🌟 Introduction
Physics is one of the most important and scoring subjects for Class 10 ICSE Board students. The ICSE Physics paper demands strong conceptual clarity, accurate terminology, and precise definitions. At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we have compiled the complete list of Physics keywords that every Class 10 ICSE student must master for board exam success.
Class 10 Physics (ICSE) covers crucial topics including Force, Work, Energy and Power, Machines, Refraction of Light, Lenses, Spectrum, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism, Heat, and Modern Physics. Understanding Physics keywords and their meanings is essential for writing accurate answers and solving numerical problems correctly.
Physics helps us understand the fundamental laws that govern the universe—from the motion of objects to the behaviour of light, sound, and electricity. In Class 10 ICSE, students are introduced to advanced physics concepts that require precise terminology. This comprehensive guide covers 150+ Physics keywords organized by chapter, making it easy for Class 10 ICSE students to learn and revise before exams.
📚 Why Learning Physics Keywords Is Important for ICSE Students
Before diving into the complete list, let us understand why mastering Physics keywords is crucial for Class 10 ICSE students.
🎯 Benefits of Learning Physics Keywords
✅ Better Exam Answers: Using correct terminology impresses examiners
📝 Improved Understanding: Keywords help students grasp physics concepts
🧠 Easy Revision: Keywords serve as memory triggers during revision
🏆 Higher Scores: Precise use of keywords leads to better marks
📊 Numerical Accuracy: Correct terms help in solving numericals
📊 Answer Writing: Keywords help structure answers effectively
🔬 Practical Knowledge: Understanding physics helps in practical exams
📖 Complete List of Physics Keywords for Class 10 ICSE
⚙️ Chapter 1: Force
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Force | A push or pull that changes the state of motion |
| Moment of Force | The turning effect of a force (Force × Perpendicular distance) |
| Torque | Another name for moment of force |
| Couple | Two equal and opposite forces acting at different points |
| Moment of Couple | The product of one force and the perpendicular distance between them |
| Centre of Gravity | The point where the whole weight of a body acts |
| Equilibrium | A state where all forces and moments are balanced |
| Stable Equilibrium | Equilibrium where a body returns to its original position |
| Unstable Equilibrium | Equilibrium where a body does not return to its original position |
| Neutral Equilibrium | Equilibrium where a body remains in its new position |
| Principle of Moments | Sum of clockwise moments = Sum of anticlockwise moments |
| Newton’s Laws of Motion | Three laws describing the motion of objects |
| Inertia | The tendency of an object to resist change in motion |
| Momentum | The product of mass and velocity (p = mv) |
| Impulse | The product of force and time (F × t) |
| Centripetal Force | The force directed towards the center of a circular path |
| Centrifugal Force | The apparent force directed away from the center |
| Gravitational Force | The force of attraction between objects |
| Universal Law of Gravitation | Every object attracts every other object |
| Acceleration due to Gravity (g) | The acceleration caused by gravity |
| Mass | The amount of matter in an object |
| Weight | The force of gravity on an object |
| Uniform Circular Motion | Motion in a circle with constant speed |
💪 Chapter 2: Work, Energy and Power
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Work | The product of force and displacement |
| Joule | The SI unit of work and energy |
| Positive Work | Work done in the direction of force |
| Negative Work | Work done opposite to the direction of force |
| Zero Work | Work done when there is no displacement |
| Energy | The capacity to do work |
| Kinetic Energy | The energy of motion (KE = ½mv²) |
| Potential Energy | The energy of position (PE = mgh) |
| Gravitational Potential Energy | The energy due to height |
| Elastic Potential Energy | The energy stored in a stretched object |
| Mechanical Energy | The sum of kinetic and potential energy |
| Conservation of Energy | Energy cannot be created or destroyed |
| Power | The rate of doing work (P = W/t) |
| Watt | The SI unit of power |
| Kilowatt | 1000 watts |
| Horsepower | A unit of power |
