NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 - Some Natural Phenomena

1. Which of the following cannot be charged easily by friction? 

(a) A plastic scale

(b) A copper rod 

(c) An inflated balloon 

(d) A woollen cloth 

Ans. (b) A copper rod

When insulating materials such as plastic scales, balloons, and woollen clothes rub against each other, they may become electrically charged. Charging by friction is used to charge only non-conducting materials (poor conductors of electricity). As copper is a highly conducting material, it cannot be charged easily by friction.

2. When a glass rod is rubbed with a piece of silk cloth the rod 

(a) And the cloth both acquire positive charge.

(b) Becomes positively charged while the cloth has a negative charge. 

(c) And the cloth both acquire negative charge. 

(d) Becomes negatively charged while the cloth has a positive charge.

Ans. (b) becomes positively charged while the cloth has a negative charge.

When an object is charged by rubbing it against another object, the two objects acquire opposite charges. By convention, it is considered that the charge acquired by the silk cloth is negative and the charge acquired by the glass rod is positive. Therefore, the glass rod becomes positively charged, whereas the silk cloth becomes negatively charged.

3. Write T against true and F against false in the following statements.

(a) Like charges attract each other.                                                                               

Ans. F

Like charges (positive-positive or negative-negative) repel each other, whereas unlike charges (positive-negative) attract each other.

(b) A charged glass rod attracts a charged plastic straw.                                             

Ans. T

Both objects have opposite charges on them. A charged glass rod (positively charged) attracts a charged plastic straw (negatively charged) because opposite charges attract each other.

(c) Lightning conductors cannot protect a building from lightning.                      

Ans. F

When lightning strikes, the lightning conductor conducts all of the atmospheric charges directly to the Earth, keeping the building safe. As a result, a lightning conductor protects a building against lightning strikes.

(d) Earthquakes can be predicted in advance.

Ans. F

Despite the fact that the causes of earthquakes are known, no instruments have been developed to detect them in advance. As a result, earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance.

4. Sometimes, a crackling sound is heard while taking off a sweater during winters. Explain. 

Ans. When we take off a sweater during winter, the woollen sweater gets charged due to friction between the body and the sweater. The discharge of these electric charges produces tiny sparks of light and a crackling sound.

5. Explain why a charged body loses its charge if we touch it with our hand. 

Ans. Electricity can flow through the human body because the human body is a conductor of electricity. When we come into contact with a charged object, our body conducts its charges to the Earth. That is why if we touch a charged body with our hand, it loses its charge. This is referred to as an electric discharge.

6. 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? 

Ans. The Richter scale is used to determine how destructive an earthquake is. The scale ranges from one to ten. A seismograph would record a reading of magnitude 3 on the Richter scale.

If the earthquake has a magnitude of 3 on the Richter scale, it is unlikely to cause significant damage. Earthquakes of a magnitude greater than 5 are generally considered destructive in nature.

7. Suggest three measures to protect ourselves from lightning. 

Ans. Three protective measures against lightning are:

(i) Always remain in a covered area or stay indoors. If you are moving in a car, stay there until the lightning is over and keep the windows shut.

(ii) Do not bathe in running water during lightning.

(iii) Do not touch any electrical appliances, wires, telephone cables, metal pipes etc. during lightning.

8. Explain why a charged balloon is repelled by another charged balloon whereas an uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon? 

Ans. A charged balloon repels another charged balloon because both carry the same type of charges and the same charges repel each other. 

When an uncharged balloon is brought near to a charged balloon, the uncharged balloon acquires the opposite charge on its surface by the process of induction. Thus, an uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon because opposite charges attract each other.

9. Describe with the help of a diagram an instrument which can be used to detect a charged body. 

Ans. An electroscope is a device which is used to detect the charge on a body. It works on the principle that charges (positive-positive or negative-negative) repel each other while unlike charges (positive-negative) attract each other. 

This device has a metal rod. At one end of the metal rod, two strips of aluminium foil are fixed and at the other end, there is a metal disc. The bottom of the rod and strips of aluminium foil are placed inside a conical flask for protection. When the metal disc of the electroscope is touched with a charged body (ebonite or glass rod), the aluminium strips diverge or move away from each other.  This happens because some of the charges of the charged body are transferred to the aluminium strips through the metal rod.  The nature of charges on both the aluminium strips is similar. Hence, both the strips of the aluminium foil move away from each other. If the body is not charged, then the two strips of aluminium remain as they are. They do not repel each other. 

The extent of divergence depends upon the amount of charge on the electroscope. When the aluminium strips repel each other proves that the body is charged because repulsion is the sure test to detect if the body is charged or not through an electroscope.

10. List three states in India where earthquakes are more likely to strike. 

Ans. The following are the three Indian states where earthquakes are more likely to occur:

(i) Jammu and Kashmir

(ii) Assam

(iii) Gujarat

11. Suppose you are outside your home and an earthquake strikes. What precaution would you take to protect yourself? 

Ans. If we are outside our home and an earthquake strikes, then the following precautions must be followed: 

(i) We should move to an open space away from tall buildings, tall trees, electric wires and poles.

(ii) If we are driving, we should slow down the vehicle and move it slowly to a clear spot away from buildings, electric poles, trees, etc. and stay there till the earthquake stops.

12. 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.

Ans. In a thunderstorm, no one should carry an umbrella. Electric charges can travel from the cloud through the metallic rod of an umbrella during a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning. This could cause an electric shock to the person carrying it. As a result, carrying an umbrella during a lightning storm is dangerous.

Class 8 Some Natural Phenomena - Quick Overview of Detailed Structure of Topics 

Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Some Natural Phenomena - Important Points

• Lightning:

• Lightning is caused by the accumulation of electric charges in the clouds due to friction.

• Important safety measures during thunderstorms include staying indoors, avoiding open fields, and not using electrical appliances.

• The working principle of a lightning conductor and its role in protecting buildings.

• Earthquakes:

• Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates and can occur due to volcanic activity or man-made activities like mining.

• The types of seismic waves are P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves.

• Seismographs are used to measure the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes.

• Guidelines for staying safe during an earthquake include the Drop, Cover, and Hold On method.

Benefits of Vedantu’s Some Natural Phenomena Class 8 Questions and Answers PDF

• Some Natural Phenomena Question Answer offers in-depth explanations of crucial concepts such as lightning, earthquakes, and safety measures, providing a solid foundation for understanding various natural phenomena. 

• It provides detailed, step-by-step solutions that simplify complex natural processes, enhancing students' comprehension and retention of the subject matter. 

• It include diagrams and illustrations that make learning about phenomena like lightning formation and earthquake waves more visual and easier to understand. 

• These NCERT Solutions are prepared to help students prepare for exams by offering practice questions and answers, helping them thoroughly prepare for their assessments. 

• Vedantu also provides supplementary study materials such as class notes, important concepts, and exemplar solutions to reinforce learning and ensure students comprehensively understand the subject matter.

Related Study Materials for Some Natural Phenomena Class 8

For more insights, students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for Chapter 12 of CBSE Class 8 Science Solutions -

Conclusion

Vedantu’s NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 - Some Natural Phenomena are essential for understanding topics like lightning, earthquakes, and safety measures during these events. Focusing on the explanations and illustrations provided can help students grasp these natural phenomena effectively. Last year's question paper included 10 questions from this chapter, highlighting its importance. By studying these solutions, students can clear their doubts, practice thoroughly, and be well-prepared for their exams. Overall, these solutions are a valuable tool for mastering the chapter's concepts and performing well academically.

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