Primary 6 Basic Science Second Term Examination Questions and Answers
SECTION A: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS (WITH EXPLANATIONS)
Instruction: Read the questions carefully and choose the most appropriate answer from the options lettered a – d.
1. What is Air?
Question: ___________ is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless mixture of gases.
a) Carbon
b) Air
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Oxygen
Answer: b) Air
Explanation:
Air is a mixture of gases surrounding the Earth. It contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and small amounts of carbon dioxide, argon, and water vapor.
2. What is Pressure?
Question: __________ is a force exerted over a unit surface area.
a) Pressure
b) Friction
c) Compression
d) Expansion
Answer: a) Pressure
Explanation:
Pressure is the force applied per unit area. It is measured in pascals (Pa) and is important in fluid mechanics, meteorology, and engineering.
3. Measuring Atmospheric Pressure
Question: An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure is called ___________.
a) Thermometer
b) Barometer
c) Hygrometer
d) Rain gauge
Answer: b) Barometer
Explanation:
A barometer is used to measure air pressure and helps in weather prediction.
4. Air Exerting Pressure
Question: Air that exerts pressure is called ____________.
a) Air Fiction
b) Air Pressure
c) Air Force
d) Air Mill
Answer: b) Air Pressure
Explanation:
Air pressure is the force exerted by air molecules on a surface. It is responsible for wind movement, breathing, and weather changes.
5. Measuring Temperature
Question: A ___________ is an instrument for measuring hotness or coldness of a place or an object.
a) Thermometer
b) Barometer
c) Wind vane
d) Rain gauge
Answer: a) Thermometer
Explanation:
A thermometer measures temperature using Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) scales.
6. The Solar System
Question: ___________ is made up of the sun and the bodies moving around it.
a) Solar Eclipse
b) Solar Movement
c) Solar System
d) Lunar Eclipse
Answer: c) Solar System
Explanation:
The solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
7. Understanding Weather
Question: The condition of the atmosphere of a particular area at a given period of time is known as ____________.
a) Climate
b) Eclipse
c) Weather
d) Air Pressure
Answer: c) Weather
Explanation:
Weather includes temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed at a given time.
8. Who Studies Weather?
Question: Scientists that study weather conditions are called ___________.
a) Astronauts
b) Meteorologists
c) Physicists
d) Space Man
Answer: b) Meteorologists
Explanation:
Meteorologists predict and analyze weather conditions using satellites and instruments.
9. Global Warming
Question: __________ is the release of harmful gases which deplete the ozone layer and bring harmful sun rays to the Earth.
a) House Warming
b) Global Warming
c) Future Warming
d) Sun Warming
Answer: b) Global Warming
Explanation:
Global warming results from pollution, deforestation, and excessive greenhouse gas emissions.
10. Earth’s Movement
Question: The movement of the Earth around the Sun is called ____________.
a) Rotation
b) Revolution
c) Reversible
d) Circulation
Answer: b) Revolution
Explanation:
The Earth orbits the Sun once every 365 days, causing seasons.
SECTION B: THEORY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1a. Define Air Pressure.
Air pressure is the force exerted by air molecules on a surface.
1b. Mention the Components of Air.
- Nitrogen (78%) – Essential for plant growth
- Oxygen (21%) – Used for respiration
- Carbon dioxide (0.03%) – Used in photosynthesis
- Water vapor – Affects humidity and weather
2a. What is Maintenance?
Maintenance is the process of keeping tools, machines, and equipment in good working condition.
2b. Three Types of Maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance – Regular servicing
- Corrective Maintenance – Fixing broken tools
- Predictive Maintenance – Using technology to predict failures
3a. What is the Solar System?
The solar system is made up of the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
3b. Two Types of Eclipses
- Solar Eclipse – The Moon blocks the Sun
- Lunar Eclipse – The Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon
4a. Explain the Following:
i) Rotation of the Earth:
The Earth spins on its axis every 24 hours, causing day and night.
ii) Revolution of the Earth:
The Earth orbits the Sun every 365 days, leading to seasons.
4b. What is an Atom?
An atom is the smallest unit of matter.
5a. Define Hand Tools.
Hand tools are manually operated tools used for various tasks.