| Commercial Unit of Energy | Kilowatt-hour (kWh) |
| Law of Conservation of Energy | Energy can be transformed but not created or destroyed |
| Energy Transformation | The change of energy from one form to another |
| Renewable Energy | Energy from sources that can be replenished |
| Non-Renewable Energy | Energy from sources that cannot be replenished |
| Solar Energy | Energy from the sun |
| Wind Energy | Energy from the wind |
| Hydro Energy | Energy from water |
| Biomass Energy | Energy from organic matter |
🏗️ Chapter 3: Machines
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Machine | A device that makes work easier |
| Simple Machine | A machine with few or no moving parts |
| Complex Machine | A machine made of two or more simple machines |
| Mechanical Advantage (MA) | The ratio of load to effort |
| Velocity Ratio (VR) | The ratio of velocity of effort to velocity of load |
| Efficiency | The ratio of output work to input work |
| Lever | A rigid bar that rotates about a fulcrum |
| Fulcrum | The pivot point of a lever |
| Load | The resistance that a machine overcomes |
| Effort | The force applied to a machine |
| First Class Lever | A lever with the fulcrum between load and effort |
| Second Class Lever | A lever with the load between fulcrum and effort |
| Third Class Lever | A lever with the effort between fulcrum and load |
| Pulley | A wheel with a grooved rim |
| Fixed Pulley | A pulley that does not move |
| Movable Pulley | A pulley that moves with the load |
| Block and Tackle | A system of pulleys |
| Inclined Plane | A sloping surface |
| Wedge | A device that splits objects |
| Screw | A device that converts rotational motion to linear motion |
| Wheel and Axle | A device with a wheel attached to an axle |
| Gear | A toothed wheel |
| Ideal Machine | A machine with 100% efficiency |
| Actual Machine | A machine with less than 100% efficiency |
| Friction | The force that opposes motion |
🔍 Chapter 4: Refraction of Light
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Refraction | The bending of light when it passes from one medium to another |
| Refractive Index | The ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed in a medium |
| Snell’s Law | The ratio of sine of angle of incidence to sine of angle of refraction is constant |
| Angle of Incidence | The angle between the incident ray and the normal |
| Angle of Refraction | The angle between the refracted ray and the normal |
| Normal | A line perpendicular to the surface |
| Incident Ray | The ray of light falling on a surface |
| Refracted Ray | The ray of light passing through a surface |
| Optically Denser Medium | A medium with a higher refractive index |
| Optically Rarer Medium | A medium with a lower refractive index |
| Lateral Displacement | The shift of a ray when it passes through a glass slab |
| Total Internal Reflection | The complete reflection of light within a medium |
| Critical Angle | The angle of incidence for which the angle of refraction is 90° |
| Mirage | An optical illusion caused by refraction |
| Apparent Depth | The depth of an object as it appears |
| Real Depth | The actual depth of an object |
| Prism | A transparent object with triangular cross-section |
| Dispersion | The splitting of white light into its component colours |
| Spectrum | The band of colours formed by dispersion |
| Monochromatic Light | Light of a single colour |
| Polychromatic Light | Light of many colours |
| Rainbow | A natural spectrum formed by dispersion |
| Atmospheric Refraction | Refraction of light in the atmosphere |
| Twinkling of Stars | A phenomenon caused by atmospheric refraction |
🔎 Chapter 5: Lenses
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lens | A transparent refracting medium with curved surfaces |
| Convex Lens | A lens that is thicker in the middle |
| Concave Lens | A lens that is thinner in the middle |
| Principal Axis | The line passing through the optical center |
| Optical Center | The center of a lens |
| Principal Focus | The point where parallel rays converge or appear to diverge |
| Focal Length | The distance between the optical center and the principal focus |
| Aperture | The effective diameter of a lens |
| Lens Formula | 1/v − 1/u = 1/f |
| Magnification | The ratio of image height to object height (m = v/u) |
| Real Image | An image that can be formed on a screen |
| Virtual Image | An image that cannot be formed on a screen |
| Inverted Image | An image that is upside down |
