CHAPTER 5

SOME NATURAL PHENOMENA

Compendium

A. Introduction
B. Static Charge
a. Methods of charging
b. Rub to charge
C. Charged Bodies
D. Interaction
a. Like charges
b. Unlike charges
E. Convention
a. Positive
b. Negative
F. Transfer of charges
G. Electroscope
a. Discharged bodies
b. Earthing
H. Lightning
a. Electric discharge
b. Safety
c. Lightning conductors
I. Earthquakes
a. Causes
i.Earth
1. Structure
2. Seismic Zones
ii.Power
1. Seismic Waves

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2. Seismograph
b. Protection
J. Bird’s-eye view
K. Solved examples
L. Practice yourself
M. Solutions

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A. Introduction to some natural phenomena

(i) All the naturally occurring calamities or physical processes are
collectively known as natural phenomena.
(ii) The two most destructive natural phenomena are earthquakes and
lightning.

B. Static charge (or charges at rest)

Methods of Charging
(i) A body may be charged by rubbing, which involves friction (Chapter
2) or by induction.
(ii) The electrical charges that are produced by rubbing are called
static charges.
Rub to Charge
(i) Some objects like plastic when rubbed with hair acquires a charge.
Likewise, a glass rod also gets charged when rubbed by silk cloth.
(ii) They get charged because they either gain or lose electrons, and
that is why they may repel or attract the small bits of paper
depending upon the type of charge they carry.

Figure 1: Electrons are transferred when silk is rubbed with glass.

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C. Charged objects
Objects that carry a charge through rubbing or other processes are
known as charged objects. The red particles are positively charged
while the yellow ones are negatively charged.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 2: (a) Neutral (b) Negatively charged (-2) (c) Positively charged (+3)

Interaction between like charges and unlike charges

Like charges (either both positive
charges or both negative charges)
repel, while unlike charges (one
positive charge and another negative
charge) attract.

Convention of Positive and Negative charge

It is a general convention to call the charge obtained by a glass rod
when rubbed with silk as positive.
Transfer or movement of charges
• Charges may be transferred through good
conductors like copper to another
conducting material.
• This charge transfer is due to the motion of
the electron (also called the valence electron) Figure 3: The initial and
from one atom to a different atom. final state of the red
and blue spheres tell us
about the movement of
charges

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Electroscope
A device used to detect the appearance
of a charge is called an electroscope.

Discharged Objects
When the objects lose their charge by
electron transfer, they are called as
discharged objects. Figure 4: An electroscope

Earthing
The process of moving charges from any charged object to the Earth
is known as earthing.

Figure 5: Domestic electric supply circuit

Try and learn

1. A crackling sound might be heard while taking off a sweater

during winters. Give a reason why.
Sol: When we take off a woollen sweater, the sweater gets charged
due to friction present between the sweater and the body. This results
in a crackling sound.

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2. Explain why a charged body loses charge when touched with our
hand.
Sol: The charges are conducted to the Earth through the body
whenever we touch it, and the conductor loses its charge. This
phenomenon is called an electric discharge.

Checkpoint 1

1. If an uncharged plastic straw is brought

near another charged plastic straw, what
will happen?
2. In an electroscope, as shown in fig., the
aluminium strips are replaced by plastic
strips. A charged body is brought in
physical contact with the help of a metal clip. What will happen?
3. Two plastic straws A and B are rubbed with a dry piece of cotton
cloth. What will happen if the above-mentioned straws are
brought near each other?

D. Lightning
• During thunderstorms, air currents progress upwards, and the
water droplets sink downwards.
• This causes a separation of charges between clouds as well as
between clouds and Earth.
• When the magnitude of charges increases, air (usually a bad
conductor) starts to conduct and allows the flow of electricity.

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This is seen as a flash of lightning, as this
flow of charge is generally accompanied
by bright streaks of light followed by a
sound which we hear later. Can you guess
why this happens?

Figure 6: How lightning can be

visualized?

