ANSWER KEY

1. Crop Production

Answer Orally (page 2)

1. (a) The branch of science that deals with growing plants and raising livestock for human use is called agriculture.
(b) Crop are plants of the same kind grown in a field on a large scale.
(c) The product which is obtained from a crop is called produce.
(d) Crops grown in summer season (June/July) and harvested by September/October are called kharif crops.
(e) Crops grown in winter season (October/November) and harvested by March/April are called rabi season crops.
2. (a) October/November to March/April
(b) June/July to September/October
3. Kharif crops: Rice, maize, soyabean, cotton
Rabi crops: Wheat, gram, pea, potato

Answer Orally (page 6)

1. (a) Agricultural practices are various activities or tasks which a farmer performs to produce a good crop.
(b) The process of loosening and turning of the soil is called ploughing.
(c) Broadcasting is the method of scattering the seeds in the field by hand (manual sowing).
(d) The process of putting the seeds in the soil is called sowing the seeds.
2. (a) Preparation of soil, sowing of seeds, application of manures and fertilizers, irrigation, weeding, harvesting and
storage
(b) Plough, hoe, cultivator and leveller
(c) Seed drill

Classroom Discussion (page 8)

Hint: It is because the excessive use of chemical fertilizers that affects the original nature of soil and reduces its fertility,
finally making it infertile. The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers also causes water pollution.

Mind Scrambler (page 13)

(a) FALLOWING     (b) PLOUGH

Answer Orally (Page 14)

1. (a) Fallowing is the practice of leaving the field uncultivated for one or more seasons.
(b) Manure is an organic substance obtained from decomposition of plant and animal wastes.
(c) Fertilizers are chemical substances which are rich in a particular nutrient.
(d) The practice of growing different crops in different seasons in rotation so that the soil is not depleted of its nutrients
is called crop rotation.
(e) Irrigation means supplying water to the crops in the fields at specific intervals.
(f ) Weeds are unwanted and uncultivated plants that grow along with the crop plants.
(g) The process of cutting and gathering of crops is called harvesting.
(h) The process of separating grains from the harvested crop is called threshing.
(i) The process of separating grains from the chaff with the help of wind is called winnowing.
(j) Chemicals which destroy the weeds but do not harm the crops are called weedicides.
2. (a) Trowel (khurpi) and harrow
(b) Sickle and harvester
(c) Milk, eggs, meat, fish and honey

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 Exercises
A. 1. Ploughing has the following advantages:
• Loose soil contains a lot of air spaces in it. This allows roots to breathe easily.
• Loose soil allows the roots to penetrate deep into the soil. Thus, the plant is fixed to the soil firmly.
• Ploughing uproots the undesirable plants (weeds) and kills them.
• Loose soil mixes uniformly with manure or fertilizers.
• Loose soil helps in the growth of earthworms and microbes present there.
• Ploughing brings the nutrient-rich soil from the lower layers to the top and makes it easily available for plants to
use.
2. Points to be kept in mind while sowing seeds are:
• Seeds should be of good quality and healthy (free from diseases).
• They should be sown at the correct depth in the soil. The correct depth varies from crop to crop. If sown deep in
the soil, roots will not be able to respire. If sown on the surface, birds may damage the seeds.
• Seeds should be sown at proper distance from each other to prevent overcrowding of plants. This allows plants to
get enough water, nutrients and sunlight.
3. (a) Advantages of using manure are:
• Improves soil texture
• Enhances the capacity of soil to hold water
• Makes soil porous; exchange of gases, thus, becomes easier
• Increases the number of soil friendly soil microbes
(b) Advantages of using fertilizers are:
• Easy to handle, store and transport
• Not bulky, in comparison to manures
• Provide specific nutrients to soil
• Concentrated source of soil nutrients
4. (i) Sprinkler system: In this system, there are perpendicular pipes with rotating nozzles on the top joined to the
main pipeline at regular intervals. A pump is used to allow water to flow under pressure in the main pipeline.
From the main pipeline, water enters the perpendicular pipes and escapes from the rotating nozzle, which
sprinkles water on the crop.
This system is useful on uneven land and in sandy soil, where sufficient water is not available.
(ii) Drip system: In this method, water falls drop by drop at the position of the roots. It is an economical method, as
water is not wasted at all.
5. Weeding can be done by any one of the following two methods:
(i) Manual removal: The weeds are removed or pulled out (uprooted) by hand or by cutting them close to the
ground at intervals. This is done with the help of a trowel or a harrow.
(ii) Removal with chemicals: Certain chemicals are also used to control weeds.
Rabi crops
6. (a) Kharif crops
(i) Grown in winter season (i) Grown in the beginning of rainy season
(ii) Duration: October/November (ii) Duration: June/July to September/October
to March/April
Examples: Wheat, gram, pea Examples: Rice, maize, jowar
(b) Refer to table on page 9.
(c) Threshing Winnowing
(i) Separation of grains from the (i) Separation of grains from the chaff
harvested crop
(ii) Carried out either manually or by (ii) Carried out with the help of wind
machine (thresher)

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 7. (a) Preparation of soil: Refer to section 1.2.1 on page 3 and 4.
(b) Weeding: Refer to section 1.2.5 on page 11 and 12.
(c) Crop rotation: Refer to section 1.2.3 sub heading Crop Rotation—A Method to Replenish the Soil with Nutrients
on page 9.
(d) Harvesting: Refer to section 1.2.6 on page 12.
(e) Storage of grains: Refer to section 1.2.7 on page 13.
(f ) Food from animals: Refer to section 1.3 on page 14.
B. 1. Refer to section 1.1.1 on page 2.
2. It helps in levelling the field before sowing the seeds.
3. The advantages of transplanting are:
• Helps the farmer to select only the healthy seedlings
• Planting of seedlings at proper distances
• Increases crop production
4. Fallowing helps the soil to naturally regain the nutrients.
5. The use of fertilizers makes the soil less fertile. Fertilizers are also a source of water pollution.
6. The various sources of irrigation are ponds, lakes, canals, wells, tube wells, rivers and dams.
7. Weeds reduce crop yield, as they compete with the crops for water, minerals and sunlight. So, it is necessary to
remove them from the fields from time to time.
8. Legume plants can fix atmospheric nitrogen and thus replenish the soil with usable nitrogen.
9. Preparation of soil → sowing of seeds → application of manures and fertilizers → irrigation → weeding → harvesting
→ storage
C. C1. 1. F 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T 6. F
7. T 8. F
C2. 1. (iv) 2. (i) 3. (v) 4. (ii) 5. (iii)
C3. 1. rice, wheat 2. broadcasting 3. ploughing 4. poisonous 5. preparation of soil
6. fallowing 7. compost 8. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
C4. 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b)

Do and Learn
E. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 3. WINNOWING 7. MANURING 8. HARVESTING 10. CROP ROTATION
Down: 1. WEEDING 2. GRAM 4. IRRIGATION 5. WEED
6. PLOUGH 9. CROP
Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) crop (b) preparation (c) float (d) water, nutrients
2. (a) - 5, (b) - 4, (c) - 2, (d) - 3
3. (a) Paddy and maize (b) Wheat and mustard
4. (a) Preparation of soil
The first step of cultivation is preparation of soil. This is done by loosening and turning. A plough is used for this
purpose. If the soil becomes too hard then farmer may resort to watering the soil before ploughing. Traditionally,
animal-drawn ploughs have been used by farmers. Nowadays, tractor-drawn ploughs are used for this purpose. A
tractor helps in saving time and labour.

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 (b) Sowing
Seeds are sown in the field after ploughing. A farmer needs to separate damaged seeds from good seeds. The
seeds should be sown at proper gaps and at proper depth. Proper gap between seeds and proper depth in soil
ensures adequate sunlight, moisture, air and nutrients to the growing plants.
(c) Weeding
The removal of weeds is called weeding. Weeding is usually done manually or by using a trowel. Weeds are also
removed during ploughing. Weedicides are the chemicals which destroy weeds. 2, 4 – D is an example of weedicide.
Weedicides are sprayed before flowering and seeding in weeds. A farmer needs to take precautions to prevent any
harm from weedicide.
(d) Threshing
Separation of grains from harvested crop is called threshing. It is done using a threshing machine or by cattle.
Cattle are tied in a series around a pole. Harvested crop is spread around the pole. Animals are made to trample
the harvested crop. It helps in separating grains from the harvested crop.

5. Fertilizer Manure
They are made in factories. They are made by decomposition of farm waste.
They contain selected nutrients. They contain nutrients and many other organic materials.
They are fast to act. They are slow to act.
They can be harmful if used excessively. They do not harm the soil or crop.

6. Plants need plenty of water to grow. Farmers need to supply water to crops at regular intervals. This practice is called
irrigation. Two methods of irrigation which conserve water are as follows.
Sprinkler System: The sprinkler system is composed of a series of pipelines. Vertical sprinklers are fitted at suitable

gaps on the pipes. Water is pushed through the pipes with the help of a pump. The nozzle of the sprinkler keeps on
rotating. It results in a jet of water being sprinkled on plants. Sprinkler system is ideal for irrigation on uneven land.
Drip Irrigation: In this system, pipes are laid near the base and along the queue of plants. The pipes have small holes

at frequent gaps. The holes facilitate gradual dripping of water on the base of plants. This method is ideal for areas
which are suffering from shortage of water.
7. Wheat crop requires moderate temperature, moderate amount of water and a long period of frost-free days. If wheat
is grown in the kharif season, it may not grow properly because of very high temperature. Some of the plants may also
get damaged due to flooding. This will result in poor yield.
8. We know that plants take nutrients from soil and thus exhaust the soil of most of the nutrients with passage of time.
Thus, continuous plantation of crops in the field results in loss of fertility of the soil. The soil may become infertile in
the long run.
9. Any unwanted plant which grows along with crops is called weed. Removal of weeds is called weeding. Weeding is
usually done manually or by using a trowel. Weeds are also removed during ploughing. Weedicides are the chemicals
which destroy weeds. 2, 4 – D is an example of weedicide. Weedicides are sprayed before flowering and seeding in
weeds.

10. Preparation of soil Ploughing the field Sowing Manuring

1 2 3 4

Sending crop to sugar factory Harvesting Irrigation

7 6 5

11. Down: 1. IRRIGATION 2. STORAGE 5. CROP

Across: 3. HARVESTOR
4. GRAM 6. WINNOWING

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 2. Microorganisms
Answer Orally (page 24)
1. Some organisms are called microorganisms because of their very small size. They cannot be seen with the naked eye
and can only be seen with the help of a microscope.
2. Pathogens
3. Bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses
4. (a) Fungi : Yeast, bread mould
(b) Algae : Chlamydomonas, Spirogyra
(c) Protozoa : Amoeba, Paramecium
Classroom Discussion (page 24)
Hint: In warm conditions, more acid is produced by the bacteria, thereby the curd becomes sour.
Classroom Discussion (page 29)
Hint: Such children become susceptible to those diseases against which vaccination was not provided. Vaccination
provides immunity to the body against diseases.
Answer Orally (page 29)
1. (a) Lactobacillus (b) Yeast (c) Nitrogen fixation (d) Mushrooms, yeast
(e) Penicillin (f ) Carbon dioxide (g) Bacteria
2. (a) The process of conversion of sugars in the absence of oxygen into alcohol is called fermentation.
(b) Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria which kill or stop the
growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
(c) Vaccines are substances used to produce immunity to diseases in the living body.
Classroom Discussion (page 32)
Hint: Sweets being rich in sugar get infected with microbes very quickly. Some of them also contain some percentage of
moisture which further makes them more vulnerable to microbial attack.
Mind Scrambler (page 33)
(a) VIRUS    (b) ALGAE    (c) FUNGI    (d) BACTERIA
Answer Orally (page 34)
1. (a) A disease-causing microorganism is called pathogen.
(b) Diseases which can spread from one person to another are called communicable diseases.
(c) Removal of water from the food materials is called dehydration.
2. (a) Cholera : Bacterium
(b) Typhoid : Bacterium
(c) Chickenpox : Virus
(d) Polio : Virus
(e) Malaria : Protozoan
3. Milk is boiled twice in summer because microorganisms grow faster in warm conditions like in summer.

Exercises
A. 1. (i) Viruses are the smallest of all microorganisms.
(ii) Viruses are made up of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat and lack cell organelles and cell structure.
Other microorganisms have a typical cell organization.
(iii) Viruses cannot multiply on their own. For this, they need to enter a living host cell. Outside the host cell, they
do not show any characteristic of living things. Other microorganisms can multiply on their own and do not
need any host cell.
2. Refer to section 2.3 on page 24.
3. (a) Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are essential for recycling materials in the environment. This is done
by decomposing (breaking down) dead things to simple chemical inorganic substances (Fig. 2.11 on page 28).
Such microorganisms are thus called decomposers. They include fungi and certain bacteria, which live in the

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 soil. These feed on waste materials (rich in organic matter) such as dead plants and animals as well as animal
droppings (faeces).
The inorganic compounds released during decomposition are used by green plants during photosynthesis
and other processes.
Decomposers in this manner play an important role in maintaining life on earth. They also clean up the
environment by preventing an accumulation of the remains and wastes of living organisms.
(b) Microorganisms, mainly bacteria, play an essential part in the treatment of sewage to make it harmless.
During the treatment of sewage, methane gas is produced by anaerobic bacteria. This is called biogas, as it is
produced from degradation of plants and animal materials.
4. (a) Refer to section 2.3.7 on page 28.
(b) Vaccines are substances used to produce immunity to diseases in the living body. The method of producing
immunity by injecting a vaccine into the body is called vaccination. Several diseases like smallpox, chickenpox,
cholera, tuberculosis and hepatitis can be prevented by vaccination.
5. Refer to section 2.3.4 on page 26.
6. Microbes enter the body in many ways:
• through the air we breathe (common cold, influenza),
• through the food we eat (cholera),
• through the water we drink (cholera),
• through direct contact with the infected person (chickenpox, smallpox, measles), and
• through carriers such as insects (houseflies, mosquitoes) and animals (rats); for example, malaria is spread by
female Anopheles mosquito; female Aedes mosquito is the carrier of dengue virus.
7. There are certain indicators that tell us whether or not a given sample of food is good or bad for consumption. Some
of them are as follows:
(i) Odour: Spoiled food emits foul smell (resembling the smell of rotten eggs).
(ii) Taste: Bad taste or sourness develops in spoiled food.
(iii) Colour: Many food items show change in colour.
8. Refer to section 2.5.1 on page 32 and 33.
B. 1. Refer to section 2.2 on page 23.
2. Milk contains a sugar called lactose (milk sugar). Lactobacillus converts the lactose in the milk into lactic acid.
3. When yeast is added to the dough, it rises in volume. This happens due to the production of carbon dioxide by
respiration of yeast cells. Bubbles of the gas fill the dough and increase its volume.
4. Refer to the first bullet point section 2.3.2 on page 25.
5. Some bacteria live in the roots of leguminous plants such as pea, bean and gram. These bacteria form root nodules
and are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into suitable usable forms like nitrates.
6. (i) Drink boiled water. (ii) Eat properly cooked food.
(iii) Maintain good sanitation. (iv) Get vaccinated.
7. Refer to the side box ’Advantages of Food Preservation’ on page 32.
8. (a) Milk : Boiling
(b) Jam : By adding sugar
(c) Cereals : Drying
(d) Pickles : Salting
(e) Dry fruit : Canning
(f ) Cauliflower : Drying or sun drying
C. C1. 1. T 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. F 6. F 7. T 8. T
C2. 1. atmospheric nitrogen   2. bigger   3. pathogens    4. yeast   5. fermentation   6. Immunity
C3. 1. (iii) 2. (v) 3. (vii) 4. (i) 5. (vi) 6. (ii) 7. (iv)
C4. 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (b)
Do and Learn
F. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 3. Nitrogen fixation 4. Pathogen 5. Virus 7. Penicillin 8. Bacteria 9. Yeast
Down: 1. Decomposition 2. Malaria 6. Microbe

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Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) microscope (b) nitrogen (c) yeast (d) bacteria
2. (a) (ii) alcohol (b) (ii) Streptomycin (c) (i) female Anopheles mosquito
(d) (ii) housefly (e) (iii) growth of yeast cells (f ) (iii) fermentation
3. (a) - (v), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii), (e) - (iv), (f ) - (vi)
4. We cannot see microorganisms with unaided eyes. They can be seen with the help of a microscope.
5. The major groups of microorganisms are listed below.
• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Protozoa

• Some algae

6. The microorganisms which can fix atmospheric nitrogen are Rhizobium, Azatobactor, Blue green algae, etc.
7. Microorganisms are useful to us in the following ways.
• Lactobacillus is a bacterium useful in making curd.

• Bacteria are useful in formation of bread and cheese.

• They are used in cleaning of environment.

• Yeasts are used in the production of alcohol.

• They are used in making antibiotics.

• They are used in making vaccines.

• Microorganisms are used to make manure.

• Bacteria are main nitrogen fixing agents.

• They fix the carbon dioxide into useful sugar.

8. Microorganisms are harmful in the following ways.
• Microorganisms cause many communicable diseases like cholera, common cold, tuberculosis, etc.

• Malaria is caused by a microorganism called plasmodium.

• Several plants diseases are caused by bacteria and fungi.

• Food poisoning is caused by microorganisms.

• Microorganisms cause spoiling of food.

9. The medicines that kill or stop the growth of disease-causing microorganism are called antibiotics. Streptomycin,
tetracycline, erythromycin etc. are common antibiotics. They are manufactured by growing specific microorganisms
and are used to cure a variety of diseases.
Following precautions must be taken while antibiotics.
• These medicines should be taken only on the advice of a doctor.

• One must finish the course prescribed by the doctor.

• If anybody takes antibiotics when not needed, his or her body may develop resistance against that antibiotic.

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 3. Synthetic Fibres and Plastics

Classroom Discussion (page 45)

Hint: Synthetic fibres melt before burning and stick to the skin thereby causing heavy burns.
Answer Orally (page 46)
1. Synthetic fibres are man-made fibres and are obtained by chemical processing of petrochemicals.
2. Rayon can absorb moisture (or sweat) and therefore, clothes made of rayon are preferred over clothes made of other
synthetic fabrics.
3. Ropes made of nylon are strong, elastic and lightweight. They do not lose their strength even after repeated use.
4. Any point from section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 on page 44 and 45.
Mind Scrambler (page 48)
(a) THERMOPLASTS    (b) ACRYLIC
Answer Orally (page 50)
1. Plastics are synthetic polymers that can be moulded into different shapes and sizes.
2. Advantage: Plastics are strong, lightweight and durable.
Disadvantage: Plastics are non-biodegradable, i.e., not degraded easily by natural processes.
3. Burning plastic is not a good option as it does not get completely burnt. Moreover, during burning it releases many
toxic gases and pollutes the environment and causes health hazard. Therefore, recycling plastic is a better option.

