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Maharashtra HSC Education study materials
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Maharashtra HSC Education practice questions

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Question 1HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, a body moves with uniform acceleration from rest. Which kinematic equation correctly gives its displacement s after time t?

  1. s = u + ½at²
  2. s = ½ut²
  3. s = ut + at²
  4. s = ut + ½at² Correct answer.

Explanation

For uniformly accelerated motion the standard HSC equation is s = ut + ½at², where u is initial velocity. With u = 0 this reduces to s = ½at², matching the derivation from the velocity-time graph area.

Question 2HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, which of the following is the correct IUPAC name of CH₃–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–OH?

  1. 2-methylpropan-2-ol
  2. butan-2-ol
  3. 2-methylpropan-1-ol Correct answer.
  4. propan-2-ol

Explanation

The longest carbon chain containing the –OH carbon has three carbons, giving propan. The hydroxyl is on carbon 1, and a methyl branch sits on carbon 2, so the name is 2-methylpropan-1-ol.

Question 3HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, which cell organelle is described as the site of aerobic respiration and ATP synthesis in eukaryotic cells?

  1. Golgi apparatus
  2. Lysosome
  3. Mitochondrion Correct answer.
  4. Ribosome

Explanation

Mitochondria house the enzymes of the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, so they generate most of the cell's ATP aerobically. Their inner membrane cristae increase the surface area for oxidative phosphorylation.

Question 4HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, if A and B are two events with P(A) = 0.5, P(B) = 0.4 and P(A ∩ B) = 0.2, what is P(A ∪ B)?

  1. 0.9
  2. 0.6
  3. 0.7 Correct answer.
  4. 0.3

Explanation

The addition theorem gives P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A ∩ B). Substituting gives 0.5 + 0.4 − 0.2 = 0.7.

Question 5HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Geography paper, which type of rainfall is caused by moist air being forced to rise over a mountain barrier?

  1. Frontal rainfall
  2. Convectional rainfall
  3. Orographic rainfall Correct answer.
  4. Cyclonic rainfall

Explanation

Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is lifted over high ground, cools adiabatically and condenses on the windward slope. The leeward side then experiences a rain shadow.

Question 6HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC History paper, the Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 during the tenure of which Viceroy?

  1. Lord Dalhousie
  2. Lord Dufferin Correct answer.
  3. Lord Ripon
  4. Lord Curzon

Explanation

The Indian National Congress held its first session in Bombay in December 1885 while Lord Dufferin was Viceroy of India. The founding is associated with the initiative of A. O. Hume and leading Indian nationalists.

Question 7HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, which physical quantity is represented by the area under a force–displacement graph?

  1. Power
  2. Work done Correct answer.
  3. Acceleration
  4. Momentum

Explanation

Work is defined as the integral of force over displacement, so the area under a force–displacement graph equals the work done. Its SI unit is the joule.

Question 8HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC English paper, choose the option that correctly changes the following sentence into indirect speech: She said, "I am reading a novel."

  1. She said that I was reading a novel.
  2. She said that she was reading a novel. Correct answer.
  3. She says that she was reading a novel.
  4. She said that she is reading a novel.

Explanation

When the reporting verb is in the past, the present continuous in the reported clause shifts to the past continuous, and the first-person pronoun changes to match the subject. Hence "am reading" becomes "was reading" and "I" becomes "she".

Question 9HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, what is the pH of a 0.01 M aqueous solution of a strong monobasic acid at 25 °C, assuming complete dissociation?

  1. 7
  2. 2 Correct answer.
  3. 1
  4. 12

Explanation

A strong monobasic acid dissociates completely, so [H⁺] equals the acid concentration, 0.01 M = 10⁻² M. Since pH = −log[H⁺], the value is 2.

Question 10HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, a cross is made between two heterozygous tall pea plants (Tt × Tt). What phenotypic ratio is expected in the offspring?