| Erect Image | An image that is upright |
| Power of a Lens | The reciprocal of focal length in meters (P = 1/f) |
| Dioptre | The SI unit of power of a lens |
| Converging Lens | Another name for convex lens |
| Diverging Lens | Another name for concave lens |
| Image Formation | The process of forming an image by a lens |
| Ray Diagram | A diagram showing the path of light rays |
| Sign Convention | Rules for using positive and negative signs |
| Magnifying Glass | A simple microscope using a convex lens |
| Camera | An optical instrument using a convex lens |
| Human Eye | The natural optical instrument |
| Defects of Vision | Problems with vision |
| Myopia | Short-sightedness |
| Hypermetropia | Long-sightedness |
| Presbyopia | Age-related vision problem |
| Astigmatism | A vision problem due to irregular cornea |
| Cataract | Clouding of the lens of the eye |
🌈 Chapter 6: Spectrum
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Spectrum | The band of colours formed by dispersion |
| Dispersion | The splitting of white light into its component colours |
| Prism | A transparent object with triangular cross-section |
| VIBGYOR | Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red |
| Monochromatic Light | Light of a single colour |
| Polychromatic Light | Light of many colours |
| Electromagnetic Spectrum | The range of all electromagnetic waves |
| Radio Waves | Long wavelength electromagnetic waves |
| Microwaves | Short wavelength radio waves |
| Infrared Waves | Waves with wavelengths longer than visible light |
| Visible Light | The part of the spectrum that humans can see |
| Ultraviolet Waves | Waves with wavelengths shorter than visible light |
| X-Rays | High energy electromagnetic waves |
| Gamma Rays | Highest energy electromagnetic waves |
| Wavelength | The distance between two consecutive crests |
| Frequency | The number of waves per second |
| Speed of Light | 3 × 10⁸ m/s |
| Scattering of Light | The spreading of light in different directions |
| Blue Sky | Caused by scattering of light |
| Red Sunset | Caused by scattering of light |
| Tyndall Effect | The scattering of light by colloid particles |
| Colour of Objects | Determined by the light they reflect |
| Primary Colours | Red, Green, Blue |
| Secondary Colours | Yellow, Cyan, Magenta |
| Complementary Colours | Colours that form white when combined |
🔊 Chapter 7: Sound
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sound | A form of energy that produces the sensation of hearing |
| Vibration | The to-and-fro motion of an object |
| Medium | The substance through which sound travels |
| Longitudinal Wave | A wave in which particles move parallel to the wave |
| Transverse Wave | A wave in which particles move perpendicular to the wave |
| Compression | The region of high pressure in a sound wave |
| Rarefaction | The region of low pressure in a sound wave |
| Wavelength | The distance between two consecutive compressions |
| Frequency | The number of vibrations per second |
| Hertz (Hz) | The SI unit of frequency |
| Time Period | The time taken for one vibration |
| Amplitude | The maximum displacement of a particle |
| Pitch | The quality of sound that depends on frequency |
| Loudness | The quality of sound that depends on amplitude |
| Quality (Timbre) | The quality of sound that distinguishes different sources |
| Audible Range | The range of frequencies that humans can hear (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) |
| Infrasonic | Sound below 20 Hz |
| Ultrasonic | Sound above 20,000 Hz |
| Echo | The reflection of sound |
| Reverberation | The persistence of sound due to multiple reflections |
| Speed of Sound | The speed at which sound travels |
| Sonic Boom | The loud sound produced by an object moving faster than sound |
| Supersonic | Speed greater than the speed of sound |
| Sonar | Sound Navigation and Ranging |
| Ultrasound | Sound with frequency above 20,000 Hz |
| Doppler Effect | The change in frequency due to relative motion |
| Noise Pollution | Unwanted sound |
| Decibel | The unit of loudness |
⚡ Chapter 8: Electricity
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Electricity | A form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charge |
| Electric Charge | A property of matter that causes electrical effects |
| Electric Current | The flow of electric charge |
| Ampere | The SI unit of current |
| Potential Difference | The difference in electric potential between two points |