Exercises
A. 1. Refer to Activity 3.1 on page 47.
2. Thermoplastics are the plastics which melt or become soft on heating and harden when cooled. Examples include
polythene and PVC.
Thermosetting plastics are the plastics which when moulded once, cannot be softened on heating. Bakelite and
melamine are examples of thermosetting plastics.
3. Refer to section 3.2.3 on page 45.
4. Refer to section 3.3.1 on page 47.
5. (a) It is because plastics are bad conductors (or insulators) of electric current.
(b) Plastics are bad conductors of heat, so hot pans can be handled easily while cooking.
(c) Clothes made of synthetic fibres repel moisture and do not allow our skin to breath. That’s why they are not
very comfortable to wear.
(d) Plastics are non-reactive, strong, lightweight, durable and do not show thermal conductivity. Also, they are
cheaper and weigh lesser than their metallic counterparts.
B. 1. The process of combining the monomer units into a large polymer is called polymerization. Haemoglobin, present
in blood, is a natural polymer.
2. Rayon resembles silk and acrylic fibre resembles wool.
3. Rayon – dress material, bed linen
Nylon – ropes, parachutes, socks, etc.
Bakelite – electrical switches, handle of utensils
4. Tensile strength is the pulling stress required to break a fibre. A nylon thread is stronger than a steel wire of the same
dimension. Hence, it is used in the manufacture of ropes and parachutes.
C. C1. 1. F 2. T 3. T 4. T 5. T
C2. 1. tensile strength 2. moisture, hydrophobic    3. terylene, wool
4. long, rainwater 5. insulators or bad conductors
C3. 1. (iv) 2. (iii) 3. (i) 4. (viii) 5. (vii) 6. (v) 7. (ii)
C4. 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (d)

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Do and Learn
A. Fibres

Natural Synthetic

Rayon Nylon Polyester Acrylic Spandex

Some Questions from NCERT

1. (a) While natural fibres are obtained from plants and animals, synthetic fibres on the other hand, are obtained by
human beings from the chemical processing of petrochemicals. Petrochemicals when processed, result in different
types of synthesised products like petrol, kerosene, grease, bitumen and polymers. Synthetic fibres are made from
synthetic polymers. That is why these are called synthetic or man-made fibres.
2. (b) it is obtained from wood pulp.
3. (a) artificial, man-made
(b) petrochemicals
(c) polymer
4. Nylon fibres are strong, elastic and light in weight. There fibres are lustrous and easy to wash. Nylon fibres are used to
make many articles such as socks, ropes, tents, toothbrushes, car seat belts, sleeping bags, curtains, etc. Nylon is also
used for making parachutes and ropes for rock climbing. If we compare strength of a nylon thread and a steel wire of
same thickness or diameter, a nylon thread is stronger than steel wire as it can support more weight than a steel wire.
5. Plastic containers are mostly used for storing a food item, water, milk, pickles, dry food along with others like medicines
and chemicals. Due to light weight, lower price, good strength, durability and easy handling plastic containers are
convenient for use. Metals like iron get rusted when left exposed to moisture and air. But plastics do not react with
water and air. They are not corroded easily. That is why they are used to store various kinds of material, including many
chemicals. After use or breakage, later they can be sold as scrap and be recycled to make new products again.
6. Plastic is also a polymer like the synthetic fibre. All plastics do not have the same type of arrangement of units. In some
it is linear, whereas in others it is cross-linked.
Thermoplastics: Plastics which can be deformed easily on heating and can be bent easily are known as thermoplastics.

Thermoplastics do not undergo chemical change in their composition when heated and can be molded again and
again. Polythene and PVC are some examples of thermoplastics. These are used for manufacturing toys, combs and
various types of containers.
Thermosets: Plastics which can be moulded only once, and after solidification, cannot be softened by heating are

called thermosetting plastics. Two examples are bakelite and melamine. Bakelite is a poor conductor of heat and
electricity. It is used for making electrical switches, handles of various utensils, etc. Melamine is a versatile material.
It resists fire and can tolerate heat better than other plastics. It is used for making floor tiles, kitchenware and fabrics
which resist fire.
7. (a) Saucepan handles: Saucepan handles are made from a type of thermosetting plastic called bakelite. It is a poor
conductor of heat and electricity. In cooking, using saucepan with a bakelite handle protects us from heat burns
and also if we are cooking on an electric stove it saves us from electric shocks.
(b) Electric plugs/switches/plug boards: They are also made from a type of thermosetting plastic, called bakelite.
As stated above, It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. It resists fire and can tolerate heat better than
other plastics. Hence, it prevents possible fire in electrical installations due to overheating and also saves us from
receiving electric shock while using them.

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 8. Can be recycled Cannot be recycled

• Plastic toys • Telephone instruments

• Plastic chairs • Cooker handles
• Carry bags • electrical switches
• Plastic covering on electrical wires
• Ball point pens
• Plastic bowls
9. Rana should buy cotton shirts for summer. As synthetic material soaks less water than the natural fabrics like cotton,
this will result in discomfort to him as water from body perspiration will not be soaked by the shirt made of synthetic
material. Whereas shirt made from cotton will soak the perspiration very rapidly and transfer it to outside, for surface
vaporization which will in twin cause cooling comfort.
10. Metals like iron get rusted when left exposed to moisture and air. But plastics do not react with water and air. They are
not corroded easily. That is why they are used to store various kinds of material including many chemicals.
11. The handle and bristles of a toothbrush should not be made of the same material. As the handle requires strength and
stiffness, so it should be made from plastic. Whereas bristles are soft and elastic, so they should be made from nylon.
12. Plastic is a non-biodegradable product. Plastic takes several years to decompose and it is not environment friendly.
It causes environmental pollution. Besides, the burning process in the synthetic material is quite slow and it does
not get completely burnt easily. In the process, it releases lots of poisonous fumes into the atmosphere causing air
pollution. We should avoid the use of plastics as far as possible. We should use cotton or jute bags when we go for
shopping. In our homes, offices and industries, the biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be collected
and disposed off separately.

13. Column I Column II

(a) Polyester (iv) Fabrics do not wrinkle easily
(b) Teflon (iii) Used to make non-stick cookwares
(c) Rayon (i) Prepared by using wood pulp
(d) Nylon (ii) Used for making parachutes and stockings

14. Row materials for natural fibres are mainly derived from plants and this means excessive cutting of trees. This leads
to deforestation. However, row materials used for the production of synthetic materials are mainly petrochemicals.
Therefore, manufacturing synthetic fibres helps in the conservation of forests.
15. Take a small piece of thermoplastic material and connect it as shown in the figure. When we close the switch, no
current passes and the bulb does not glow.

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 4. Metals and Non-Metals
Classroom Discussion (page 56)
Hint: Glass is a bad conductor of heat.
Answer Orally (page 59)
1. Some metals can be flattened into sheets by beating or rolling. This property is called malleability. Ductility is the
property of flexible metals due to which they can be drawn into wires.
2. Silver
3. Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Classroom Discussion (page 60)
Hint: Sodium and potassium react vigorously with cold water and catch fire due to the heat produced during the reaction.
When kept in kerosene, the metals are not exposed to atmospheric moisture. Hence, they will not react.
Classroom Discussion (page 65)
Silver
Answer Orally (page 66)
1. Sodium
2. Carbon – Diamond is used in jewellery, graphite is used for making electrodes, pencil leads, etc.
Iron – For making pipes, tanks, tools, furniture, etc.
Silver – It is used in jewellery, photography and electroplating.
3. (i) Metals react with oxygen to form oxide which are basic in nature. Non-metals do not react with air at room
temperature except for white phosphorous.
(ii) Metals react with acids and bases while non-metals do not react with acids and bases at ordinary temperature conditions.
Exercises
A. 1. (a) Some metals can be flattened into sheets by beating or rolling. This property is called malleability.
(b) Ductility is the property of flexible metals due to which they can be drawn into wires.
(c) Displacement reactions are reactions in which a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt
solution.
(d) The chemical reaction between a material usually a metal and its environment is called corrosion.
2. Take 50 cc of water in a beaker and add to it 2 g of copper turnings and 2 g of silver sulphate. Stir the contents. More
reactive copper will displace less reactive silver from its salt solution. As a result, the solution will turn blue and silver
will precipitate out.
3. (a) Iron is reactive while gold is a non-reactive metal.
(b) Sodium is more reactive than iron.
(c) Copper is less reactive than iron.
(d) Silver is costly whereas the cost of copper is comparatively less.
(e) Metals conduct heat, so metal utensils cook food fast and effectively. Wood is a non-metal and a bad conductor
of heat. As a result, while metal utensils get heated easily, the temperature of wooden handle remains unchanged.
(f ) Sodium reacts with oxygen readily and forms its oxide.
(g) White phosphorous burns in air (oxygen) at ordinary temperature and forms its oxide. It is, therefore, stored
under water.
B. 1. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals are bad conductors of heat and electricity except for
graphite which conducts electric current.
2. Gold, silver and platinum—the noble metals, are highly inert in nature and once polished do not lose their shine
easily. They are therefore used to make jewellery after alloying with other metals to enhance certain properties.
3. Metal – Mercury      Non-metal – Bromine
C. C1. 1. T 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. T
C2. 1. iodine, graphite 2. mercury 3. less 4. hydrogen 5. argon    6. Iodine
C3. 1. (iii) 2. (vi) 3. (i) 4. (v) 5. (ii) 6. (vii) 7. (iv)
C4. 1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (b)
Do and Learn
D. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Displacement 4. Noble 6. Nitrogen 7. Bromine 8. Sodium
Down: 1. Ductile 2. Sonorous 3. Shiny 5. Inert

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Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) Zinc
2. (c) Generally, metals are ductile.
3. (a) reactive
(b) good, electricity.
(c) more
(d) hydrogen
4. (a) False, (b) True (c) False (d) False
5. Properties Metals Non-Metals
(a) Appearance Shiny Dull
(b) Hardness Very hard Hard or soft
(c) Malleability Malleable Non-malleable
(d) Ductility Ductile Non-ductile
(e) Heat Conduction Conductors of heat Poor conductors of heat
(f ) Conduction of Electricity Conductors of electricity Poor conductors of electricity

6. (a) Aluminium maintains the temperature of food item intact as it is a good conductor of heat. Therefore, aluminium
foils are used to wrap food items.
(b) Metals are good conductors of electricity. Therefore, immersion rods for heating liquids are made up of metallic
substances.
(c) Copper cannot displace zinc from its salt solution because copper is less reactive than zinc.
(d) Sodium and potassium are stored in kerosene because these metals react vigorously on coming in contact with air
or water.
7. Aluminium is a metal. Metals are more reactive with acids. Therefore, acidic food items like lemon pickles must not be
stored in aluminium utensils.
8. (a) - (iv), (b) - (v), (c) - (iii), (d) - (vi), (e) - (ii), (f ) - (i)
9. (a) When sulphuric acid is poured on a copper plate, copper sulphate is formed and hydrogen gas is evolved. The
following chemical equation demonstrates the reaction.
Copper + Sulphuric acid → Copper sulphate + Hydrogen
(b) When iron nails are placed in copper sulphate solution, Copper is displaced by iron. The chemical equation
representing the reaction is as follows.
Iron + Copper sulphate → Iron sulphate + Copper
10. (a) When charcoal is burnt in air, carbon dioxide gas is evolved. This gas when passed through the lime water, turns it
milky. This is the test for carbon dioxide gas.
(b) Carbon + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide
11. In polishing, the jeweler put the gold jewellery in a mild acid solution (aqua regia), which on reacting with acid goes
into the solution. So, in this process certain amount of gold is lost to the acidic solution.

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 5. Combustion and Flame

Activity 5.1 (page 74)

Combustible and non-combustible substances

S. No. Substances Combustible Non-combustible

1. Paper 3
2. Sand 3
3. Water 3
4. Wood 3
5. Wool 3
6. Cloth piece 3
7. Iron nails 3
8. Kerosene oil 3
9. Glass 3
10. Matchstick 3
11. Stone 3

Answer Orally (page 78)

1. Combustion is the process of burning of a substance in the presence of oxygen.
The process in which a large amount of gas is evolved together with the production of tremendous amount of heat,
light and sound is called an explosion.
2. Combustion of coal dust in coal mines
3. (i) Presence of a combustible substance
(ii) Presence of a supporter of combustion
(iii) Attainment of ignition temperature of the combustible substance

Activity 5.5 (page 78)

Materials burning with a flame

Material Form flame/colour Do not form flame

1. Candle 3 Yellow
2. Camphor 3 Yellow
3. Magnesium 3 White
4. Charcoal 3

Answer Orally (page 80)

1. (i) Nature of combustible substance
(ii) Amount of oxygen supply
2. The innermost zone
3. The outermost zone

Classroom Discussion (page 81)

Hint: See characteristics of a good fuel on page 82.

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Classroom Discussions (page 82)
Hint: • High ignition temperature requires high energy (heading) to initiate combustion. In case of low ignition
temperature, the fuel catches fire very easily so it is not safe to store and handle.
Hint: • In solar cells, sun’s energy is converted into electrical energy. Energy from the sun is renewable and readily available.
Wood, petrol and coal are non-renewable sources of fuel and give out harmful products upon burning along with
carbon dioxide, water vapour and heat.
Hint: • Hydrogen is abundantly available on the earth in the form of water but its industrial production is expensive.
Since hydrogen is highly combustible, it is not very safe and convenient to store, handle and transport. It burns up
very fast with a pop sound. So it is neither safe nor convenient to be used as domestic fuel.

Classroom Discussion (page 83)

Hint: In a closed room, the oxygen gets depleted due to the combustion of coal. As a result of insufficient availability
of oxygen, the rest of the coal burns incompletely forming carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas and can
suffocate and even kill people exposed to it.

Answer Orally (page 83)

1. Fuels are classified as solid fuels, liquid fuels and gaseous fuels on the basis of their physical state.
2. Natural gas; petroleum gas; biogas
3. The amount of heat produced in kilojoules by one gram of fuel on complete combustion in air is called its calorific value.

Answer Orally (page 85)

1. The amount of heat energy released by a unit quantity of fuel on complete combustion in oxygen is called calorific
value of a fuel.
2. Water, carbon dioxide
3. Water is heavier than oil or petroleum, therefore, it sinks down and the oil keeps on burning at the top.

Mind Scrambler (page 85)

(a) INFLAMMABLE    (b) EXPLOSION     (C) DIESEL

Exercises
A 1. Combustion is the process of burning of a substance in the presence of oxygen.
Conditions for combustion are:
(i) Presence of combustible substance
(ii) Presence of supporter of combustion, i.e., oxygen
(iii) Attainment of ignition temperature of the substance.
2. (a) Substances like paper, kerosene, etc. catch fire on heating and are called combustible substances whereas
substances like stone, sand, water, etc. do not catch fire even on prolonged heating and are called non-
combustible substances.
(b) Luminous flame is yellow is colour and is formed by the incomplete combustion of fuel. On the other hand, non-
luminous flame is blue in colour and is formed by the complete combustion of fuel. It has higher temperature.
3. (a) Refer to section 5.3, page 77.
(b) Refer to section 5.4.1, page 79.
(c) Refer to section 5.5, page 80.
(d) Refer to section 5.6, page 83.
4. Carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, therefore, it covers the combustible substance like a blanket. As the contact
between the fuel and oxygen is cut off, the fire is controlled.
It is also used to control fire caused by short circuiting as it does not harm the electrical equipments and does not
conduct electricity.

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B. 1. The outermost zone of the candle flame is the hottest region because of complete combustion of wax vapour.
2. An ideal fuel has high calorific value. It is cheap, easily available, easily transportable and has low ignition temperature.
It does not leave any residue on burning and does not pollute the environment either.
3. Gaseous fuels do not leave any residue after burning.
4. Wood upon burning releases unburnt, fine particles of carbon which cause respiratory problems like asthma.
Moreover, wood is procured from the trees, excessive cutting of which leads to deforestation and various
environmental hazards.
5. Carbon dioxide is considered the best fire extinguisher to put off fire caused by burning of inflammable liquids like
petrol or oil. Carbon dioxide, being heavier than oxygen covers the combustible substance like a blanket. As the
contact between the fuel and oxygen is cut off, the fire is controlled.
C. C1. 1. T 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. T
C2. 1. cow dung cakes 2. kerosene/LPG 3. better 4. spacecrafts
5. innermost zone 6. combustion, gases 7. carbon dioxide
C3. 1. (v) 2. (vi) 3. (i) 4. (ii) 5. (iv) 6. (iii)
C4. 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a)

Do and Learn

A. Fuels

Solid Liquid Gas

Examples: Examples: Examples:

Coal, wood Kerosene, petrol Natural gas, biogas

Some Questions from NCERT

1. Following conditions are required for combustion to take place.
• Air

• Ignition temperature

• Inflammable substance

2. (a) pollution
(b) LPG
(c) ignition temperature
(d) water
3. The use of CNG in automobiles has reduced pollution in our cities because CNG does not produce any poisonous gas
on burning.
4. LPG burns easily and produces more heat in comparison to wood. Besides, it is a clean fuel. It does not produce fume
and ashes as wood does. LPG can be stored and transported easily and conveniently.
5. (a) Water is not used to control fire produced by electrical equipment because water is a conductor of electricity and
may result in electric shock.
(b) LPG is a substance which is readily available. It is cheaper and burns easily in air at moderate rate. It produces large
amount of heat and does not leave behind any undesirable substance.
(c) Paper catches fire easily but when it is wrapped around an aluminium pipe, the ignition temperature is not met as
heat is transferred to aluminium in order to lower the temperature of paper.

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 6. Outer zone
Hottest part
Moderately hot Middle zone
Least hot Innermost zone

Candle

7. The calorific value of a fuel is expressed in kilojoules per kg (kJ/kg).

8. Carbon dioxide being heavier than oxygen covers the fire like a blanket. Since the contact between fuel and oxygen
is cut off, the fire is controlled. The added advantage of carbon dioxide is that in most cases it does not harm the
electrical appliances.
9. Green leaves contain water. So, when we try to burn green leaves, water in the leaves cools the combustible material
which in turn brings the temperature of the combustible material below its ignition temperature. This prevents the
burning of green leaves.
In case of dry leaves, water is absent in them so burning process starts as the temperature is raised above the ignition
temperature and the leaves catch fire easily.
10. The goldsmith uses the outermost zone of a flame with a metallic blow pipe for melting gold and silver.
The flame in the outermost zone has the highest temperature which is sufficient to melt gold and silver.
Total heat produced
11. Calorific value of a fuel =
Total mass burnt
Mass of fuel = 4.5 kg.
Heat produced = 180,000 kJ
1,80,000
Therefore, calorific value of fuel = kg = 40,000 kJ/kg.
4.5
12. Yes, the process of rusting can be called combustion, in fact, slow combustion, because rusting also takes place in air
containing water in the atmosphere.
13. The water in beaker kept by Ramesh will get heated in a shorter time because the outermost part of the flame is the
hottest.

