Class 8 Science MCQs are based on the NCERT syllabus and help students check their understanding of important topics. These questions include subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Solving these MCQs improves knowledge, problem-solving skills, and time management, making students more confident and well-prepared for their exams.
1. Which of the following is a method of crop production?
a) Photosynthesis
b) Wind energy
c) Crop rotation
d) Ocean currents
View Answer
Explanation: Crop rotation involves growing different crops on the same piece of land during different seasons to prevent soil depletion and maintain its fertility. It’s a sustainable farming practice that helps in managing pests and enhancing soil health.
2. What is the main function of roots in plants?
a) To produce flowers
b) To absorb water and minerals
c) To support the plant
d) To prepare food for the plant
View Answer
Explanation: Roots anchor the plant in the soil and play a crucial role in absorbing water and essential minerals required for the plant’s growth and survival.
3. Which organ is responsible for pumping blood in the human body?
a) Brain
b) Lungs
c) Kidney
d) Heart
View Answer
Explanation: The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body, ensuring the distribution of oxygen and nutrients to various organs.
4. Which part of the plant helps in photosynthesis?
a) Flowers
b) Stem
c) Leaves
d) Roots
View Answer
Explanation: Leaves contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight and facilitates the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for producing food in plants.
5. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
a) To control the movement of substances in and out of the cell
b) To protect the nucleus
c) To control cell division
d) To store genetic material
View Answer
Explanation: The cell membrane acts as a selective barrier, regulating the entry and exit of substances, thus maintaining the internal balance of the cell.
6. What is the function of the stomata in plants?
a) To store food
b) To absorb water
c) To exchange gases
d) To produce chlorophyll
View Answer
Explanation: Stomata are small pores on the leaves that allow gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide to move in and out of the plant for processes like respiration and photosynthesis.
7. What is the chemical formula for methane?
a) C2H6
b) CH4
c) CO2
d) H2O
View Answer
Explanation: Methane is a simple hydrocarbon with the molecular formula CH4, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
8. Which of these is not a characteristic of sound waves?
a) Sound requires a medium to travel
b) Sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gases
c) Sound travels in the form of vibrations
d) Sound travels faster in a vacuum
View Answer
Explanation: Sound waves need a medium, such as air, water, or solids, to travel. They cannot propagate through a vacuum because there are no molecules to transmit the vibrations.
9. Which of the following is an example of a renewable source of energy?
a) Natural gas
b) Coal
c) Solar energy
d) Oil
View Answer
Explanation: Solar energy is a renewable resource because it is constantly replenished by the Sun and does not deplete over time.
10. What type of mirror is used in a car’s rear-view mirror?
a) Convex mirror
b) Plane mirror
c) Concave mirror
d) Cylindrical mirror
View Answer
Explanation: Convex mirrors are used in rear-view mirrors because they provide a wider field of view, allowing the driver to see more of the area behind the vehicle.
11. What is a catalyst in a chemical reaction?
a) A substance that is consumed in the reaction
b) A substance that speeds up the reaction
c) A substance that changes the color of the reaction
d) A substance that slows down the reaction
View Answer
Explanation: A catalyst is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy, allowing the reaction to occur more easily. It remains unchanged after the reaction and can be used multiple times.
12. What is the unit of power?
a) Watt
b) Ampere
c) Newton
d) Joule
View Answer
Explanation: Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. The unit of power is the watt (W), which is defined as one joule of energy transferred per second.
13. Which of the following is a characteristic of a liquid?
a) It has a fixed shape
b) It cannot flow
c) It has a fixed volume but takes the shape of its container
d) It has a fixed volume and shape
View Answer
Explanation: Liquids have a definite volume but do not have a fixed shape. They flow and take the shape of the container they are placed in. The particles in a liquid are close together but can move past one another.
14. What is the main source of energy for plants?
a) Air
b) Sunlight
c) Water
d) Soil
View Answer
Explanation: Sunlight is the main source of energy for plants, which they use to perform photosynthesis. During this process, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, enabling them to produce food in the form of glucose.
15. Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity?
a) Copper
b) Rubber
c) Wood
d) Plastic
View Answer
Explanation: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity because its atoms allow electrons to move freely, enabling electric current to flow easily through it. This is why copper is used in electrical wiring and circuits.
16. What is the primary role of the mitochondria in cells?
a) To store genetic information
b) To transport materials
c) To synthesize proteins
d) To produce energy
View Answer
Explanation: Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles of the cell, often referred to as the “powerhouses.” They generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides the cell with the energy needed for various metabolic processes.
