Step-by-step ICSE solutions and marking scheme for Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy from Selina Concise Physics (Class 10) - Chapter 12 and 5 generated practice problem sets.

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Physics Chapter 9 1 Textbook + 5 Generated Exercises 10 - 12 Marks in ICSE Board Exam

Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy — Solved Textbook & 5 Practice Sets

Prescribed Reference Textbook: Selina Concise Physics (Class 10) - Chapter 12

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📘 Prescribed Textbook Solved Exercise (Selina Concise Physics (Class 10))

Primary Curriculum Benchmark

Direct solution to core textbook review exercise with complete CISCE marking scheme breakdown.

Textbook Exercise 9 - Section Numerical Q.6 Selina Concise Physics (Class 10) - Chapter 12 - Chapter 9 Exercises

3 Marks Allotted

A physical system operates under the principles of Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy. (i) State the underlying physical law. (ii) Calculate the primary physical quantity when subjected to the standard conditions of Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations.

Step-by-Step ICSE Evaluator Marking Key

Step 1: State the Principle & Formula

State Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations: Alpha (α): Helium nucleus (₂⁴He²⁺), maximum ionising power (10,000×), least penetrating power (stopped by sheet of paper). Beta (β): High-sp... Write down the governing equation.

Formula Applied: E = Δm · c²

1 Mark

Step 2: Substitute Values with SI Unit Consistency

Ensure all parameters are converted to fundamental SI units before substituting into the expression.

1 Mark

Step 3: Compute the Final Magnitude with Proper Units

Calculate the final magnitude and state both magnitude and SI unit clearly.

1 Mark

Final Verified Answer: Correctly calculated value with appropriate SI unit (Key Units: J)

💡 Examiner Directive: Never omit SI units in the final answer; a 1/2 mark is routinely deducted in ICSE Physics for missing or incorrect units.

🎯 5 Generated Practice Exercises with Step-Marking

CISCE Syllabus Graded Set

Graded from fundamental 2-mark definitions and 3-mark numerical applications to 4-mark structured and High-Order Thinking (HOTS) questions.

Generated Practice Set 1 - Core Concept (2 Marks) Difficulty: Easy

2 Marks Total

Define "Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations" in the context of ICSE Class 10 Physics. State its primary characteristic or SI unit/standard symbol.

Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown

Step 1: Precise Technical Definition

Alpha (α): Helium nucleus (₂⁴He²⁺), maximum ionising power (10,000×), least penetrating power (stopped by sheet of paper). Beta (β): High-speed electrons (-₁⁰e), intermediate ionis...

1 Mark

Step 2: Mandatory Technical Criteria

Ensure the definition contains mandatory keywords: Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation), Beta = -1e0 (fast moving electron), Gamma = EM radiation (highest penetration).

1 Mark

Final Answer: Accurate scientific/scholarly definition containing all mandatory ICSE evaluation keywords. (Units: J)

💡 Examiner Directive: Avoid colloquial explanations. Use the exact technical definition given in prescribed CISCE curriculum.

Generated Practice Set 2 - Method & Application (3 Marks) Difficulty: Medium

3 Marks Total

A system governed by "Mass-Energy Equivalence" has standard parameters. Using the relation E = Δm · c², calculate the required variable when other quantities are doubled. State the formula and show step-by-step substitution.

Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown

Step 1: State the Formula / Conceptual Principle

Write the primary governing equation: E = Δm · c². Define each symbol clearly.

Formula: E = Δm · c²

1 Mark

Step 2: Mathematical / Procedural Deduction

Substitute the modified parameters: Let initial state be S₁ and new state be S₂. Set up the ratio S₂ / S₁ and simplify algebraically.

1 Mark

Step 3: Concluding Result & Interpretation

Express the final outcome clearly with proper units or scientific deduction.

1 Mark

Final Answer: Result derived directly from E = Δm · c² (Units: J)

💡 Examiner Directive: In derivation and numerical questions, every intermediate mathematical step carries fractional credit.

Generated Practice Set 3 - Comparative Analysis (3 Marks) Difficulty: Medium

3 Marks Total

Differentiate between "Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations" and "Nuclear Transformation Equations" on the basis of: (i) Fundamental definition/mechanism, (ii) Key working condition or formula, (iii) Real-world practical example or application.

Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown

Point 1: Conceptual Difference

Contrast the primary mechanisms: Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations focuses on Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation), whereas Nuclear Transformation Equations emphasizes Alpha decreases A by 4 and Z by 2.

1 Mark

Point 2: Quantitative / Operational Difference

Highlight differences in formulas, governing laws, operating environments, or physical behavior.

1 Mark

Point 3: Exemplary Differentiation

Provide one clear, unambiguous textbook example illustrating each concept under everyday conditions.

1 Mark

Final Answer: Three-point structured comparative table with clear opposing criteria. (Units: Tabular points)

💡 Examiner Directive: Always construct a comparative answer in a two-column table with an explicit "Point of Difference" header column.

Generated Practice Set 4 - Board Standard Structured (4 Marks) Difficulty: Board Expected

4 Marks Total

A comprehensive ICSE examination question based on "Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy":
(i) State the fundamental law or rule governing "Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations". [1 Mark]
(ii) How does this concept change with temperature / pressure / time / scale? [1 Mark]
(iii) State one common mistake students make in this chapter and provide the correct scientific reasoning. [2 Marks]

Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown

Part (i): Statement of the Law

State the formal principle verbatim as recognized by CISCE syllabus committees.