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 6. Conservation of Biodiversity

Classroom Discussion (page 93)

Hint: Plants provide food, living places and oxygen to the animals. Deforestation will result in loss of habitat as well as
source of food and oxygen.
Classroom Discussion (page 94)
Hint: Plants give out water vapour in the atmosphere (transpiration), therefore deforestation disturbs the water cycle
and leads to reduction in rainfall. Further in the absence of plants, water does not seep into the soil and flow over it
causing floods.
Classroom Discussion (page 95)
Hint: It can be used for making greeting cards, chart papers, doing rough work and many such things.
Answer Orally (page 95)
1. (a) The wise and judicious use of natural resources is called conservation.
(b) Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms existing on the earth.
(c) Large-scale cutting of trees or forests is known as deforestation.
(d) The process of conversion of fertile land into a desert is called desertification.
(e) Planting of new trees where forests have been destroyed is called reforestation.
2. (i) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1927
(ii) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer Orally (page 99)
1. (a) Different plants growing in a particular area are known as flora.
(b) Different animals found in a particular area are known as fauna.
(c) Biosphere is that part of the earth where living organisms exist.
(d) The living organisms as well as the non-living components of an area form the ecosystem.
(e) Species of plants and animals found exclusively in a particular geographical area are called endemic species.
(f ) Species of plants and animals which have been lost forever are called extinct species.
(g) Species which are at high risk of becoming extinct are called endangered species.
(h) Protected areas are the areas dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biodiversity along with natural and
cultural resources.
2. International Union for Conservation of Nature

Exercises
A. 1. Refer to section 6.1.1, page 92
2. Refer to section 6.2, page 92
3. Refer to section 6.3 and 6.4, page 93
4. (a) Deforestation results in soil erosion. Roots of trees bind the soil particles together, preventing them from
blowing away by wind or water. Soil erosion removes the top layer of the soil that contains the fertile humus.
Removal of top layer, thus makes the soil less fertile, as the lower layers of soil contain less humus. If this goes
on, the fertile land gets converted into a desert. The process of conversion of fertile land into a desert is called
desertification.
(b) The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases on account of deforestation. You know that plants
need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Reduced number of trees require lesser carbon dioxide. So the level
of this gas has gone up in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming.
5. (a) Refer to section 6.5, page 94
(b) Reforestation: Planting of new trees where forests have been destroyed is called reforestation. If the destroyed
forest area is left undisturbed, natural reforestation takes place. In natural reforestation, there is no role of
human beings.

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 (c) Project Tiger: Project Tiger was launched by the Indian government in 1973 to protect the tigers in the
country. The tiger population in India has been decreasing sharply over the years. In 1948, population of tigers
was about 20,000. In 1989, it was about 4,000 and it went down to about 1,233 in 2000.
Realizing this decline, the Project Tiger was initiated by the Government of India. At present, there are 28 Tiger
Reserves in 17 Indian States.
A survey of tigers in 2007 revealed that there are only 1,411 tigers left in India.
(d) Refer to section 6.8.1, page 97
B. 1. (i) To ensure a continuous availability of useful plants, animals and materials for future generations
(ii) To preserve the quality of our environment
2. Deforestation, industrialization, construction of dams and natural disasters (like earthquakes, floods, droughts,
cyclones)
3. Difference
(a) Flora Fauna
Refers to plants growing in a particular area Refers to animals growing in a particular area
(b) Biosphere Ecosystem
(i) The part of the earth where living (i) Includes all the living organisms and non-living
organisms exist components of an area
(ii) It is a larger unit where ecosystems (ii) It is a small unit within the biosphere where living and
function. non-living components interact with each other.
(c) Extinct species Endangered species
Species of plants and animals which have Species which are at high risk of becoming
been lost forever extinct
Examples: Dodo, dinosaurs
Examples: Asiatic lion, Nilgiri tahr
(d) Wildlife sanctuary Biosphere reserve
(i) Areas reserved for the protection of (i) A large multipurpose protected area for conservation of
animals only wildlife, plant and animal resources
(ii) Have smaller area than the biosphere (ii) Large area, may contain sanctuaries and national
reserve parks
(iii) People do not live in a sanctuary . (iii) People are an important component.
(e) National park Wildlife sanctuary
Area strictly reserved for the protection of Area reserved for the protection of animals only
wildlife (both plants and animals)
4. Destruction of habitats, increasing population of the species, introduction of new species which compete with the
endemic species and climate changes
Examples: Asiatic lion, Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque are endemic species.

5. Some steps
(i) Avoid wastage of natural resources
(ii) Make minimal use of natural resources (paper, fuel wood, water)
(iii) Preserve habitats of living organisms
(iv) Recycle materials
(v) Form environment awareness groups or ecolabs
6. To protect the flora and fauna and their habitats, our government under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 created
protected areas. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves are different protected areas.

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 7. National Parks: (i) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
(ii) Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Wildlife Sanctuaries: (i) Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat
(ii) Kaziranga Sanctuary, Assam
Biosphere Reserve: (i) Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
(ii) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
C. C1. 1. T 2. F 3. F. 4. T 5. T 6. T
C2. 1. Plants, animals, microorganisms 2. wildlife sanctuary 3. Dodo
4. Red Data 5. prohibited
C3. 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (b)

Do and Learn

A. (a) Causes of deforestation

Natural Artificial

Floods and Construction Cleaning land Using wood as Using

Forest fires Earthquakes
droughts of houses and for agriculture fuel wood to
industries make paper,
furniture, etc.

(b) Protected areas

National Parks Wildlife Sanctuaries Biosphere Reserves

Examples: Examples: Examples:

Jim Corbett Kaziranga Nilgiri Biosphere
National Park Sanctuary Reserve

Some Questions from NCERT

1. (a) sanctuary (b) endemic (c) climatic
2. (a)
Wildlife sanctuary Biosphere reserve

• It is an area within which animals are protected • It is a large protected area constructed for the
from possible dangers such as hunting. Their conservation of biodiversity.
habitat is also conserved in this area. • It helps in the conservation of various life forms
• 
It provides protection and suitable living such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
conditions to wild animals.

(b) Zoo Wildlife sanctuary

• Zoo is a smaller place having some animals • Wildlife sanctuary is a larger place having wild
protected for the public view. animals in their natural habitat.
• It is an artificial habitat. • It conserves the natural habitat of animals.
• It provides protection only. •  It provides protection and suitable living
conditions to wild animals.

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 (c) Endangered species Extinct species

• It is a population of species that is on the verge of • It is a population of species that no longer exists.
becoming extinct. Hence, it is extinct.
• Blue whale, tiger, leopard, etc. are examples of • Dodo, passenger pigeon, etc. are examples of
endangered species. extinct species.

(d) Flora Fauna

• It refers to all plants living in a particular area. • It refers to all animals living in a particular area.
• Sal, teak, mango, etc. form the flora of Pachmarhi • Leopard, wolf, wild dog, etc. form the fauna of
biosphere reserve. Pachmarhi biosphere reserve.

3. (a) Wild animals: When forests are cut, the natural habitat of the animals is destroyed. Without the natural habitat, the
animals are left with no place to live and breed. As a result, many animals are at the verge of extinction.
(b) Environment: Environment is adversely affected by deforestation as ecological balance is disturbed. Carbon
dioxide is not absorbed by plants and it gets accumulated in the atmosphere to cause global warming which
increases the temperature of earth and disturbs the water cycle.
(c) Villages (Rural areas): Deforestation leads to soil erosion and results in flash floods. This hampers agricultural
activities and thus disturbs the people in rural areas.
(d) Cities (Urban areas): Deforestation in cities can increase the risk of many natural calamities such as floods and
droughts in that area.
(e) Earth: The whole earth is full of various ecosystems which together make the biosphere. Deforestation disturbs the
balance in the biosphere. It disturbs climatic patterns.
(f ) The next generation: They will not be able to see wide variety of flora and fauna, and will not get clean and cool
environment. They air that they will breathe will be filled with poisonous gases. Life will be very difficult for the
next generation.
4. (a) If we go on cutting trees then:
• Earth will loose its top fertile soil layer and get converted into desert.
• The ecological balance will get disturbed, and floods and drought will become more frequent.
• Wildlife will also be affected.
(b) The habitat of an animal provides it with necessities such as shelter, food and protection. If the habitat of an animal
is disturbed, then it will be forced to go to other places in search of food and shelter. The animal could get killed by
other animals in this process.
(c) If the top layer of soil is exposed, then it will gradually expose the lower layer of soil, which is hard and rocky in
nature. This type of soil is less fertile as it contains less humus. Continued soil erosion will make the land barren or
infertile.
5. (a) We should conserve biodiversity because it is very important for all living organisms and for the environment. It
should be protected from becoming extinct.
(b) Protected forests are not completely safe for wild animals because people who live near or adjacent to forests use
resources from forests to fulfil their own requirements. In this process, wild animals are killed and sold for lucrative
amounts of money.
(c) Tribals gather food, fodder and fallen branches of trees from forests. Hence, they depend on forests for their daily
requirements.
(d) The main cause of deforestation is growing urbanization and industrialization. Need for more land and resources
have lead to the cutting down of forests.
Following are the consequences of deforestation.
• Soil erosion
• Depletion of groundwater

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 • Flash flood
• Global warming
(e) Red Data Book is a source book that maintains an international list of all endangered animal and plant species.
(f ) Migration refers to the movement of an organism or a group of organisms from its natural habitat to another place
at a particular time every year.
6. It is not at all justified to cut trees to meet the ever-increasing demands of human population. Forests are the habitat
of several organisms including wild animals. They provide us with good quality air as they give out oxygen and absorb
the harmful carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere. In the process, they prevent the excessive heating of the
atmosphere. They prevent soil erosion and natural calamities such as floods and droughts. They increase the fertility
of soil and help conserve biodiversity. The cutting of forests to meet the demands of growing human population will
lead to global warming, soil erosion, greenhouse effect, droughts, floods and many more problems. The destruction
of forests will disturb the balance of nature. Hence, forests must be conserved.
7. We can contribute to the maintenance of green wealth by taking following actions:
• We can grow new plants in our locality.

• Water the plants regularly and take care of them.

• The existing plants should be properly nourished.

• Encourage awareness among the people in the locality about the importance of growing trees.

8. Plants absorb water from the soil. The water is then evaporated evaporates to form clouds. Excessive cutting of trees
causes deforestation. As a result, less water is absorbed from the soil and it disturbs the water cycle. This affects the
formation of clouds which in turn leads to reduced rainfall.
9. Students are expected to do on their own.
10. Paper should be saved because it takes around seventeen full grown trees to make one tonne of paper. Trees, as we
know, are important to maintain balance of nature. Therefore, in order to save trees and prevent the impact of their
loss on living organisms, we need to save paper.
Following are the ways by which paper can be saved.
• Collect used paper and recycle it.

• Use both sides of a paper for writing.

• Spread awareness about the importance of paper.

• Use paper intelligently.

11. Across:
1. EXTINCT
3. ENDEMIC
4. BIODIVERSITY
Down:

1. ENDANGERED
2. RED DATA BOOK
5. DESERTS

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 7. The Cell

Classroom Discussion (page 107)

Cell

Answer Orally (page 109)

1. (a) A cell is the basic unit of structure and function of an organism.
(b) An organism consisting of a single cell is known as unicellular organism.
(c) An organism consisting of many cells is known as multicellular organism.
(d) A group of cells of the same size, shape and function is called tissue.
(e) A structure that contains more than one type of tissues is called an organ.
(f ) A group of organs working together is called an organ system.
2. (a) Yeast, amoeba (b) Mango tree, fish (c) Heart, brain
(d) Amoeba, white blood cells (e) Muscle cells
3. (a) Nerve cell (b) Guard cell
Classroom Discussion (page 113)
Hint: Underground plant parts like roots and non-green parts like old stem, flower, because they do not carry out
photosynthesis
Classroom Discussion (page 114)
Hint: See table 7.3 on page 114

Answer Orally (page 114)

1. (a) Cell membrane is a thin outer covering of a cell.
(b) Cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid which occupies the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus.
(c) Nucleus is a spherical structure present in the centre of the cell and is surrounded by the cytoplasm.
(d) An additional covering layer around the cell membrane in plants is called the cell wall.
(e) Thread-like structures present in the nucleus are known as chromosomes.
(f ) Small structures present in the cytoplasm, each one performing a special function, are known as organelles.
(g) Pigment containing organelle present in plant cells is called plastid. The living substance of the cell is called the
protoplasm.
(h) A jelly-like substance which fills up the nucleus is called nuclear sap.
(i) Cells which lack a nuclear membrane are called prokaryotic cells.
(j) Cells having a well-organized nucleus with a nuclear membrane are called eukaryotic cells.
2. Bacteria and blue-green algae

Exercises
A. 1. Refer to Fig. 7.13 and 7.14, page 114
2. Refer to Fig. 7.9, page 108
Nerve cells are long as they have to send messages over long distances in the body.
3. All the vital activities which allow organisms to live are performed by the basic unit of their structure called the cell.
In other words, it is the smallest subdivision of an organism which has a definite structure and performs functions of
life. A cell shows all the characteristics of a living thing, i.e., respiration, nutrition, reproduction, response to stimulus.
All living organisms are made up of one or more cells.
4. Refer to Fig. 7.14, page 114.
5. (a) Cytoplasm Protoplasm
The fluid present in a cell between the cell The living substance of the cell which
membrane and the nucleus includes cytoplasm and nucleus

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 (b) Plant cell Animal cell
(i) Cell wall is present. (i) Cell wall is absent.
   (ii) Chloroplasts are present. (ii) Chloroplasts are absent.
(iii) A large vacuole is present. (iii) Vacuole is absent; if present, it is smaller in size.
(c) Tissue Organ
A group of cells of the same size, shape A structure that contains more than one
and function type of tissues
(d) Cell membrane Nuclear membrane
A porous membrane around the cell, A porous membrane around the nucleus, separating the nucleus
separating one cell from the other from the cytoplasm
(e) Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
Organisms in which cells lack a nuclear Organisms in which cells have a well-organized nucleus with
membrane, nucleus is not well-organized a nuclear membrane
(f ) Cytoplasm Nucleoplasm
Jelly-like fluid present between the cell Jelly-like fluid present inside the nucleus
membrane and the nucleus
6. (a) Protoplasm: Protoplasm (proto = first; plasma = liquid): The living substance of the cell is called the protoplasm.
It includes the cytoplasm and the nucleus.
(b) Cytoplasm: Refer to section 7.5.2, page 111.
(c) Nucleus: Nucleus (plural nuclei) is a spherical structure present in the centre of the cell and is surrounded by
the cytoplasm. It is also known as the control centre of the cell. Generally only one nucleus is present in a cell,
but in some cases, more than one nucleus may be present.
Nucleus consists of four parts:
(i) Nuclear membrane
(ii) Nuclear sap (also called nucleoplasm)
(iii) Nucleolus
(iv) Chromosomes
(d) Organelles: Cytoplasm contains a number of small structures called organelles. These include:
(i) Mitochondria (singular mitochondrion)
(ii) Endoplasmic reticulum
(iii) Golgi body or golgi apparatus
(iv) Lysosomes
(v) Vacuoles (plant cells have a big central vacuole; mostly absent from animal cells, if present vacuoles are
smaller)
(vi) Ribosomes
(vii) Plastids (present only in plant cells)
(e) Variations in shapes and sizes of cells: Cells occur in different shapes and these shapes are related to their
specific functions. Cells may be of the following shapes:
(i) Irregular, as amoeba and white blood cells
(ii) Round or spherical, as the red blood cells and egg cells
(iii) Spindle-shaped (long and pointed at the two ends), as the muscle cells
(iv) Elongated and branched, as the nerve cells
(v) Kidney or bean-shaped, as the guard cells
(vi) Long and rectangular, as the mesophyll cells in the leaf
Cell sizes vary a lot. Cells may be as small as a millionth of a metre (= micrometre or micron) or as large as a few
centimetres. Most cells are microscopic in size, and are not visible to the unaided eye.
7. (a) Cell membrane: It serves as a boundary that separates the contents of the cell from the outer environment.
(b) Cytoplasm: All the chemical reactions and functions of life take place in the cytoplasm.

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 (c) Nucleus: It helps in the inheritance of characters from parents to the children. It acts as a control centre of all
the activities taking place in the cell.
(d) Cell wall: It provides protection, shape and support to plant cells.
(e) Chromosomes: They are responsible for the inheritance of characters from parents to the children.
(f ) Chloroplasts: They contain chlorophyll which is necessary for photosynthesis.
(g) Mitochondria: Cell’s powerhouse, provide energy to the cell
(h) Vacuole: It stores excess water, useful materials, pigments and waste products
B. 1. Robert Hooke
2. Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ systems → Organism
3. Cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus
4. The additional covering layer around the cell membrane is called the cell wall. It is present in the plant cells. It
provides (i) protection and (ii) shape and support to the cell.
5. In the cytoplasm
6. In the nucleus
C. C1. 1. Cell membrane 2. Cork (slice) 3. Cell membrane/nuclear membrane
4. Cell organelles 5. Chromosomes 6. Chloroplasts 7. Prokaryotic cells 8. Eukaryotic cells
C2. 1. tissue 2. nucleus 3. blue-green algae 4. unicellular
5. irregular 6. nucleus
C3. 1. (iv) 2. (v) 3. (vi) 4. (vii) 5. (viii) 6. (ii) 7. (i) 8. (iii)
C4. 1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (d)

Do and Learn
B. (a) Cell

Cell membrane Nucleus Cytoplasm

Allow materials Control centre Contains

to move across of the cell organelles

Cell
(b)

Plant cell Animal cell

Structures not found in

Structures found both in plant and animal cells
animal cells
1. Cell wall
1. Cell membrane 2. Chloroplasts
2. Cytoplasm
3. Nucleus
4. Mitochondria
5. Golgi body
6. Endoplasmic reticulum
7. Ribosome
8. Vacuole

E. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Chlorophyll 2. Organelle 3. Genes 4. Vacuole 5. Tissue
Down: 6. Cytoplasm 7. Nucleus 8. Protoplasm 9. Chloroplast 10. Amoeba
11. Organs

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Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) True (b) True (c) False (d) True
2. Nerve cells carry signals between organs and brain.
Dendrite
Cyton
Myellin sheath

Axon

3. (a) Cytoplasm
A jelly-like substance present between the cell and nucleus is called cytoplasm. Different cell organelles are present
in the cytoplasm. Examples of cell organelles are mitochondria, Golgi body, ribosomes, lysosomes, chloroplast, etc.
(b) Nucleus of a cell
Nucleus is a spherical structure which is present inside the cell; usually at the centre of the cell. Nucleus is
surrounded by a double membrane called nuclear membrane. A dot-like structure called nucleolus is present inside
the nucleus. Nucleus contains chromosomes which are thread-like structures. Genes are present on chromosome
They are responsible for transferring characters from parents to their offspring.
4. Cytoplasm contains organelles
golgi apparatus
5.
cell membrane cell wall
mitochondrion endoplasmic Mitochondrion
Lysosome
reticulum Golgi
ribosome
apparatus
Rough Nucleolus
chloroplast endoplasmic
Nucleus
reticulum
nucleolus
Smooth Centrioles
nucleus
endoplasmic
vacuole reticulum
Plasma Cytoplasm
membrane
Ribosome
cytoplasm
(b) Animal cell

(a) Plant cell

Cell structure

Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Plant Cell Animal Cell

• Cell wall is present. • Cell wall is absent.