17. Which of the following is a kharif crop?
a) Wheat
b) Gram
c) Maize
d) Mustard
View Answer
Explanation: Maize (corn) is a kharif crop, which is typically sown at the beginning of the monsoon season and harvested at the end. These crops grow best in warm and wet conditions during the monsoon period.
18. What is the term for growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field?
a) Intercropping
b) Mixed cropping
c) Monocropping
d) Strip cropping
View Answer
Explanation: Mixed cropping refers to the practice of growing two or more crops on the same field at the same time. This practice helps in improving soil fertility, reducing pest infestation, and increasing the overall yield.
19. Which of the following is caused by a virus?
a) Tuberculosis
b) Malaria
c) Influenza
d) Cholera
View Answer
Explanation: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by the influenza virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and can lead to symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue.
20. Which microorganism is used to produce antibiotics?
a) Virus
b) Algae
c) Bacteria
d) Fungi
View Answer
Explanation: Fungi, particularly the genus Penicillium, are used to produce antibiotics such as penicillin. These antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
21. Which of the following is a fossil fuel?
a) Air
b) Coal
c) Water
d) Wood
View Answer
Explanation: Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. It is considered a non-renewable resource and is primarily used for generating electricity and heating. The process of burning coal releases energy but also contributes to pollution and environmental degradation.
22. What is one of the major environmental impacts of burning petroleum products?
a) Increased greenhouse gases
b) Decreased oxygen levels
c) Increased water supply
d) Increased food production
View Answer
Explanation: The combustion of petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel, releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, contributing to global warming, climate change, and environmental harm. The increase in greenhouse gases disrupts ecosystems and weather patterns globally.
23. What is the main cause of the formation of a flame?
a) Recombination of oxygen and nitrogen
b) Formation of carbon dioxide
c) Rapid oxidation of the fuel
d) Evaporation of water
View Answer
Explanation: A flame is the result of rapid oxidation, also known as combustion, in which fuel reacts with oxygen. This exothermic reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light, creating the visible flame. The chemical bonds in the fuel are broken and reformed, producing gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
24. What is the main cause of the loss of biodiversity?
a) Deforestation
b) Water scarcity
c) Climate change
d) Natural disasters
View Answer
Explanation: Deforestation is the leading cause of biodiversity loss because it destroys the natural habitats of many species. As forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, or logging, animals and plants lose their homes and are often unable to adapt or survive, leading to a decline in species diversity.
25. Which of the following is true about acids?
a) They have a bitter taste
b) They turn blue litmus paper red
c) They are basic in nature
d) They feel slippery
View Answer
Explanation: Acids have the characteristic property of turning blue litmus paper red, which indicates their acidic nature. Acids generally have a sour taste, such as citrus fruits, and they can corrode metals. Unlike bases, they do not feel slippery and are not bitter.
26. Which type of rock is formed by the cooling and solidification of molten magma?
a) Igneous rock
b) Sedimentary rock
c) Metamorphic rock
d) Fossil rock
View Answer
Explanation: Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava. Depending on where the cooling occurs (beneath the Earth’s surface or during volcanic eruptions), these rocks can be classified as intrusive or extrusive. Common examples include granite (intrusive) and basalt (extrusive).
27. What is the process of reproduction in bacteria called?
a) Pollination
b) Fragmentation
c) Binary fission
d) Budding
View Answer
Explanation: Binary fission is the method by which bacteria reproduce asexually. In this process, a single bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It is a simple and efficient form of reproduction, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly under favorable conditions.
28. What is the primary function of the reproductive system in animals?
a) To produce energy
b) To digest food
c) To regulate body temperature
d) To produce offspring
View Answer
Explanation: The primary function of the reproductive system in animals is to produce offspring. This ensures the continuation of the species. The reproductive organs in male and female animals facilitate the production of gametes (sperm and eggs), which combine to form a zygote that develops into a new organism.
29. In mammals, where does fertilization usually occur?
a) In the cervix
b) In the uterus
c) In the fallopian tube
d) In the mouth
View Answer
Explanation: In mammals, fertilization typically takes place in the fallopian tube. Here, the sperm meets the egg, and the fertilized egg (zygote) travels down to the uterus for implantation and development.
30. What is a zygote?
a) A developing embryo
b) An unfertilized egg
c) A sperm cell
d) A fertilized egg
View Answer
Explanation: A zygote is the fertilized egg formed when sperm and egg unite during fertilization. The zygote begins the process of cell division and development, eventually forming an embryo and later a fully developed organism. It contains a full set of genetic material from both parents.
