel(dB) (as unit only); noise pollution; interdependence of: pitch and frequency; quality and waveforms (with examples). |
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4. Electricity and Magnetism |
(i) Ohm’s Law; concepts of emf, potential difference, resistance; resistances in series and parallel, internal resistance. Concepts of pd (V), current (I), resistance (R) and charge (Q). Ohm’s law: statement, V=IR; SI units; experimental verification; graph of V vs I and resistance from slope; ohmic and non-ohmic resistors, factors affecting resistance (including specific resistance) and internal resistance; superconductors, electromotive force (emf); combination of resistances in series and parallel and derivation of expressions for equivalent resistance. Simple numerical problems using the above relations. [Simple network of resistors]. (ii) Electrical power and energy. (iii)Household circuits – main circuit; switches; fuses; earthing; safety precautions; three-pin plugs; colour coding of wires. House wiring (ring system), power distribution; main circuit (3 wires-live, neutral, earth) with fuse / MCB, 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, colour coding of wires. (iv) Magnetic effect of a current (principles only, laws not required); electromagnetic induction (elementary); transformer. Oersted’s experiment on the magnetic effect of electric current; magnetic field (B) and field lines due to current in a straight wire (qualitative only), right-hand thumb rule – magnetic field due to a current in a loop; Electromagnets: their uses; comparisons with a permanent magnet; Fleming’s Left Hand Rule, the DC electric motor- a simple sketch of main parts (coil, magnet, split ring commutators and brushes); brief description and type of energy transfer(working not required): Simple introduction to electromagnetic induction; frequency of AC in household supplies, Fleming’s Right Hand Rule, AC Generator – Simple sketch of main parts, brief description and type of energy transfer(working not required). Advantage of AC over DC. Transformer- its types, characteristics of primary and secondary coils in each type (simple labelled diagram and its uses). |
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5. Heat |
(i) Calorimetry: meaning, specific heat capacity; principle of method of mixtures; Numerical Problems on specific heat capacity using heat loss and gain and the method of mixtures. Heat and its units (calorie, joule), temperature and its units (o C, K); thermal (heat) capacity C’ = Q/ΔT… (SI unit of C’): Specific heat Capacity C = Q/mΔT (SI unit of C) Mutual relation between Heat Capacity and Specific Heat capacity, values of C for some common substances (ice, water and copper). Principle of method of mixtures including mathematical statement. Natural phenomenon involving specific heat. Consequences of high specific 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; specific latent heat of fusion (SI unit). Simple numerical problems. Common physical phenomena involving latent heat of fusion. |
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6. Modern Physics |
(i) Radioactivity and changes in the nucleus; background 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 effects. Safety precautions. Background radiation. Radiation: X-rays; radioactive fallout from nuclear plants and other sources. Nuclear Energy: working on safe disposal of waste. Safety measures to be strictly reinforced. (ii) Nuclear fission and fusion; basic introduction and equations. |
Internal Assessment Of Practical Work:
Candidates will be asked to carry out experiments for which instructions will be given. The experiments may be based on topics that are not included in the syllabus but theoretical knowledge will not be required. A candidate will be expected to be able to follow simple instructions, to take suitable readings and to present these readings in a systematic form. He/she may be required to exhibit his/her data graphically. Candidates will be expected to appreciate and use the concepts of least count, significant figures and elementary error handling.
Note: Teachers may design their own set of experiments, preferably related to the theory syllabus. A comprehensive list is suggested below:
1. Lever – There are many possibilities with a meter rule as a lever with a load (known or unknown) suspended from a point near one end (say left), the lever itself pivoted on a knife edge, use slotted weights suspended from the other (right) side for effort.
Determine the mass of a metre rule using a spring balance or by balancing it on a knife edge at some point away from the middle and a 50g weight on the other side. Next pivot (F) the metre rule at the 40cm, 50cm and 60cm mark, each time suspending a load L or the left end and effort E near the right end. Adjust E and or its position so that the rule is balanced. Tabulate the position of L, F and E and the magnitudes of L and E and the distances of load arm and effort arm. Calculate MA=L/E and VR = effort arm/load arm. It will be found that MA <VR in one case, MA=VR in another and MA>VR in the third case. Try to explain why this is so. Also try to calculate the real load and real effort in these cases.
2. Determine the VR and MA of a given pulley system.
3. Trace the course of different rays of light refracting through a rectangular glass slab at different angles of incidence, measure the angles of incidence, refraction and emergence. Also measure the lateral displacement.
4. Determine the focal length of a convex lens by (a) the distant object method and (b) using a needle and a plane mirror.
5. Determine the focal length of a convex lens by using two pins and formula f = uv/(u+v).
6. For a triangular prism, trace the course of rays passing through it, measure angles i1, i2, A and δ.Repeat for four different angles of incidence (say i1=400, 500, 600 and 700). Verify i1+ i2=A+δ and A = r1 + r2.
7. For a ray of light incident normally (i1=0) on one face of a prism, trace course of the ray. Measure the angle δ. Explain briefly. Do this for prisms with A=600, 450and 900.
8. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the material of the given calorimeter, from the temperature readings and masses of cold water, warm water and its mixture taken in the calorimeter.
9. Determination of specific heat capacity of a metal by method of mixtures.
10. Determination of specific latent heat of ice.
11. Using as simple electric circuit, verify Ohm’s law. Draw a graph and obtain the slope.
12. Set up model of household wiring including ring main circuit. Study the function of switches and fuses.
Get the complete syllabus from the link below:
A note on SI Units
SI units (Systeme International d’Unites) were adopted internationally in 1968.
Fundamental Units
The system has seven fundamental (or basic) units, one for each of the fundamental quantities.
Derived units
These are obtained from the fundamental units by multiplication or division; no numerical factors are involved. Some derived units with complex names are:
Some derived units are given special names due to their complexity when expressed in terms of the fundamental units, as below:
When the unit is named after a person, the symbol has a capital letter.
Standard prefixes
Decimal multiples and submultiples are attached to units when appropriate, as below:
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