• Chloroplast is present. • Chloroplast is absent.
• Vacuoles are large. • Vacuoles are much smaller or absent.

6. Prokaryotes Eukaryotes

• Nucleus is absent. • Nucleus is present.

• All prokaryotes are unicellular. • Eukaryotes can be unicellular and multicellular.
• Bacteria and blue-green algae are some prokaryotes. • Man, lion and horse are some eukaryotes.

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 7. Chromosomes are found inside the nucleus. Chromosomes are responsible for the inheritance of characters from one
generation to the next generation.
8. All organisms are made up of cells. The way a building is made up of bricks, an organism is made up of cells. Many cells
group together to make a tissue, many tissues come together to make an organ. Many organs come together to make
an organ system and many organ systems make an organism. Thus, it is clear that cells are the basic structural units of
living organisms.
9. Chloroplas contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplast. We know that green
plants are capable of photosynthesis but animals do not have this capability. Hence, chloroplasts are found only in
plant cells.
10. Across:
1. CHLOROPHYLL
3. ORGANELLE
6. PROTOPLASM
8. GENES
Down:

1. CHLOROPLASTS
2. ORGAN
4. MEMBRANE
5. VACUOLE
7. TISSUE

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 8. Reproduction and Adolescence

Classroom Discussion (page 122)

Hint: They will show same features in their appearance, nutrition, etc.
Answer Orally (page 124)
1. (a) The process by which living organisms produce offspring of their own kind is called reproduction.
(b) Reproduction in which only a single parent is involved is known as asexual reproduction.
(c) Reproduction in which fusion of male and female gametes takes place is known as sexual reproduction.
(d) Binary fission is the method of asexual reproduction in which the parent organism divides itself into two equal
individuals.
(e) Budding is the method of asexual reproduction in which new individuals develop from small outgrowth (buds) on
the parent’s body.
2. Budding: Hydra
Binary fission: Amoeba
Answer Orally (page 126)
1. (a) The structure formed from the fusion of male and female gamete is known as zygote.
(b) The process of fusion of male and female gametes is known as fertilization.
(c) Zygote divides repeatedly and undergoes growth in size to form embryo.
(d) The type of fertilization in which the fusion of a male and a female gamete takes place outside the female’s body is
called external fertilization.
(e) Fertilization which takes place inside the female body is called internal fertilization.
(f ) The animals when lay eggs are called oviparous animals.
(g) Animals which give birth to young ones are called viviparous animals.
2. (a) Frog, fish (b) Cow, dog (c) Hen, frog (d) Human, cow
Answer Orally (page 129)
1. (a) Testes, sperm ducts and penis   (b) Ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina   (c) Testis    (d) Ovary
2. (a) A young human being or an animal before birth is known as foetus.
(b) A structure that helps the embryo to attach itself to the uterus wall is called placenta.
(c) The process by which the young form of insects and some animals, such as frogs, develops into the adult form is
called metamorphosis.
Answer Orally (page 132)
1. (a) X and Y chromosomes which determine sex of the baby are known as sex chromosomes.
(b) Hormones are chemical substances which are secreted from special organs called endocrine glands.
(c) Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones.
2. (a) Pituitary (b) Thyroid (c) Testis (d) Ovary (e) Adrenaline
Classroom Discussion (page 134)
Hint: The deficiency of iodine in humans causes a disease called goitre. Iodized salt provides the essential amount of
iodine needed by humans.
Answer Orally (page 138)
1. (a) The period of life when the body undergoes changes leading to reproductive maturity is called adolescence.
(b) Puberty marks the time when a child’s body starts turning into an adult body.
(c) The characters which develop during puberty and help to distinguish a male from a female are called secondary
sexual characters.
(d) The process of release of ovum (egg) by an ovary is called ovulation.
(e) The loss of blood in females is called menstruation.
(f ) The beginning of menstruation at puberty is called menarche.
(g) The permanent stoppage of menstruation is called menopause.
(h) The cycle of changes which takes place in ovaries and uterus regularly every 28 days or so and is marked by menstrual
flow is called menstrual cycle.
2. Testosterone in boys, and estrogen in girls

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 Exercises
A. 1. Refer to section 8.2.1 and 8.2.2 on page 123 and 124
2. Some of the changes which occur during puberty are as follows:
(i) Increase in height: During puberty, a sudden increase in height takes place. This increase in height is due to the
elongation of long bones of the arms and the legs.
(ii) Change in body shape: Changes in body shape occur during adolescence. These changes are different for boys
and girls.
(iii) Change in voice: At puberty, the voice box (or larynx) begins to grow. It differs in boys and girls.
(iv) Increase in the activity of sweat and oil glands: During puberty, the secretion of sweat and oil (sebaceous) glands
increases. Increased activity of these glands leads to acne and pimples on the faces of adolescents.
(v) Development of sex organs: Sex organs develop fully and reach maturity during puberty only.
(vi) Development of secondary sexual characters
(vii) Reaching mental, intellectual and emotional maturity
(viii) Psychological changes: Frequent mood changes take place.
3. Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones.

Endocrine gland Hormone(s) secreted

Pituitary Several hormones including Growth Hormone (GH),
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid Thyroxine
Adrenal Adrenaline
Pancreas Insulin
Testes Testosterone
Ovaries Estrogen
Progesterone
4. Human body cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. The 23rd pair of chromosome differs in males and females. In
a male, the 23rd pair consists of an X (long) and a Y (short) chromosome (XY). In a female, the 23rd pair consists of
two X chromosomes (XX).
An egg always carries only one X chromosome and a sperm may carry either X or Y chromosome. Sperms are, thus,
of two kinds.
When an egg and a sperm fuse during fertilization, it is this 23rd chromosome that determines the sex of the baby.
If the sperm carrying the X chromosome fertilizes the egg, it will be a girl. If the sperm carrying the Y chromosome
fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a boy.
5. (i) If the egg gets fertilized, it begins to develop in the uterus and results in pregnancy.
(ii) If the egg is not fertilized, then the uterus lining and its blood vessels break down and pass out of the vagina
along with the unfertilized egg, resulting in bleeding (menstruation).
6. (a) Refer to section 8.4.4 on page 128.
(b) Refer to section 8.10 on page 135.
(c) Refer to section 8.8 on page 132.
(d) Refer to section 8.13 on page 137 and 138.
7. Reproductive organs in human males
(i) Testes—produce sperms
(ii) Sperm ducts—carry the sperms from the testes to the penis
(iii) Penis—injects the sperms into the female body
Reproductive organs in human females
(i) Ovaries—produce eggs
(ii) Oviducts—carry the eggs from the ovary to the uterus
(iii) Uterus—fertilized egg and foetus develop here
(iv) Vagina—discharge of newborn
Refer Fig. 8.6 and 8.8 on page 126 and 127.

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 8. (a) Budding:
(i) Asexual reproduction in which new individuals develop from small projections (buds) formed on the body
(ii) Common in hydra
Binary fission:
(i) Asexual reproduction in which the organism divides into two equal individuals
(ii) Common in amoeba
(b) External fertilization:
(i) Fertilization which takes place outside the female body
(ii) Found in fish, frog, etc.
Internal fertilization:
(i) Fertilization which takes place inside the female body
(ii) Found in dog, cat, human, etc.
(c) Oviparous animals:
(i) Animals which lay eggs
Examples: Frog, lizard, hen, etc.
Viviparous animals:
(i) Animals which give birth to young ones
Examples: Cow, dog, cat, etc.
(d) Testis
(i) Male reproductive organ (ii) Produces male gametes (sperms)
(iii) Produces testosterone hormone
Ovary
(i) Female reproductive organ (ii) Produces female gamete (egg)
(iii) Produces estrogen and progesterone hormones
(e) Sperm
(i) Male gamete (ii) Much smaller in size
(iii) Motile (iv) Contains no food
Ovum
(i) Female gamete (ii) Much bigger in size
(iii) Non-motile (iv) Contains large quantities of food
(f ) Menarche: The beginning of menstruation at puberty
Menopause: The end of menstruation around 45 to 50 years of age
B. 1. Asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction
2. Refer Fig. 8.19 on page 131.
3. X and Y chromosomes which determine the sex of the baby are called sex chromosomes. For this reason, these
chromosomes are called sex chromosomes.
4. Hormones from pituitary gland stimulate testes/ovaries to release sex hormones—testosterone/estrogen. The sex
hormones bring about changes in the body during puberty.
C. C1. 1. F 2. T 3. F 4. F 5. T 6. F
7. T 8. F 9. T 10. F
C2. 1. zygote 2. internal 3. Oviparous 4. testes, sperm ducts and penis
5. testes, ovaries 6. larva, pupa, adult 7. sex chromosomes
8. hormones 9. Pituitary 10. puberty 11. bigger 12. puberty
C3. 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (c)    7. (a)   8. (b)
Do and Learn
D. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Endocrine glands 2. Adolescence 3. Larynx
Down: 4. Budding 5. Insulin 6. Testosterone 7. Hormones
8. Pituitary 9. Fertilization 10. Chromosomes 11. Estrogen 12. Puberty

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Some Questions from NCERT

REPRODUCTION IN ANIMALS
1. Reproduction is very important for organisms because reproduction ensures that a particular species continues its
existence on earth.
2. A single egg comes out of the ovary every month, and reaches the fallopian tube. Sperms reach the fallopian tube
where a sperm fertilizes the egg. This results in the formation of zygote.
3. (a) - (i) in female body.
(b) - (ii) metamorphosis.
(c) - (ii) one.
4. (a) False (b) True (c) True (d) False (e) False

(f ) False (g) False (h) True (i) True (j) False
5. Zygote Foetus

• It begins as a single cell. • It begins as a multicellular structure.

• It resembles a unicellular organism. • It resembles a human being.

6. When a single parent is involved in reproduction and gametes are not formed, it is called asexual reproduction. Two
methods of asexual reproduction are as follows.
Budding: This method is seen in multicellular animals which are highly simple in structure. A small bud develops on

the body. The bud develops and starts resembling its mother. After that, the bud gets detached from the mother’s
body to begin life as a new individual. Hydra and sponges reproduce by budding.
Binary Fission: This method is seen in unicellular animals, for example, in amoeba. The cell of amoeba is divided into

two daughter cells. Each daughter cell becomes a new individual.
7. The embryo gets embedded in the uterus.
8. In case of indirect development, transformation of young ones into adult is called metamorphosis. Larva of butterfly
undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly. A tadpole undergoes metamorphosis to become a frog.
9. Internal Fertilization External Fertilization

• It takes place inside the body of animal. • It takes place outside the body of animal.
• There is no need to lay large number of eggs. • A large number of eggs need to be laid.
• It is seen in reptiles, birds, mammals and in • It is seen in most of the aquatic animals.
some fish.

10. Across:
1. FERTILIZATION
6. INTERNAL
7. BUDS
8. OVARY
Down:

2. TESTES
3. ZYGOTE
4. OVIPAROUS
5. BINARY

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 REACHING THE AGE O F ADOLESCENCE
1. Hormones are chemical substances which are secreted by endocrine glands. They are responsible for changes taking
place in the body.
2. Adolescence is the time period between the beginning of puberty and adulthood. During the period, the body
undergoes several changes alongside reproductive maturity. It begins around the age of 11 and lasts till 18 or 19 years
of age. The period of adolescence may very from person to person.
3. Menstruation is the process of the shedding of the uterine lining on a regular monthly basis. It begins at puberty
and is the reproductive cycle of the female body. Every month, the uterus prepares itself to receive a fertilized egg.
Therefore, the inner lining of the uterus becomes thick and is supplied with blood to nourish the embryo. If the egg
is not fertilized, then the lining of the uterus breaks down and gets released in the form of blood through the vagina.
This lasts for about two to eight days. This cycle occurs every month and is known as the menstrual cycle.
4. Changes at puberty:
(i) Sudden increase in height and weight.
(ii) Broadening of shoulders and widening of chest in boys. In girls, the region below waist becomes wider.
(iii) In boys, under the influence of hormones, the larynx becomes prominent, the vocal cords become longer and
thicker. These changes cause the voice to become hoarse.
(iv) Appearance of hair in areas such as underarms, face, hands and legs.
(v) Appearance of acne as a result of excessive secretion of oil from skin.
(vi) Testis grows and starts producing sperms in males, whereas in females, the ovary enlarges and starts producing
matured eggs.
5. Endocrine gland Hormones
Testis Testosterone
Ovary Oestrogen
Thyroid Thyroxin
Adrenal Adrenalin
Pancreas Insulin
Pituitary Growth hormone

6. Sex hormones are chemical substances produced by sex organs. For example, testosterone is the male sex hormone
produced by the testis, and oestrogen is the female sex hormone produced by the ovary. These hormones affect the
sexual features of an organism. Hence, they are known as sex hormones.
Functions of sex hormones:
Testosterone: This hormone brings about secondary sex characters in boys such as the growth of a bread, the voice
becoming hoarse, development of reproductive organs, etc.
Oestrogen: This hormone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters in females such as the
enlargement of breasts, development of female reproductive organs, etc.
7. (a) (ii) Adolescents should be careful about what they eat, because proper diet is needed for the rapid growth taking
place in their body.
(b) (i) Reproductive age in women starts when their menstruation startsa.
(c) (ii) The right meal for adolescents consists of chapatti, dal, vegetables.
8. (a) Adam’s apple:
In human males, the larynx grows larger during puberty and can be seen as a protruding part of the throat. This
protrusion is known as the Adam’s apple. In boys, under the influence of sex hormones, the larynx becomes
prominent. As a result, the vocal cords become longer and thicker, causing the voice to become hoarse.
However, in females, the larynx is of a small size and is hardly visible. Therefore, girls have a high pitched voice,
while the voice of boys is low pitched.

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 (b) Secondary sexual characters are those features that help in distinguishing the male and the female body from
each other. They are physical or behavioural characteristics that appear in humans at the time of puberty.
Secondary sexual characters in boys:
(i) Appearance of moustache and beard.
(ii) Appearance of chest hair.
(iii) Growth of hair in genital area and other parts of the skin.
Secondary sexual character in girls:
(i) Increase in breast size and darkening of the skin of nipples present at the tip of the breasts.
(ii) Growth of hair in genital area and other body parts.
(iii) Sex determination in an unborn baby:
The sex of a baby is determined by the type of male gamete that fuses with the female gamete.
All human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their nuclei. Out of these 23 pairs, the last pair is known as the
sex chromosome.
The human males have 23 pairs of chromosomes including XY sex chromosomes.
Therefore, the male gamete has 22 chromosomes and either an X or Y sex chromosome.
Male gametes can be of two types: 22 + X or 22 + Y
Females have 23 pairs of chromosomes including XX sex chromosomes. Therefore, their gametes can only have 22
chromosomes and one X sex chromosome.
Type of female gametes : 22 + X
Thus, as the mother provides only X chromosome, the sex of the baby is determined by the type of male gamete
(X or Y) that fuses with the X chromosome of the female.
9. Across:
3. ADAM’S APPLE
4. ENDOCRINE
7. PITUITARY
8. HORMONE
9. INSULIN
10. ESTROGEN
Down:

1. TESTOSTERONE
2. THYROID
3. ADOLESCENCE
5. TARGET SITE
6. LARYNX
7. PUBERTY
10. The graph depicts the relation between the age and height of both boys and girls. During puberty, there is a sudden
increase in height of both boys and girls. On the basis of the above graph, it can be observed that during the age of
4–8 years, girls have less height as compared to boys. However, as soon as girls reach 12–13 years, their height shows
a sudden increase and becomes more than boys. In later years, growth in both sexes becomes stable. Growth during
puberty is under the control of hormones.

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 9. Force and Pressure

Activity 9.1 (page 155)

Effects of force
Activity Push/Pull Tick the correct answer
1. Kick a football Push Moves/bloats
2. Stretch a rubber band Pull Size/speed changes
3. Pedal your bicycle with more force Push Speed decreases/increases
4. Roll dough into a chapati Push Speed/shape changes
Classroom Discussion (page 156)
Hint: The force applied by the winning team while pulling is more.
Classroom Discussion (page 156)
Hint: If magnitude of force is greater than strength of the material, then it will break.
Classroom Discussion (page 157)
Hint: Pumping of blood by the heart
Answer Orally (page 159)
1. The direction in which the body is pushed or pulled is called the direction of force.
2. (a) Mechanical (b) Rest (c) Muscular force (d) Non-contact (e) Gravitational
3. Gravitational force always attracts objects whereas magnetic force may cause repulsion too.
Classroom Discussion (page 160)
Hint: • The pressure at the rear side (back side) of buses and trucks is greater. Double wheels increase the area of contact,
thereby decreasing the pressure.
• The piece of cloth increases the area of contact between the load and the head of the porter which reduces the
pressure.
Classroom Discussion (page 161)
Hint: Pressure increases with the depth of liquid column so dams are made thicker at the bottom.
Classroom Discussion (page 163)
Hint: As the aeroplane goes to higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases. If the normal pressure is not
maintained inside the aeroplane, the passengers may face breathing problems, nose bleeding, etc.
Answer Orally (page 165)
1. Effect of force depends upon the area of contact of two bodies.
2. Pressure = force/area on which force acts
3. If the weight of the object is less than the upward force, then the object will float, otherwise it will sink.
4. Pressure is defined as the force acting on a unit area of a surface. The S.I. unit of pressure is pascal (Pa). Thus, one pascal
is the pressure applied when force of one newton acts on an area of one metre square.

Exercises
A. 1. For the force to act the two objects must interact with each other. You can understand this by the following examples.
Sit on a bicycle and wait for it to move on its own. Will it move? It will not move till you apply force on its pedals with
your feet. In the situation interaction between your feet and the pedals makes the bicycle move.
2. • Force can produce motion. For example, we push a heavy box to move it ahead.
• Force can stop motion. For example, we apply force to stop a moving ball.
• Force can change the direction of motion. For example, we kick a football coming towards us to change its
direction.
• Force can change the speed of motion. For example, we can decrease the speed of a rolling object moving
downhill by pulling it in the direction opposite to the direction of its motion.
• Force can change the shape and size of an object. For example, we can change the shape and size of a rubber
band by stretching it.