  1. 3 tall : 1 dwarf Correct answer.
  2. 1 tall : 2 intermediate : 1 dwarf
  3. 1 tall : 1 dwarf
  4. 9 tall : 3 dwarf

Explanation

A monohybrid cross between two heterozygotes yields genotypes TT, Tt, Tt and tt in the ratio 1:2:1. Because T is completely dominant over t, the phenotypic ratio is 3 tall : 1 dwarf.

Question 11HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, what is the derivative of sin(3x) with respect to x?

  1. cos(3x)
  2. 3sin(3x)
  3. −3cos(3x)
  4. 3cos(3x) Correct answer.

Explanation

Applying the chain rule, the derivative of sin(3x) is cos(3x) multiplied by the derivative of the inner function 3x, which is 3. This gives 3cos(3x).

Question 12HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Geography paper, which of the following best explains why Mumbai experiences a marked dry season from roughly October to May?

  1. Cold polar air masses advance southward across the Deccan plateau.
  2. The monsoon winds reverse and blow offshore during winter, suppressing moisture inflow. Correct answer.
  3. Ocean currents off the Konkan coast turn warm and reduce condensation.
  4. The Western Ghats block all year-round westerly winds.

Explanation

During the winter monsoon the prevailing winds over the Indian subcontinent reverse and blow from land to sea, carrying little moisture. Rainfall therefore concentrates in the summer monsoon months, leaving a pronounced dry season.

Question 13HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, a convex lens of focal length 20 cm forms a real image of an object placed 30 cm in front of it. Using the lens formula, what is the image distance?

  1. 50 cm
  2. 30 cm
  3. 60 cm Correct answer.
  4. 12 cm

Explanation

The lens formula is 1/f = 1/v − 1/u. Taking u = −30 cm and f = +20 cm gives 1/v = 1/20 − 1/30 = 1/60, so v = +60 cm, a real image on the far side.

Question 14HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, which of the following pairs constitutes a buffer solution when mixed in roughly equal amounts?

  1. Acetic acid and sodium acetate Correct answer.
  2. Sulphuric acid and sodium sulphate
  3. Hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride
  4. Sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride

Explanation

A buffer is formed from a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. Acetic acid with sodium acetate supplies both the weak acid and its conjugate base, resisting pH change on adding small amounts of acid or alkali.

Question 15HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, which of the following correctly describes the role of the sinoatrial node in the human heart?

  1. It generates impulses that set the rhythm of the heartbeat. Correct answer.
  2. It transmits impulses from the brain to the ventricles.
  3. It regulates the flow of blood through the coronary arteries.
  4. It secretes hormones that control blood pressure.

Explanation

The sinoatrial node is the natural pacemaker because its cells depolarise spontaneously and initiate each heartbeat. This impulse then spreads through the atria and the atrioventricular node to the ventricles.

Question 16HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, evaluate the integral of 2x with respect to x from 0 to 3.

  1. 9 Correct answer.
  2. 6
  3. 18
  4. 3

Explanation

The antiderivative of 2x is x². Evaluating from 0 to 3 gives 3² − 0² = 9, which is the definite integral value.

Question 17HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC History paper, which of the following was a major outcome of the Simon Commission's visit to India in 1928?

  1. Widespread protests because the commission had no Indian members Correct answer.
  2. Withdrawal of the Rowlatt Act
  3. Immediate transfer of power to Indian provincial governments
  4. Formation of the Muslim League

Explanation

The Simon Commission was boycotted and protested across India because all its members were British, so Indians had no voice in it. The slogan "Simon Go Back" and the lathi charge on protesters in Lahore became landmarks of the agitation.

Question 18HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, which statement correctly distinguishes a step-up transformer from a step-down transformer in terms of the turns ratio?

  1. A step-up transformer has fewer secondary turns than primary turns.
  2. Both types must have equal numbers of primary and secondary turns.
  3. A step-up transformer has more secondary turns than primary turns. Correct answer.
  4. A step-down transformer has more secondary turns than primary turns.

