Some Natural Phenomena Class 8 important questions with answers PDF download
Multiple Choice Questions: (1 Marks)
1. Which of the following cannot be charged easily by friction?
a. A Copper Rod
b. A Plastic Scale
c. A Woollen Cloth
d. An Inflated Balloon
Ans: a. A Copper Rod Cannot be Charged Easily by Friction
2. Which one of the following produces?
a. Gum
b. Amber
c. Lac
d. Fructose
Ans: b. Amber Produces
3. The charge acquired by a glass rod when it is rubbed with silk is ___________.
a. Negative
b. Positive
c. Neutral
d. Remains Uncharged
Ans: b. Positive Charge is Acquired by a Glass Rod When it is Rubbed with Silk
4. The shaking of the earth is called ________.
a. Tsunami
b. Volcano
c. Earthquake
d. Thundershock
Ans: c. Earthquake is the Shaking of the Earth
5. Interaction of charges is called ________.
a. Lightning
b. Electrical Discharge
c. Earthing
d. Electricity
Ans: a. Lightning is Interaction of Charges
6. The like charges
a. Repel Each Other
b. Attract Each Other
c. No Interaction Takes Place
d. Charge Each Other
Ans: a. Repel Each Other
Short Answer Questions: (2 Marks)
7. What is an electroscope?
Ans: A device for detecting and determining the presence of electric charges by means of electrostatic attraction and repulsion is called an electroscope.
8. Define earthing.
Ans: The process of transferring charge from a charged object to the earth is called earthing.
9. What is the main purpose of providing earthing in buildings?
Ans: There may be an accidental or unattended leakage of electric current in buildings.Also during monsoons, there are chances of a live wire coming in contact with the building wall. In such cases, earthing helps to divert the path of the current to earth in order to protect us from getting an electric shock. Therefore, the main purpose of providing earthing in buildings is to protect ourselves from electrical shocks due to any leakage of electrical current.
10. Why does a plastic comb rubbed with dry hair attract tiny pieces of paper?
Ans: Plastic comb gets electrically charged due to rubbing & therefore it attracts tiny pieces of paper which are neutral, as a charged body can attract an uncharged body.
11. What do you mean by lightning conductor?
Ans: Lightning conductor is a device used to protect tall buildings from the damaging effects of lightning. It runs from the top to the bottom, along the outer wall or any other object of the building, which is to be protected. If lightning strikes the building or any other objects, then the lightning conductor provides an easy and direct path for the lightning bolt to pass to the ground without affecting them.
12. What are tectonic plates?
Ans: The lithosphere of the Earth is fragmented into many pieces. Each fragment is called a plate, also called a tectonic plate. These plates are in continuous motion i.e. they float over hot magma.
13. What are the uses of an electroscope?
Ans: An electroscope can be used for the following purposes:
a. To detect & measure the charge on a body.
b. To determine the nature of charge on a body.
14. What causes an earthquake?
Ans: The tectonic plates are in continual motion, when they brush past each other a plate goes under another because of collision, and that causes a disturbance in earth’s crust, this disturbance shows up as an earthquake on the surface of earth. Volcanic eruptions can also be a cause of tremors over the earth’s surface.
15. How is an earthquake measured?
Ans: The power of an earthquake is measured in terms of a magnitude on a scale called the Richter scale. Really destructive earthquakes have magnitudes higher than 7 on the Richter scale.
16. What is a seismograph?
Ans: Earthquakes produce waves on the surface of the earth. These are called seismic waves. These waves are recorded by an instrument called the seismograph.
17. What are fault zones?
Ans: Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, the boundaries of these plates are the weak zones where earthquakes are more likely to occur. These weak zones are also known as seismic or fault zones.
18. Why a copper rod cannot be charged by friction, if held by hand?
Ans: Copper is a conducting item, and the electric charge created on its surface by rubbing with another substance. flows through our fingers and body into the soil, while it is left uncharged.
19. Draw the diagram of an instrument, which can be used to detect the charge on a
body.
Ans:
Instrument for Detect the Charge
Long Answer Questions: (5 Marks)
20. Explain the process of occurrence of lightning.
Ans: During the development of a thunderstorm, the air currents move upward while the water droplets move downward. These vigorous movements cause separation of charges. The positive charges are collected near the upper edges of the clouds while the negative charges accumulate near the lower edges. There is accumulation of positive charges near the ground also. When the magnitude of the accumulated charges becomes very large, the air which is normally a poor conductor of electricity, is no longer able to resist their flow. Negative and positive charges meet, producing streaks of bright light and sound. We see streaks as lightning. This process is called an electric discharge. The process of electric discharge can occur between two or more clouds, or between clouds and the earth.