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 3. (a) Contact forces Non-contact forces
(i) The forces in which the two interacting objects (i) The forces which do not make a physical contact
are in physical contact with each other with the body and act through space
(ii) The various kinds of contact forces are (ii) Different non-contact forces are magnetic force,
muscular force, friction and mechanical force. electrostatic force and gravitational force.
(b) Electrostatic force Magnetic force
The force exerted by a charged body on another The force exerted by a magnet is called
charged or uncharged body is called electrostatic magnetic force.
force.
(c) Force Pressure
(i) Force is a push or a pull acting on a body which (i) Pressure is the force acting on a unit area of
tends to change its state of rest or of motion. surface.
(ii) Its S.I. unit is newton. (ii) Its S.I. unit is pascal.
4. (a) Mountaineers often encounter problems like nose bleeding when they reach high altitudes. This happens
because the pressure exerted by the blood in their body becomes much higher than the pressure outside
making the blood vessels burst.
(b) The gravitational force of the moon is approximately one-sixth that of the earth. So, your weight on the moon
will be one-sixth of your weight on the earth.
(c) High heels concentrate a large amount of force into a small area. The great pressure transmitted through such
a heel can make you feel uncomfortable while walking on soft ground.
(d) The pressure of a liquid keeps increasing with the depth. That is why deep sea divers wear special suits to
protect themselves from the increasing water pressure.
(e) The reason is that the pressure exerted by our body is equal to the pressure exerted by the atmosphere on our
body. This nullifies the effect of atmospheric pressure.
B. 1. Force is a pull or push acting on a body which tends to change its state of rest or of motion. The standard unit of
force is newton denoted by N.
2. For force to be effective, the two objects must interact with each other physically or otherwise. Based on this, forces
may be categorized as contact or non-contact forces.
3. The forces in which the two interacting objects are in physical contact with each other are called contact forces.
Muscular, frictional and mechanical forces are types of contact forces.
4. We are able to walk properly on rough surfaces because of the friction provided by the surface. It is very difficult to
walk on a smooth surface or wet road because the smoothness or wetness reduces the frictional force.
5. One pascal is the pressure applied when force of one newton acts on an area of one metre square.
6. Pressure = Force/area = 23N/46 m2 = 0.5 Pa
7. A feather floats on water because the weight of the feather is less than the upward force exerted by the water.
8. P = F/A = area = force/pressure = 72N/9 Pa = 8 m2
C. C1. 1. decrease 2. sum 3. opposite 4. increases 5. gravitational, earth
6. reduce 7. muscular 8. pascal
C2. 1. F 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. F 6. T
C3. 1. (iv) 2. (v) 3. (i) 4. (vi) 5. (ii) 6. (iii)
C4. 1. contact forces 2. friction 3. mechanical force
4. non-contact forces 5. electrostatic force 6. atmospheric pressure
C5. 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (d)
7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (b)
Do and Learn
Forces
A.

Contact forces Non-contact forces

Muscular force Mechanical force Friction Magnetic force Electrical force Gravitational force

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Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) If a rubber ball or marble is placed on a very smooth surface and given a small push, it starts moving with some
speed.
(b) If a child is placed on a hanging swing in the state of rest and the swing is pulled again and again by a rope, the
swing will move to and fro with a speed.
2. (i) If an inflated balloon is taken and pressed from two sides with hand, its shape gets changed.
(ii) If a plate of steel is beaten up with a hammer, the shape of the plate will get change.
3. (a) pull (b) attracts (c) pull (d) repels
4. (a) shape (b) muscular (c) contact (d) gravity, friction
5. Agents Exerting Force Object on Which Force Acts Effect of Force
(a) Fingers Lemon Lemon juice is extracted.
(b) Fingers Toothpaste tube Toothpaste comes out.
(c) A load Spring The spring expands.
(d) An athlete On the legs Cleans the height.

6. The shape of the hot piece of iron changes. It flattens and becomes thinner than earlier. This is the effect of force due
to hammering the piece of iron.
7. The electrostatic force is responsible for the attraction between the balloon and the wall.
8. The forces that act on the bucket are as follows.
(i) The pressure of water contained in it, is exerted on its wall and on base of the bucket.
(ii) Force of gravity by earth
(iii) The water is contained in a bucket and the pressure of force is exerted on the wall of the bucket, which is sufficient
to take it as a force.
As the bucket is held in my hand, so I overcome the force of gravity of the earth. That is why these forces do not bring
a change in the state of motion.
9. The two forces that are acting on the rocket immediately after leaving the launching pad are as follows.
(a) Force of gravity of earth acting downward
(b) Frictional force produced by air particles
10. (d) atmospheric pressure.

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 10. Friction
Classroom Discussion (page 174)
(c) More than 20 N
Classroom Discussion (page 174)
Hint: To reduce friction
Answer Orally (page 175)
1. The force of friction depends on the
• nature of surfaces in contact.    • mass of objects in contact.
2. (a) Rolling friction, sliding friction     (b) Sliding friction, static friction
(c) Force of friction in smooth surfaces, force of friction in rough surfaces
Classroom Discussion (page 175)
Hint: To achieve streamlined shape and thus reduce the drag
Answer Orally (page 177)
1. The frictional force exerted by fluids is called drag. No, it is fluid friction only.
2. Reducing friction Increasing friction
(b) Oil and grease (a) Sand and gravel
(c) Wheels and ball bearings (d) Brake pads and beaded tyres
(e) Streamlining

Exercises
A. 1. Refer to section 10.4 on page 176.
2. The disadvantages of friction are:
• Friction wears out the rubbing surfaces like screws and ball bearings of machines or soles of shoes.
• The objects in contact require more force to overcome friction between their rubbing surfaces. This results in
wastage of energy.
• You already know that friction generates heat. This heat raises the temperature of a machine, sometimes causing
damage to its parts. Hence, proper arrangements have to be made to keep the machine cool. For example,
insulation of windings of machines like mixer grinders, hair dryers, etc. may get spoiled due to friction and the
motor may burn.
3. A common way to reduce friction is by applying a lubricant such as oil, water or grease on the two surfaces. This
forms a layer of lubricant between the surfaces. So, the friction is now between the surfaces and the lubricant which
is much less than that between the two surfaces.
4. (a) The force of friction acting between two bodies when they slide on one another with a uniform speed is called
sliding friction.
When an object starts sliding, the contact points on its surface do not get enough time to lock into the contact
points on the floor. So sliding friction is slightly smaller than static friction.
(b) Static friction is the frictional force that exists between two bodies so long as they are relatively at rest, even
though an external force is acting upon them. It is the opposing force that comes into play when one body
tends to move over the surface of another but actual movement has not started. Static friction must be
overcome before an object can be set in motion.
(c) Fluids (liquids and gases) exert force of friction on all objects moving through them. This frictional force exerted
by fluids is called drag. This drag depends upon the shape, material and the speed of the object. Fluid friction
is minimum for objects that are narrow in front and broad at the back. This shape is called streamlined shape.
Streamlining reduces drag enabling the object to pass through easily.
(d) The force of friction that exists between two surfaces when a body rolls over the other body is called rolling
friction.
Rolling reduces friction. That is why it is easy to move a heavy box when it is fitted with wheels. We will need to
apply a lot of force, if it is without wheels.

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B. 1. Friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object. It slows things down or prevents them from moving.
The two properties of friction are:
(i) Friction always opposes motion.   (ii) Friction produces heat
2. Friction is caused by the irregularities on the surfaces in contact.
3. Because friction produces heat
4. Friction is very less on smooth paper.
5. Refer to section 10.7 on page 177.
C. C1. 1. F 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. F 6. T 7. F
C2. 1. oppose 2. irregularities 3. streamlined 4. increase 5. sliding friction
C3. 1. (ii) 2. (iii) 3. (iv) 4. (i) 5. (vi) 6. (v)
C4 1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (a)
Do and Learn
A.
Friction

Friction exerted by solids Fluid friction

Static friction Sliding friction Rolling friction

E. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Irregularities 2. Streamlining 3. Treaded 4. Lubrication
Down: 5. Fluids 6. Sliding friction 7. Rolling friction 8. Drag
Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) movement (b) irregularities (c) heat (d) reduce (e) less
2. (c) Static, sliding, rolling
3. (a) wet marble floor, dry marble floor, newspaper and towel.
4. Force of friction
Motion

5. The soapy water would make a thin layer over the marble floor. This will reduce friction. Hence, walking on the floor
would be difficult.
6. Shoes with spikes offer more friction because of more irregularities in the surface. This gives better grip to sportsmen
while running.
7. Seema has to apply larger force because friction increases with increase in weight.
8. When something is static, a greater force is required to break the interlocking between two surfaces. When something
is in motion, there is no need to break the interlocking and a smaller force is required to the keep the object in motion.
Hence, sliding friction is less than static friction.
9. Following are the two examples which show that friction is both a friend and a foe.
• Friction helps a vehicle to stop. It also helps us to walk. Thus, friction is a friend.
• Friction wears out the parts of machine which makes it a foe.
10. The streamlined shape encounters less resistance while moving through a fluid. This is not true for other shapes. So,
objects moving in the fluids must have special shapes like boat or fish.

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 11. Sound

Answer Orally (page 187)

1. (b) Vibrations produce sound.   2. oscillatory motion   3. High frequency   4. solids, gases

Classroom Discussion (page 188)

Hint: Sound can travel through metal strings.

Answer Orally (page 190)

1. (a) Oscillation is a regular movement of an object between one position and another.
(b) Sounds of frequency lower than 20 Hz are called infrasonic sounds.
(c) The maximum displacement or extent of vibration or oscillation of a vibrating body from its mean position is known
as its amplitude. It is the greatest distance that a sound wave moves up and down.
(d) Loudness is the characteristic of sound which distinguishes a feeble sound from a loud one of the same frequency.
2. No 3. Yes

Classroom Discussion (page 191)

Hint: There is vacuum (no air) on the moon, so the sound will not travel there.

Answer Orally (page 193)

1. Noise Music
(i) Noise is a sound which is not pleasing to the (i) Music is a melodious sound that creates
ears. a pleasant sensation on the ears.
(ii) It is produced by irregular vibrations. Noise is (ii) It is produced by regular vibrations.
an unwanted sound that causes annoyance
and pain.
Examples: Sound produced by various machines, Examples: Sound produced by a piano,
barking of dogs, etc. violin, etc.
2. Trees act as buffers and absorb sounds that are produced on the streets.
3. The disturbance produced in the environment by loud and harsh sounds from various sources is called noise pollution.
4. No, it affects our sense of hearing.

Exercises
A. 1. Sound is something that produces the sensation of hearing in our ears.
Sound can be produced by making the objects move to and fro or back and forth. The to and fro or back and forth
motion of an object is called vibration. When a tightly stretched band is plucked, it vibrates and produces sound.
Sounds can be made by vibrating an object. For example, when a drumstick hits a drum, the flexible skin of the
drum vibrates up and down producing sound.
2. For diagram refer to Fig. 11.2 on page 186
In human beings sound is produced by the voice box or larynx. The two vocal cords are the ligaments that are
stretched across the voice box. The voice box leaves a narrow slit between the vocal cords for air to pass. When air
passes through the slit, the vocal cords vibrate and produce sound.
3. The effects of noise pollution are multifaceted and inter-related.
• Lack of concentration: Concentration is needed to produce quality work. Noise from traffic, horns, loudspeakers,

etc. causes disturbance leading to lack of concentration.
• Fatigue: Noise pollution distracts people and reduces concentration. Thus they have to spend more time to

complete the work. This leads to tiredness and fatigue.

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 • Blood pressure: Noise pollution effects a person’s peace of mind adversely. It adds to the existing tensions of

modern living. These tensions result in diseases like high blood pressure or short-temperedness.
• Deafness: The effect of noise pollution on audibility is well-known. It often causes temporary or permanent

deafness in people who work in noisy places. Some such examples are mechanics, locomotive drivers, telephone
operators, etc.
4. Sound is a form of energy and is produced by a vibrating body through a medium. The vibrating body transfers its
energy to the neighbouring molecules in a medium, which in turn passes on the energy to the other molecules.
Thus, sound is propagated.
When air is completely removed from a container, vacuum is created in it. No sound can be produced in such a
container as there is no medium for sound to travel.
5. Refer to Fig. 11.3 on page 188
B. 1. Frequency of the sound
2. We can distinguish between different sounds on the basis of the following characteristics:
(i) Loudness: It is the characteristic of sound which distinguishes a feeble sound from a loud one of the same
frequency.
(ii) Pitch: The frequency of vibration determines the shrillness or pitch of a sound. The more is the frequency, the
shriller is the sound.
3. Broadly speaking, noise pollution has two main sources, i.e., industrial and non-industrial. Industrial sources include
noise from various sirens, hooters and machines in industries. Non-industrial sources of noise include the noise
created by vehicular traffic and the neighbourhood.
4. Amplitude is the measure of loudness. Larger the amplitude, more is the loudness. Frequency is the measure of
pitch. The more is the frequency, the shriller is the sound.
C. C1. 1. F 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. F 6. T
C2. 1. pitch 2. ultrasonic sounds, cannot 3. noise 4. hertz
5. sound 6. vacuum
C3. 1. (ii) 2. (vi) 3. (iv) 4. (i) 5. (iii) 6. (v)
C4. 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (d)
Some Questions from NCERT
1. (d) solids, liquids and gases.
2. (a) Baby girl
3. (a) True (b) False (c) False (d) True
(e) False (f ) False (g) T
4. (a) time period
(b) amplitude
(c) hertz
(d) noise
(e) pitch
5. Number of oscillations = 40
Time taken = 4 seconds
Number of oscillation
Frequency =
Time-taken
40
= = 10 Hz
4

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 6. Number of vibrations in 1 second = 500
Therefore, frequency = 500Hz
1
Time period =
Frequency
1
= = 0.002 second
500
7. (a) Dholak: Stretched membrane
(b) Sitar: Stretched string
(c) Flute: Air column
8. The unpleasant sound is called noise whereas pleasant sound is called music. Noise can produce so many health
hazards whereas music brings about soothing effect.
Yes, music can become noise sometimes when the musical instruments produce very high volume sounds.
9. Following are the sources of noise pollution.
• The sound produced by buses and trucks

• The sound produced at the construction site

• The sound produced by playing of T.V., radio and loudspeaker

• Bursting of crackers, and sound of big machines in the factories

10. The noise pollution may cause many health related problems. Lack of sleep, hypertension, anxiety, etc. are some
problems that may caused due to noise pollution. Moreover, a person who is exposed to a loud sound continuously
may get temporary or permanent deafness.
11. I would suggest my parents to buy the house which is three lanes away from the roadside. This would protect us from
noise pollution which is maximum on the roadside building.
12. The other name of larynx is voice box. It is present at the upper end of the windpipe. The function of larynx is to
produce sound.
13. The light travels at the speed of 3,00,000 km/s which is very large in comparison to the speed of sound which travels
at the rate of 330 m/s in air. That is why lightening is seen earlier and thunder is heard later.

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 12. Chemical Effects of Current
Classroom Discussion (page 198)
Hint: Solar lamps and devices, candle, lantern, etc.
Classroom Discussion (page 200)
Hint: The boy who is putting hand in the vessel containing distilled water will not get a shock because distilled water is a
poor conductor of electricity.
Activity 12.3 (page 200)
Testing the conductivity of liquids
Conductor Insulator
Liquid
(Bulb glows) (Bulb does not glow)
1. Distilled water 3
2. Aerated drink 3
3. Cooking oil 3
4. Vinegar 3
5. Kerosene 3
6. Milk 3
7. Alcohol 3

Classroom Discussion (page 201)

Hint: Water conducts electricity. Also, our hands have sweat glands due to which there is some quantity of sweat
(containing salts) on our hands which further make the water a good conductor.

Answer Orally (page 201)

1. (a) The liquid which conducts electricity and undergoes decomposition is called an electrolyte.
(b) Insulators are the materials which do not allow electric current to flow through them.
(c) The flow of electric charge is called current.
(d) Conductors are the materials which allow electric current to flow through them.
(e) The process of decomposition of electrolyte solution into ions on passing current through it is called electrolysis.
(f ) An ion is an atom or a molecule with an electric charge created by losing or gaining one or more electrons.
2. Solutions of acids, bases and salts
3. Oxygen, hydrogen

Answer Orally (page 203)

1. (a) Fused bauxite and cryolite    (b) Chromium    (c) Silver
2. If the current strength is very high, the plating may become brittle.

Exercises
A. 1. Electrolysis is carried out in an apparatus called voltameter or electrolytic cell. It consists of a glass vessel containing
an electrolyte and two metal plates called electrodes, connected to a battery. The electrode connected to the
positive terminal of the battery is called anode, and the one connected to the negative terminal is called cathode.
Refer to Fig. 12.2 on page 203.
2. (a) Refer section 12.3 on page 202.
(b) Refer section 12.3.3 on page 202.
(c) Refer section 12.3.1 on page 202.

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 3. Applications of electroplating:
• It is widely used for coating metal objects with a thin layer of different metals. For example, chromium plating is

done on many objects such as kitchen gas burners, bath taps, etc.
• Electroplating is widely used to prevent corrosion. For example, chromium has a shiny appearance and it does not

corrode.
• Jewellers electroplate silver and gold on less expensive metals.

• Tin cans used for storing food are made by electroplating tin on iron.

• Iron is coated with zinc to protect it from corrosion and prevent formation of rust.

B. 1. The flow of electric charge is called current.
2. Conductors: Conductors are the materials which allow electric current to flow through them. All metals, alloys of
metals, electrolytes, rainwater, etc. are good conductors.
Insulators: Insulators are the materials which do not allow electric current to flow through them. For example,

distilled water, plastic, wood, etc.
3. The liquid which conducts electricity and undergoes decomposition is called an electrolyte.
Solutions of acids, bases and salts are examples of electrolyte.
4. If the current is very weak, the filament doesn’t get heated sufficiently and it does not glow. Therefore even though
the liquid is conducting; the bulb does not glow.
5. (a) Anode: The positive electrode where the negative ions collect is called anode.
(b) The process of decomposition of electrolyte solution into ions on passing current through it is called electrolysis.
(c) Electroplating is a process of depositing a thin layer of one metal over another metal by the method of
electrolysis.
(d) An ion is an atom or a molecule with an electric charge created by losing or gaining one or more electrons.
C. C1. 1. F 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. T
C2. 1. cathode, anode 2. zinc 3. voltameter or electrolytic cell]
4. good conductors 5. ion, charge
C3. 1. (iii) 2. (iv) 3. (i) 4. (v) 5. (ii)
C4. 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (d)
Some Questions from NCERT
1. (a) acids, bases, salts
(b) chemical
(c) negative
(d) electroplating
2. The deflection in the compass needle shows that current is flowing through the wounded wire and hence, through
the circuit. The circuit is complete since free ends of the tester are dipped in a solution. The solution is certainly a
conducting solution. Due to this reason, the compass needle shows a deflection.
3. Liquids like lemon juice, salt water and vegetable oil allow electricity to pass through them. Hence, these liquids can
be used in the beaker to show the given effect.
4. The possible reasons are as follows
• The solution may be conducting electricity but the current produced is too small due to which the filament of the
bulb does not get heated and the bulb does not glow.
• It is possible that the connections are loose.
• The cells are used up.
5. (a) liquid A is better conductor than liquid B.
The amount of current flowing through a conducting solution depends on the conductivity of the solution. With
more conductivity, more current passes through the solution and vice versa. Hence, the conductivity of liquid A is
more than the conductivity of liquid B.

