Assume √2 = p/q (lowest terms). Then 2 = p²/q² → p² = 2q² → p² is even → p is even → p = 2k → 4k² = 2q² → q² = 2k² → q is even. But p and q both even contradicts our assumption that p/q is in lowest terms. So √2 is irrational.
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Mathematics
Chapter 3 — Pair of Linear Equations
📌 Key Points
General form: a₁x + b₁y + c₁ = 0 and a₂x + b₂y + c₂ = 0
Signs of chemical reaction: change in colour, temperature, state, smell, gas evolved, precipitate formed
Combination: A + B → AB. Example: C + O₂ → CO₂
Decomposition: AB → A + B. Example: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
Displacement: A + BC → AC + B. Example: Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
Double displacement: AB + CD → AD + CB. Example: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃
Oxidation: gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen or loss of electrons
Reduction: loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen or gain of electrons
Redox reaction: oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously
Rancidity: oxidation of oils and fats giving bad smell. Prevented by antioxidants, vacuum packing, N₂ flushing
✅ Digest Answers
Q. What is a displacement reaction? Give an example.
A reaction where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound. Example: Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu. Iron displaces copper because iron is more reactive than copper.
Q. Balance: Fe + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ + H₂
3Fe + 4H₂O → Fe₃O₄ + 4H₂
Q. What is corrosion? How to prevent it?
Corrosion is the slow oxidation of metals in presence of air and moisture. Example: rusting of iron (Fe → Fe₂O₃). Prevention: painting, galvanizing (zinc coating), oiling, alloying.
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Science — Physics
Chapter 12 — Electricity
📌 Key Formulas
Electric current I = Q/t. Unit: Ampere (A)
Ohm's Law: V = IR where V = voltage, I = current, R = resistance
Resistance R = ρL/A where ρ = resistivity, L = length, A = area
Resistors in series: R = R₁ + R₂ + R₃
Resistors in parallel: 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃
Power P = VI = I²R = V²/R. Unit: Watt (W)
Electric energy E = P × t = VIt. Unit: Joule or kWh
1 kWh = 3.6 × 10⁶ J (one unit of electricity)
Heating effect of current: H = I²Rt (Joule's law)
✅ Digest Answers
Q. State Ohm's Law.
At constant temperature, the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across it. V = IR. The ratio V/I is constant and is called resistance.
Q. Why are household appliances connected in parallel?
In parallel: 1) Each appliance gets the same voltage (220V). 2) Each appliance works independently — if one fails others keep working. 3) Total resistance decreases allowing more current.
Q. A bulb has resistance 100Ω. Voltage = 200V. Find power.
P = V²/R = 200²/100 = 40000/100 = 400 W
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History
Rise of Nationalism in Europe
📌 Key Points
Nationalism: feeling of pride and loyalty towards one's nation
French Revolution (1789): first major event that spread ideas of nationalism
Napoleon: spread revolutionary ideas across Europe through conquests
Unification of Germany: led by Otto von Bismarck using blood and iron policy, completed 1871
Unification of Italy: led by Garibaldi, Mazzini, Cavour, completed 1861
Zollverein: German customs union (1834) that helped economic unity
Balkans: region of conflict due to nationalism and fall of Ottoman Empire
Romanticism: cultural movement that promoted national identity through art, poetry, music
✅ Digest Answers
Q. What role did Napoleon play in spreading nationalism?
Napoleon's conquests spread ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity from French Revolution to Europe. He introduced the Civil Code (1804) abolishing feudal privileges. Though he was a conqueror, his administrative reforms inspired nationalism in conquered territories.
Q. Who were the three architects of Italian unification?
1. Giuseppe Mazzini — gave vision and ideology of unified Italy. 2. Count Cavour — used diplomacy and war. 3. Giuseppe Garibaldi — led armed movement in southern Italy with his Red Shirts.
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English
Letter Writing & Grammar
📌 Key Points — Formal Letter
Formal letter format: Sender's address → Date → Receiver's address → Subject → Salutation → Body → Closing → Signature
Salutation for formal: Dear Sir/Madam
Closing for formal: Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely
Subject line should be short and clear
Active voice: Subject does the action — "Ram ate the mango"
Passive voice: Subject receives the action — "The mango was eaten by Ram"
Passive voice formation: Object + is/am/are/was/were + past participle + by + subject
✅ Digest Answers
Q. Change to passive: "The teacher teaches the students."
The students are taught by the teacher.
Q. What is the difference between "Yours faithfully" and "Yours sincerely"?
"Yours faithfully" is used when you do NOT know the name of the person (Dear Sir/Madam). "Yours sincerely" is used when you know and use the name of the person (Dear Mr. Sharma).
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