Some Natural Phenomena – Very Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 8 Science – Chapter 15: Some Natural Phenomena
Aligned with CBSE Board Examination Pattern:
- Strictly based on NCERT textbook and syllabus.
- Useful for quick revision and concept retaining.
- Ideal for school tests, annual exams, and CBSE Board exam standard.
- Topic-wise organization for easy learning.
Very Short Answer Type Questions – Chapter 15: Some Natural Phenomena
These 50 very short answer questions with clear answers are designed strictly as per the NCERT syllabus for CBSE Class 8 Science. Ideal for quick revision and exam preparation.
1. Static Electricity
Q1: What is static electricity?
Ans: Electric charge that remains at rest on an object is called static electricity.
Q2: What type of charge does an object have if it has more electrons than protons?
Ans: Negative charge.
Q3: What happens when glass is rubbed with silk?
Ans: Glass becomes positively charged.
Q4: What kind of charge is produced when a plastic ruler is rubbed with hair?
Ans: Negative charge.
Q5: Can a neutral object attract a charged object?
Ans: Yes, a neutral object can be attracted by a charged object.
2. Interaction of Charges
Q6: What happens when two objects carrying like charges are brought close to each other?
Ans: They repel each other.
Q7: What happens when unlike charges come close?
Ans: They attract each other.
Q8: Give an example of unlike charges attracting each other.
Ans: A positively charged glass rod attracting a negatively charged plastic rod.
Q9: What is the law of electrostatic charges?
Ans: Like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
Q10: What is the simplest method of producing static charge?
Ans: By rubbing two objects together (friction).
3. Electroscope
Q11: What is an electroscope?
Ans: A device used to detect electric charge.
Q12: What happens to the leaves of an electroscope when a charged object touches the metal rod?
Ans: They repel each other and spread apart.
Q13: What is the main component of a simple electroscope?
Ans: Two metal leaves (often aluminum foil) connected to a metal rod.
Q14: Can an electroscope detect the type of charge?
Ans: No, it can only detect if the object is charged or not.
Q15: Why do the leaves of an electroscope collapse when a charged object is removed?
Ans: Because the charge dissipates, removing the repulsion.
4. Lightning
Q16: What causes lightning?
Ans: Lightning is caused by the discharge of static electricity between clouds or between clouds and Earth.
Q17: What type of energy is associated with lightning?
Ans: Electrical energy.
Q18: Why do we see the flash before hearing the thunder?
Ans: Because light travels faster than sound.
Q19: What is a lightning conductor?
Ans: A device used to protect buildings from lightning by conducting the charge safely to the ground.
Q20: What material is used to make lightning conductors?
Ans: Metal, usually copper or aluminum rods.
5. Lightning Safety
Q21: Name one safe place during a thunderstorm.
Ans: Inside a house or a building.
Q22: Which is safer – standing under a tree or sitting inside a car during lightning?
Ans: Sitting inside a car.
Q23: What should you do if you’re caught in an open field during a thunderstorm?
Ans: Crouch down with feet together, head low, and hands on knees.
Q24: Why is it unsafe to use wired phones during a thunderstorm?
Ans: Because lightning can travel through phone wires.
Q25: Is it safe to use electrical appliances during a lightning storm?
Ans: No, they should be avoided.
6. Earthquakes
Q26: What is an earthquake?
Ans: A sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by movement in the Earth’s crust.
Q27: Name the point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates.
Ans: Focus or hypocentre.
Q28: What is the point on the Earth’s surface just above the focus called?
Ans: Epicentre.
Q29: What instrument is used to measure earthquakes?
Ans: Seismograph.
Q30: What scale is used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?
Ans: Richter scale.
7. Earthquake Safety
Q31: What should you do during an earthquake if you are indoors?
Ans: Take cover under a strong table and hold on.
Q32: What should you avoid standing near during an earthquake?
Ans: Windows, mirrors, and tall furniture.
Q33: What is the recommended action if you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake?
Ans: Stop in an open area and stay inside the vehicle.
Q34: Name one precaution to take after an earthquake.
Ans: Turn off gas supply and check for leaks.
Q35: What is the phrase used for earthquake safety inside buildings?
Ans: “Drop, Cover, and Hold.”
8. Concept Check
Q36: Why do charges collect on clouds?
Ans: Due to friction between air currents and water particles.
Q37: Name a natural phenomenon in which massive electrical discharge occurs.
Ans: Lightning.
Q38: What happens to air when lightning occurs?
Ans: Air becomes highly heated and expands rapidly.
Q39: Can earthquakes be predicted?
Ans: No, earthquakes cannot be predicted accurately.
Q40: Name the zone in India where earthquakes are frequent.
Ans: Himalayan region.
9. Additional Facts
Q41: What type of energy is released during an earthquake?
Ans: Seismic energy.
Q42: What causes thunder?
Ans: Sudden expansion of heated air due to lightning.
Q43: Complete: Lightning Rod = lightning conductor = …
Ans: Earthing system to protect structures.
Q44: Who invented the lightning conductor?
Ans: Benjamin Franklin.
Q45: What is the speed of lightning compared to sound?
Ans: Lightning (light) travels much faster than sound.
10. True or False
Q46: True or False – Like charges attract each other.
Ans: False. Like charges repel each other.
Q47: True or False – Earthquakes usually originate at the epicentre.
Ans: False. They originate at the focus.
Q48: True or False – Lightning can strike the same place twice.
Ans: True.
Q49: True or False – Plastic is a good conductor of electricity.
Ans: False. It is an insulator.
Q50: True or False – Lightning is an example of static electricity discharge.
Ans: True.