Explanation

For an ideal transformer the voltage ratio equals the turns ratio, Vs/Vp = Ns/Np. A step-up transformer therefore needs Ns greater than Np, while a step-down transformer needs the reverse.

Question 19HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, which of the following explains why the atomic radius decreases across a period from left to right?

  1. The number of neutrons in the nucleus decreases steadily.
  2. Nuclear charge increases while electrons enter the same shell, pulling them closer. Correct answer.
  3. Shielding by inner electrons increases faster than nuclear charge.
  4. New shells are added, increasing the distance of electrons from the nucleus.

Explanation

Across a period, protons are added to the nucleus while electrons enter the same principal shell. The greater effective nuclear charge pulls the electron cloud inward, so the atomic radius decreases.

Question 20HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, in a food chain grass → grasshopper → frog → snake, approximately what proportion of the energy at the grass level is transferred to the snake under the ten per cent law?

  1. 100 per cent
  2. 10 per cent
  3. 1 per cent
  4. 0.1 per cent Correct answer.

Explanation

The ten per cent law states that only about 10 per cent of energy passes to the next trophic level. Over three transfers the fraction reaching the snake is 0.1 × 0.1 × 0.1 = 0.001, that is, 0.1 per cent.

Question 21HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, if y = x·ln x, what is dy/dx?

  1. x/ln x
  2. ln x + 1 Correct answer.
  3. ln x
  4. 1/x

Explanation

Applying the product rule to y = x·ln x gives dy/dx = 1·ln x + x·(1/x). The second term simplifies to 1, so the derivative is ln x + 1.

Question 22HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, an object is placed between the pole and the principal focus of a concave mirror. Which description of the image is correct?

  1. Virtual, inverted and diminished, formed between pole and focus
  2. Real, inverted and magnified, formed beyond the centre of curvature
  3. Real, inverted and diminished, formed in front of the mirror
  4. Virtual, erect and magnified, formed behind the mirror Correct answer.

Explanation

When the object lies within the focal length of a concave mirror, the reflected rays diverge and the image forms behind the mirror. The image is virtual, erect and larger than the object, as in a shaving mirror.

Question 23HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, for the equilibrium N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g), which change would shift the equilibrium towards more ammonia at constant temperature?

  1. Decreasing the total pressure by expanding the mixture
  2. Adding an inert gas at constant volume
  3. Increasing the total pressure by compressing the mixture Correct answer.
  4. Removing some nitrogen from the mixture

Explanation

By Le Chatelier's principle, raising pressure favours the side with fewer gaseous moles. Here four moles of gas give two moles, so compression shifts the equilibrium towards ammonia.

Question 24HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, a person with blood group AB receives blood only from donors of the same group in a transfusion. Which explanation is correct?

  1. AB plasma lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies, but AB red cells carry both A and B antigens that other groups' plasma can attack. Correct answer.
  2. AB plasma contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, so other groups are rejected.
  3. AB blood has Rh antigen absent, so only AB blood is compatible.
  4. AB red cells carry no antigens, so only AB plasma can be transfused.

Explanation

AB individuals are universal recipients of red cells because their plasma has no anti-A or anti-B antibodies. However, AB red cells bear both A and B antigens, so plasma from group A, B or O donors can agglutinate them, which is why group-specific transfusion is preferred.

Question 25HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Geography paper, a settlement located at the confluence of two rivers and serving as a collecting point for surrounding farm produce is best classified as which type of settlement?

  1. An isolated dispersed hamlet
  2. A purely defensive hill fort
  3. A nodal central place with a hinterland Correct answer.
  4. A linear settlement along a single road

Explanation

A site at a river confluence with a collecting function acts as a node concentrating flows of goods and people from the surrounding area. Such a node with its dependent region is the classic central place described in settlement geography.

Question 26HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, the SI unit of magnetic flux is the weber. Which combination of base SI units is equivalent to one weber?