21. Explain the precautions to be taken during a lightning or thunderstorm.
Ans: Precautions to be taken during a lightning or thunderstorm are:
a. We have to find a safe place indoors: Outdoor places are not safe during lightning and thunderstorms. A house or a building is a safe place. If we are travelling by car or by bus, we are safe inside with windows and doors of the vehicle shut.
b. Carrying an umbrella is not at all a good idea during thunderstorms. If in a forest, take shelter under shorter trees. If no shelter is available and we are in an open field, stay far away from all trees. Stay away from poles or other metal objects.
c. We should not lie on the ground. Instead, squat low on the ground. Placing hands on knees with head between the hands. This position will make us the smallest target to be struck.
d. Inside the house, lightning can strike telephone cords, electrical wires and metal pipes. During a thunderstorm contact with these should be avoided. It is safer to use mobile phones and cordless phones. However, it is not wise to call up a person who is receiving your phone through a wired phone.
e. Bathing should be avoided during thunderstorms to avoid contact with running water.
f. Electrical appliances like computers, TVs, etc., should be unplugged. Electrical lights can remain on. They do not cause any harm.
22. State the precautions to be taken during an earthquake.
Ans: Precautions to be taken during an earthquake are:
If you are at home:
a. Take shelter under a table and stay there till the shaking stops.
b. Stay away from tall and heavy objects that may fall on you.
c. If you are in bed, do not get up. Protect your head with a pillow.
If you are outdoors :
a. Find a clear spot, away from buildings, trees and overhead power lines.
b. If you are in a car or a bus, do not come out. Ask the driver to drive slowly to a clear spot. Do not come out till the tremors stop.
Important Questions Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Some Natural Phenomena
Class 8 Science ch 12 important question and answers set is available in PDF that too at free of cost. Refer to this material to get familiar with the vital questions you can expect during exams. You can either study online or download the file on your desktop, laptop or tablet.
Some Natural Phenomena Class 8 Important Questions Overview
Important questions on Some Natural Phenomena class 8 PDF includes three sections – multiple choice questions, short questions and long questions. Here, you can take a glimpse of each of the sections present in the PDF file.
Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Important Questions: Multiple Choice Questions
There are six multiple choice problems in the first section of important questions for class 8 Science chapter 12. You are provided with four options, out of which is one correct. Although the right answers are provided below each of the questions, still it is recommended for you to solve the questions first and then tally the answers. Some of MCQ examples are provided below:
1) What is the shaking of earth known as?
(a) tsunami (b) earthquake (c) volcano (d) thunderstorm
2) When charges interact, they are termed as?
(a) earthing (b) electrical discharge (c) electricity (d) lightning
3) What is the primary cause of lightning?
(a) Wind movement
(b) Accumulation and discharge of electrical energy
(c) Earth's rotation
(d) Volcanic activity
Answer: (b) Accumulation and discharge of electrical energy
4) How should one behave during an earthquake for safety?
(a) Run outside immediately
(b) Stand near windows
(c) Drop to the ground, take cover, and hold on
(d) Climb to higher ground
Answer: (c) Drop to the ground, take cover, and hold on.
5) What is the purpose of thunderstorms in nature?
(a) Cooling the atmosphere
(b) Generating wind
(c) Maintaining atmospheric pressure
(d) Causing rainfall
Answer: (d) Causing rainfall
6) During a thunderstorm, what precautions should be taken to stay safe indoors?
(a) Use electrical appliances
(b) Stay near windows
(c) Seek shelter away from windows
(d) Go to the terrace
Answer: (c) Seek shelter away from windows.
Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Important Questions: Short Answer Questions
The second segment in class 8 Science Some Natural Phenomena important questions PDF contains 12 short answer type questions. Out of the 12, only 1 question is diagram related, and the rest is subjective. You will find direct questions which demand you to write to the point and precise answers. Plus, the solutions provided will help you know what to write for these kinds of questions.
Be thorough with the topics of an earthquake, its causes, tectonic plates, lightning conductor, uses of electroscope, seismograph etc. to write accurate answers.
Class 8 Science Chapter 12 Important Questions: Long Answer Questions
The final part includes three long answer type questions. First, you are asked to explain the occurrence of lightning. The second problem is about the precautions one must undertake during thunderstorm or lightning, and the last question is about the safety measures at the time of earthquake. Although writing the answers may seem easy, but without thorough preparation, it will be challenging.
Therefore, make sure to download ch 12 class 8 Science important questions PDF offered by Vedantu and ace your exams.
Important Study Materials for Class 8 Science Chapter 12
CBSE Class 8 Science Important Questions for All Chapters
Additional Study Materials for Class 8 Science
What are the Benefits of Important Questions from Vedantu for Class 8 Science Chapter 12 - Some Natural Phenomena
Focus on key topics for efficient studying.
Prepares students for exams and reduces anxiety.
Reinforces understanding of fundamental concepts.
Teaches effective time management.
Enables self-assessment and progress tracking.
Strategic approach for higher scores.
Covers a wide range of topics for comprehensive understanding.
Supports exam preparation and boosts confidence.
