Ultimate NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Updated Solution 2024-2025                                                               Solution 2024-2025

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Physical Education, Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

(Questions/Answers & Activities)

Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1. What is adolescence, and why is it considered an important stage of growth?
Ans 1: Adolescence is the stage of life between 10 to 19 years, marked by rapid physical, emotional, mental, and social changes. It starts with puberty and leads toward adulthood. This period is important because it shapes a person’s identity and development in multiple areas, making it a crucial part of the human life cycle.

Q2. What are the major biological stages in the human life cycle?
Ans 2: The human life cycle is divided into seven biological stages: prenatal, neonatal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Each stage has distinct features, such as rapid growth in infancy, physical and emotional changes in adolescence, and slowing of body functions in old age, showing the continuous development of a human being.

Q3. What triggers the beginning of adolescence and what hormonal changes occur?
Ans 3: Adolescence begins with the onset of puberty, around the age of 10. This stage is triggered by an increase in sex hormones—testosterone in males, and estrogen and progesterone in females. These hormones are responsible for initiating major physical changes and emotional development during this time.

Q4. What are the unique features that make adolescence different from other life stages?
Ans 4: The two main features that define adolescence are a sudden spurt in physical growth and the transition period between puberty and adulthood. During this phase, skeletal, muscular, and glandular tissues grow rapidly, and secondary sexual characteristics like voice changes in boys and breast development in girls also become evident.

Q5. What is meant by a growth spurt, and how does it affect adolescents?
Ans 5: A growth spurt refers to a sudden and rapid increase in height and body development during adolescence. This phase causes noticeable changes in size, shape, and maturity of body organs. It also includes the development of secondary sexual traits and growing interest in social interactions and relationships.

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1. How does the body size change during adolescence?
Ans 1: During adolescence, body size increases significantly due to the action of growth hormones. Sex hormones also contribute by helping reproductive organs grow and mature. As the growth centers in bones are activated, the long bones, spine, and limbs grow, leading to a noticeable increase in height and overall body structure.

Q2. What role do sex hormones play in body development?
Ans 2: Sex hormones play a vital role in the development and maturity of reproductive organs. In boys, the testes enlarge and begin producing sperm, while in girls, the ova in the ovaries start to mature. These hormones also cause the sex organs to grow in size and contribute to overall physical development.

Q3. How do internal organs and muscles change during adolescence?
Ans 3: During adolescence, internal organs like the heart and lungs grow in size to support the larger body. Muscles also experience a growth spurt, becoming stronger and more developed. This muscle growth usually peaks between the ages of 14 and 16, contributing to increased strength and physical capability during this period.

Q4. At what age is adult height usually achieved, and what happens after that?
Ans 4: Adult height is generally reached between the ages of 14 to 18 years. After this stage, the rate of physical growth begins to slow down and eventually stops. The bones stop lengthening, and the body reaches its full height. Muscle growth also peaks during this time, especially in early to mid-adolescence.

Q5. What specific body change occurs in females during adolescence?
Ans 5: In females, the pelvis undergoes a noticeable growth spurt during adolescence. It becomes wider as part of the body’s natural development to prepare for potential childbearing in adulthood. This change is one of the key structural differences that occur due to hormonal influence during puberty.

 Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1. What are secondary sexual characteristics?
Ans 1: Secondary sexual characteristics are physical changes that occur during adolescence, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. These include changes such as increased height, body hair growth, voice change, and development of sex-specific features like breast development in girls and facial hair in boys, due to hormonal changes.

Q2. At what age do secondary sexual characteristics typically develop?
Ans 2: Secondary sexual characteristics usually begin to appear during adolescence, typically between the ages of 10 to 19 years. These changes are triggered by hormonal activity and vary in timing and intensity from person to person, depending on biological and genetic factors.

Q3. Which secondary sexual characteristics are common to both boys and girls?
Ans 3: Both boys and girls experience several common changes during adolescence. These include an increase in height and weight, growth of hair on private parts, and increased activity of sweat and oil glands. These changes are part of the body’s preparation for adulthood and are regulated by hormones.

