NCERT Q&A for Class 8 Science Chapter 15 Some Natural Phenomena
1. Sometimes, a crackling sound is heard while taking off a sweater during winters. Explain.
Soln:
When we take out sweater, Woolen sweater gets charged due to friction between the sweater and the body. This results in crackling sound.
2. Explain why a charged body loses its charge if we touch it with our hand.
Soln:
The charges get conducted to the earth through our body when we touch it and the conductor loses its charge. This phenomenon is known as electric discharge.
3. Name the scale on which the destructive energy of an earthquake is measured. An earthquake measures 3 on this scale. Would it be recorded by a seismograph? Is it likely to cause much damage?
Soln:
Richter scale is used to measure the destructive energy of an earthquake. The scale has a reading from 1 to 10.
An earthquake measuring 3 would be recorded by a seismograph.
The magnitude of scale 3 would not cause much damage. An Earthquake of magnitude 5 is considered destructive in nature.
4. Suggest three measures to protect ourselves from lightning
Soln:
Various ways to protect ourselves from lightning are
(i) Always remain in a closed place and if you are in a car stay there until the lightning is over and keep the windows closed.
(ii) Never touch any electrical wires, telephone cables, metal pipes.
(iii) Never bathe in running water, this may cause electric shock.
5. Explain why a charged balloon is repelled by another charged balloon whereas an uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon.
Soln:
The surface charge on the balloons are of the same nature hence they get repelled. When a charged balloon is brought near an uncharged balloon due to the induction of charges, it acquires charges which are opposite in nature with that of a charged balloon. As unlike charges attract each other, the uncharged balloon gets attracted by the charged balloon.
6. List three states in India where earthquakes are more likely to strike.
Soln:
Gujarat, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir are the three states where an earthquake is more likely to strike.
7. Suppose you are outside your home and an earthquake strikes. What precaution would you take to protect yourself?
Soln:
The following precautions should be taken when earthquake strikes
(a) Find and go to an open field and stay away from buildings, trees, electric wire and poles.
(b) If you are in a car, then drive to an open field and do not come out of your car.
8. The weather department has predicted that a thunderstorm is likely to occur on a certain day. Suppose you have to go out on that day. Would you carry an umbrella? Explain.
Soln:
No, one should not carry an umbrella during a thunderstorm. The thunderstorm is accompanied by lightning and the charges might travel from the cloud to the metal rod on the umbrella and might cause an electric shock to the person carrying it. So, it is not safe to carry an umbrella during lightning.