Conclusion
Some Natural Phenomena is an integral part of Class 8 Science and plays a crucial role from an examination perspective. The important questions for Class 8 Science, as discussed by NCERT, cover a wide range of topics within the subject. They also provide a concise guide to critical points and details related to the topic.
A solid understanding of each section of Class 8 Science is fundamental as it forms the basis for higher-level studies. However, this section primarily focuses on important questions within the context of Class 8 Science.
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Science Some Natural Phenomena - 2025-26
1. What are some of the most frequently asked 3-mark questions from the chapter Some Natural Phenomena for the CBSE 2025-26 exam?
Based on previous board trends, some expected 3-mark questions for the Class 8 Science exam focus on core concepts. Students should prepare for questions such as:
Explain the process of lightning formation with a simple diagram showing charge separation in clouds.
Describe three safety measures you must take to protect yourself from a lightning strike if you are outdoors.
What is an electroscope? Explain how it helps in detecting charge on an object.
2. Explain how lightning occurs between clouds and the Earth.
Lightning is a massive electrostatic discharge. The process begins during the development of a thunderstorm. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
Charge Separation: Air currents inside storm clouds cause water droplets and ice crystals to rub against each other. This friction separates charges, causing the upper part of the cloud to become positively charged and the lower part to become negatively charged.
Induction: The negative charge at the bottom of the cloud induces a positive charge on the surface of the Earth below it.
Electric Discharge: When the magnitude of the accumulated charge becomes very large, the insulating capacity of the air breaks down. This results in a massive flow of electric current between the cloud and the ground, which we see as a brilliant streak of light called lightning.
3. For 5 marks, list the safety precautions one should take during an earthquake, both indoors and outdoors.
To secure full marks, you should list precautions for both scenarios as per the NCERT syllabus:
If you are indoors:
Take shelter under a sturdy table or desk and hold on until the shaking stops. This is the 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' technique.
Stay away from tall, heavy objects like cupboards, shelves, and windows that could fall and cause injury.
If you are in bed, protect your head with a pillow.
If you are outdoors:
Find a clear, open spot away from buildings, trees, overhead power lines, and poles.
If you are in a moving vehicle, ask the driver to stop in a safe, open area and remain inside the vehicle until the tremors cease.
4. Why can a plastic comb be charged by rubbing it on dry hair, but a copper rod cannot be charged in the same way?
This is a Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) question. The key difference lies in the material's ability to conduct electricity. A plastic comb is an insulator, meaning it does not allow electric charge to flow through it easily. When you rub it, the charge generated by friction stays on its surface. In contrast, a copper rod is a good conductor. Any charge generated on it by friction immediately flows through the rod, into your hand, and then to the Earth (a process called earthing). Therefore, the copper rod does not retain the charge and remains neutral.
5. What are seismic zones, and why are they considered a higher risk for earthquakes?
Seismic zones, also known as fault zones, are areas on the Earth's crust where the boundaries of tectonic plates are located. These plates are in constant, slow motion. They are at a higher risk for earthquakes because:
The movement of tectonic plates can cause them to brush past one another or collide.
The edges of the plates can get locked, causing stress to build up over time.
When this stress overcomes the friction, the plates slip suddenly, releasing a massive amount of energy in the form of seismic waves. This sudden shaking is what we experience as an earthquake.
Regions located on these fault lines, such as the Himalayas and Kashmir in India, are therefore more prone to frequent earthquakes.
6. Why is it considered safer to be inside a car during a thunderstorm than standing in an open field?
This is a concept-based important question. It is safer inside a car not because of its rubber tyres, but because the car's metal body acts as a Faraday cage. If lightning strikes the car, the electric charge will travel over the outer metal surface and then to the ground, leaving the occupants inside unharmed. In contrast, a person standing in an open field becomes the tallest object in the vicinity, making them a likely target for a direct lightning strike, which is extremely dangerous.
7. How much more destructive is an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale compared to an earthquake of magnitude 5?
This is a critical thinking question. The Richter scale is logarithmic, not linear. An increase of 1 on the scale represents a 10-fold increase in the measured amplitude of the seismic wave. However, the destructive energy released increases by about 32 times for each whole number increase. Therefore:
From magnitude 5 to 6, the destructive energy is 32 times greater.
From magnitude 6 to 7, the energy is another 32 times greater.
So, an earthquake of magnitude 7 is approximately 32 x 32 = 1024 times more destructive than an earthquake of magnitude 5.
8. If you bring a negatively charged rod near an uncharged electroscope, what will you observe and why?
When a negatively charged rod is brought near the metal disc of an uncharged electroscope, the following happens due to electrostatic induction:
The free electrons (negative charges) in the metal disc and rod of the electroscope are repelled by the negatively charged rod and move down to the gold leaves.
This leaves the metal disc with a net positive charge.
Both gold leaves accumulate excess negative charges. Since like charges repel, the leaves will diverge or move away from each other.
This observation confirms that an electroscope can detect the presence of charge without direct contact.
