ICSE Class 10 Physics
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Question Paper
Topic: Force, Work, Power, Energy & Simple Machines
Based on NEP Competency-Oriented Pattern
Time Allowed: 2 Hours
Maximum Marks: 40
General Instructions
Answer all questions.
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This paper contains competency-based, analytical and application-oriented questions.
Diagrams wherever necessary should be neat and labelled.
Assume ($ g = 10 , m/s^2$ ) unless otherwise stated.
Calculators are not allowed.
Section A
Conceptual Reasoning & Assertion-Based Questions
(1 mark each)
Q1.
A boy pushes a wall with great force for 2 minutes but the wall does not move. Which statement is correct?
A. Work is done because force is applied.
B. No work is done because
displacement is zero.
C. Power is maximum because time is large.
D.
Energy is destroyed.
Q2.
A machine has mechanical advantage greater than velocity ratio. This situation:
A. Is always possible
B. Violates conservation of energy
C.
Indicates frictionless motion
D. Indicates overloading
Q3.
A satellite revolves around Earth in a circular orbit. Which statement is true?
A. Work done by gravity is positive.
B. Work done by gravity is
negative.
C. Work done by gravity is zero.
D. Power developed is
infinite.
Q4. Assertion–Reason
Assertion (A): A single fixed pulley changes the direction of
effort but does not multiply force.
Reason (R): The
velocity ratio of a single fixed pulley is 1.
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation.
B. Both A and
R are true but R is not the correct explanation.
C. A is true but R is
false.
D. A is false but R is true.
Q5.
A person carries a suitcase on his head while walking horizontally. The work done by the person on the suitcase is:
A. Positive
B. Negative
C. Zero
D. Infinite
Section B
Competency & Application-Based Questions
(2 marks each)
Q6.
A student lifts two identical boxes to the same height. One is lifted quickly and the other slowly.
Compare the work done in both cases.
Compare the power developed.
Q7.
A cyclist stops pedalling on a rough road but continues moving for some distance before coming to rest.
Explain:
Why does the cycle continue moving initially?
Why does it finally stop?
Q8.
A hydraulic lift raises a car of mass 1200 kg through a height of 2 m in 8 s.
Calculate:
Work done
Power developed
Q9.
A student claims that “a machine can reduce effort but cannot reduce energy expenditure.”
Do you agree? Justify using the principle of conservation of energy.
Q10.
A body is projected vertically upward. At the highest point:
What happens to its kinetic energy?
What happens to its potential energy?
Is the total mechanical energy conserved?
Section C
Numerical & Analytical Problems
(3 marks each)
Q11.
A force of 80 N acts on a body and moves it through 15 m in the direction of the force.
Calculate the work done.
If the work is completed in 6 s, calculate the power.
Q12.
A machine lifts a load of 600 N using an effort of 150 N. The load rises by 2 m while the effort moves through 10 m.
Calculate:
Mechanical Advantage
Velocity Ratio
Efficiency
Q13.
A body of mass 5 kg falls freely from a height of 20 m.
Calculate:
Potential energy at the top
Kinetic energy just before hitting the ground
Velocity just before impact
Q14.
A student uses two inclined planes of different slopes to lift the same load to the same height.
Which inclined plane requires smaller effort? Explain using the concept of mechanical advantage and distance moved.
Section D
Case Study / Integrated HOTS Questions
(5 marks each)
Q15. Energy Crisis and Machines
A farmer uses two different water-lifting systems:
System A: Traditional pulley system operated manually.
System B: Electric motor-driven pump.
Observations:
System A requires more time but less electrical energy.
System B lifts water quickly but consumes electricity rapidly.
Answer the following:
Which system develops greater power?
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Which system may have greater efficiency in practical use? Why?
Explain the role of energy transformation in both systems.
Why can no machine be 100% efficient in practice?
Suggest one sustainable improvement for rural water lifting.
Q16. Space Exploration and Energy
An astronaut on the Moon lifts an object vertically upward.
Given:
Mass of object = 10 kg
Moon’s gravity = ($ \frac{1}{6} g $)
Answer:
Compare the weight of the object on Earth and Moon.
Is the mass different on the Moon? Explain.
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Calculate the work done in lifting the object by 5 m on the Moon.
Why is less effort required on the Moon?
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Explain whether the potential energy gained depends on gravity.
Section E
Design Thinking & Open-Ended HOTS
(4 marks)
Q17.
You are asked to design a simple machine for elderly people to lift heavy grocery bags to the first floor of a house.
Using principles of simple machines:
Which machine/machines would you use?
How would your design reduce effort?
What factors would reduce efficiency in real life?
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Suggest one innovation to improve safety and energy efficiency.