5b. Categories of Woodworking Hand Tools
- Measuring Tools – Tape measure, Try square
- Cutting Tools – Tenon saw, Chisel
- Holding and Clamping Tools – G-clamp, Bench vice
- Percussion Tools – Hammer, Mallet
11. The Earth revolves around the Sun in about ____________.
Answer: (c) 365 days
Explanation:
- The Earth takes 365¼ days (one year) to complete one revolution around the Sun.
- Every four years, an extra day is added to February, making it a leap year (366 days).
Real-Life Application:
- The concept of revolution helps us calculate time and seasons.
- Farmers depend on the Earth’s revolution for planting and harvesting seasons.
12. The type of eclipse in which the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon is called __________.
Answer: (b) Lunar Eclipse
Explanation:
- A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth casts a shadow on the Moon, blocking sunlight.
- It only occurs during a full moon.
Types of Lunar Eclipse:
- Total Lunar Eclipse – The Moon is completely covered by Earth’s shadow.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse – Only part of the Moon is covered.
Real-Life Application:
- Lunar eclipses help scientists study the Earth’s atmosphere.
- They were used in the past to predict events in different cultures.
13. ____________ of the Earth causes day and night.
Answer: (b) Rotation
Explanation:
- The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, causing day and night.
- The side of the Earth facing the Sun experiences day, while the opposite side experiences night.
Real-Life Application:
- The concept of rotation helps in time zones and world clocks.
- Astronomers use it to calculate the movement of celestial bodies.
14. There are ____________ types of eclipses.
Answer: (b) Two
Explanation:
The two main types of eclipses are:
- Solar Eclipse – The Moon blocks the Sun from reaching Earth.
- Lunar Eclipse – The Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.
Real-Life Application:
- Eclipses help scientists study planetary motions and the Sun’s outer layers.
- They provide opportunities for astronomical research.
15. Which of the following is referred to as the active air?
Answer: (c) Oxygen
Explanation:
- Oxygen is called active air because it supports respiration and combustion.
- It makes up 21% of Earth’s atmosphere.
Real-Life Application:
- Oxygen is used in hospitals for patients with breathing difficulties.
- It is essential for burning fuel in cars, stoves, and factories.
16. Which element has the symbol C?
Answer: (a) Carbon
Explanation:
- Carbon (C) is a non-metal element found in all living things.
- It exists in different forms like diamond, graphite, and charcoal.
Real-Life Application:
- Carbon is used in pencils (graphite) and fuel sources (coal, petrol, diesel).
- It is an essential element in human DNA and proteins.
17. All the following are primary colors except ____________.
Answer: (a) Green
Explanation:
- The three primary colors are Red, Yellow, and Blue.
- Green is a secondary color, formed by mixing blue and yellow.
Real-Life Application:
- Primary colors are used in art, design, and digital screens.
- They form the basis of all other colors in the spectrum.
18. The mixture of two primary colors gives ____________.
Answer: (b) Secondary Colors
Explanation:
- Secondary colors are formed by mixing two primary colors.
- Examples:
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Blue + Yellow = Green
- Red + Blue = Purple
Real-Life Application:
- Color mixing is essential in painting, graphic design, and printing.
- Understanding colors helps in fashion, home decor, and advertising.
19. The tool shown below is a ____________.
Answer: (d) G-clamp
Explanation:
- A G-clamp is a holding tool used to secure objects while working.
- It is shaped like the letter “G” and has an adjustable screw.
Real-Life Application:
- Used in woodwork, metalwork, and construction.
- Essential for carpenters, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts.
20. Which of the following is an example of a percussion tool?
Answer: (d) Hammer
Explanation:
- Percussion tools are used to apply force by striking objects.
- Examples include hammers, mallets, and chisels.
Real-Life Application:
- Used in carpentry, metalwork, and construction.
- Helps in breaking, shaping, and assembling materials.
FINAL REVIEW AND STUDY TIPS
This detailed guide ensures that students understand both theoretical and practical applications of Basic Science concepts.
Tips for Success:
✔ Read and Understand Concepts – Focus on definitions, examples, and real-life applications.
✔ Practice with Diagrams – Use visual aids for topics like eclipses and tool identification.
✔ Relate Science to Daily Life – Connect topics to experiences (e.g., using tools, weather changes).
✔ Attempt Past Questions – Repetition helps in retention and boosts confidence.