31. What is adolescence?
a) Childhood
b) Adulthood
c) The period of growth from childhood to adulthood
d) Infancy
View Answer
Explanation: Adolescence is the transitional stage of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. It involves physical, emotional, and psychological changes, including puberty, and lasts from about age 10 to 19. It is a critical period for developing independence, identity, and social skills.
32. Which of the following is a characteristic of female puberty?
a) Growth of facial hair
b) Beginning of menstruation
c) Voice deepening
d) Development of broader shoulders
View Answer
Explanation: The onset of menstruation (menarche) marks one of the key signs of female puberty. This process is regulated by hormonal changes and signals the body’s preparation for reproduction.
33. Which of the following is a characteristic of male puberty?
a) Deepening of the voice
b) Widening of hips
c) Development of breasts
d) Menstruation
View Answer
Explanation: One of the primary characteristics of male puberty is the deepening of the voice. This occurs due to the growth and thickening of the larynx and vocal cords, triggered by hormones like testosterone.
34. What is force?
a) A form of heat
b) The resistance to motion
c) A type of energy
d) A push or pull on an object
View Answer
Explanation: Force is a push or pull exerted on an object that can cause it to move, stop, or change its direction. It is measured in newtons and can affect an object’s speed, direction, or shape.
35. Which of the following is an example of a contact force?
a) Gravitational force
b) Magnetic force
c) Frictional force
d) Electrostatic force
View Answer
Explanation: Frictional force is a contact force because it occurs when two surfaces rub against each other. It acts to oppose the motion of an object and is influenced by the texture and type of materials in contact.
36. If the area of contact is increased, what happens to the pressure?
a) Pressure increases
b) Pressure decreases
c) Pressure remains the same
d) Pressure becomes zero
View Answer
Explanation: Pressure is inversely proportional to the area over which a force is applied. If the area of contact increases, the pressure decreases because the same force is spread over a larger area.
37. What are the two main types of friction?
a) Static and sliding friction
b) Kinetic and rolling friction
c) Air resistance and fluid friction
d) Gravitational and magnetic friction
View Answer
Explanation: The two main types of friction are static friction (the force that resists the initiation of motion) and sliding friction (the force that opposes the motion of an object sliding over a surface). Both play a role in everyday activities such as walking or driving.
38. Which of the following is an example of rolling friction?
a) A ball bouncing on the ground
b) A person sliding on ice
c) A book sliding on a table
d) A car moving on a road
View Answer
Explanation: Rolling friction occurs when an object, such as a wheel or a ball, rolls over a surface. The contact between the rolling object and the surface causes resistance, but it is generally less than sliding friction.
39. What is sound?
a) A type of light
b) A form of energy produced by vibrating objects
c) A chemical reaction
d) A color in the visible spectrum
View Answer
Explanation: Sound is a form of mechanical energy created by the vibration of objects. These vibrations generate sound waves that travel through a medium (such as air, water, or solids) and can be heard when they reach the human ear.
40. Which of the following does not affect the speed of sound?
a) Temperature of the medium
b) Type of medium
c) Frequency of the sound wave
d) Density of the medium
View Answer
Explanation: The frequency of the sound wave does not affect its speed. However, the speed of sound is influenced by the temperature, type, and density of the medium through which it travels. For example, sound travels faster in warmer air or in denser materials.
41. What causes an echo?
a) Reflection of sound waves
b) Absorption of sound waves
c) Refraction of sound waves
d) Diffraction of sound waves
View Answer
Explanation: An echo is the reflection of sound waves off a surface. When the sound waves hit a reflective surface, they bounce back toward the listener, creating a delayed sound that is perceived as an echo.
42. What happens when an electric current passes through a solution?
a) It produces heat
b) It causes a chemical reaction
c) It produces sound
d) It produces light
View Answer
Explanation: When an electric current passes through a solution, it can cause a chemical reaction known as electrolysis, where compounds are broken down into their elements.
43. What is electrolysis?
a) The process of melting a metal
b) The process of heating a liquid
c) The process of mixing two liquids
d) The process of breaking down a compound using electric current
View Answer
Explanation: Electrolysis is a process in which an electric current is used to break down a compound into its components, such as breaking water into hydrogen and oxygen.
44. What happens at the cathode during electrolysis?
a) Reduction occurs
b) Oxidation occurs
c) No reaction occurs
d) The solution turns into gas
View Answer
Explanation: During electrolysis, the cathode is where reduction occurs. This is because the cathode is negatively charged, attracting positive ions which gain electrons.