Electric discharge
The process of movement of charges from either "cloud to cloud" or
"cloud to Earth" due to the separation of positive and negative charges
is known as electric discharge.
Lightning safety: Steps to be followed
• If we are outside the house:
o Find a secure place or shelter under small trees
o If we are inside a car or vehicle, stay inside with doors and windows
shut.
o Stay away from metal poles.
o Do not lie on the ground. Instead, crouch with the head in between
our hands.
• If we are inside the house:
o Avoid any contact with telephone, as well as electrical wires
o Avoid taking a bath.
o Unplug the heavy electrical appliances

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Figure 7: Different types of lightnings

Lightning conductors
• Lightning conductors are used to protecting high-rise buildings
during thunderbolts.
• These lightning conductors usually consist of a metal rod which is
taller than the building, installed
within the walls of the building
during construction.
• They run from the top of the
building to the Earth and act as a
direct Passway for electric
discharge during a bolt of
lightning.

Figure 8: Lightning conductor

placed at the top of a building

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Try and learn

1. Suggest any three measures to protect ourselves from a lightning

bolt.
Sol: Multiple ways to protect ourselves from lightning are:
(i) Always reside in a closed place, and if we are in a car, we must keep
the windows closed and stay there until the lightning is over.
(ii) Never touch any telephone cables, metal pipes or electrical wires.
(iii) Never take a bath in running water, this might cause an electric
shock.
2. The weather department has a prediction of a thunderstorm, that
it is likely to occur on a specific day. Suppose we have to go out on that
day. Should we carry an umbrella? Give a reason why.
Sol: No, we should not carry an umbrella while a thunderstorm is
happening. The thunderstorm might be accompanied by lightning,
and the charges may travel from the cloud directly to the metal rod
on the umbrella and may cause an electric shock to the human
carrying it. So, it is unsafe to carry an umbrella during lightning.

Checkpoint-2

1. During the construction of one of the buildings, the lightning

conductor was left hanging in the air by mistake. Would the lightning
conductor be still valid? Give reason to support your answer.
2. If cloud and air were good conductors of electricity, should we
think lightning could occur? Give reason to support your answer.

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E. Earthquakes
An earthquake can be said as the sudden trembling of the surface of
the Earth because of the disturbances deep inside the Earth's crust.
They generally cause large-scale damage to life as well as property.
They are mostly unpredictable.

Causes of earthquake
The earthquakes are created due to movement or collision of
tectonic plates in the uppermost layer of the Earth's crust.
Movement of plates
Earth's crust is fragmented, and each such fragment is known as a
plate. These plates are always in motion and sometimes can collapse
under one another, causing an earthquake on the surface.
Structure of the Earth
Seismic/fault Zones
Boundaries of the plates on the Earth's crust are weak zones where
earthquakes are most likely to occur. These are known as seismic or
fault zones.

Figure 9: Structure of the Earth

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Power of earthquake
• The power of an earthquake is always expressed in terms of
magnitude on a scale. This scale is called a Richter Scale.
• An earthquake with magnitude > 7 on the Richter scale is considered
destructive.
• This scale is not linear. i.e. an increase of 2 in magnitude implies 1000
times more destructive energy.

Seismic Waves
Tremors deep inside the Earth produce waves, which are called
seismic waves.

Figure 10: Different types of seismic waves

Seismograph
• An instrument that records seismic
waves is called a seismograph.
• Consists of a vibrating rod or
pendulum that starts vibrating when
tremors occur. Figure 11: A seismograph

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Protection from an earthquake: Steps to follow
• Outdoors:
o Find a bright spot, away from overhead lines and buildings.
o If in a car then go to a bright spot and stay inside the car till the
tremors stop.
• Indoors:
o Stay under a table till tremors stop.
o Avoid staying near tall, heavy objects.
• Structural measures:
o In highly seismic areas build mud houses with light roofs in order
to minimise damage.
o Fix cupboards and shelves to the walls.
o During an earthquake, some buildings catch fire and therefore
must have proper working firefighting equipment.

Try and learn

1. Can we predict about an earthquake?

Sol: No, it is impossible to predict the timing of an earthquake.
2. Name the scale on which we can measure the destructive energy
of an earthquake. If an earthquake measures 3 on this scale, will it be
recorded by a seismograph? Is it capable of causing much damage?
Sol: Richter scale is employed to measure the destructive energy of
an earthquake. This scale has a reading ranging from 1 to 10. An
earthquake measuring 3 will be recorded by a seismograph. The
magnitude of scale 3 will not cause much damage. An Earthquake
having a magnitude of 5 or more is considered destructive in nature.

