These essential MCQ questions are selected from the most important topics in NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) 2026 Science section for Class 10 students. Sections include Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Science as per the NCERT Class 9 and Class 10 syllabus for NTSE Stage 1 and Stage 2 examinations. For truely unlimited daily MCQ practice, visit Vooo AI Education.
🔬 NTSE Science
1Which type of mirror is used in a car's rear-view mirror?
Answer: B — Convex mirror
Convex mirrors are used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles because they have a wider field of view than plane mirrors — a convex mirror shows a larger area behind the vehicle. However, images formed are diminished (smaller) and virtual. Concave mirrors are used as shaving mirrors and in headlights. Plane mirrors give actual size images.
Convex mirrors are used as rear-view mirrors in vehicles because they have a wider field of view than plane mirrors — a convex mirror shows a larger area behind the vehicle. However, images formed are diminished (smaller) and virtual. Concave mirrors are used as shaving mirrors and in headlights. Plane mirrors give actual size images.
2The most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is:
Answer: C — Nitrogen
Nitrogen (N₂) makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen (O₂) = ~21%. Argon (Ar) = ~0.93%. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) = ~0.04%. Water vapour, neon, helium, methane and other gases make up the remainder. Nitrogen is inert under normal conditions but vital — bacteria convert atmospheric N₂ into usable nitrates through nitrogen fixation.
Nitrogen (N₂) makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen (O₂) = ~21%. Argon (Ar) = ~0.93%. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) = ~0.04%. Water vapour, neon, helium, methane and other gases make up the remainder. Nitrogen is inert under normal conditions but vital — bacteria convert atmospheric N₂ into usable nitrates through nitrogen fixation.
3The formula for calculating Kinetic Energy is:
Answer: B — KE = ½mv²
Kinetic Energy (KE) = ½mv², where m is mass (kg) and v is velocity (m/s). KE is measured in Joules (J). Potential Energy (PE) = mgh, where g = 9.8 m/s² and h = height. Work done = Force × displacement (W = Fd). Power = Work/Time (P = W/t). By conservation of energy: KE + PE = constant (in absence of friction).
Kinetic Energy (KE) = ½mv², where m is mass (kg) and v is velocity (m/s). KE is measured in Joules (J). Potential Energy (PE) = mgh, where g = 9.8 m/s² and h = height. Work done = Force × displacement (W = Fd). Power = Work/Time (P = W/t). By conservation of energy: KE + PE = constant (in absence of friction).
4DNA is found in which part of the cell?
Answer: C — Nucleus
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is primarily found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, organised as chromosomes. A small amount of DNA is also found in mitochondria (and chloroplasts in plant cells). Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) have no nucleus — their DNA is in the nucleoid region of the cytoplasm. RNA is found in the nucleus and cytoplasm.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is primarily found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, organised as chromosomes. A small amount of DNA is also found in mitochondria (and chloroplasts in plant cells). Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) have no nucleus — their DNA is in the nucleoid region of the cytoplasm. RNA is found in the nucleus and cytoplasm.
5When baking soda is added to vinegar, the gas produced is:
Answer: C — Carbon Dioxide
Baking soda (NaHCO₃) + Vinegar (CH₃COOH) → Sodium acetate + Water + Carbon dioxide. The CO₂ causes the characteristic fizzing. This is an acid-base reaction. The CO₂ produced can be demonstrated by passing it through lime water (Ca(OH)₂) which turns milky: Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ (white precipitate) + H₂O.
Baking soda (NaHCO₃) + Vinegar (CH₃COOH) → Sodium acetate + Water + Carbon dioxide. The CO₂ causes the characteristic fizzing. This is an acid-base reaction. The CO₂ produced can be demonstrated by passing it through lime water (Ca(OH)₂) which turns milky: Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ (white precipitate) + H₂O.
6The process by which plants lose water through their leaves is called:
Answer: A — Transpiration
Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapour through stomata (tiny pores on leaves). About 97-99% of water absorbed by roots is lost through transpiration. It helps in absorption and upward movement of water (transpiration pull), cooling of leaves, and maintaining turgor pressure. Excessive transpiration on hot days causes wilting.
Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapour through stomata (tiny pores on leaves). About 97-99% of water absorbed by roots is lost through transpiration. It helps in absorption and upward movement of water (transpiration pull), cooling of leaves, and maintaining turgor pressure. Excessive transpiration on hot days causes wilting.
7An object placed at the centre of curvature of a concave mirror forms an image:
Answer: C — At the centre of curvature itself
For a concave mirror, when the object is placed at the centre of curvature (C, at distance = 2f), the image forms at C itself — real, inverted and same size as the object. At infinity → image at F; Beyond C → image between F and C (real, inverted, diminished); At F → image at infinity; Between F and P → virtual, erect, magnified image behind mirror.
For a concave mirror, when the object is placed at the centre of curvature (C, at distance = 2f), the image forms at C itself — real, inverted and same size as the object. At infinity → image at F; Beyond C → image between F and C (real, inverted, diminished); At F → image at infinity; Between F and P → virtual, erect, magnified image behind mirror.
8The SI unit of pressure is:
Answer: B — Pascal
The Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit of pressure, equal to 1 Newton per square metre (N/m²). Named after Blaise Pascal. Standard atmospheric pressure = 101,325 Pa ≈ 1 atm ≈ 1 bar. Blood pressure is measured in mmHg. Pressure = Force/Area. Pascal's Law: pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions.
The Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit of pressure, equal to 1 Newton per square metre (N/m²). Named after Blaise Pascal. Standard atmospheric pressure = 101,325 Pa ≈ 1 atm ≈ 1 bar. Blood pressure is measured in mmHg. Pressure = Force/Area. Pascal's Law: pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions.
9The atomic mass of Carbon is:
Answer: B — 12
Carbon's atomic mass is 12 u (unified atomic mass units). Carbon's atomic number (protons) = 6, mass number = 12 (6 protons + 6 neutrons). Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is a radioactive isotope used in carbon dating. Carbon forms the backbone of all organic compounds. Oxygen has atomic mass 16; Nitrogen has atomic mass 14; Hydrogen has atomic mass 1.
Carbon's atomic mass is 12 u (unified atomic mass units). Carbon's atomic number (protons) = 6, mass number = 12 (6 protons + 6 neutrons). Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is a radioactive isotope used in carbon dating. Carbon forms the backbone of all organic compounds. Oxygen has atomic mass 16; Nitrogen has atomic mass 14; Hydrogen has atomic mass 1.
10Which vitamin is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight?
Answer: D — Vitamin D
Vitamin D (calciferol) is synthesised in the skin when exposed to UV-B radiation from sunlight — it is the only vitamin the body can make itself. It is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Food sources: fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk. Most Indians are Vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D (calciferol) is synthesised in the skin when exposed to UV-B radiation from sunlight — it is the only vitamin the body can make itself. It is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Food sources: fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk. Most Indians are Vitamin D deficient.
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