Q4. What secondary sexual characteristics are specific to girls?
Ans 4: Girls experience menstruation, breast development, and broadening of hips during adolescence. These changes are driven by female sex hormones and are essential for reproductive health. These features are unique to girls and mark the onset of physical maturity.

Q5. What secondary sexual characteristics are specific to boys?
Ans 5: In boys, puberty brings changes such as voice deepening, growth of facial hair, and broadening of shoulders. These changes are influenced by male sex hormones, particularly testosterone, and indicate physical and sexual maturity.

Activity 3.1

Identify the secondary sexual characteristics of adolescence during 10 to 19 years in the given table. Fill the following table by putting a tick mark (P) at appropriate place in each column. 

Answer:

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1: What are wet dreams and when do they usually occur?
Ans 1: Wet dreams are a natural and normal part of growing up for boys. They typically occur during sleep and involve the release of semen, which contains sperm. This begins during adolescence as part of the body’s physical development.

Q2: Why do some boys get worried when they experience wet dreams for the first time?
Ans 2: Many boys are unaware of what wet dreams are, so experiencing it for the first time can be confusing or alarming. They may worry that something is wrong with their body, not knowing it’s a normal sign of puberty and reproductive development.

Q3: What is semen, and where is it produced in the male body?
Ans 3: Semen is a fluid produced by glands in the male reproductive system. It carries mature sperm, which are formed in the testes. This fluid is essential for reproduction and starts forming when boys reach puberty.

Q4: What does the story of Rakesh and Dibang tell us about adolescence?
Ans 4: The story shows that every adolescent goes through changes at a different pace. While Rakesh has already developed a deep voice and facial hair, Dibang is still waiting for those changes. It highlights that puberty is unique for each individual and happens in its own time.

Q5: How does Dibang feel after being teased by Rakesh, and what does he plan to do?
Ans 5: Dibang feels confused and self-conscious after being teased by Rakesh for not showing visible signs of puberty. He begins to worry if something is wrong with him and decides to talk to his mother to understand why he’s different from his friend.

CASE 1: My father calls me ‘Sher’

Points for Discussion

a). What do you think Dibang felt with Rakesh’s remarks?

Ans: Dibang likely felt embarrassed, insecure, and confused after hearing Rakesh’s remarks. Being compared and teased about his physical development might have made him feel left out or abnormal. It’s natural for children to question themselves when they are not aware that everyone develops at a different pace during adolescence.

b) Do you think that there is something wrong with Dibang? Why?

Ans: No, there is nothing wrong with Dibang. Every child develops at their own rate, and the changes of puberty occur at different times for each individual. Dibang is simply experiencing puberty later than Rakesh, which is completely normal and healthy. It’s important to understand and respect these individual differences.

c) What should Dibang’s mother tell him?

Ans: Dibang’s mother should gently explain that everyone goes through puberty at their own pace and that there is nothing wrong with him. She should reassure him that changes like a deeper voice and facial hair will come in time. Providing emotional support and correct information will help him feel more confident.

d) Do you think it is important to prepare children regarding the changes likely to occur in them? Why?

Ans: Yes, it is very important to prepare children for the physical and emotional changes of adolescence. Awareness reduces confusion, fear, and embarrassment. It helps children understand that what they’re experiencing is natural and normal, allowing them to develop a healthy self-image and cope better with the changes.

CASE 2: Each one is unique

Points for Discussion

a) What do you think Pooja felt when she realised that she is the only one who had not started her periods?

Ans: Pooja likely felt left out, confused, or even worried about being different from her friends. Seeing all her close friends go through this change while she hasn’t might have made her question if something was wrong with her. It’s a natural reaction when someone feels they are not experiencing what others are.

b) Do you think there is something wrong with Pooja?

