1. Define wind.
Explanation:
Wind refers to the movement of air molecules in the Earth's atmosphere caused by differences in air pressure. It is an important natural phenomenon that shapes the Earth's climate and weather patterns. Wind can be both gentle and strong.
2. How is wind generated?
Explanation:
Wind is generated by differences in air pressure caused by the sun's uneven heating of the Earth's surface. Air rises as air warms, and cooler air moves in to replace it, creating airflow. This flow of air is called wind.
3. Suggest two methods to find wind direction at a given place.
Explanation:
There are various methods to find out wind direction at a given place, but two simple and commonly used methods are:
Wind Vane: A wind vane is a tool that can be installed at a fixed point that moves freely in the direction of the wind.
Smoke Test: A simple and effective method is to observe the direction of the smoke. By lighting a small fire or smoke-producing object, you can observe the direction of the smoke to determine wind direction.
4. State two experiences that made you think that air exerts pressure.
Explanation:
The first experience was when I inflated a balloon and felt the resistance of the air pushing back against me as I blew it up. This resistance demonstrated that the air inside the balloon was exerting pressure on the walls of the balloon. The second experience was when I felt the wind pushing against me during a storm, demonstrating the force and pressure of moving air.
5. You want to buy a house. Would you like to buy a house having windows but no ventilators? Explain your answer.
Explanation:
I would not want to buy a house with no windows but no ventilators. Windows allow air and light to enter the house but do not necessarily provide proper ventilation. Ventilators are necessary to circulate fresh air and remove stale air, preventing moisture buildup and improving indoor air quality.
6. Explain why holes are made in hanging banners and hoardings.
Explanation:
Holes are made in hanging banners and hoardings to allow wind to pass through them. When banners and hoardings are suspended in outdoor spaces, they can catch the wind and create a force that can cause them to tear or become damaged. By adding small holes, the wind can pass through, reducing the force and pressure on the banner or hoarding, making them more resistant to wind damage.
7. How will you help your neighbors if a cyclone approaches your village/town?
Explanation:
In case of a cyclone approaching my village/town, I would take the following steps to help my neighbors:
Spread awareness about the impending danger and the necessary precautions to take.
Help them secure their homes by bringing in outdoor furniture and objects that could cause damage.
Assist in case of an emergency evacuation or medical attention needed.
Coordinate with local authorities and relief organizations to ensure timely assistance and support.
8. What planning is required in advance to deal with the situation created by a cyclone?
Explanation:
To deal with the situation created by a cyclone, the following planning is required in advance:
Developing a family emergency plan and communication strategy.
Identifying the nearest shelters and safe areas.
Securing the house and removing or securing outdoor objects.
Creating a disaster supply kit with essential items such as food, water, medication, and first aid supplies.
Staying informed about weather updates and following evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
9. Which places are unlikely to be affected by a cyclone?
Explanation:
Cyclones are most likely to occur in coastal areas, particularly those in tropical regions. Therefore, places far away from coastlines or in areas that do not experience tropical weather are unlikely to be affected by a cyclone—for example, landlocked regions.
10. In winter, the winds flow from the land to the ocean. Comment.
Explanation:
In winter, the temperature over the landmass becomes cooler than the temperature over the adjacent ocean. This creates a high-pressure zone over the landmass and a low-pressure zone over the ocean. As a result, the winds flow from the high-pressure zone over the land to the low-pressure zone over the ocean. This phenomenon is known as a land breeze.
11. The coastline of India is not vulnerable to cyclones. Is this statement correct? If not, explain.
Explanation:
No, this statement is incorrect. The coastline of India is vulnerable to cyclones because of its location near the sea. India's east coast, particularly the Bay of Bengal region, is highly prone to cyclones.
12. Why is Chandigarh unlikely to be affected by a cyclone?
Explanation:
Chandigarh is located in northern India, far from the coastal areas most vulnerable to cyclones. It is located in a region that experiences a continental climate, meaning it is not influenced by the tropical maritime air masses that cause cyclones.
13. Briefly describe the effect of heat on air pressure.
Explanation:
Heat affects air pressure. When heated air, its molecules become more energetic and spread apart, decreasing density. The less-dense air rises, creating a region of low pressure. Conversely, when air is cooled, its molecules move closer, increasing density—the denser air sinks, creating a high-pressure region.
14. To expel hot air out of the kitchen, A has an exhaust fan fitted on the window of her kitchen, and B has a similar exhaust fan fitted on the wall near the ceiling. Which of the exhaust fans will expel the hot air more effectively? Explain why.
Explanation:
The exhaust fan fitted on the wall near the ceiling of B's kitchen will expel the hot air more effectively. Hot air rises due to convection, and by fitting the exhaust fan near the ceiling, B can effectively remove the hot air from the kitchen. In contrast, the exhaust fan fitted on the window of A's kitchen may not be as effective as it will only remove hot air from a localized area near the window.
15. Enlist the other names of cyclones and explain their causes.
Explanation:
Cyclones are hurricanes, typhoons, or tropical storms. Cyclones are caused by warm ocean water and moist, unstable atmospheric conditions. The warm ocean water provides the energy needed to power the cyclone, while the unstable atmospheric conditions promote the formation of thunderstorms, which can intensify into a cyclone.
16. Suggest some precautions to be taken to prevent the roof of a tin sheet from flying away during a fierce wind storm.
Explanation:
Here are some precautions to prevent a tin sheet roof from flying away during a fierce wind storm:
Ensure that the roof is properly anchored to the building structure.
Trim nearby trees and branches that could fall onto the roof.
Inspect and repair any loose or damaged roofing materials before the storm hits.
17. Name the instrument used to measure the speed of the wind.
Explanation:
Anemometer is an instrument used to measure the speed of the wind. It typically consists of three or four cups that rotate in the wind, and the rotation is measured and converted to a wind speed reading.
18. A flag mounted on a flag post near the sea coast flutters in the direction of the sea. At what time of the day does this happen — at midnight or in the afternoon?
Explanation:
Typically, sea breezes are strongest in the afternoon and weakest at night, so the flag is likelier to flutter in the afternoon than at midnight.
19. Name the factor responsible for the increase in wind speed or cyclones.
Explanation:
When moist air rises and condenses into clouds, it releases heat energy to intensify the storm. This heat energy powers the updrafts and downdrafts within the storm, leading to stronger winds and higher wind speeds. The release of latent heat energy is a key factor in developing and intensifying tropical storms, hurricanes, and cyclones.
20. Can you say why smoke always rises?
Explanation:
Smoke rises due to the difference in density between the smoke and the surrounding air. Less dense hot air rises due to buoyancy, and as burning materials produce smoke, it is generally hotter than the surrounding air, causing it to rise upward.
21. In the wind flow pattern, it can be found that the wind shown is not in the exact North-South direction. Explain why.
Explanation:
Earth is rotating, which causes the moving objects on Earth's surface to be deflected to the right in the Northern hemisphere and the left in the Southern hemisphere. This means wind flow patterns will not be exactly North-South but slightly curved.
22. Monsoon winds are helpful. Do you agree?
Explanation:
Yes, monsoon winds are helpful as they provide the necessary rainfall for agriculture and vegetation in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia. Monsoon winds also help regulate temperatures and weather patterns and are an important source of freshwater for many regions that experience seasonal drought.
23. Paheli kept an empty bottle made of plastic inside a refrigerator. After a few hours, she found the bottle had collapsed when she opened the refrigerator. Explain the possible cause.
Explanation:
When Paheli kept an empty plastic bottle inside a refrigerator, the air inside the bottle would have cooled down along with the bottle's plastic walls. This cooling causes a decrease in the air pressure inside the bottle while the external air pressure remains constant. If the pressure difference becomes too great, the bottle can collapse inwards. This phenomenon is caused by the combined effects of temperature and pressure on the bottle's plastic material.
24. Mention an example of when the cyclone hit a part of India and how much destruction was caused.
Explanation:
In May 2021, Cyclone Tauktae hit the western coast of India, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The cyclone affected the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, with winds reaching up to 200 km/h. The storm caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and crops and claimed over 100 lives.
25. When strong/high-speed wind blows, an umbrella held upright at times gets upturned. Explain the reason.
Explanation:
When a strong or high-speed wind blows, it exerts a force on the surface area of the umbrella, which can cause the umbrella to upturn or invert. The larger the surface area of the umbrella, the greater the force exerted by the wind.
26. What are monsoon winds?
Explanation:
Monsoon winds are seasonal winds that change direction with the change in seasons. These winds are primarily experienced in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
27. What is a natural disaster?
Explanation:
A natural disaster is an event caused by natural phenomena such as extreme weather conditions, geological events, or biological hazards that have severe impacts on human life, property, and the environment. Natural disasters can occur suddenly and with little warning, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
28. What is an anemometer?
Explanation:
An anemometer is a device used to measure the speed and direction of the wind. It has a central axis with rotating cups or blades, which spin when the wind blows. The rotation rate is then measured electronically or mechanically and converted into a wind speed measurement.
29. When you fly a kite, does the wind from your back help?
Explanation:
Yes, it does help sometimes. It's worth noting that different types of kites have different wind requirements. Some kites, such as stunt kites, require more wind to fly and can handle gusty or turbulent conditions better than other kites. It's important to read the instructions or check with the manufacturer to determine the ideal wind conditions for your particular kite.
30. What is the main cause of wind movement?
Explanation:
The main cause of wind movement is the sun's uneven heating of the Earth's surface. As the sun heats the Earth's surface, the warm air rises, and cooler air from surrounding areas rushes in to fill the space, creating wind. This movement of air is also known as atmospheric circulation.
31. Why do we fill air into the bicycle tube?
Explanation:
To inflate the tires and provide cushioning and support to the bicycle. The air inside the tube creates pressure, which helps to distribute the weight of the rider and bicycle evenly over the surface of the tire. This, in turn, helps provide a smooth and comfortable ride and improves traction and handling.
32. What do tornadoes look like?
Explanation:
Tornadoes can take on many different shapes and sizes, but they are typically characterized by a dark, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Strong winds, hail, and lightning often accompany the cloud.
33. What is the direction of the wind in winter?
Explanation:
The direction of the wind in winter can vary depending on the region and weather patterns. In general, in the northern hemisphere, winds in winter tend to blow from the north or northwest, bringing cold air from the Arctic and causing temperatures to drop. In contrast, winter winds in the southern hemisphere can blow from the south or southeast, bringing colder air from Antarctica.
34. What are the factors that contribute to the development of cyclones?
Explanation:
Cyclones need a lot of moisture to fuel their growth. Warm ocean water evaporates and rises into the atmosphere, cooling and condensing into clouds. The condensation releases heat, which powers the storm. Wind shear, or the change in wind speed and direction with height, can inhibit the development of cyclones. Low wind shear allows the storm to develop and maintain its structure.
35. What role does the wind play in the formation of storms?
Explanation:
When two air masses with different characteristics, such as temperature or humidity, meet, wind can cause them to converge and rise, creating a storm. Wind can lift air upwards, creating areas of low pressure and helping to initiate thunderstorm development.
36.
Explanation:
37. How can cyclones be predicted?
Explanation:
It can be predicted using a combination of data from satellites, weather balloons, aircraft, and ocean buoys. Satellites orbiting the Earth can provide images of the atmosphere, oceans, and land that can help meteorologists monitor the development and movement of cyclones. Weather balloons can be launched into the atmosphere to measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction at different altitudes.
38. Which regions of India are vulnerable to cyclones?
Explanation:
The states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal on the eastern coast of India are highly vulnerable to cyclones, especially during the monsoon season from June to September. Gujarat, on the western coast of India, is vulnerable to cyclones that form in the Arabian Sea.
39. Explain why smoke always rises.
Explanation:
When smoke is released into the air, it rises because it is lighter than the surrounding air. This is because smoke is typically warmer than the air around it. As it rises, the surrounding air cools the smoke, causing it to expand and become less dense. However, even as it cools and becomes less dense, the smoke is still typically less dense than the surrounding air, so it rises until it is dispersed.
40. List some effective safety measures for cyclones.
Explanation:
Keep track of the latest weather forecasts and updates from local authorities to stay informed about the cyclone's path and expected impact.Before a cyclone, secure loose objects around your home, such as outdoor furniture, before a cyclone, to prevent them from being blown away. If you live in an area at high risk of a cyclone, follow the evacuation orders given by authorities and move to a safe location.