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Checkpoint-3

1. Write down three states in India who are more prone to

earthquakes.
2. Suppose we are outside our home and an earthquake strike. What
precaution would we take to protect ourselves?

Bird’s-eye view

• Some objects may be charged by rubbing with different other

objects.
• Static Electricity: The electric charge created by rubbing is called
static electricity because these charges remain stationary.
• There are two types of electric charges - positive charge and
negative charge.
• Whenever we rub two objects, made of distinct substances,
together, the charge they acquire is opposite to each other.
• Electric Current: Moving charges constitute an electric current.
• Earthing: Process of transfer of charges from a charged body to the
Earth is called earthing.
• Earthing is provided in electrical wiring in buildings to protect us
from electrical shocks, in case of any leakage of electrical current.
• The process of an electric discharge between clouds and the Earth
or between different clouds causes lightning.
• A lightning strike is capable of taking a life and damaging property.
• Lightning conductors can protect buildings from the catastrophic
effects of lightning.

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• An earthquake is sudden shaking or trembling of the Earth's
surface.
• Earthquake is produced by a disturbance deep inside the Earth's
crust.
• It is impossible to tell about the occurrence of an earthquake.
• Earthquakes mostly tend to occur at the boundaries of the Earth's
plates. These boundaries are called as fault zones.
• The destructive energy of an earthquake can be measured on the
Richter scale. The earthquake measuring seven or more on the
Richter scale can cause enormous damage to life and property.
• Crust: It is said to be the topmost layer of Earth's surface (8 km –
32 km).
• Electric discharge: When the negative charges from the clouds
and the positive charges on the ground meet, a tremendous
amount of energy is produced as bright light and sound, which
we see as lightning. The process is called an electric discharge.
• Earth's Plates: The topmost layer of the Earth is not in just one
piece. It is fragmented. Each and every fragment is called a plate.
• Electroscope: A device used to test whether an object is carrying
a charge or not.
• Lightning: The process of an electric discharge between clouds
and the Earth or between different clouds causes lightning.
• Lightning Rod: The lightning rod is a conducting device used to
secure tall buildings from the effect of the lightning. A metal rod
taller than the building is installed within the walls of the building
while its construction to protect it from the effect of lightning.

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• Negative Charge: When the charge of an object is due to the excess
of electrons, it is called a negative charge.
• Positive Charge: When the charge of an object is due to the loss of
electrons, it is called a positive charge.
• Richter Scale: The power of an earthquake is expressed in terms of
magnitudes on a scale called the Richter Scale.
• Seismograph: The seismic waves are recorded by an instrument in
the form of a graph called the seismograph.
• Thunder: The loud noise which accompanies lightning.
• Thunderstorm: A storm that is accompanied by lightning and
thunder.
• Transfer of Charge: Electrical charge can be transferred from a
charged object to another through a metal conductor.
• Tsunami: Earthquakes may cause tsunamis in oceans, resulting in
massive damage in coastal areas.
• Tremor: Trembling or shaking of the Earth.

Solved examples

Select the most suitable option in Questions 1 and 2.

1. Which ones cannot be charged easily by friction?
(a) A copper rod (b) A plastic scale
(c) An inflated balloon (d) Woollen cloth.
Sol : The answer is (a) A copper rod.
Explanation:
Only non-conducting materials may be easily charged by friction.
Copper is a highly conducting materials. Hence, a copper rod cannot
be charged easily by friction.

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2. A glass rod is rubbed against a saree made of silk, the rod
(a) As well as the cloth both acquire a positive charge.
(b)Gets positively charged while the cloth acquires a negative
charge.
(c) As well as the cloth both acquire a negative charge.
(d)Gets negatively charged while the cloth acquires a positive
charge.
Sol: The answer is (b) the rod becomes positively charged while the
cloth acquires a negative charge.
Explanation:
Whenever a couple of objects are rubbed against each other, the
objects acquire opposite charges. By convention, we know that the
rod acquires a positive charge, and the cloth acquires a negative
charge.

