Sources of Energy is an important chapter in Class 10 Science that covers conventional and non-conventional energy resources, energy conversion, and the advantages and limitations of different sources of energy. Students also learn about their environmental effects and the importance of choosing suitable energy resources. Practicing Sources of Energy Class 10 Science MCQs helps strengthen conceptual understanding and revise important NCERT topics before the exams.
Students can test their knowledge with chapter-wise MCQs and revise key Science concepts through Class 10 Science MCQs. For broader subject-wise practice, explore Class 10 MCQs and use the CBSE Board resources to support your exam preparation.
Topics Covered
The MCQs cover important areas from the NCERT Class 10 Science Chapter 14 syllabus.
| Topic | Concepts You Should Know |
| Characteristics of energy sources | Features of an effective energy resource |
| Conventional energy sources | Fossil fuels, thermal power plants, hydropower |
| Fossil fuels | Coal, petroleum, natural gas, pollution concerns |
| Solar energy | Solar devices, solar cells, practical applications |
| Biomass energy | Biogas plants and energy production |
| Wind energy | Wind farms and electricity generation |
| Energy from oceans | Tidal energy, wave energy, ocean thermal energy |
| Geothermal energy | Energy obtained from Earth's internal heat |
| Nuclear energy | Nuclear reactions and their uses |
| Environmental consequences | Sustainable use and energy conservation |
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MCQs for Class 10 Science Chapter 14 with Answers and Explanations
Before checking the answers, try solving each question yourself. Many MCQs from this chapter are based on small conceptual differences between different energy sources, so understanding the reason behind an answer is more helpful than simply memorising it.
Q1. Thermal power plants are usually set up near coal mines. What is the main reason behind this?
A. A. Electricity transmission is economical.
B. Coal loses carbon during transport.
C. Coal plants need only mine water.
D. Power lines absorb harmful gases.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Transporting large amounts of coal over long distances is costly and difficult. It is more economical to generate electricity near coal mines and transmit it through power lines.
Q2. A solar cooker is covered with a transparent glass sheet. What is the main purpose of this glass cover?
A. To concentrate sunlight at one point.
B. To trap heat inside the cooker.
C. To cool the black surface.
D. To reflect all solar radiation.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The glass sheet allows sunlight to enter but prevents heat from escaping easily. This trapping of heat increases the temperature inside the solar cooker.
Q3. Which location has one of the largest wind energy farms in India with a capacity of about 380 MW?
A. Puri, Odisha
B. Cambay Basin, Gujarat
C. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
D. Puga Valley, Ladakh
Answer: C
Explanation:
Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu has one of India’s largest wind energy farms. The region uses strong coastal winds to generate nearly 380 MW of electricity.
Q4. A student studies a box-type solar cooker. Which temperature range is usually achieved inside it?
A. 50°C–80°C
B. 100°C–140°C
C. 150°C–200°C
D. 200°C–250°C
Answer: B
Explanation:
A simple box-type solar cooker can reach temperatures around 100°C–140°C. It is useful for slow cooking but cannot provide enough heat for frying.
Q5. Which combination correctly represents the main forms of energy obtained from oceans?
A. Geothermal, wind, and solar energy
B. Tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy
C. Nuclear, tidal, and chemical energy
D. Biomass, wave, and fossil energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Energy from oceans is mainly obtained through tides, waves, and temperature differences between surface and deep ocean water.
Q6. India’s first underground nuclear test was conducted at which location?
A. Ranchi, Jharkhand
B. Kota, Rajasthan
C. Pokhran, Rajasthan
D. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Answer: C
Explanation:
India conducted its first underground nuclear test at Pokhran in Rajasthan. Nuclear reactions are also used in controlled conditions for electricity generation.
Q7. What is the energy equivalent of one atomic mass unit (amu) in nuclear reactions?
A. 93.1 MeV
B. 9.31 MeV
C. 1 MeV
D. 931 MeV
Answer: D
Explanation:
One atomic mass unit is equal to approximately 931 MeV of energy. This large energy conversion explains why nuclear reactions release huge amounts of energy.