Ans: No, there is nothing wrong with Pooja. Every girl begins her periods at a different age, and it’s completely normal for some to start earlier or later than others. Puberty is a unique journey for each individual, and Pooja will start her periods when her body is ready.

c) If Pooja came to you for advice, what would you tell her as a peer?

Ans: I would tell Pooja not to worry, as every girl’s body develops at its own pace. Starting periods a little later is perfectly normal. I’d remind her that it doesn’t mean anything is wrong and that she will experience these changes soon too. I’d also offer her support and answer any questions she has.

d) Do you think it is important to prepare children regarding the changes likely to occur in them? Why?

Ans: Yes, it is very important to prepare children for the changes that happen during puberty. Being informed helps them feel confident, reduces fear and confusion, and encourages a healthy attitude towards their bodies. It also helps children support one another and not feel isolated or embarrassed when changes occur at different times.

CASE 3: Puberty in boys

Points for Discussion

a) Do you think something is wrong with Naresh?

Ans: No, there is nothing wrong with Naresh. Wet dreams are a completely natural part of puberty for boys. It simply indicates that his body is going through normal developmental changes. There is no need to feel worried or ashamed, as it happens to many boys during adolescence.

b) According to you, the advice given by Suresh is correct or not?

Ans: Yes, Suresh gave the right advice. Encouraging Naresh to visit a health center and talk to a doctor was a responsible and helpful suggestion. Speaking with a medical professional can clear doubts, correct myths, and provide the right information about physical changes during puberty.

c) What are the myths associated with wet dream?

Ans: One common myth is that wet dreams cause weakness or harm the body. This is not true. Semen is produced continuously in the male body, and any loss during a wet dream is quickly replaced. Wet dreams are natural and not harmful to a boy’s health or strength.

d) What advice was given by the doctor to Naresh?

Ans: The doctor explained that puberty brings many physical and emotional changes, and each person experiences them at their own pace. Naresh was told not to compare himself with others and to see these changes as natural. The doctor also advised seeking help from trusted adults or health clinics if there are any doubts.

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1: What is menarche and at what age does it usually occur in India?
Ans 1: Menarche is the term used for a girl’s first menstruation. In India, it typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 13. However, this age can vary depending on individual health and lifestyle factors.

Q2: What is menopause and when does it usually happen?
Ans 2: Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstruation cycle, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Like menarche, the exact age of menopause can differ from person to person based on various biological and lifestyle factors.

Q3: Why is menstrual hygiene important and how can infections be prevented?
Ans 3: Maintaining menstrual hygiene is essential to prevent infections. Regular bathing and proper cleaning of the body, especially during menstruation, are important. Wearing clean undergarments and changing pads or cloth every 4–6 hours also help maintain hygiene and avoid infections.

Q4: What precautions should be taken when using homemade sanitary pads?
Ans 4: Homemade pads should be made with clean, soft cotton cloth. Avoid using cloth with glitter, buttons, or plastic parts, as these can cause injury or infection. Always wash used cloth with soap and dry it in direct sunlight before reuse to ensure it is properly disinfected.

Q5: How should use cloth pads be cleaned and stored for reuse?
Ans 5: Used cloth pads must be washed thoroughly with soap and water, then dried in sunlight, which acts as a natural disinfectant. They should be stored in a clean, dry place. Avoid using dirty or damp cloth, as it can lead to infections and other health issues.

Q6. How should hygiene be taught to Children with Special Needs (CWSN)?
Ans 6: Children with Special Needs (CWSN) should be guided clearly through the hygiene process. It is important to demonstrate each step to them, or explain it thoroughly if required. This ensures they understand and follow hygiene practices independently and with confidence.

Q7. What is the correct way to dispose of sanitary pads?
Ans 7: Sanitary pads should be properly wrapped in paper and thrown into trash bins or buried deep in a pit. Some schools also use incinerators for safe disposal. It’s important to understand that disposing of sanitary pads is a natural process and should never be treated with shame or embarrassment.