3. Write T against a true statement and F against a false statement

in the following cases.
(a) Like charges have attraction between them. (T/F)
(b) A charged glass rod must attract a charged plastic straw (T/F)
(c) The lightning conductor is incapable of protecting a building from
lightning (T/F)
(d) Earthquakes are predictable in nature. (T/F)
Sol:
(a) False-Unlike charges have attraction between them while like
charges have repulsion between them.
(b) True-A charged plastic straw possesses a negative charge on its
surface while the surface of the glass rod has a positive charge.

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Unlike charges have attraction with each other so, both of them
attract each other.
(c) False -Whenever lightning occurs, the charges in the atmosphere
are transferred to the Earth immediately by a lightning conductor.
Hence, the building is protected from a lightning bolt.
(d) False-Even though we know about the causes of earthquake
causes, unfortunately, there are no instruments that are made to
detect them in advance. Thus, earthquakes cannot be predicted in
advance.
4. Explain why a charged balloon gets repelled by another charged
balloon but an uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged
balloon?
Sol: The charge on the surface of the balloons are of the same nature;
hence they have repulsion between them. When a charged balloon is
taken near an uncharged balloon, due to induction of charges, it
acquires a charge which is opposite in nature compared to that of a
charged balloon. As unlike charges have attraction between them, the
uncharged balloon is attracted by the charged balloon.
5. Elaborate with the help of a diagram, an instrument that can be
used to detect a body having charge.
Sol: It is made up of a metal rod on which we have
two fixed leaves of aluminum foil. One end is
attached to the rod, and another end is attached
to a metal disc. The leaves are kept within a conical
flask and are corked together to isolate it from the
outside air. When a charged body gets in contact
with this metal disc, the aluminium.

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leaves go away from each other as some charges get transferred to
the leaves through the rod. This process is known as charging by
conduction. The charges on the leaves as well as the charged body
are of the same nature, and thus the leaves of aluminium have
repulsion with each other. If the body is uncharged, then they would
have an attraction between them.
6. How is a crackling sound heard while taking off a sweater during
winters?
Sol: When we take an out sweater, Woollen sweater gets charged
due to friction between the sweater and the body. This results in
crackling sound.
7. Explain why a charged body may lose its charge if we touch it with
our hand?
Sol: The charges get conducted to the Earth through our body when
we touch it, and the conductor loses its charge. This phenomenon is
known as electric discharge.
8. List three earthquake prone states in
India.
Sol: Gujarat, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir
are the three states where an earthquake
is more likely to strike.
9. Try to identify the lightning conductor
as well as the copper plate in the fig.
Sol: A is the lightning conductor while B is
the copper plate.

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Multiple Choice Type (Each carries one mark)

1. An electroscope is a device that may be used to find if an object is
(a) Magnetic (b) Charged
(c) Free of cracks (d) Hot
2. We want an electric current to pass from one body to another. For
this to happen, the two bodies must be connected by
(a) Cotton thread (b) Copper wire
(c) Plastic string (d) Rubber band
3. The movement of the Earth's tectonic plates causes
(a) Cyclones (b) Lightning
(c) Thunderstorms (d) Earthquakes
4. Two charged objects are brought close to one another. Choose the
most suitable statement from the given options:
(a) They may repel
(b) They may attract
(c) They may repel or attract depending on the type of charges they
have
(d) No effect
5. Which of the given is not likely to cause a Tsunami?
(a) A major undersea nuclear explosion
(b) An earthquake
(c) Lightning
(d) Volcanic eruption

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6. The Earth's plate, which is responsible for causing earthquakes, is?
(a) the outer core of the Earth
(b) the inner core of the Earth
(c) the mantle of the Earth
(d) the crust of the Earth
7. Consider the list of geographical terms given below:
(i) Fault Zone (ii) Seismic Zone
(iii) Inner Core (iv) Mantle
The boundaries of the Earth's tectonic plates are called
(a) (i) & (ii) (b) (iii) & (iv)
(c) (i) & (iii) (d) (ii) & (iii)
8. The outermost layer of the Earth is known as
(a) Crust (b) Outer core
(c) Mantle (d) Inner core
9. Significant earthquakes are less likely to occur in
(a) North East India (b) Rajasthan
(c) Rann of Kutch (d) Orissa
10. Consider the list of terms provided below
(i) Tsunami (ii) Lightning
(iii) Floods (iv) Landslide
Earthquakes may cause:
(a) (i), (ii) & (iv) (b) (ii) & (iv)
(c) (i), (ii) & (iii) (d) (iii) & (iv)

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Very Short Answer Type (1 mark)
11. True or False.
(a) Earthquakes are occurring all the time all over the world.
(b) The tectonic plates of the outermost layer of our planet are always
continuously moving.
(c) The tremors on the Earth can also be caused due to the eruption of
a volcano.
(d) Electric discharge cannot occur between Earth and clouds.
(e) Bathing outdoors must be avoided during a thunderstorm.