| Volt | The SI unit of potential difference |
| Resistance | The opposition to the flow of current |
| Ohm | The SI unit of resistance |
| Ohm’s Law | V = IR |
| Resistivity | The resistance of a material of unit length and unit area |
| Conductor | A material that conducts electricity |
| Insulator | A material that does not conduct electricity |
| Semiconductor | A material with properties between conductor and insulator |
| Series Circuit | A circuit with components in a single path |
| Parallel Circuit | A circuit with components in multiple paths |
| Electric Power | The rate of consuming electrical energy |
| Watt | The SI unit of power |
| Kilowatt-hour | A commercial unit of energy |
| Electric Energy | The energy consumed by electrical devices |
| Joule’s Law of Heating | H = I²Rt |
| Fuse | A safety device that melts to break a circuit |
| Circuit Breaker | A device that automatically breaks a circuit |
| Electric Cell | A device that produces electricity |
| Battery | A combination of cells |
| EMF | Electromotive force |
| Terminal Voltage | The voltage across the terminals of a cell |
| Internal Resistance | The resistance within a cell |
| Galvanometer | An instrument that detects current |
| Ammeter | An instrument that measures current |
| Voltmeter | An instrument that measures potential difference |
🧲 Chapter 9: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Magnet | An object that attracts iron and other magnetic materials |
| Magnetic Field | The region around a magnet where its force is felt |
| Magnetic Lines of Force | Lines that represent the magnetic field |
| Magnetic Pole | The point where the magnetic force is strongest |
| North Pole | The pole that points north |
| South Pole | The pole that points south |
| Like Poles | Poles that repel each other |
| Unlike Poles | Poles that attract each other |
| Electromagnet | A magnet made by passing current through a coil |
| Solenoid | A coil of wire that acts like a magnet |
| Magnetic Effect of Current | The magnetic field produced by current |
| Right-Hand Thumb Rule | Thumb = current, Curled fingers = magnetic field |
| Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule | Forefinger = Field, Middle = Current, Thumb = Force |
| Fleming’s Right-Hand Rule | Forefinger = Field, Thumb = Motion, Middle = Induced Current |
| Electric Motor | A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy |
| Electric Generator | A device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy |
| AC Generator | A generator that produces alternating current |
| DC Generator | A generator that produces direct current |
| Alternating Current (AC) | Current that changes direction periodically |
| Direct Current (DC) | Current that flows in one direction |
| Transformer | A device that changes voltage |
| Step-Up Transformer | A transformer that increases voltage |
| Step-Down Transformer | A transformer that decreases voltage |
| Electromagnetic Induction | The production of current by a changing magnetic field |
| Faraday’s Law | The induced EMF is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux |
| Lenz’s Law | The induced current opposes the change that caused it |
| Eddy Currents | Circulating currents induced in a conductor |
🔥 Chapter 10: Heat
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Heat | A form of energy that flows from hot to cold bodies |
| Temperature | The measure of the average kinetic energy of particles |
| Celsius | A unit of temperature |
| Fahrenheit | A unit of temperature |
| Kelvin | The SI unit of temperature |
| Specific Heat Capacity | The heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C |
| Thermal Capacity | The heat required to raise the temperature of a body by 1°C |
| Latent Heat | The heat absorbed or released during a change of state |
| Latent Heat of Fusion | The heat required to melt a solid |
| Latent Heat of Vaporization | The heat required to vaporize a liquid |
| Calorimetry | The measurement of heat |
| Principle of Calorimetry | Heat lost = Heat gained |
| Conduction | The transfer of heat through a solid |
| Convection | The transfer of heat through a fluid |
| Radiation | The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves |
| Good Conductor | A material that conducts heat well |
| Bad Conductor | A material that does not conduct heat well |
| Insulator | A material that does not conduct heat |
| Greenhouse Effect | The trapping of heat by gases in the atmosphere |
| Global Warming | The increase in Earth’s average temperature |