Q8. Which gas is the major component of biogas produced in a biogas plant?
A. Methane (CH4)
B. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
C. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
D. Carbon monoxide (CO)
Answer: A
Explanation:
Biogas mainly contains methane (up to about 75%). Methane helps biogas burn efficiently with very little smoke or residue.
Q9. Ocean waves can be used for electricity generation because they mainly possess which type of energy?
A. Chemical energy
B. Kinetic energy
C. Geothermal energy
D. Nuclear energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Ocean waves are produced due to the movement of water caused by winds. This moving water contains kinetic energy, which can be converted into electricity.
Q10. What is the correct energy conversion in a hydroelectric power plant?
A. Chemical energy → Heat energy
B. Potential energy → Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
C. Nuclear energy → Light energy
D. Tidal energy → Geothermal energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Water stored at a height has potential energy. When it flows downward, this changes into kinetic energy, which rotates turbines to generate electricity.
Q11. How does a coal-based thermal power plant produce electricity?
A. By directly rotating coal particles
B. By using steam to rotate turbines
C. By converting coal into sunlight
D. By storing energy in batteries
Answer: B
Explanation:
In thermal power plants, coal is burned to heat water and produce high-pressure steam. This steam rotates turbines connected to generators to produce electricity.
Q12. Why is charcoal considered a better fuel than ordinary wood?
A. It contains more moisture.
B. It produces more smoke.
C. It has higher calorific value.
D. It burns only at low temperature.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Charcoal has a higher calorific value than wood and burns with less smoke because most moisture and volatile substances are removed during its preparation.
Q13. When wood is heated in limited air supply, which useful fuel is obtained?
A. Coal
B. Coke
C. Charcoal
D. Slurry
Answer: C
Explanation:
Heating wood with limited oxygen removes moisture and volatile materials. The remaining carbon-rich substance is charcoal, which is a cleaner and better fuel.
Q14. Many solar cells are connected together to produce useful electricity. This arrangement is called a:
A. Solar furnace
B. Solar panel
C. Solar chimney
D. Solar reflector
Answer: B
Explanation:
A solar panel consists of many interconnected solar cells. These cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy.
Q15. Which feature represents a good source of energy?
A. Low energy output
B. Difficult storage
C. High cost
D. High energy efficiency
Answer: D
Explanation:
A good energy source should provide a large amount of useful energy, be easily available, economical, and convenient to store and transport.
Q16. Firewood and coal are called conventional sources of energy because they:
A. Are recently developed sources
B. Have been used for a long time
C. Never cause pollution
D. Are unlimited resources
Answer: B
Explanation:
Conventional energy sources are those that humans have used traditionally for many years, such as firewood, coal, and some uses of wind and water energy.
Q17. Why is biogas considered an environment-friendly fuel?
A. It produces large ash deposits.
B. It burns without smoke.
C. It increases fuel wastage.
D. It releases only oxygen gas.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Biogas burns cleanly without producing smoke or ash. It also helps recycle organic waste and produces nutrient-rich manure as a by-product.
Q18. Which process releases the stored chemical energy present in fossil fuels?
A. Freezing
B. Combustion
C. Condensation
D. Crystallisation
Answer: B
Explanation:
Fossil fuels store chemical energy. During combustion, they react with oxygen and release energy mainly in the form of heat.
Q19. A windmill is used to lift water from a well. Which energy conversion takes place?
A. Wind energy → Mechanical energy
B. Heat energy → Chemical energy
C. Electrical energy → Solar energy
D. Nuclear energy → Wind energy
Answer: A
Explanation:
Moving air has kinetic energy. A windmill converts this energy into mechanical energy that can be used for tasks like pumping water.
Q20. Why is tidal energy considered a non-conventional energy source?
A. It produces heavy pollution.
B. Its use requires modern technology.
C. It comes from fossil fuels.
D. It cannot be renewed naturally.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Generating electricity from tides involves newer technologies and special coastal conditions. Therefore, tidal energy is classified as a non-conventional source.
Q21. How does improving the efficiency of fuel-based devices help the environment?