Short Answer Questions (Each carries 2 or 3 marks)

12. We might have observed on a dry day that when we touch the
screen of a computer monitor or television (with a picture tube), we
get a slight shock. Guess the reason why?
13. Explain how a lightning conductor protects a building from getting
struck by the lightning bolt.
14. In an electroscope, when a negatively charged body is brought in
contact with a metal clip, the strips of the electroscope seem to
diverge. Now, if another charged object carrying the same amount
of positive charge is brought in contact with the metal clip, what
will we observe?
15. The metal strips of an electroscope diverge when a charged body is
brought in touch with the metal clip. Now the clip is gently touched
by our hand. What must happen to the strips? Give a reason to
support your answer.

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Long Answer Type (Each carries 4 or 5 marks)

16. Explain how lightning takes place?

17. Mention three precautions that we must take to protect our self
if an earthquake strikes when we are inside our homes.
18. Explain why it is safer to use a wireless telephone instead of a
landline telephone during lightning.
19. What precautions would we take if lightning occurs while we are
outside the house?
20. If the metal clip used in the electroscope is replaced by an
ebonite rod and a charged body is brought in contact with it, will
there be any effect on the aluminium strips? Explain.

Frequently Asked Questions on Some Natural Phenomena

21. Explain why it is considered safe to use a wireless telephone
instead of using a landline telephone during a flash of lightning?
22. Elaborate how a flash of lightning takes place?
23. Explain how does lightning conductor protect a building from
getting struck by lightning.

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Crossword

Across
1. Loud noise which accompanies lightning
4. Used to detect the presence of a charge
7. Commonly seen in a thunderstorm
8. Process of transfer of charges from a charged body to the Earth is
called
Down
2. Scale on which intensity of an earthquake is measure
3. Charges at rest
4. Sudden trembling of the Earth
5. Can be defined as electrically positive or negative
6. Tremors deep inside the Earth produce waves

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Word Search

• CHARGE
• LIGHTNING
• ELECTRICITY
• STATIC
• CRUST
• ELECTROSCOPE
• RICHTER
• CORE
• CONDUCTOR
• EARTHQUACK
• MANTLE

Anagrams

1. TSCIAT

2. EHCGAR

3. NTLIGHGIN

4. TAURHEEAKQ

5. AUMISTN

6. TONRADO

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Solutions
Checkpoint 1
1. The plastic straws will attract each other.
2. The divergence of strips will not occur.
3. There will be a repulsion force between them.
Checkpoint 2
1. It will not be very effective because the charge will not pass through
to the Earth as the lightning conductor was not appropriately
connected to the Earth.
2. No, the lightning will not occur because the separation of charges
will not take place in conductors. Thus, the charges will not
accumulate on the clouds and the lightning will not take place.
Checkpoint 3
1. Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat and Assam are three states where an
earthquake is more likely to strike.
2. The listed precautions must be taken when an earthquake strike:
a. Find and go to an open field and stay away from buildings, trees,
electric wire and poles.
b. If we are in a car, then drive to an open field and do not come out
of our car.