☢️ Chapter 11: Modern Physics
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Radioactivity | The spontaneous emission of radiation |
| Radioactive Substance | A substance that emits radiation |
| Alpha Particle | A helium nucleus emitted during radioactive decay |
| Beta Particle | An electron emitted during radioactive decay |
| Gamma Ray | High energy electromagnetic radiation |
| Half-Life | The time for half of a radioactive substance to decay |
| Atomic Number | The number of protons in an atom |
| Mass Number | The sum of protons and neutrons |
| Isotope | Atoms of the same element with different mass numbers |
| Isobar | Atoms of different elements with the same mass number |
| Nuclear Fission | The splitting of a heavy nucleus |
| Nuclear Fusion | The combining of light nuclei |
| Nuclear Reactor | A device that controls nuclear fission |
| Nuclear Energy | Energy released during nuclear reactions |
| Background Radiation | Radiation present in the environment |
| Radiation Hazard | The harmful effects of radiation |
| Safety Measures | Precautions to avoid radiation hazards |
📝 How to Use This Keyword List for ICSE Exam Preparation
At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we recommend the following strategies to master Physics keywords for Class 10 ICSE.
🎯 Study Tips
📖 Read each keyword with its meaning carefully
✏️ Write each keyword 3–4 times to memorize spelling
🗣️ Use keywords in sentences to understand context
📝 Create flashcards for quick revision
📊 Draw diagrams to understand physics concepts
🔄 Revise weekly to ensure long-term retention
📋 Practice numericals using correct formulas
✅ Take mock tests to check your understanding
📊 Focus on high-weightage chapters first
🎯 Use keywords in answer writing practice
📊 Class 10 ICSE Physics Weightage
| Chapter | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Force | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Work, Energy and Power | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Machines | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Refraction of Light | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Lenses | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Spectrum | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Sound | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Electricity | 10 – 12 Marks |
| Magnetism and Electromagnetism | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Heat | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Modern Physics | 6 – 8 Marks |
🏫 How Dhingra Classes Nashik Helps Class 10 ICSE Students Master Physics
At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we provide comprehensive coaching for Physics and all other subjects for Class 10 ICSE students. Our approach includes:
📚 Structured Lessons: Teaching concepts with clear explanations
📊 Diagram Practice: Regular diagram work for better understanding
📝 Keyword Lists: Providing comprehensive keyword lists like this one
✏️ Regular Tests: Weekly tests to ensure continuous revision
🎯 Doubt Clearing Sessions: Personalized attention to every student
📊 Progress Tracking: Regular updates to parents about student progress
🏆 Numerical Practice: Teaching how to solve problems effectively
📞 Contact Dhingra Classes Nashik
📱 Phone: 98230 62106
📧 Email: dhingraclassesnsk@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.dhingraclassesnashik.com
📍 Address: Plot No 3, XQ3G+H3M Deacon Homes, 301C, opp. Metro Zone, near Guru Govind Sing, Samarth Nagar, Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422009
🏁 Conclusion
Mastering Physics keywords is essential for Class 10 ICSE students to score high marks in board examinations. This comprehensive list of 150+ Physics keywords with their meanings covers all major chapters including Force, Work, Energy and Power, Machines, Refraction of Light, Lenses, Spectrum, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism and Electromagnetism, Heat, and Modern Physics.
By regularly revising these keywords and using them in your answers, you can improve your understanding and score better in exams. At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we are committed to helping Class 10 ICSE students excel in Physics and achieve academic success. Remember, Physics is not just a subject—it is the study of the fundamental laws of nature, and understanding it makes us better observers of the universe.
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