  1. kg·m·s⁻²·A⁻¹
  2. kg·m²·s⁻³·A⁻¹
  3. kg·m²·s⁻¹·A⁻¹
  4. kg·m²·s⁻²·A⁻¹ Correct answer.

Explanation

Magnetic flux equals magnetic field times area, and B = F/(I·L), so the tesla is kg·s⁻²·A⁻¹ and multiplying by m² gives kg·m²·s⁻²·A⁻¹. This also matches flux = work/current, since joule per ampere is kg·m²·s⁻²·A⁻¹.

Question 27HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, which tissue of a dicotyledonous stem is chiefly responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the root to the leaf?

  1. Parenchyma
  2. Phloem
  3. Xylem Correct answer.
  4. Cambium

Explanation

Xylem conducts water and minerals upward from the root through tracheary elements, driven mainly by transpiration pull. Phloem carries prepared food, cambium produces secondary tissue, and parenchyma is a general packing and storage tissue.

Question 28HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, a determinant of order 3 has value 5. If every element of one row is multiplied by 2 while the other rows are unchanged, what is the value of the new determinant?

  1. 5
  2. 10 Correct answer.
  3. 40
  4. 25

Explanation

A determinant is linear in each row separately, so multiplying exactly one row by a scalar k multiplies the whole determinant by k. Here k = 2 gives 2 × 5 = 10.

Question 29HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, which of the following compounds gives a positive Tollens' (silver mirror) test but does not react with sodium hydrogen carbonate to release carbon dioxide?

  1. Ethanol
  2. Propanone
  3. Ethanal Correct answer.
  4. Ethanoic acid

Explanation

Tollens' reagent is reduced only by aldehydes, giving a silver mirror, and ethanal is the only aldehyde among the options. It does not liberate CO₂ from NaHCO₃, which is the test for a carboxylic acid.

Question 30HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC English paper, a candidate must identify the figure of speech in the line 'The wind whispered through the sleeping village.' Which figure is used in the word 'whispered'?

  1. Oxymoron
  2. Simile
  3. Personification Correct answer.
  4. Hyperbole

Explanation

Personification gives human qualities to a non-human thing; the wind 'whispering' is credited with a human action. No comparison with 'like' or 'as' appears, so simile does not apply.

Question 31HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, a capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential difference V and then disconnected from the battery. If the plate separation is doubled while the charge is held constant, what happens to the stored energy?

  1. It becomes four times
  2. It is halved
  3. It remains unchanged
  4. It doubles Correct answer.

Explanation

With charge fixed, energy is U = Q²/(2C), and doubling the separation halves C, so U doubles. The work needed to pull the plates apart appears as extra electrostatic energy.

Question 32HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, what is the value of the expression sin 75° + sin 15°?

  1. √6/2 Correct answer.
  2. √2/2
  3. 1/2
  4. √3/2

Explanation

Using sin A + sin B = 2 sin((A+B)/2) cos((A−B)/2) gives 2 sin45° cos30° = 2 × (√2/2) × (√3/2) = √6/2. Numerically this is about 1.225, consistent with the two positive values adding.

Question 33HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Geography paper, which type of rainfall results when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain barrier and cools adiabatically?

  1. Frontal rainfall
  2. Orographic rainfall Correct answer.
  3. Convectional rainfall
  4. Cyclonic rainfall

Explanation

Orographic rainfall occurs when a topographic barrier lifts moist air, which cools and condenses on the windward slope. The leeward side then lies in a rain shadow.

Question 34HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC History paper, which treaty of 1919 formally ended the First World War between the Allied powers and Germany?

  1. Treaty of Versailles Correct answer.
  2. Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
  3. Treaty of Trianon
  4. Treaty of Sèvres

Explanation

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in June 1919, settled the terms between the Allies and Germany, including reparations and territorial clauses. The other treaties dealt with different defeated states.

