NCERT Solutions Curiosity Chapter 10 .2 Essential Conditions for Germination of a Seed — Activity 10.2: Let us experiment (2026-27)

Q1.

Indicate the availability of air, sunlight and water for the seeds in each of these cases in Table 10.2.

Answer

Read each pot carefully and mark what actually reaches the seed.

Pot with bean seeds	Air	Sunlight	Water
A: In direct sunlight and without water	Yes	Yes	No
B: In direct sunlight and excess water	No	Yes	Yes (too much)
C: In complete dark and moist soil	Yes	No	Yes (right amount)
D: In direct sunlight and moist soil	Yes	Yes	Yes (right amount)

The one entry students usually get wrong is air in Pot B. Nobody removed the air from Pot B. But water always stands above the soil there, so water has filled all the spaces between the soil particles and pushed the air out. The seed is under water and cannot get air. That single change is what makes Pot B different from Pot D.

Tip: notice how the four pots are designed. D has everything. A is D minus water, C is D minus sunlight, B is D with too much water (and so no air). Changing one thing at a time is what makes this a fair test.

Q2.

When a seed turns into a sprout, it is said to have germinated. Predict whether the seeds in each pot will germinate. Record your predictions for each pot kept under different conditions in Table 10.2. Regularly observe the pots for 7–10 days to check the status of germination of the seeds. Record your observations in Table 10.2. Compare your predictions with your observations. Write possible reasons in favour of your observations in Table 10.2.

Answer

Here is Table 10.2 completed after 7 to 10 days.

Pot with bean seeds	Availability of			Seed germination		Possible reason for the observation
Pot with bean seeds	Air	Sunlight	Water	Prediction	Observation	Possible reason for the observation
A: In direct sunlight and without water	Yes	Yes	No	No	No germination	Without water the seed coat does not soften and the embryo cannot start its life processes. The seeds stayed hard and dry.
B: In direct sunlight and excess water	No	Yes	Yes (excess)	No	No germination; the seeds became soft, swollen and began to rot and smell	Standing water filled the spaces between soil particles and drove out the air. Seeds need air for germination, so they died and decayed.
C: In complete dark and moist soil	Yes	No	Yes (right amount)	Many students predict “No”	The seeds did germinate. The seedlings were tall, thin and pale yellow instead of green	Bean seeds do not need light to germinate — water and air are enough. Light is needed only after germination, for the seedling to become green and grow properly.
D: In direct sunlight and moist soil	Yes	Yes	Yes (right amount)	Yes	Best germination — healthy green seedlings	All three requirements are met: the right amount of water, plenty of air in the soil spaces, and sunlight for the seedling that follows.

The surprise of this activity is Pot C. Most students predict that seeds in the dark will not sprout. They do. The value of the experiment is exactly this — it corrects a wrong belief with evidence. This is also why farmers sow seeds under the soil, in the dark, and not on top of it.

Try This: keep the pale seedlings of Pot C in sunlight for two more days. They turn green and stop being so leggy. Now you have seen the difference between germination and growth.