1 Mark

Part (ii): Dependency Analysis

Explain the direct or inverse variation of the target variable with respect to environmental or operational factors.

1 Mark

Part (iii): Error Analysis & Correct Resolution

Identify the frequent pitfall: Students often confuse Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation) with related quantities. The correct understanding requires strict application of Nuclear Transformation Equations.

2 Marks

Final Answer: Structured 4-mark solution completely addressing parts (i), (ii), and (iii). (Units: Multi-part breakdown)

💡 Examiner Directive: Notice the mark distribution in multi-part questions; allocate your answering time and detail strictly in proportion to allotted marks.

Generated Practice Set 5 - Higher Order Thinking (HOTS) (4 Marks) Difficulty: Hard

4 Marks Total

A critical scenario-based problem in "Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy": An experiment is performed under non-ideal conditions involving "Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations" and "Nuclear Transformation Equations".
(a) Predict what happens to the expected outcome if the boundary condition fails.
(b) Give complete scientific justification.
(c) State the critical safeguard or correction formula to rectify the error.

Step-by-Step Marking Breakdown

Part (a): Prediction of Anomalous Outcome

Accurately predict the deviation from theoretical expectations when standard assumptions are violated.

1 Mark

Part (b): Scientific Justification

Provide a rigorous scientific explanation using first principles and mandatory keywords: Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation), Beta = -1e0 (fast moving electron), Gamma = EM radiation (highest penetration), Unstable nucleus with n/p ratio > 1.5.

2 Marks

Part (c): Correction Protocol & Mathematical Remedy

State the exact rectification formula or procedural calibration necessary to restore accuracy.

Formula: E = Δm · c²

1 Mark

Final Answer: Full scenario analysis with anomaly prediction, first-principles justification, and correction method. (Units: HOTS Analytical Reasoning)

💡 Examiner Directive: HOTS questions in ICSE evaluate depth of conceptual understanding. Avoid superficial guessing; reason backward from core laws.

🔑 Mandatory ICSE Examiner Technical Keywords Required in Solutions

Required for Step-Marking Credit

CISCE evaluators check for the explicit usage of mandatory technical terminology when scoring reasoning questions and step derivations. The table below outlines each key term, its technical description, the examiner marking directive, and the exact model answer phrasing expected in ICSE board examination solutions.

Mandatory Keyword #1 Core Definition Chapter Concept: Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation)"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation)" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation)". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations, state clearly: "Alpha = 2He4 (highest ionisation)" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

Mandatory Keyword #2 Core Definition Chapter Concept: Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Beta = -1e0 (fast moving electron)"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Beta = -1e0 (fast moving electron)" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Beta = -1e0 (fast moving electron)". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations, state clearly: "Beta = -1e0 (fast moving electron)" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

Mandatory Keyword #3 Experimental Precaution Chapter Concept: Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Gamma = EM radiation (highest penetration)"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Gamma = EM radiation (highest penetration)" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Gamma = EM radiation (highest penetration)". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations, state clearly: "Gamma = EM radiation (highest penetration)" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

Mandatory Keyword #4 Experimental Precaution Chapter Concept: Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Unstable nucleus with n/p ratio > 1.5"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Unstable nucleus with n/p ratio > 1.5" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Unstable nucleus with n/p ratio > 1.5". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Comparison of α, β, and γ Radiations, state clearly: "Unstable nucleus with n/p ratio > 1.5" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

Mandatory Keyword #5 Core Definition Chapter Concept: Nuclear Transformation Equations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Alpha decreases A by 4 and Z by 2"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Alpha decreases A by 4 and Z by 2" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Alpha decreases A by 4 and Z by 2". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Nuclear Transformation Equations, state clearly: "Alpha decreases A by 4 and Z by 2" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

Mandatory Keyword #6 Core Definition Chapter Concept: Nuclear Transformation Equations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Beta increases Z by 1 with A constant"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Beta increases Z by 1 with A constant" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Beta increases Z by 1 with A constant". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Nuclear Transformation Equations, state clearly: "Beta increases Z by 1 with A constant" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

Mandatory Keyword #7 Core Definition Chapter Concept: Nuclear Transformation Equations

1 Mark (Objective / Reasoning key point)

"Gamma carries away excess energy without changing A or Z"

📘 Technical Definition & Detailed Description:

In ICSE Class 10 Physics (Radioactivity & Nuclear Energy), "Gamma carries away excess energy without changing A or Z" represents an essential governing parameter under the CISCE syllabus. It dictates how physical systems behave under specific forces, energy transformations, or optical/electrical laws.

⚠️ CISCE Examiner Directive & Marking Rubric:

CISCE examiners expect precise scientific articulation of "Gamma carries away excess energy without changing A or Z". Avoid casual phrasing; students must state exact conditions, directional dependencies, and standard SI units where applicable.

📝 Model Answer Application (Exact Phrasing for Board Solutions):

"In responses regarding Nuclear Transformation Equations, state clearly: "Gamma carries away excess energy without changing A or Z" must be satisfied for valid physical deductions."

⚖️ CISCE Evaluation Directives for Physics

Step-Mark Allocation: Every sub-step, formula statement, and intermediate substitution carries independent marks. Writing final answers without formula yields zero in Section B numericals.

Mandatory SI Units: In ICSE Science and Mathematics, omitting SI units or writing incorrect unit exponents causes automatic 1/2 mark deduction per problem.

Examiner Technical Vocabulary: CISCE evaluators look for exact prescribed terms in definitions and reasoning questions. General paraphrasing often loses full credit.

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