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 6. Pure water does not conduct electricity. This is because pure water is devoid of any salts. Pure water can conduct
electricity when a pinch of common salt is added to it, as salt solution is conducting in nature.
7. Water may conduct electricity. If the electrical supply for the area is not shut off and water is poured over electrical
appliances, then electricity may pass through water and harm the firemen. That is why, in case of a fire, the firemen
shut off the main electrical supply for the area before they use the water hoses.
8. Sea water contains more dissolved salts than the drinking water. Hence, it is more conducting than the drinking water.
Due to this reason, the compass needle deflects more in seawater than in drinking water.
9. It is not safe to repair electrical appliances outdoors during heavy downpour. This is because rainwater contains
dissolved salts. Therefore, rainwater can conduct electricity.
10. Rainwater contains dissolved salts. This makes it a conducting solution. There are no dissolved salts present in the
distilled water. Therefore, rainwater can allow electricity to pass through it while distilled water cannot.
11. Examples of electroplated objects are as follows.
• Chromium plating is done on different parts of cars, buses and motor cycles to give them shiny appearance.
• A fine layer of gold is deposited on the silver ornaments and they are called gold-plated ornaments.
• Iron used in constructing a building is coated with a layer of zinc. This protects iron from corrosion and rusting.
12. Copper ion is positively charged. It is attracted towards the plate which is connected to the negative terminal of the
battery. As copper ions are transferred to the thin copper plate, this thin pure copper plate must be connected to the
negative terminal of battery. Consequently, impure copper rod is connected to the positive terminal of the battery.

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 13. Some Natural Phenomena
Classroom Discussion (page 214)
Hint: At times, electric discharge can occur between a cloud and the earth. This causes lightning near the earth’s surface.
Thus, it is not advisable to lie flat on the ground in an open space as it will increase the chances of letting electric
current to pass from the ground to your body.
Answer Orally (page 215)
1. (a) A lightning conductor is installed on tall buildings, poles, etc. to protect them from lightning. It consists of a metal
rod with spikes at the top and a copper plate attached at the lower end.
(b) The process of transfer of charges from a charged object to the earth is called earthing or grounding.
(c) We can also charge a body by bringing a charged body near it, but not touching it. The charged body induces the
same charge that it has on the uncharged body. This method of transfer of charge is called induction.
(d) Electroscope is a device used to measure and detect electric charge.
2. (a) Same charge as on the charging body
(b) Equal and opposite charge in both bodies
(c) Same charge as on the charging body
3. Upper edges of the cloud, ground
4. If the tree gets hit by lightning and catches fire, you can be harmed.
Classroom Discussion (page 219)
Hint: The movement of the plates is so slow and smooth that we do not feel the tremors all the time. They are felt only
when there is a sudden release of tremendous energy either due to interlocking of the tectonic plates or collision
between them.
Mind Scrambler (page 219)
(a) MANTLE    (b) ELECTROSCOPE
Answer Orally (page 220)
(a) Seismogram  (b) Seismic waves  (c) Mantle  (d) Landslides  (e) Tsunamis

Exercises
A. 1. Refer to section 13.1.1 on page 212.
2. Refer to section 13.2.2 on page 215.
3. During the development of a thunderstorm there is an upward movement of air currents while the water droplets
move downward. Due to these vigorous movements, positive and negative charges separate from each other. The
positive charges accumulate near the upper edges of the clouds and the negative charges accumulate near the
lower edges. The positive charge also collects near the ground. Although air is a poor conductor of electricity, yet
when the magnitude of the collected charges becomes very large, air is no longer able to resist their flow. Hence,
negative charges meet the positive charges producing streaks of bright light and a loud sound. This streak of bright
light is known as lightning and the process is called electric discharge.
4. To protect buildings from damage, a lightning conductor is fixed on them. It consists of a metal rod with spikes
at the top and a copper plate attached at the lower end. The copper plate is buried deep in the earth. If lightning
strikes, it flows to the earth through the metal rod without causing any damage to the building. Refer Fig. 13.3 for
diagram on page 215.
5. The earth consists of three parts:
(i) Crust: It is the outermost solid shell of the earth. It is of non-uniform thickness and is thinner at the ocean floor.
It is composed of a variety of rocks.
(ii) Mantle: It lies just below the crust. It consists of semisolid rocks, iron, magnesium and calcium. It is divided into
various layers based on the scientific study of earthquakes.
(iii) Core: It is the innermost part of the earth and is divided into two sections. The outer core contains iron and
nickel in molten state. The inner core is believed to be made of compressed iron and nickel in solid form.
The crust and the upper layer of the mantle together form the lithosphere. Earth’s lithosphere is not in one
piece. It is divided into many fragments (pieces) called tectonic plates.

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 6. Earthquakes can be caused due to various reasons:
• Volcanic eruption
• Underground nuclear explosion
• Collision of meteor and earth
• Movement of tectonic plates
When tectonic plates move they rub against each other, sometimes getting interlocked. This prevents them from
moving. For years, forces pushing the two plates from beneath create tremendous pressure against the edges of the
plates. As the pressure continues to build, the strain rips the two plates apart. This sudden ripping of the two plates
sends waves of high energy in all directions within and along the surface of the earth. These waves are called seismic
waves and are felt as earthquakes when they reach the surface.
7. If you are caught in an earthquake, follow the given steps to protect yourself.
(i) Take shelter under a heavy table or a cot and stay there till the shaking stops.
(ii) Keep away from tall and heavy objects that may fall on you.
(iii) If you are in bed, do not get up. Protect your head with a pillow.
(iv) Avoid using a lift.
(v) Leave the building you are in and move to an open area. But take care to be away from electric poles, sign
boards, trees or tall structures that could fall down.
(vi) Stay inside a car or a bus if you are travelling. Ensure the vehicle is not near an electric pole or a tall building.
8. Refer to section 13.3.4 on page 218.
B. 1. In the normal stage, an atom has an equal number of electrons and protons and it carries no charge. Hence, it is
electrically neutral.
2. On touching the end of the paper clip slightly with your hand, you will observe that they will come back to their
original state. Repeat charging of foil strips and touching the paper clip with your hand. You will find that every time
you touch the paper clip, the foil strips lose charge and come back to their original state. This happens because the
strips lose charge to the earth through your body as human body is a good conductor. We can also say that foil strips
get discharged on touching. This process of transfer of charges from a charged object to the earth is called earthing
or grounding.
3. The instrument used to measure seismic waves is called a seismograph. It consists of a pendulum bob or a vibrating
rod suspended with a string. A pen is attached to this bob upside down. A roll of graph is placed on a rotating drum
that is fixed to the base of seismograph.
4. Earthquakes are classified on the basis of the readings on the scale as follows:
• 0–2 : Unnoticed
• 2–4 : Felt but not damaging
• 4–6 : Moderate
• 6–8 : Severe
• 8–9 : Very severe
C. C1. 1. T 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T 6. F 7. F
C2. 1. severe 2. core, two 3. protons, electrons 4. induction
5. tsunami 6. earth 7. epicentre 8. electroscope
C3. 1. (iv) 2. (vii) 3. (v) 4. (vi) 5. (viii) 6. (ii) 7. (i) 8. (iii)
C4. 1. Induction 2. Electroscope 3. Earthing 4. Conduction
5. Mantle 6. Crust 7. Earthquake 8. Seismograph 9. Seismogram 10. Tsunami
C5. 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (c)
Do and Learn
C. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Electroscope 3. Neutrons 5. Earthing
Down: 1. Epicentre 2. Conduction 4. Richter 6. Mantle 7. Seismogram
Some Questions from NCERT
1. (b) A copper rod
Only non-conducting materials can be easily charged by friction. Copper is a highly conducting material. Therefore,
a copper rod cannot be charged easily by friction.

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 2. (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 get oppositely charged. By
convention, it is considered that the charge acquired by the glass rod is positive and charge acquired by the cloth
is negative. Therefore, the rod becomes positively charged and the cloth becomes negatively charged.
3. (a) False (b) True (c) False (d) False
4. When a sweater is taken off, it gets charged because of the friction between the sweater and the body. Due to this, one
can hear a crackling sound.
5. When a charged body is touched by hand, the human body provides a passage for the charge to the earth. Due to this,
the charged body loses its charge. This phenomenon is called electric discharge.
6. The destructive energy of an earthquake is measured by the Richter scale. This scale has the readings from 1 to 10. The
reading of magnitude 3 on the Ritcher scale would be recorded by a seismograph. The earthquake of this intensity
is not likely to cause much damage. Generally, earthquake of magnitude higher then 5 is considered destructive in
nature.
7. Protective measures against lightning are as follows.
• Try to remain indoors.
• Do not carry an umbrella during lightning.
• If in open; do not take shelter under a tall tree or any tall structure.
• Do not touch any electrical wires, telephone cables, metal pipes, etc.
• Do not bathe in running water. This may cause an electric shock.
8. The nature of charges present on the surface of charged balloons are similar. Since like charges repeal each other, two
charged balloons repel each other. When a charged body is brought near an uncharged body, the uncharged body
acquires charges on its surface caused by the induction of charges. The charges are of opposite nature in relation to
the charged body. Since unlike charges attract each other, a charged body always attracts an uncharged body. Hence,
an uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon.
9. An electroscope can be used to detect whether a body is charged or not. The following figure shows a simple
electroscope.

Metal disc

Metal rod

Leaves of aluminium foil

It consists of a metal rod. At one end of the rod, two leaves of aluminium foil are fixed and at the other end, there is
a metal disc. The leaves of aluminium foil are placed inside a conical flask and the flask is corked to isolate the leaves
from air. When the metal disc is touched with a charged body, the aluminium strips move away from each other. This
happens because some of the charges of the body are transferred to the strips through the metal rod. This method of
charging a body is called charging by conduction. The nature of charges on both the leaves and the charged body are
the similar. Hence, both the leaves of the aluminium foil will move away from each other. If the body was not charged,
then the leaves of the foil would remain as they were before. They would not repel each other.
10. Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat and Assam are the three states in India where earthquake are more likely to strike.
11. Some of the precautions are as follows:
(i) Try to find an open field away from tall buildings, installations, tall trees, and electric wires and poles.
(ii) If travelling in a bus or a car, then do not come out when an earthquake strikes.
Ask the driver to drive in an open field.
12. We should not carry an umbrella in a thunderstorm. During thunderstorms, which are accompanied with lightning,
electric discharge from the clouds can travel through the metallic rod of the umbrella. This may give an electric shock
to the person who is carrying it. Hence, it is not safe to carry an umbrella during lightning.

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 14. Light

Activity 14.1 (page 229)

Nature of image formed by a plane mirror
Characteristics of the image Tick in front of the right alternative
1. Location Behind the mirror   3 In front of the mirror
2. Nature (a) Real (a) Virtual      3
(b) Erect      3 (b) Inverted
3. Size Enlarged Same        3
4. Distance Equal       3 Unequal
5. Laterally inverted No Yes         3

Answer Orally (page 231)

1. The beam of light shown is convergent because the rays of light appear to
meet at a point in the given diagram.

2. Lateral inversion means that the right side of the object appears as left and the left side of the object appears right. Yes
3. The image formed by the plane mirror is erect and not inverted. That is why we see ourself upright in plane mirror.
4. A group of light rays coming from the same source in the same direction is called beam of light.
5. Diffused reflection

Activity 14.3 (page 232)

The number of images formed at different angles
Angle between the mirrors (q) Number of images (n)

1. 120° 2

2. 90° 3

3. 60° 5

4. 30° 11

5. 0° (parallel) Multiple images

Answer Orally (page 234)

1. (i) There must be a source of light.
(ii) The light must strike the object.
(iii) The light must be reflected from the object to the eye.
2. Multiple reflection is the phenomenon in which we get multiple images of the object because the image formed by one
mirror acts as an object for the second mirror.
3. n = (360/q) – 1
4. Recombination prism
5. The set of colours formed on splitting of white light is called the spectrum of white light.

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Classroom Discussion (page 236)
Hint: If the retina gets damaged, then the vision is affected. Depending upon the severity of damage and the area of the
retina which gets damaged, the vision may be blurred, partially or even completely lost. There is no treatment for
retinal damage.

Mind Scrambler (page 239)

(a) MYOPIA    (b) CORNEA     (c) BRAILLE

Answer Orally (page 209)

1. (a) Retina: It acts as a screen for image formation.
(b) Sclera: It protects the internal parts of the eye.
(c) Eyelids: They act as shutters and protect it from dust and injury.
(d) Lens: It focuses light to form an image on the retina.
(e) Iris: It increases or decreases the size of the pupil to control the amount of light entering the eye.
(f ) Ciliary muscle: They hold the lens in position and also control the focal length of the eye lens by contracting and
expanding.
(g) Pupil: It allows light to enter the eye.
(h) Optic nerve: It carries visual message to the brain from retina.
2. (a) Myopia: People suffering from myopia should wear spectacles with concave lenses of appropriate focal length.
(b) Cataract: Cataract can be treated surgically or through laser by replacing the eye lens with a new artificial lens.
(c) Hypermetropia: It can be corrected by wearing spectacles with convex lens.
3. (a) The least distance at which a normal eye can see an object clearly is called near point of the eye.
(b) The ability of the eye to alter the focal length of its lens so that it can clearly see all objects within a certain range is
called accommodation.
(c) The ability of an eye to continue to see an image for a very short period of time even after the object is removed is
called the persistence of vision.
4. A visually challenged person can use either non-optical aids or optical aids. Non-optical aids include visual, auditory,
tactual and electric aids. Lenses, magnifiers and telescopic aids are optical aids.
5. There are 63 symbols or characters in Braille. Each symbol is represented by a cell which consists of two vertical rows of
three dots each. One or more dots in a cell may be embossed (raised) to form the symbols.
6. Raw carrots, broccoli, green vegetables, cod liver oil, eggs, papaya, mango

Exercises
A. 1. (i) The image is formed behind the mirror.
(ii) It is a virtual image which cannot be taken on the screen.
(iii) The size of the image and the object is the same.
(iv) The image formed by the plane mirror is erect and not inverted.
(v) The image will be formed as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
(vi) The image formed by a plane mirror is laterally inverted.
2. Regular reflection Diffuse reflection
(i) Reflection from polished surfaces (i) Reflection from rough or irregular surfaces
(ii) Reflected rays are parallel to each other. (ii) Reflected rays move in various directions.
(iii) The image is seen in the reflecting (iii) The image is diffused or irregular.
surface.
(iv) It can be seen in a plane mirror, (iv) It can be seen in scratched mirror, rippling
unused stainless steel plate, etc. water, etc.

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 3. (a) Refer to section 14.5 on page 231.
(b) The light rays from an object enter the eye through pupil. A real, inverted and highly diminished image is
formed on the retina. The rods and cones of the retina get activated and convert the image into electric
impulses/signals. These signals are taken by the optic nerve to the brain. While the signals are transmitted the
inverted image is re-inverted and the brain sees it as an erect image and helps us to sense the actual object.
(c) Refer to section 14.8.3 on page 236.
(d) Even after the object is removed in front of our eye, its image is retained on the retina for about one-sixteenth
(1/16th) of a second. This is called persistence of vision. Thus, persistence of vision is the ability of an eye to
continue to see an image for a very short period of time even after the object is removed.
(e) Refer to section 14.8.4 on page 237.
(f ) It is important to eat a balanced diet with sufficient quantity of vitamin A to keep our eyes healthy. Raw carrots,
broccoli, green vegetables, cod liver oil, eggs, milk and milk products, fruit like papaya and mango are rich
sources of vitamin A. Vitamin C and E are also good for eyes.
4. For structure refer to section 14.8.1 and for the diagram refer to Fig. 14.8 on page 234.
5. Refer to section 14.8.5 on page 237.
B. 1. (a) The ability of the eye to alter the focal length of its lens so that it can clearly see all objects within a certain
range is called accommodation.
(b) Light is a form of energy which gives us the sensation of seeing objects.
(c) Multiple reflection is the phenomenon in which we get multiple images of the object because the image
formed by one mirror acts as an object for the second mirror.
(d) A group of light rays coming from the same source in the same direction is called a beam of light.
(e) The bouncing back of light from the surface of an object is called reflection of light.
(f ) The least distance at which a normal eye can see an object clearly is called near point of the eye.
2. Law I: The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the reflecting surface lie in the same plane.
Law II: The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

For diagram, refer to Fig. 14.1 on page 227.
3. The phenomenon of splitting of white light into its component colours is called dispersion of light. The set of colours
formed on splitting of white light is called the spectrum of white light.
4. Multiple reflection is the phenomenon in which we get multiple images of the object because the image formed by
one mirror acts as an object for the second mirror. n = (360/q) – 1
5. Refer to page 236.
C. C1. 1. T 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T
C2. 1. Normal 2. plane 3. decreasing, increases 4. prism, white
5. Sclera 6. 1/16th 7. far
C3. 1. (iii) 2. (v) 3. (vi) 4. (i) 5. (vii) 6. (ii) 7. (iv)
C4. 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (d)
Some Questions from NCERT
1. It is not possible for us to see objects a dark room. However, objects outside the room are visible to us.
An object becomes visible when light reaches our eye after being reflected from the object. If there is no light in the
room, then the objects inside the room cannot reflect any light. Hence, we cannot see in a dark room. If there is light
present outside the room, then we can see the objects outside the room.
2. Regular reflection takes place from a smooth or a regular surface. In regular reflection, all reflected rays are parallel to
each other for parallel incident rays. Irregular or diffused reflection takes place from an irregular surface. In diffused
reflection, the reflected rays are not parallel to each other for parallel incident rays. This happens because of the

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 presence of irregular microscopic surfaces. Hence, parallel incident rays reflect in different directions. However, each
ray obeys the laws of reflection. Therefore, laws of reflections are not violated in diffused or irregular reflections.
3. (a) Polished wooden table: Regular reflection
A polished surface is an example of a smooth surface. A polished wooden table has a smooth surface. Hence,
reflection from the polished table will be regular.
(b) Chalk powder: Diffused reflection
Chalk power spread on a surface is an example of an irregular surface. It is not smooth. Therefore, diffused reflection
will take place from chalk powder.
(c) Cardboard surface: Diffused reflection
Cardboard surface is also an example of an irregular surface. Hence, diffused reflection will take place from a
cardboard surface.
(d) Marble floor with water spread over it: Regular reflection
Marble floor with water spread over it is an example of a regular surface. This is because water makes the marble
surface smooth. Hence, regular reflection will take place from this surface.
(e) Mirror: Regular reflection
Mirror has a smooth surface. Therefore, it will give a regular reflection.
(f ) Piece of paper: Diffused reflection
Although a piece of paper may look smooth, but it has many irregularities on its surface. Due to this reason, it will
give a diffused reflection.
4. Following laws of reflection.
(i) The angle of reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence.
(ii) The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the reflective surface at the point of incidence all lie in the
same plane.
5. Place a plane mirror on the table. Take a sheet of paper and make a small hole in its centre. Make sure that the light in
the room is not bright. Hold the sheet normal to the table. Take another sheet and place it on the table in contact with
the vertical mirror. Draw a normal line on the second sheet from the mirror. Now, light a torch on the mirror through
the small hole such that the ray of light falls on the normal at the bottom of the mirror. When the ray from this hole is
incident on the mirror, it gets reflected in a certain direction. You can easily observe the incident ray, reflected ray and
the normal to the mirror at the point of incidence on the sheet placed on the table. This shows that the incident ray,
and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane.