45. Why does thunder occur after lightning?
a) Lightning is slower than sound
b) Thunder is produced before lightning
c) Lightning is faster than sound
d) Both travel at the same speed
View Answer
Explanation: Lightning travels at the speed of light, which is faster than sound. Therefore, we see the flash of lightning before hearing the sound of thunder.
46. What is an earthquake?
a) The sound produced by the earth’s crust
b) A sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface
c) A storm in the atmosphere
d) A change in weather conditions
View Answer
Explanation: An earthquake is a natural event caused by the sudden release of energy from the Earth’s crust, resulting in shaking or movement of the ground surface.
47. What is the primary cause of the formation of clouds?
a) Evaporation of water
b) Wind currents
c) Solar energy
d) Condensation of water vapor
View Answer
Explanation: Clouds form when water vapor in the air cools and condenses into tiny droplets or ice crystals, which group together to form visible clouds.
48. What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
a) 300,000 km/s
b) 3,000 km/s
c) 30,000 km/s
d) 300 km/s
View Answer
Explanation: The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 300,000 kilometers per second (km/s), which is the fastest speed in the universe.
49. What is the main cause of a rainbow?
a) Reflection of light
b) Refraction and dispersion of light
c) Absorption of light
d) Diffraction of light
View Answer
Explanation: A rainbow forms due to the refraction (bending) and dispersion (spreading) of light as it passes through water droplets in the atmosphere, splitting the light into its color spectrum.
50. What happens to light when it strikes a mirror?
a) It is absorbed by the mirror
b) It is refracted
c) It is reflected
d) It passes through the mirror
View Answer
Explanation: When light strikes a mirror, it is reflected back. The angle at which the light hits the mirror equals the angle at which it is reflected, as per the law of reflection.
51. Which of the following is a natural disaster caused by the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates?
a) Tornado
b) Earthquake
c) Cyclone
d) Tsunami
View Answer
Explanation: Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. These movements release energy, leading to shaking of the ground.
52. What is the angle of reflection?
a) The angle between the incident ray and the surface
b) The angle between the reflected ray and the surface
c) The angle between the incident ray and the normal
d) The angle between the reflected ray and the normal
View Answer
Explanation: The angle of reflection is defined as the angle between the reflected ray and the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface). According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
Explore Class 8 Science MCQs Chapter-wise
Check out the chapters below to practice MCQs for each topic:
- Class 8 Science Chapter 1 – Crop Production and Management
- Class 8 Science Chapter 2 – Microorganisms: Friend and Foe
- Class 8 Science Chapter 3 – Coal and Petroleum
- Class 8 Science Chapter 4 – Combustion and Flame
- Class 8 Science Chapter 5 – Conservation of Plants and Animals
- Class 8 Science Chapter 6 – Reproduction in Animals
- Class 8 Science Chapter 7 – Reaching the Age of Adolescence
- Class 8 Science Chapter 8 – Force and Pressure
- Class 8 Science Chapter 9 – Friction
- Class 8 Science Chapter 10 – Sound
- Class 8 Science Chapter 11 – Chemical Effects of Electric Current
- Class 8 Science Chapter 12 – Some Natural Phenomena
- Class 8 Science Chapter 13 – Light
Why Should You Practice Class 8 Science MCQs?
Practicing Class 8 Science MCQs is an excellent way to prepare for board exams.
- Revises Key Concepts: MCQs help review and reinforce your understanding of various subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Regular practice helps you think better, make decisions, and solve problems faster.
- Improves Time Management: With practice, you become quicker in solving questions, which helps you manage your time better during exams.
- Prepares for Future Exams: It builds a solid foundation for future exams and competitive tests like JEE, NEET, and other entrance exams.
- Boosts Confidence: The more you practice, the more confident you become, and you will feel less nervous during exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Class 8 Science MCQs
Q1. What are Class 8 Science MCQs?
Class 8 Science MCQs are multiple-choice questions based on the NCERT syllabus, covering topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Q2. How do MCQs help in Class 8 Science preparation?
MCQs help revise key concepts, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance time management during exams.
Q3. Are Class 8 Science MCQs based on the NCERT syllabus?
Yes, these MCQs are strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and cover all essential topics for Class 8 Science.
Q4. Can practicing MCQs help with competitive exams?
Yes, practicing MCQs helps improve critical thinking and conceptual clarity, which is beneficial for exams like NTSE and others.
Q5. How often should I practice Class 8 Science MCQs?
It’s recommended to practice MCQs regularly, ideally every day or at least a few times a week, to improve concept retention and exam readiness.
