Class 8 ICSE Physics Question Paper
Chapters: Matter, Physical Quantities & Measurement, Energy, Force and Pressure
Max Marks: 80
Time: 2 Hours
Section A: Objective Questions [1 × 10 = 10 marks]
Attempt all questions.
1. 1. Define the term "density".
2. 2. What is the SI unit of pressure?
3. 3. Name one scalar and one vector quantity.
4. 4. State one characteristic of particles of matter.
5. 5. What is the formula for kinetic energy?
6. 6. Name a situation where atmospheric pressure is useful.
7. 7. Define 1 joule of work.
8. 8. Name the instrument used to measure mass.
9. 9. What is the standard unit for measuring temperature?
10. 10. Give one example of a non-contact force.
Section B: Short Answer Questions [3 × 12 = 36 marks]
Answer any twelve questions.
11. 11. Distinguish between mass and weight with examples.
12. 12. Explain the concept of pressure in liquids with an example from daily life.
13. 13. State three differences between solids, liquids, and gases.
14. 14. A body has a mass of 5 kg. Calculate its weight on Earth. (Take g = 9.8 m/s²)
15. 15. Explain why a camel can walk easily on sand while a man cannot.
16. 16. Define potential energy with one example. How is it different from kinetic energy?
17. 17. Why do gas cylinders feel heavier when full than when empty?
18. 18. Describe an experiment to show that air has mass. What conclusion can be drawn?
19. 19. Define and give examples of contact and non-contact forces.
20. 20. A boy applies a force of 15 N to move a cart 4 meters. Calculate the work done. What
kind of energy transformation is taking place?
21. 21. Name two physical quantities used to describe motion and mention their units.
22. 22. Explain why atmospheric pressure does not crush our body.
23. 23. Describe an experiment to measure the volume of an irregular object using a
measuring cylinder.
24. 24. List any three effects of force with relevant examples.
25. 25. What is meant by energy conversion? Give two examples where energy changes
from one form to another.
26. 26. Explain the importance of correct units in measuring physical quantities. Give
examples of two errors that may happen without units.
Section C: Long Answer Questions [5 × 4 = 20 marks]
Answer any four questions.
27. 27. With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the working of a spring balance. Mention
its uses.
28. 28. What is energy? Explain the different forms of mechanical energy with examples.
How is mechanical energy conserved?
29. 29. Explain how the pressure exerted by a liquid varies with depth. What are the real-
life applications of this concept?
30. 30. A block of wood has a mass of 600 g and volume of 400 cm³. Calculate its density.
Will it float in water? (Density of water = 1 g/cm³)
31. 31. Describe an experiment to prove that matter is made up of particles. What does this
reveal about the nature of matter?
32. 32. Explain the importance of standard units in science. What problems can arise if
standard units are not used?
Section D: Application & Skill-Based Questions [4 × 5 = 20 marks]
33. Case-Based Question on Force & Pressure [5 marks]
A metal block of 2 kg is kept on a table with dimensions 0.2 m × 0.1 m. A vertical force of
10 N is applied on it.
a) Calculate the weight of the block.
b) Find the pressure exerted on the table (take area in contact = 0.02 m²).
c) What happens to the pressure if the same weight is placed on its edge with contact
area = 0.01 m²?
d) How does this relate to the concept of high heels sinking into soft ground?
e) State one way to reduce pressure in such cases.
34. Diagram Question on Measurement [5 marks]
Given a measuring cylinder and a stone:
a) Describe how to find the volume of the stone using the displacement method.
b) If the initial water level is 50 ml and final level is 65 ml, find the volume of the stone.
c) If the stone has a mass of 130 g, calculate its density.
d) Is the stone denser than water? Explain.
e) What physical quantities are used here and what are their SI units?
35. Conceptual Question on Energy [5 marks]
A ball of mass 2 kg is raised to a height of 10 m.
a) Calculate the potential energy. (g = 10 m/s²)
b) What kind of energy conversion takes place when the ball is dropped?
c) If the ball hits the ground and bounces back, what energy transformations are
involved?
d) Where does some of the energy get lost during bouncing?
e) Suggest one way to increase the bounce height.
36. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) [5 marks]
A student tries to push a heavy box on the ground but it doesn’t move.
a) Is any work done? Explain why or why not.
b) What type of force is resisting the motion?
c) Suggest one way to reduce this force.
d) Which energy is being used by the student even though the box is not moving?
e) What happens to this energy?