6. (a) A person 1 m in front of a plane mirror seems to be 2 m away from his image.
(Object distance and image distance are the same from a plane mirror. The image of a person 1 m in front of a
mirror is 1 m back to the mirror. Hence, the image is 1 + 1 = 2 m away from the person.)
(b) If you touch your left ear with your right hand in front of a plane mirror, it will be seen in the mirror that your right
ear is touched with your left hand. (This is because of lateral inversion of images formed in a plane mirror.)
(c) The size of the pupil becomes large when you see in dim light.
(In dim light, the amount of light entering the eye is very little. To increase the amount of light, the pupil expands.)
(d) Night birds have less cones than rods intheir eyes.

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 (Night birds can see in the night, but not in the day. They have on their retina a large number of rod cells and only
a few cones.)
7. (a) The angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection. This is the first law of reflection.
8. (b) Image formed by a plane mirror is virtual, behind the mirror and of the same size as the object.
The image formed by a plane mirror is of the same size as the object. The image is formed behind the mirror. The
image cannot be obtained on a screen. Hence, it is a virtual image.
9. Construction of a kaleidoscope
Three rectangular mirror strips of dimensions 15 cm × 4 cm (l × b) are joined together to form a prism. This prism is
fixed into a circular cardboard tube.
The circular cardboard tube should be slightly longer that the prism. This circular tube is now closed at one end with
a cardboard disc. This disc has a hole in it through which we can see. At the other end of the circular tube, a plane
glass plate is fixed. It is important that this glass plate touches the prism mirrors. On this glass plate, several small and
broken pieces of coloured glass are placed. This end is now closed by a round glass plate allowing enough space for
the ccoloured glass pieces to move.

10. Sclera

Cornea Blind spot

Pupil

Iris Retina

Ciliary muscle Optic

nerve

Parts of the human eye

11. We can take care of our eyes in the following ways.
• Visit an eye specialist regularly.

• Avoid reading in dim light and very bright light.

• Avoid direct exposure of sunlight to the eye.

• Clean your eyes with cold water quickly if dust particles or small insects enter your eye. Do not rub your

eyes.
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the book and your eyes while reading.

12. If the reflected ray is at an angle of 90° to the incident ray, then the angle of incidence is 45°. According to
the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Therefore, both the angle of
incidence and the angle of reflection both are = (90/2) = 45°.
13. Infinite or multiple images of the candle will be formed because of multiple reflections between the mirrors.
When two mirrors are placed parallel to each other, then infinite numbers of images are formed.

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14. The first law of reflection is used to obtain the path of reflected light.

30°

It can be observed that the given ray of light will reflect from the second mirror at an angle of 60°.
15. A plane mirror forms a virtual image behind the mirror. The image is as far behind the mirror as the object
is in front of it. A cannot see his image because the length of the mirror is too short on his side. However, he
can see the objects placed at points P and Q, but cannot see the object placed at point R.
A P
Q

R’

A’
P’ Q’

16. (a) Image of the object placed at A is formed behind the mirror. The distance of the image from the mirror
is equal to the distance of A from the mirror. Image of A is shown in the given figure.

(b) Yes. Paheli at B can see this image.

(c) Yes. Boojho at C can see this image.
(d) Image of the object at A will not move. It will remain at the same position when Paheli moves from B
to C.

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 15. The Night Sky
Answer Orally (page 247)
1. Planets do not have the light of their own. They reflect the sunlight that falls on them.
2. Inner planets do not have rings and are mostly made of rocks. Therefore, they are very dense.
3. The sun is a huge ball of gases. It mainly consists of hydrogen which gets converted into helium due to the continuous
nuclear reaction taking place in the sun.
4. False
Classroom Discussion (page 247)
Hint: It’s surface is very hot during the day and freezing cold at night.
Answer Orally (page 251)
1. (a) Asteroids (b) Saturn (c) Meteorites (d) Earth (e) Uranus
2. The rings around Saturn are small lumps of dust and ice.
Classroom Discussion (page 252)
Hint: (i) KALPANA 1: It is used to provide meteorological services.
(ii) INSAT-3B: It is used for telecommunication.
(iii) IRS-P6 (Resource Sat): It is used to provide data mainly for agriculture applications.
(iv) Bhaskara-II: It used to collect data related to hydrology, forestry and geology.
(v) INSAT-4CR: It is used for broadcasting services.
Classroom Discussion (page 252)
66.22 × 1012 kilometres
Classroom Discussion (page 253)
Hint: It is because during the day, the sun shines very brightly.
Answer Orally (page 254)
1. (a) Certain groups of stars seem to form a recognizable pattern in the night sky. These are called constellations.
(b) Satellites or moons are small celestial bodies that revolve around the planets.
(c) The group of stars in the sky is called galaxy.
(d) The distance travelled by light in one year is called a light year.
2. Stars appear to move from east to west because of the rotation of the earth from west to east.
3. Orion
Mind Scrambler (page 254)
(a) METEORITES    (b) JUPITER

Exercises
A. 1.
(a) Ursa Major consists of seven bright stars arranged in the pattern resembling a big spoon. There are three
stars in the handle of the ladle and four in its bowl. Pole star can also be located with the help of Ursa Major. A
straight line drawn through the two stars at the top of Ursa Major passes through the Pole star. Ursa Major is
visible in the northern part of the sky from April to September.
(b) The earth is the only planet in the solar system on which life is known to exist. The three things responsible for
sustenance of life on the earth are
• right distance from the sun.
• right temperature range.
• presence of water, a suitable atmosphere and a blanket of ozone which protects us from the harmful
ultraviolet radiations.
(c) One of the unique features of Saturn is the presence of rings around it which are actually small lumps of dust
and ice moving around the planet at a high speed.

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 (d) Asteroids are celestial bodies made of rocks or metals revolving around the sun in between the orbits of Mars
and Jupiter. They can only be seen through a powerful telescope. It is believed that there are a large number
of asteroids out of which about 4,000 have been discovered so far. Asteroids are of varying size. The largest
asteroid Ceres is actually a dwarf planet with a diameter of approximately 950 km.
(e) Comets are celestial bodies that revolve around the sun in very large orbits. They are lumps of rock, dust and
ice.
Comets appear like a ball of fire with a long tail. The tail always points away from the sun. The length of the tail
of a comet increases while coming towards the sun. This happens because the heat of the sun melts some of
the ice turning it into gas. Some dust also comes out forming a cloud of gas and dust around the comet. As the
comet comes closer to the sun, more dust and gas are given off making its tail visible.
Many comets are known to appear periodically. One such comet is Halley’s comet which appears after nearly
every 76 years. It was last seen in 1986.
(f ) Jupiter is the largest planet of the solar system. It is so large that about 1300 earths can be placed inside it.
Its distance from the sun is more than the sum of the distances of the first four planets from the sun. Thus it
receives much less energy as compared to the first four planets.
It has a large red spot on its surface which is actually a giant storm. It has faint rings around it. Jupiter can be
observed as a very bright object in the evening.
Life is not possible on this planet as it has very low temperature and very high gravitational pull.
Jupiter has 28 known satellites, out of which the four large ones can be seen with the help of a telescope.
2. Meteoroids are solid objects of a size considerably smaller than comets and asteroids moving in the solar system. In
fact, they may be pieces of shattered asteroids.
A meteor is a visible streak of light that occurs when a meteoroid enters the earth’s atmosphere.
The unburnt meteoroids that reach the earth’s surface are called meteorites.
3. The earth has only one moon. It is fairly large in comparison to the other satellites. It is about one-fourth the size of
the earth. It is made up of rocks and has craters on its surface. These craters were formed when meteorites hit it. The
moon is at a distance of about 3,84,400 km from the earth.
The moon has no light of its own. It reflects the light of the sun. It rotates on its own axis and also revolves around
the earth. That is why only one side of the moon is visible to us.
You must have noticed that you do not see the moon with the same shape every night. This is because the sun lights
up different parts of the moon as it circles round the earth and we can only see the lit side of the moon. These shapes
of the bright part of the moon as seen from the earth are known as phases of the moon.
4. The length of the tail of a comet increases while coming towards the sun. This happens because the heat of the sun
melts some of the ice turning it into gas. Some dust also comes out forming a cloud of gas and dust around the
comet. As the comet comes closer to the sun, more dust and gas are given off making its tail visible.
5. Stars are luminous celestial bodies we regularly see in the night sky. They give out their own light and are made
of mainly hydrogen. The temperature at the centre of a star ranges from 2 to 5 million degree celsius. This high
temperature results in melting and combining of hydrogen atoms to form a heavier gas called helium. During this
process huge amount of heat and light energy is released. This makes stars emit light.
6. • New moon: When the moon is in between the earth and the sun and we cannot see it at all, we call it the new
moon or amavasya.
• Crescent moon: Two-three days after the new moon, a small portion of the moon is visible to us. This is called the

crescent moon.
• First quarter: As the shape of the bright portion of the moon increases, we can see half of the moon as a semicircle.

This is called the first quarter.
• Gibbous moon: When more than half of the moon is visible, we call it gibbous moon.

• Full moon: When the full lit portion of the moon is visible to us and the moon looks like a complete circle, we call

it the full moon or purnima.
This cycle takes fifteen days after which the lit portion of the moon starts reducing till it reaches the new moon stage
again.

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 7. (a) Star Planet
(i) A star does not revolve around the sun (i) A planet revolves around the sun in a fixed orbit.
in a fixed orbit.
(ii) A star emits its own light. (ii) A planet does not have its light. It reflects the
sunlight that falls on it.
(b) Meteor Meteorite
It is visible streak of light that occurs when It is an unburnt meteoroid that reaches the earth’s
a meteoroid enters the earth’s atmosphere. surface.
(c) Inner planets Outer planets
(i) These planets are closer to the sun. (i) These planets are much farther away from the sun.
(ii) They do not have rings, are mostly made of (ii) They are mostly made up of gases, are light and
rocks and are dense. have rings around them.
(iii) Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are inner (ii) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are outer
planets. planets.
(d) Planet Satellite
(i) A planet revolves around the sun. (i) A satellite revolves around the planets.
(ii) A planet cannot be artificial. (ii) A satellite can either be natural or artificial.
(e) Constellation Galaxy
(i) The groups of stars which seem to form a (i) A group of stars in the sky forms a galaxy.
recognizable pattern in the night sky is
called constellation.
(ii) There are 88 constellations discovered so (ii) There are 100 billion galaxies in the universe.
far by astronomers.
B. 1. The sun is a huge ball of gases. It mainly consists of hydrogen which gets converted into helium due to the continuous
nuclear reaction taking place in the sun. This reaction also gives out an enormous amount of energy in the form of
light, heat, etc. This makes sun the main source of heat and light for all the planets.
2. Despite being further away from the sun than Mercury, Venus is hotter. This is because it has a high percentage of
carbon dioxide which causes heating due to the greenhouse effect.
3. The distance travelled by light in one year is called a light year.
One light year = 9.46 × 1015 metres
4. Very small planets are called dwarf planets. For example, Pluto.
5. The east to west rotation of a planet is known as retrograde motion. Venus, Uranus
6. Milky Way is the name of our galaxy. It is named so as it is a broad band of light that looks like a trail of milk spread
across the sky.
7. Although all stars appear to move from east to west, there is one star near the earth’s axis that appears stationary.
This is the Pole star or Polaris or Dhruv tara. It appears stationary because it is approximately aligned with the earth’s
axis of rotation.
8. All the objects in the solar system orbit the sun. In fact, it is the sun’s gravitational pull that holds these objects in the
solar system.
C. C1. 1. F 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. F
C2. 1. Cassiopeia 2. storm 3. 2 to 5 4. Celestial 5. telescope 6. eight
C3. 1. (iii) 2. (vi) 3. (v) 4. (vii) 5. (viii) 6. (i) 7. (ii) 8. (iv)
C4. 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (a)
Do and Learn
D. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Akash Ganga 4. Pluto 6. Retrograde 8. Neptune 10. Halley’s
Down: 1. Asteroid 2. Sirius 3. Galaxy 5. Orion 7. Polaris 9. Earth

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Some Questions from NCERT
1. (c) A constellation
2. (a) Sirius
3. (a) we can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us
4. (a) Neptune 3
(b) Mars 3
(c) constellation 3
(d) satellite 3
(e) stars
(f ) Mars, Jupiter
5. (a) False (b) True (c) False
(d) True (e) False (f ) False
6. (a) - (v) and (vii), (b) - (i), (c) - (iii) and (vi), (d) - (iv)
7. We can find Venus in the western part of the sky if it is visible as an evening star.
8. Jupiter is the largest planet of the solar system.
9. A group of stars which resembles certain shape is called a constellation. Great Bear and Orion are two examples of
constellations.

10.
(a) Ursa Major
(b) Orion

11. Comets and asteroids are members of the solar system.

12. We can follow the given steps to locate the Pole Star with the help of Ursa Major.
• Locate the Ursa Major and locate the quadrilateral in it.

• Select two stars on the far side of the quadrilateral.

• Join these stars with a line and extend this imaginary line towards the top of the ladle.

• A faint star which meets this line is the Pole Star.

13. All the stars move but their movement is not perceptible to us. Instead of that; it is the rotation of the earth which
creates an illusion of the movement of stars across the sky. But the Pole Star appears to be fixed at its position. This
happens because the Pole Star is in line with the axis of the earth.
14. The interstellar distances or intergalactic distances are too big to be easily expressed in terms of kilometers. Hence,
we need a more convenient unit to express them. A light year is the distance travelled by light in one year. If a star is
eight light years away from the earth, then it means that the light from that star takes eight years to reach us. This also
means that the star which appears to our eyes is in fact the way it looked eight years ago.
15. We know that the ratio of volumes of two spheres is the ratio of cubes of their radii.
Radius of Earth = R
Radius of Jupiter = 11R

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 Volume of Jupiter 11R3
=
Volume of Earth R3
It is clear that Jupiter will accommodate 1,331 earths.
16. The positions of Mars and Venus should be interchanged. Similarly, positions of Neptune and Uranus should be also
interchanged.

Neptune

Sun
Venus Mercury
Earth
Mars
Jupiter

Saturn
Uranus

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 16. Coal and Petroleum
Answer Orally (page 265)
1. Exhaustible resources: Groundwater , minerals
Inexhaustible resources: Sunlight, wind, air
2. Fossil fuels are the materials of biological origin occurring within the earth’s crust which can be used as a source of
energy. They cannot be prepared in laboratory.
3. Fossil fuels can be classified into three categories as follows:
(a) Solid fossil fuels (coal)
(b) Liquid fossil fuels (petroleum, heavy oil)
(c) Gaseous fossil fuels (natural gas)
Answer Orally (page 267)
1. Coal is a complex mixture of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen compounds with some percentage of nitrogen, sulphur and
phosphorous.
2. peat < lignite < bituminous coal < anthracite
3. (a) Water gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and is formed when steam is passed over red hot coke.
(b) Coal gas is produced during the processing of coal and is a mixture of methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
(c) Producer gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and nitrogen and is formed when air is passed over red hot coke.
4. (a) Coal tar (b) Anthracite (c) Coke (d) Bituminous coal
Classroom Discussion (page 270)
Hint: Inexhaustible but overutilization may make it exhaustible
Answer Orally (page 271)
1. Natural gas
2. 70% of total world’s petroleum reserves are in Middle East—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Iraq. Countries like USA,
Canada, Siberia, China, Russia and Libya too have large oil reserves.
3. False 4. True
5. The process of separating various constituents of petroleum by fractional distillation is called refining.
Answer Orally (page 272)
1. Petroleum is a dark coloured, viscous, strong smelling liquid.
2. Petroleum gas 3. Natural gas 4. Fossil fuel reserves are limited and non-renewable.
Answer Orally (page 275)
1. Exhaustion of existing resources and pollution of air, water and soil
2. Solar energy, wind energy, hydroeletric energy, tidal energy, etc.
3. cellulose
4. Deinking is done to remove printing ink from it.
5. When paper is heated with warm water and chemicals, it breaks down into tiny pieces and strands of cellulose fibres.
This is called pulp.
6. Sorting, pulping, filtering and deinking, rolling and drying
7. The advantage of using renewable energy sources is that they cause no or minimal pollution and provide energy too.

Exercises
A. 1. Different varieties of coal are differentiated as follows:
Peat: It contains 50-60% carbon and a large quantity of moisture.
Lignite: It contains up to 70% carbon and has lost most of its moisture.
Bituminous coal: It contains 80-85% carbon and has lost almost all of its moisture and impurities. On burning it
produces ash and sulphur compounds which are pollutants.
Anthracite: It contains over 90% carbon. It burns with a very little smoke and up to a longer time.
2. Natural gas, a fossil fuel, is often found in association with petroleum. It mainly contains methane and is used as
domestic fuel.