A. By increasing fuel deposits
B. By reducing fuel consumption
C. By stopping energy conversion
D. By removing all energy needs
Answer: B
Explanation:
Efficient fuel technologies provide more useful energy from the same amount of fuel. This reduces fuel usage and decreases harmful emissions.
Q22. Acid rain can occur due to gases released from burning fossil fuels. Which substances mainly contribute to this problem?
A. Oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur
B. Oxygen and hydrogen gases only
C. Pure nitrogen from the atmosphere
D. Water vapour from clouds only
Answer: A
Explanation:
Burning fossil fuels releases oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. These gases react with water in the atmosphere and form acids responsible for acid rain.
Q23. Which cooking method is the most suitable for reducing indoor smoke pollution?
A. Wood stove
B. Coal burner
C. Electric cooking
D. Cow dung stove
Answer: C
Explanation:
Electric cooking methods do not produce smoke during use. They help reduce indoor air pollution compared to traditional fuels like wood and coal.
Q24. How is electricity generated using geothermal energy?
A. By using underground steam
B. By burning underground coal
C. By collecting ocean waves
D. By storing solar radiation
Answer: A
Explanation:
Heat from deep inside the Earth converts underground water into steam. This steam can rotate turbines connected to generators to produce electricity.
Q25. What is a major environmental concern associated with large hydroelectric dams?
A. Formation of acid rain
B. Flooding of large areas
C. Burning of fossil fuels
D. Release of nuclear waste
Answer: B
Explanation:
Large dams can submerge forests and habitats. Decomposition of submerged vegetation may also release methane, which is a greenhouse gas.
Q26. What energy conversion occurs inside a solar cell?
A. Chemical energy → Electrical energy
B. Solar energy → Electrical energy
C. Wind energy → Heat energy
D. Heat energy → Nuclear energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Solar cells use semiconductor materials to directly convert sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.
Q27. What happens during nuclear fission in a nuclear power plant?
A. Two light nuclei combine together.
B. A heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei.
C. Coal atoms combine with oxygen.
D. Water molecules break into gases.
Answer: B
Explanation:
In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus such as uranium is split into lighter nuclei. This process releases a large amount of energy.
Q28. Which energy solution is most suitable for rural areas having large amounts of animal waste?
A. Ocean energy plants
B. Biogas plants
C. Nuclear reactors
D. Solar cell factories
Answer: B
Explanation:
Biogas plants use animal dung and organic waste to produce methane-rich fuel. They also provide useful manure for agriculture.
Q29. Which condition is important for generating electricity using wind energy?
A. Complete absence of air movement
B. Regular high-speed wind flow
C. Constant rainfall throughout year
D. Extremely high temperature
Answer: B
Explanation:
Wind turbines need continuous and sufficient wind speed to rotate effectively and generate electricity.
Q30. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) works when there is a temperature difference of about:
A. 5°C between ocean layers
B. 10°C between ocean layers
C. 20°C between ocean layers
D. 50°C between ocean layers
Answer: C
Explanation:
OTEC plants work by using the temperature difference between warm surface water and colder deep ocean water. A difference of about 20°C is required for efficient operation.
Overview of Chapter 14
Sources of Energy explains how we obtain energy for different activities and why selecting the right energy resource is important. The chapter discusses conventional and alternative energy sources along with their efficiency, availability, and environmental effects.
A useful energy source should provide enough energy while being practical and safe to use.
| Feature of a Good Energy Source | Explanation |
| High energy output | Produces a large amount of usable energy |
| Easy availability | Can be accessed whenever required |
| Affordable | Should be economical for regular use |
| Convenient handling | Easy to store and transport |
| Less environmental impact | Produces minimum harmful effects |
Renewable and Non-Renewable Sources of Energy
Understanding this difference is one of the most important parts of Chapter 14.
| Renewable Sources of Energy | Non-Renewable Sources of Energy |
| Can be naturally restored | Available in limited amounts |
| Suitable for long-term use | May get exhausted over time |
| Usually produce less pollution | Often cause more environmental issues |
| Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower | Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas |
