L.

15 Rotation and Revolution

Answer the following

1. Distinguish between rotation and revolution.

Ans. Rotation is the spinning of the earth on its axis. It causes day and night on the
earth. One rotation of the earth on its axis takes 24 hours.
Revolution is the journey of the earth around the sun. One revolution takes 365¼
days or one year. The revolution of the earth and the tilt of its axis causes four
seasons.

2. Explain the terms 'solstice' and 'equinox'.

Ans. Solstice is the time when the rays of the sun fall vertically on either of the two
tropics. On 21st June, the rays are vertical on the Tropic of Cancer and on 22nd
December, they are vertical on the Tropic of Capricorn.
Equinox is the time when the rays of the sun fall vertically at the equator. This
happens on 21st March and 23rd September. Day and night are of equal duration all
over the world on these two days.

3. Why is it winter in northern hemisphere when it is summer in the southern

hemisphere?
Ans. The northern and southern hemispheres have opposite seasons at any time
because of the tilt of the earth's axis and the movement of the earth around the sun.
When the North Pole is tilted away from the sun, the South Pole is tilted towards the
sun and therefore, the southern hemisphere receives more heat. This is why the
southern hemisphere experiences summer. Whereas the northern hemisphere being
away from the sun receives less heat and experiences winter.

Facts and Concepts

1. Plane of the earth's orbit
The plane of the earth's orbit is the level path on which th earth revolves around
the sun.
2. Circle of illumination
The circle that separates day and night is called the circle of illumination.

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L. 4 The Birth of a Civilization

Answer the following

1. How was a typical city divided in the Indus Valley?

Ans. In the Indus Valley, the city was divided into two sections – the upper town
called the citadel and the lower town. The citadel was fortified and built on a raised
platform or mound. The lower town was at a lower level and contained houses for the
people living in the city.

2. Why did people have free time to engage in creative activities in Harappa?
Ans. Harappa was originally a farming village as it was a fertile plain. There was
plenty of food to support large settlements. Hence, there was enough free time to
engage in creative activities such as pot making and brick making.

3. What were the outstanding features of the Great Bath?

Ans. The Great Bath was a large impressive structure found in Mohenjodaro. The
outstanding features of the Great Bath were:
a) It was a large complex with six entrances and a central bathing pool.
b) It had dressing rooms on all sides.
c) The bricks were tightly fitted to avoid seepage of water. Water from an adjacent
well was used to fill the pool.

4. How can you say that the people lived comfortably in the Indus Valley
civilization?
Ans. The houses were comfortable and well-planned. There are many features that
are similar to the present-day houses.
a) The house was built around a central courtyard and was usually two storeyed.
b) All houses had a bathing area and were connected to drainpipes.
c) Most hourses had a well and also had dustbins to avoid littering of garbage.

Facts and Concepts

1. Mound – A large pile of earth, stones, etc.
2. Citadel – The citadel was fortified and built on a raised platform or mound. It
protected people from floods. It contained important public buildings such as the
granaries, the Great Bath, the town hall, and temple-like structures.
3. Steatite – A material of soft stone.
4. Decipher – To succeed in finding the meaning of something that is difficult to read
or understand.