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 Natural gas is formed by the action of heat and pressure on the remains of marine organisms in absence of air.
It is present above petroleum and when a well is drilled in the earth’s crust, natural gas comes out first with heat
pressure.
3. Petroleum is formed by the action of heat and pressure on the remains of marine organisms in absence of air over
a period of millions of years. The decomposed organic matter (formed as a result of action of bacteria) was buried
deeper and deeper where high pressure and high temperature conditions liquefied it. The liquid then seeped down
until it reached a bed of impervious (non-porous) rocks and remained there like a lake of oil between the layers of
rocks.
Coal, on the contrary, is formed from dead remains of trees and plants by a slow chemical process called carbonization.
Also, coal is mainly carbon whereas, petroleum is a complex mixture of solid, liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons
mixed with water, salts and other particles.
4. (i) The rate of utilization is much faster than the rate of their formation.
(ii) All countries of the world do not have equal reserves of fuel. They have to depend on other countries for their
fuel requirements.
(iii) The extraction, processing and utilization of fossil fuels pollute air, water and soil.
5. Wise and economic use of energy sources is called conservation of energy. Some steps to conserve energy are:
(i) The electrical appliances used in homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other establish­ments should be
switched off when not in use. (save electricity)
(ii) Use of solar cookers, solar heaters and other appliances running on solar energy should be encouraged.
(iii) Whenever and wherever possible, wind power should be used to generate electricity.
(iv) Hydroelectric energy should be generated from water bodies with the help of dams and generators.
(v) Tidal energy should be conserved to drive generators.
(vi) Energy should be generated from the biomass and be utilized in rural or semi-urban areas of the country.
(vii) Petrol/diesel should be saved while driving by properly maintaining the vehicle, using correct type of tyres,
switching off the engine while waiting at the red light and driving at a moderate and constant speed.
B. 1. Fossil fuels are the materials of biological origin occurring within the earth’s crust which can be used as a source of
energy. Fossil fuels on combustion form carbon dioxide, water vapour and heat, thus polluting air, water and soil.
2. Refer to section 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 on page 264
3. Refer to section 16.3.2 on page 266
4. Recycling of paper leads to waste reduction by utilizing waste material like used paper, cotton rags and unwanted
biomass.
5. Recycling of paper is the process of recovering waste paper and remaking it into new paper products.
Recycling of paper involves four steps:
(i) Sorting   (ii) Making pulp   (iii) Filtering and deinking   (iv) Rolling and drying
C. C1. 1. T 2. T 3. T 4. T 5. T
C2. 1. refining 2. destructive distillation 3. CNG 4. petroleum gas, domestic fuel
5. impervious rocks
C3. 1. (vi) 2. (iii) 3. (iv) 4. (ii) 5. (i) 6. (v)
C4. 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b)
Do and Learn
A. 1. Waste paper is sorted so as to remove any plastic, metallic or other contaminant from it.
2. Making pulp
3. The pulp obtained from waste paper contains only 1.0 to 1.5% fibre. Kaolin and other additives are added to the
pulp and then the pulp is passed through a number of sieves to remove impurities. Deinking and bleaching is also
done in this step.
4. Rolling and drying
D. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 5. Carbonization 6. Lignite 7. Exhaustible
Down: 1. Peat 2. Kaolin 3. Sorting 4. Anthracite

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Some Questions from NCERT
1. Following are the advantage of using CNG and LPG as fuels.
• These are cleaner fuels.

• These are low cost fuels.

• These are available easily.

• These can be supplied through pipes.

2. These days bitumen, a petroleum product is used for surfacing the roads in place of coal tar.
3. Million years ago, earth was having dense forests in low lying wet land areas. Due to earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions, these forests got buried under the soil. As more soil deposited over them, they were compressed. The
temperature was also raised as they sank deeper and deeper. Due to high temperature and lack of oxygen, dead
plants inside the earth got slowly converted to coal. This process of coal formation is called carbonization.
4. (a) coal, petroleum, natural gas
(b) refining
(c) CNG
5. (a) False (b) False (c) True (d) True (e) False
6. Fossils fuels are present in nature in limited quantity and are being exhausted abundantly by us. That is why fossil fuels
are called exhaustible natural resources.
7. Coke is a tough porous black substance. It is almost pure form of carbon. It is used in the manufacture of steel and in
the extraction of many metals.
8. Petroleum is formed from organisms living in the sea. When these organisms died, their bodies settled at the bottom of
the sea and got covered with layers of the sand and clay. Over millions of years, they were transformed into petroleum
oil and natural gas under the absence of air and the presence of high temperature and pressure.
y

13
(11.5)
11
(9.2)
Shortage (%)

9 (7.9) (8.3)
(7.8) (7.4) (7.1)
7

x
1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

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 17. Pollution of Air and Water

Answer Orally (page 286)

1. Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels in vehicles.
It combines with haemoglobin present in the blood and cuts off the oxygen supply to the cells. This leads to headache,
drowsiness, nausea, coma and finally death.
2. (i) Increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface
(ii) Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps
(iii) Rise in sea level which will lead to flooding of low lying and coastal areas.
3. CFCs are chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. The CFCs released in the atmosphere convert
ozone into oxygen. This reduces the amount of ozone in the ozone layer and creates a hole in it.
4. Solar energy, hydroelectric energy
Classroom Discussion (page 288)
Hint: Water found deep inside the earth is safe because it gets filtered naturally through many layers of sand, rock and soil
as it seeps down the soil.
Answer Orally (page 293)
1. Domestic sewage, untreated waste from hospitals, food processing units, slaughter houses, industrial wastes
2. (i) Additional nutrition to weeds and plants like algae growing in water depletes the dissolved oxygen in water and
affects the aquatic life severely.
(ii) When these algae die, the bacteria utilizes the oxygen dissolved in water to decompose them which further depletes
oxygen in the water body.
3. Sedimentation, filtration and disinfection
4. Boiling and filtration, chemical treatment, reverse osmosis
5. By using potassium permanganate or bleaching powder

Exercises
A. 1. Contamination of air with smoke, dust and harmful gases is called air pollution.
Sources of air pollution are – combustion of fuel, emission from vehicles, industries and power plants, deforestation,
etc.
(i) Greenhouse effect: When the solar radiations fall on the earth’s surface, a part of the radiations is absorbed
2.
and a part is reflected back into space. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane present in the
atmosphere absorb some of the radiated heat. These trapped radiations further warm the earth. The trapping
of the sun’s radiation by the gases present in the earth’s atmosphere is called greenhouse effect. Without the
natural greenhouse effect, life would not have been possible on the earth because in the absence of such an
effect, the earth’s surface would have been too cold to sustain life.
But for scientists the cause of worry is the increase in the amount of greenhouse gases beyond a safe limit.
When the concentration of greenhouse gases increases in the atmosphere, they trap more heat. As a result, the
earth’s temperature increases leading to global warming.
(ii) Acid rain: The oxides of sulphur and nitrogen present in the air react with water vapour and form sulphuric acid
and nitric acid respectively. These acids come down with the rain making the rainwater significantly acidic.
Such rain is called acid rain.
Effects of Acid Rain
Acid rain is quite corrosive and affect both living and non-living things adversely as stated below:
• Acid rain slowly erodes the cement, limestone and marble of buildings and corrodes steel and other metals.

• It destroys vegetation due to acidification of soil and accelerates leaching.

• It acidifies the water of lakes and ponds and affects the survival of aquatic plants and animals.

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 3. Prevention of water pollution: Proper waste management and tree plantation.
Preventing air pollution:
(i) Use modified automobile engines where complete combustion of fuel takes place. Get exhaust gases checked
regularly.
(ii) Use less polluting fuels like unleaded petrol and CNG to keep the air clean.
(iii) Coal based thermal power plants pollute the environment drastically. To reduce this they should
• use coal free from sulphur impurities or use low sulphur containing coal.
• install long chimneys and make use of electrostatic precipitators to reduce solid particulate matter.
(iv) We should use alternative sources of energy like solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, nuclear energy, etc.
instead of fossil fuels to meet our energy requirements.
(v) Planting as many trees as possible in the surroundings helps to clean the air.
B. 1. Exposure to high levels of suspended particulate matter causes irritation in eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Exposure
for a long time causes respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis or even lung cancer.
2. Water which is suitable for drinking is called potable water. A water sample having excess of dissolved salts is
purified by sedimentation and filtration.
3. Chlorine, ozone, bleaching powder
4. Air pollution due to oxides of nitrogen and sulphur leads to acid rains which cause erosion of marble and metals.
C. C1. 1. F 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. F 6. T
C2. 1. germs, oxygen 2. global warming
3. stone and metallic installations 4. mercury, pesticides 5. chlorine gas
6. methane, carbon dioxide
C3. 1. (iv) 2. (iii) 3. (i) 4. (vi) 5. (ii) 6. (v)
C4. 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (b)

Do and Learn
E. Crossword Puzzle
Across: 1. Soot 3. Pollutants 5. Eutrophication 7. Global warming
Down: 2. Ozone 4. Acid rain 6. Alum
Some Questions from NCERT
1. Water gets contaminated in the following ways.
• Discharge of untreated sewage

• Practice of bathing and washing near a water body

• Practice of cremating the dead bodies near river banks

• Oil spill

2. To following steps can be taken at an individual level to reduce air pollution.
• While going to nearby places instead of using cars and other vehicles

• To use bicycles to go to school

• To use public transport preferably

• Not to burn garbage

3. It’s not necessary that clean water is always fit for drinking because water might appear clear but it may contain
disease causing microorganisms and other impurities. Therefore, it is advised to purify the water by boiling or using
any other purification technique before consuming it.
4. Following measures can be taken to ensure the supply of clean water.

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 • All leakages in the pipelines should be repaired.

• Water should be properly treated before being supplied to the households.

• A sewage treatment plant should be installed in the municipal area.

• The area around the water pipes should be cleaned.

• The main water source has to be built in a clean surrounding and should be maintained properly.

• Chemical methods such as chlorination must be used for purifying water.

5. Pure air Polluted air

• All the gases are in correct ratio. • Harmful gases are in higher ratio.
• Smog is absent. • Smog can be present.
• It is not harmful for living beings. • It is harmful for living beings.

6. When oxides of nitrogen and sulphur mix with rainwater, they form acids. It results in acid rain, i.e., the rainwater
becomes acidic. Acid rain is very harmful for living beings. It destroys the crops and also damages buildings and
monuments.
7. (d) Nitrogen
8. Greenhouse effect is the cause of global warming, i.e., overall increase in the temperature of the Earth. The greenhouse
gases cause the greenhouse effect. Examples of greenhouse gases includes methane, CO2 and water vapour. When
solar radiation reaches the Earth, some radiations are absorbed by the Earth and then released back to the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases present into the atmosphere trap these radiations and do not allow the heat to leave. This helps our
planet in keeping itself warm and thus helps in human survival. However, an indiscriminate increase for gases can lead
to excessive increase in the Earth’s temperature leading to global warming.
9. The increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface is known as Global warming. It occurs due to the
increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases include methane, CO2 and
water vapour. These gases trap the solar radiations released back by the earth, which results in keeping our planet
warm and helps in human survival. However, an increase in these gases can lead to an increase in the earth temperature
resulting in global warming.
10. The major threat to the Taj Mahal is the acid rain. When the acid rain falls on the Taj, which is completely made of marble,
they react with marble to form a powder like substance which is then washed away by the rain. This phenomenon
is known as marble cancer. In addition, the soot particles emitted from the Mathura oil refinery located near Agra is
leading to the yellowing of Taj Mahal marble.
11. An increase in the level of nutrients in water body leads to an excessive increase in the population of algae in the
water body. When these algae die, they serve as food for de-composers. A lot of oxygen is utilized in this process,
consequently leading to a decrease in the level of oxygen dissolved in the water body. This in turn causes fishes and
aquatic organisms to die.

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 Practice Paper (Based on Chapters 1 to 4)
A. 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (c)
B. 1. maximum 2. True 3. animal husbandry 4. False
C. 1. Polyester 2. Mercury, bromine
3. The practice of growing different crops in different seasons in rotation so that the soil is not depleted of its nutrients.
4. Aspergillus
5. Terrycot is a synthetic fibre which is a blend of terylene and cotton. It is commonly used for making dress materials,
shirts, skirts, etc.
6. Mercury

Practice Paper (Based on Chapters 5 to 8)

A. 1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (b)
B. 1. Carbon dioxide 2. False 3. blood, nerve 4. False
C. 1. Ribosome
2. Pancreas
3. The temperature at or above which a substance starts burning.
4. Jim Corbett National Park and Ranthambore National Park.
5. Prokaryotic cells lack nuclear membrane whereas eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus with a nuclear
membrane.
6. Red Blood Cells and egg cells

Test Yourself (Based on Chapters 1 to 8)

A. 1. Drip system 2. True 3. Rayon 4. Mercury 5. True
6. Biosphere is that part of earth which supports life or where living organisms exist. It includes land, water and air.
7. Chromosomes 8. False
B. 1. (i) Helps the farmer to select only the healthy seedling
(ii) Planting of seedlings at proper distances
(iii) Increases crop production
2. This happens due to the production of carbon dioxide by the respiration of yeast cells. Bubbles of the gas fill the
dough and increase its volume. Baking of the dough drives off the carbon dioxide, making the bread porous and
spongy.
3. Plastics and other synthetic polymers are generally bad conductors of heat. They allow very little or no heat to pass
through them. That is why they are used to make handles of electric irons, heating pans and many other things.
4. Metals like sodium and potassium react with oxygen readily and form their oxides. So they are stored in kerosene.
5. Gaseous fuels do not leave any residue after burning.
6. Factors which lead to the formation of endemic species are:
• Destruction of habitats
• Increasing population of the species and introduction of new species which compete with the endemic species
• Climatic changes
7. Cell membrane provides shape to the cell and allows the materials to enter and leave the cell through tiny openings.
8. Hormones from pituitary gland stimulate testes/ovaries to release sex hormones—testosterone/estrogen. The sex
hormones bring about changes in the body during puberty.

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 9. Weeds reduce crop yield, as they compete with the crops for water, minerals and sunlight. So, it is necessary to
remove them from the fields from time to time.
10. In agriculture to increase soil fertility: Some bacteria live in the roots of leguminous plants such as pea, bean and
gram. These bacteria form root nodules (Fig. 2.8 on page 26) and are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it
into suitable usable forms like nitrates.
Atmospheric nitrogen cannot be used by plants as such, but it can be used in the form of nitrates. The process
of fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into suitable forms (that plants can use) is called nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen
fixation increases the fertility of soil.
Blue-green algae are also known to fix nitrogen and increase soil fertility.
11. Refer to section 3.3.1 on page 47.
12. Gold, silver and platinum—the noble metals, are highly inert in nature and once polished do not lose their shine
easily. They are therefore used to make jewellery after alloying with other metals to enhance certain properties.
C. 1. Combustion is the process of burning of a substance in the presence of oxygen. During the process of burning, heat
and light are evolved. For example, charcoal burns in air to give carbon dioxide and heat.
The three conditions necessary for combustion are:
(i) Presence of a combustible substance
(ii) Presence of a supporter of combustion
(iii) Attainment of ignition or kindling temperature of the combustible substance
2. Extinct species Endangered species
Species of plants and animals which have Species which are at high risk of becoming
been lost forever extinct
Examples: Dodo, dinosaurs Examples: Asiatic lion, Nilgiri tahr
3. The structure of an animal cell includes various organelles like:
Cell membrane: A thin outer covering of a cell

Cytoplasm: A jelly-like fluid which occupies the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus

Nucleus: A spherical structure present in the centre of the cell and is surrounded by the cytoplasm

Mitochondrion: Cell’s powerhouse; provides energy to the cell

Endoplasmic reticulum: Synthesis, storage and transport of materials

Golgi body: Secretion of many materials

Lysosome (found in animal cells): Cell’s suicide bag; helps in digesting excess or worn out organelles, engulfed

bacteria, etc.
Ribosome: Synthesizes proteins for the cell

Refer to Fig. 7.14(b) on page 114.
4. Human body cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. The 23rd pair of chromosome differs in males and females. In
a male, the 23rd pair consists of an X (long) and a Y (short) chromosome (XY). In a female, the 23rd pair consists of
two X chromosomes (XX).
An egg always carries only one X chromosome and a sperm may carry either X or Y chromosome. Sperms are, thus,
of two kinds.
When an egg and a sperm fuse during fertilization, it is this 23rd chromosome that determines the sex of the baby.
If the sperm carrying the X chromosome fertilizes the egg, it will be a girl. If the sperm carrying the Y chromosome
fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a boy.
5. (a) Rabi crops Kharif crops
(i) Grown in winter season (i) Grown in the beginning of rainy season
(ii) Duration: October/November (ii) Duration: June/July to September/October
to March/April
Examples: Wheat, gram, pea Examples: Rice, maize, jowar

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 6. Refer to Activity 2.3 on page 23.
D. 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (b)

Practice Paper (Based on Chapters 9 to 12)

A. 1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (a)
B. 1. voice box/larynx 2. True 3. False 4. sliding
C. 1. 331 m/s
2. The liquid which conducts electricity and undergoes decomposition is called an electrolyte.
3. We measure the magnitude of the earthquakes.
4. Gravitational force
5. Increase friction
6. Sounds of frequency higher than 20 kHz are called ultrasonic sounds.

Practice Paper (Based on Chapters 13 to 17)

A. 1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (a)
B. 1. Lens 2. True 3. cellulose 4. False
C. 1. When an earthquake occurs under the ocean, large waves called tsunamis are generated.
2. People who cannot see far off objects very clearly suffer from short-sightedness or myopia.
People who cannot see nearby objects clearly suffer from long-sightedness or hypermetropia.
3. Meteorites
4. Between the layers of impervious rocks under the earth’s crust
5. Sedimentation, filtration, disinfection
6. If the tree gets hit by lightning and catches fire, you can be harmed.

Test Yourself (Based on Chapters 9 to 17)

A. 1. varies 2. True 3. Loudness 4. voltameter 5. False
6. Multiple reflection is the phenomenon in which we get multiple images of the object because the image formed by
one mirror acts as an object for the second mirror.
7. Halley’s 8. True
Force 25 N
B. 1. Pressure = = = ½ N/m2 = 0.5 Pa
Area 50 m2
2. Friction is very less on a smooth paper.
3. Road traffic, rail roads, industries, construction sites, etc.
4. If the electric current is very weak the filament doesn’t get heated enough and it does not glow.
5. • Volcanic eruption
• Underground nuclear explosion
• Collision of meteor and earth
• Movement of tectonic plates
6. Refer to section 14.2 on page 228.
7. Milky way is the name of our galaxy. It is named so as it is a broad band of light that looks like a trail of milk spread
across the sky.

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 8. Recycling of paper leads to waste reduction by utilizing waste material like used paper, cotton rags and unwanted
biomass.
9. Air pollution due to oxides of nitrogen and sulphur leads to acid rains which cause erosion of marble and metals.
10. This happens because the pressure exerted by the blood in their body becomes much higher than the pressure
outside making the blood vessels burst.
11. Polishing the surface, streamlining, lubricating the surface
12. Oscillation is a regular movement of an object between one position and another.
Characteristics of oscillation:
• Frequency   • Amplitude   • Time period
C. 1. Refer to section 12.3 on page 202.
2. Refer to section 13.2.1 on page 214.
3. Refer to section 14.3 on page 228.
4. The bright part of the moon as seen from the earth are known as phases of the moon.
• New moon: When the moon is in between the earth and the sun and we cannot see it at all, we call it the new
moon or amavasya.
• Crescent moon: Two-three days after the new moon, a small portion of the moon is visible to us. This is called the
crescent moon.
• First quarter: As the shape of the bright portion of the moon increases, we can see half of the moon as a semicircle.
This is called the first quarter.
• Gibbous moon: When more than half of the moon is visible, we call it gibbous moon.
• Full moon: When the full lit portion of the moon is visible to us and the moon looks like a complete circle, we call
it the full moon or purnima.
5. Refer to section 16.4.1 on page 268.
6. The trapping of the sun’s radiation by the gases present in the earth’s atmosphere is called greenhouse effect.
Without the natural greenhouse effect, life would not have been possible on the earth because in the absence of
such an effect, the earth’s surface would have been too cold to sustain life.
D. 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (c)

Practice Questions for Science Olympiad

1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (d)
7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (c)
13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (b)
19. (d) 20. (a) 21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (c) 24. (b)
25. (a) 26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (a) 32. (d) 33. (b) 34. (b) 35. (c) 36. (d)

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