Novice level

1. The answer is (b) charged

Explanation:

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An electroscope is a device that is used to find whether an object is
charged or not. It is made up of two metallic strips which are very
closely placed.
2. The answer is (b) copper wire
Explanation:
Copper (metal) is a good electric conductor. Rubber, plastic and
cotton are bad conductors (insulators) of electricity.
3. The answer is (d) earthquakes
Explanation:
When Earth's tectonic plates brush past each other, it causes an
earthquake. Earthquakes can cause damages to dams and
buildings.
4. Answer (c) they may repel or attract depending upon the type of
charges they carry
Explanation:
If we have like charges, they repel each other, but if the charges are
unlike, they attract each other.
5. The answer is (c) Lightning
Explanation:
A tsunami is caused due to the disturbance caused deep down the
sea. Lightning will not cause any disturbance in the sea. However, an
earthquake, a major undersea nuclear explosion and volcanic
eruption may cause a major disturbance in the sea resulting in
Tsunami.
6. The answer is (d) the crust of the Earth
Explanation:
A sudden trembling of the Earth due to disturbance deep down its
top layer called the crust.

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7. The answer is (a) (i) & (ii)
Explanation:
A sudden shaking of the Earth is called an earthquake, which lasts for
a short time. Earthquakes are created due to the movement of the
tectonic plates. Boundaries of these plates are weak zones where
earthquakes are most likely to happen.
8. The answer is (a) crust.
Explanation:
Earth's topmost layer is called crust which is followed by mantle, outer
core and inner core.
9. The answer is (d) Orissa
Explanation:
Significant earthquakes are less likely to occur in Orissa. The most
vulnerable areas in India are Western and Central Himalayas, Kashmir,
the whole of North-East, Rajasthan, Rann of Kutch, and the Indo-
Gangetic Plain.
10. The answer is (c) (i), (ii) & (iii)
11. (a)T (b)T (c)T (d)F (e)T
12. The electric charge gets stored or accumulated on the screen. On
touching the screen, this charge discharges through our body. Thus,
we receive a slight shock.
13. A lightning conductor conducts all the charge to the Earth; hence
the charge will not accumulate on the building. This protects the
building from getting hit by a lightning.
14. If the clip of the electroscope gets in contact with the positively
charged object then the negatively charged body provided earlier will
get neutralised and we observe that the strips collapse.

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15. If we touch the strips of electroscope by our bare hand; the charge
in the electroscope strips will become zero because it gets
discharged through our hand. Also, the strips will come back to the
original position.
16. During the development of a thunderstorm, the air currents move
upwards while the water droplets move downwards. These vigorous
movements of air currents cause separation of charges. The positive
charges collect near the upper edges of the clouds, and the negative
charges accumulate near the lower edges. There is an accumulation
of positive charges near the ground also. When the magnitude of the
accumulated charges become large, the air cannot resist their flow.
As a result, negative and positive
charges meet producing a streak of bright light and sound, called
lightning.
17. Take shelter under a table and stay there till the shaking stops.
Stay away from tall and heavy objects that may fall on us.
If we are in bed, do not get up. Protect the head with a pillow.
18. Lightning is a process of electrical discharge. During lightening,
electric charge may pass through landline telephone wires which is
dangerous. Hence it is safer to use a wireless telephone instead of a
landline telephone during lightning.
19. Stay Away from Open vehicles, like motorbikes, tractors,
construction machinery, open cars. Do not take shelter in open fields,
tall trees, shelters in parks and high places. Do not carry an umbrella
when it is lightening. Stay away from poles and other metallic objects
Squat low on the ground. Place our hands on our knees with our
head between the hands

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20. If the metal clip used in the electroscope is replaced by an ebonite
rod and a charged body is brought in contact with it, aluminium strips
will not show any repulsion. Any charge will not get transferred to the
ebonite rod as it is an insulator.
21. The process of electrical discharge is lightning. During lightning,
the electric charge might pass through the landline telephone wires
which can be dangerous. Hence it is wiser and safer to use a wireless
telephone instead of using a landline telephone during lightning.
22. During the development of a thunderstorm, the air currents move
upwards while the water droplets move downwards. These
vigorous movements of air currents cause separation of charges.The
positive charges collect near the upper edges of the clouds, and the
negative charges accumulate near the lower edges. There is an
accumulation of positive charges near the ground also. When the
magnitude of the accumulated charges become large, the air cannot
resist their flow. As a result, negative and positive charges meet
producing a streak of bright light and sound, called lightning.
23. Lightning conductor conducts the charge to the Earth; hence
charge will not accumulate on the build. This protects the building
from getting struck by lightning.

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Advance level

Anagrams
STATIC CHARGE LIGHTNING
EARTHQUACK TSUNAMI
TORNADO

END

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