Question 35HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, in the human nephron, in which part does the bulk of glucose reabsorption from the filtrate occur?

  1. Proximal convoluted tubule Correct answer.
  2. Collecting duct
  3. Descending limb of the loop of Henle
  4. Distal convoluted tubule

Explanation

The proximal convoluted tubule has a brush border rich in carriers and reabsorbs nearly all glucose, amino acids and much sodium by active transport. Later segments handle water, salt and acid-base adjustments rather than glucose.

Question 36HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, what is the de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 100 V? (Take h = 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s, m = 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg, e = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.)

  1. 1.23 × 10⁻⁹ m
  2. 6.63 × 10⁻¹⁰ m
  3. 1.23 × 10⁻¹⁰ m Correct answer.
  4. 2.46 × 10⁻¹⁰ m

Explanation

Kinetic energy eV equals p²/2m, so p = √(2meV) and λ = h/√(2meV). Substituting gives about 1.23 × 10⁻¹⁰ m, of the order of atomic spacing.

Question 37HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, which of the following is the correct IUPAC name of the compound CH₃–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CH₂–OH?

  1. 3-methylbutan-1-ol Correct answer.
  2. 3-methylbutan-4-ol
  3. 2-methylbutan-1-ol
  4. 2-methylbutan-4-ol

Explanation

The hydroxyl carbon must receive the lowest possible number, so numbering begins at the CH₂OH end, placing the methyl group on carbon 3. The parent chain has four carbons, giving 3-methylbutan-1-ol.

Question 38HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC English paper, identify the type of sentence: 'Although the results were declared late, the students celebrated enthusiastically.'

  1. Compound-complex sentence
  2. Simple sentence
  3. Compound sentence
  4. Complex sentence Correct answer.

Explanation

A complex sentence contains one main clause and at least one subordinate clause; here the subordinate clause introduced by 'Although' is attached to the main clause. No coordinating conjunction links two independent clauses.

Question 39HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, what is the value of the limit as x approaches 0 of (1 − cos 4x)/x²?

  1. 16
  2. 8 Correct answer.
  3. 0
  4. 4

Explanation

Using 1 − cos θ = 2 sin²(θ/2), the expression becomes 2 sin²2x/x² = 2 × (sin2x/x)² → 2 × 4 = 8. The standard limit sin θ/θ → 1 supplies the factor 4 inside the square.

Question 40HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Geography paper, which of the following is a characteristic feature of a 'primate city' in a national urban system?

  1. It is disproportionately larger than the second-ranked city and dominates national functions Correct answer.
  2. It is the second-largest city and acts as an industrial satellite
  3. It is a planned capital built solely for administrative purposes
  4. It is a small town that links rural markets to a metropolis

Explanation

A primate city is many times larger than the next city and concentrates political, economic and cultural functions. This primacy is measured by the ratio of the largest to second-largest city population.

Question 41HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC History paper, who founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to challenge caste-based inequality in western India?

  1. Gopal Hari Deshmukh
  2. Jyotirao Phule Correct answer.
  3. Mahadev Govind Ranade
  4. B. R. Ambedkar

Explanation

Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in Pune in 1873, stressing rationalism and the emancipation of lower castes and women. Ambedkar's organisations came later, in the twentieth century.

Question 42HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, which of the following correctly states the role of tRNA during translation?

  1. It forms the structural core of the ribosome and catalyses peptide bond formation
  2. It carries specific amino acids to the ribosome and pairs its anticodon with mRNA codons Correct answer.
  3. It carries the genetic message from DNA to the ribosome
  4. It joins amino acids together by forming phosphodiester bonds

Explanation

Each tRNA is charged with its specific amino acid and presents an anticodon that base-pairs with the complementary codon on mRNA. This ensures the amino acid sequence follows the codon order.

Question 43HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, in a Young's double-slit experiment the fringe width is 2 mm. If the whole apparatus is immersed in a liquid of refractive index 1.6, what is the new fringe width?