Q8. How is the government supporting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls?
Ans 8: The government is actively promoting menstrual hygiene for girls aged 10 to 19 through various schemes. One such initiative involves making sanitary napkins available in schools or through ASHA workers at subsidized rates, ensuring accessibility and affordability for adolescent girls.

Activity 3.2

Some psychological changes that occur in an adolescent are mentioned here. Write one or two sentences regarding them from your own experience. You may quote incidents involving others of your age.

• Developing a sense of identity.
• Distancing from parents.
• Closeness with peers.
• Curiosity for gaining knowledge.
• Experimentation

Ans : The Psychological Changes Mentioned, Using Personal Experiences or Observations:

Developing a sense of identity: During adolescence, I became more aware of who I am and what I like. For instance, I started taking up hobbies like drawing, which helped me understand my creative side and express myself more confidently.

Distancing from parents: As I grew older, I wanted more independence and started spending less time with my parents. I wanted to make my own decisions and have more space, which sometimes caused misunderstandings between us.

Closeness with peers: I began spending more time with my friends during high school. We shared similar interests and experiences, which created a strong bond and made me feel understood, especially when navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Curiosity for gaining knowledge: In my teenage years, I became really curious about different topics, like science and technology. I would spend hours reading or watching videos to learn more, feeling more eager to explore the world beyond what was taught in school.

Experimentation: Like many teens, I went through a phase of experimenting with different looks and trying out new activities, such as learning a musical instrument. It was a way of figuring out what I truly enjoyed and who I wanted to be.

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1. What are psychosocial changes during adolescence?

Ans 1: Psychosocial changes refer to shifts in an adolescent’s thoughts, moods, attractions, and social relationships. As adolescents grow, they become more aware of themselves and society, forming their own identity and personality. These changes help them build confidence and navigate their roles in the family and society, though they may also lead to confusion during this transitional phase.

Q2. How do adolescents’ relationships with parents change during this phase?

Ans 2: Adolescents often experience a shift in their relationship with parents during this period. They may begin to disagree with parents on various issues and express their own opinions more confidently. However, if parents are understanding and supportive, this change can foster better communication and a stronger bond between them and their adolescent children.

Q3. Why is friendship important during adolescence?

Ans 3: Friendship becomes especially important during adolescence as it helps teens navigate their emotional and social needs. Adolescents may feel a stronger desire for friendships, often seeking connections with peers or individuals of the same or opposite sex. These friendships provide a “safety net” where they can share ideas and seek emotional support, especially when dealing with peer pressure or personal insecurities.

Q 4. What challenges do adolescents face during psychosocial changes?

Ans 4: Adolescents face various challenges during psychosocial changes, including confusion about their roles in society and their emerging identities. They may also struggle with increased dependence on their peer group, which can create tension with parents, teachers, and other adults. This phase may cause insecurities about their future, although adolescents who are aware of these changes tend to handle them better.

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1. Who is considered an adolescent, and are they capable of reproduction?

Ans 1: An adolescent is a young person in the teenage years who is capable of reproduction. However, full reproductive maturity is reached only when they are completely developed both physically and physiologically. This means while teenagers can conceive, their bodies may not be fully ready for pregnancy and childbirth.

Q2. Why is adolescent pregnancy common in India?

Ans 2: Adolescent pregnancy is more common in India due to the practice of early marriage. As a result, many young girls become pregnant before they have fully matured physically and emotionally, which can lead to serious health risks for both the mother and the unborn child.

Q3. What are the physical risks faced by teenage mothers during childbirth?

Ans 3: Teenage mothers are at a higher risk of complications during childbirth. These include damage to the reproductive tract, higher chances of maternal death, and the development of other health complications due to their bodies not being fully prepared for labor and delivery.

Q4. How does adolescent pregnancy affect the health of the baby?

Ans 4: Babies born to teenage mothers face a greater risk of infant mortality and complications at birth. Since the young mother may lack the knowledge, maturity, and resources to provide proper care, the baby’s health and development can be negatively affected.

Q5. What are the emotional and social challenges of teenage motherhood?

Ans 5: Teenage mothers often face emotional stress, psychological immaturity, and economic hardships. These challenges can affect their ability to care for their baby. Additionally, early motherhood can disrupt their education and career goals, limiting their future opportunities and personal growth.

Activity 3.3

Read the case study given below. Think and answer the questions that follow. Rahul’s grandmother and Sangeeta’s grandmother were great friends. When Rahul grew up, his grandmother would often ask him to drop Sangeeta at her home. As a result, Rahul and Sangeeta developed a liking for each other. When Sangeeta turned sixteen, the grandmothers insisted that Rahul and Sangeeta be married off as they were developing a relationship and that people would talk about it. Rahul was in college and Sangeeta had yet to finish school when they got married. After six months Sangeeta discovered that she was pregnant. Sangeeta was sad as she had dreams of pursuing higher studies and a career.

1. Were Rahul and Sangeeta right in agreeing to get married? Give reasons for your answer.
2. Do you think the adverse consequence of teenage marriage was greater on Sangeeta than on Rahul? Give reasons for your answer.
3. What would you have done, if you were in Rahul or Sangeeta’s situation?

Ans:  Activity 3.3

Q1. Were Rahul and Sangeeta right in agreeing to get married? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans 1: Rahul and Sangeeta were not right in agreeing to get married so early. Both were still students and not emotionally or financially ready for marriage. They should have waited until they were mature enough to take on responsibilities. Marriage at a young age often affects education, career, and personal growth.

Q2. Do you think the adverse consequence of teenage marriage was greater on Sangeeta than on Rahul? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans 2: Yes, the negative impact was greater on Sangeeta. She had to face early pregnancy, emotional stress, and the loss of her dream to pursue higher education and a career. While Rahul continued his college education, Sangeeta’s life was changed completely, showing how teenage marriages often affect girls more severely.

Q3. What would you have done, if you were in Rahul or Sangeeta’s situation?
Ans 3: If I were in their place, I would have spoken honestly with my family about my goals and feelings. I would have explained that education and personal development are important before making such a big decision like marriage. Taking time to grow individually helps build a better future for both partners.

Question based on Chapter 3: Growth and Development during Adolescence

Q1. What changes occur in the human body as a person grows older?
Ans 1: As a person grows, there is an increase in the size, length, and circumference of body parts until full adulthood, usually by the age of 19. During this time, it’s important to maintain hygiene of both external and internal body parts to ensure proper functioning of vital organs and overall good health.

Q2. What are some vital functions necessary for maintaining good health?
Ans 2: Vital functions essential for good health include maintaining normal blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. These functions help the body operate efficiently and are key indicators of physical well-being. Monitoring them helps in early detection of health issues and supports maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life.

Q3. What is blood pressure and how is it measured?
Ans 3: Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer. This device includes a cuff, inflatable bladder, and a pressure indicator. Blood pressure is recorded as systolic (highest) over diastolic (lowest), for example, 110/75 mm Hg in healthy young adults.

Q4. What is the normal blood pressure range for a healthy young adult?
Ans 4: In a healthy young adult, the normal blood pressure reading is around 110/75 mm Hg, where 110 represents the systolic pressure and 75 represents the diastolic pressure. As individuals age, this value may increase slightly, with 130/90 mm Hg still considered within a normal range for older adults.

Q5. What is hypertension and what causes it?
Ans 5: Hypertension is the medical term for abnormally high blood pressure. It can develop due to various factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of physical activity, or aging. Consistently high readings above the normal range may indicate hypertension, which increases the risk of heart diseases and requires medical attention.

Activity 3.4

Measuring mid-arm Circumference Biceps is the muscle of mid arm. Place the beginning of the tapes in the middle of the biceps (midway between shoulder and elbow joint) take the reading and record it. When you do this in a group, record the circumference of all the students of the group and observe the variation.