  1. 2 mm
  2. 3.2 mm
  3. 0.8 mm
  4. 1.25 mm Correct answer.

Explanation

Fringe width is β = λD/d, and in a medium the wavelength becomes λ/n. Hence β' = β/n = 2/1.6 = 1.25 mm.

Question 44HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, which of the following statements correctly describes the trend in the oxidising power of the halogens down the group from fluorine to iodine?

  1. It decreases, because the tendency to gain an electron falls as atomic size increases Correct answer.
  2. It increases, because the atoms become larger and can accept electrons more easily
  3. It first increases and then decreases, with chlorine being the weakest oxidising agent
  4. It remains constant, because all halogens have seven valence electrons

Explanation

Down the group the atomic radius grows and the incoming electron is held less tightly, so electron gain enthalpy becomes less negative and the electrode potential falls. Fluorine is therefore the strongest and iodine the weakest oxidising agent among the halogens.

Question 45HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC English paper, choose the option that correctly transforms the active sentence into the passive voice: 'The committee will announce the results tomorrow.'

  1. The results would be announced by the committee tomorrow.
  2. The results are announced by the committee tomorrow.
  3. The results will be announced by the committee tomorrow. Correct answer.
  4. The results will announce by the committee tomorrow.

Explanation

The passive of a future simple active sentence uses 'will be' plus the past participle, and the object becomes the subject. 'Will be announced' satisfies both requirements.

Question 46HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Mathematics paper, what is the value of the definite integral of 1/(1 + x²) with respect to x from 0 to 1?

  1. π/4 Correct answer.
  2. π
  3. 1
  4. π/2

Explanation

The antiderivative of 1/(1 + x²) is tan⁻¹x, so the integral equals tan⁻¹1 − tan⁻¹0 = π/4 − 0.

Question 47HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Geography paper, which of the following best describes the process of 'leaching' in humid tropical soils?

  1. Weathered rock fragments are deposited by wind on the surface
  2. Organic matter is rapidly incorporated by burrowing animals
  3. Salts accumulate at the surface because evaporation exceeds rainfall
  4. Soluble bases and nutrients are washed downward through the soil by heavy rainfall Correct answer.

Explanation

In hot, wet climates percolating rainwater removes soluble bases and nutrients from the upper horizons and carries them down the profile. This leaves acidic, nutrient-poor soils such as laterites.

Question 48HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Biology paper, in a dihybrid cross between two plants heterozygous for both seed shape and seed colour (RrYy × RrYy), what proportion of the offspring is expected to show the recessive phenotype for both traits?

  1. 1/4
  2. 1/16 Correct answer.
  3. 9/16
  4. 3/16

Explanation

Each heterozygous parent forms four gamete types equally, and independent assortment gives a 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio. The double recessive class therefore occupies 1/16 of the progeny.

Question 49HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Chemistry paper, what is the oxidation state of chromium in the dichromate ion, Cr₂O₇²⁻?

  1. +2
  2. +6 Correct answer.
  3. +7
  4. +3

Explanation

Let each chromium be x; then 2x + 7(−2) = −2, giving 2x = +12 and x = +6. The overall charge of the ion must be included in the equation.

Question 50HSC subjects (subject-wise papers as prescribed by MSBSHSE)

In the Maharashtra HSC Physics paper, a galvanometer of resistance 99 Ω shows full-scale deflection for a current of 1 mA. What shunt resistance is needed to convert it into an ammeter reading up to 1 A?

  1. About 10 Ω
  2. About 1 Ω
  3. About 0.1 Ω Correct answer.
  4. About 0.01 Ω

Explanation

The shunt carries the excess current, here 0.999 A, while the galvanometer carries 0.001 A at full scale. Since the shunt and galvanometer are in parallel, S = (Ig·G)/(I − Ig) ≈ (10⁻³ × 99)/1 ≈ 0.1 Ω.