Solutions Bibha Chowdhuri English Poorvi Class 8 CBSE Board

I Work in pairs. What qualities do you associate with a scientist? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Complete the word web given below.

Answer:

II Some pictures of women scientists are given below. What do you know about their work? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

1. Vanitha Muthayya

Vanitha Muthayya was the Project Director of Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar exploration mission. Although the lander crashed during the attempt, she made history as ISRO’s first woman project director. She began her career as a junior engineer and later served as Deputy Project Director for satellites such as Cartosat-1, Oceansat-2, and Megha-Tropiques. She was also part of the Mangalyaan team. In 2006, she received the Best Woman Scientist Award from the Astronomical Society of India.

2. Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-American astronaut and the first Indian woman in space. Her first mission was aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, where she worked as a mission specialist and robotic arm operator. In 2003, she tragically lost her life in the Columbia disaster, along with six other crew members.

3. Sunita Williams

Sunita Williams, an American astronaut and retired U.S. Navy officer, is known for her extensive spaceflight experience. She has completed nine spacewalks totaling more than 62 hours. Williams has taken part in several International Space Station (ISS) missions, serving as both flight engineer and commander.

4. Nandini Harinath

Nandini Harinath, a rocket scientist at ISRO, has contributed to more than 14 space missions over her 20-year career. She played a vital role as the Deputy Operations Director for the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which successfully placed India’s spacecraft into Mars’ orbit in 2014. She currently works as a project manager and mission designer.

5. Ritu Karidhal

Ritu Karidhal, one of ISRO’s senior scientists, has been involved in several major space missions. She worked as the Operations Director and was the Deputy Director of the Mars Orbiter Mission. In 2007, she was honoured with the ISRO Young Scientist Award, presented by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

6. Kalpana Kalahasti

Kalpana Kalahasti, an Electronics and Communication Engineer, works at ISRO as the Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3. She has played an important role in building many Indian satellites and was also part of the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

Let us discuss (Page 237)

I Arrange the following events from Bibha Chowdhuri’s life in the correct order of occurrence. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honoured her legacy by renaming a star in the constellation Leo—HD 86081—as ‘Bibha’.
2. She became the first woman faculty member at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
3. Bibha Chowdhuri was born in pre-independent India.
4. The Government of India declared a chair professorship in Bibha’s name.
5. She joined the University of Manchester under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett.
6. She was nominated for a Nobel Prize by Erwin Schrödinger.

Answer:

1. Bibha Chowdhuri was born in pre-independent India.
2. She joined the University of Manchester under the guidance of Patrick M.S. Blackett.
3. She was nominated for a Nobel Prize by Erwin Schrödinger.
4. She became the first woman faculty member at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
5. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honoured her legacy by renaming a star as ‘Bibha’.
6. The Government of India declared a chair professorship in her name.

Let us think and reflect (Pages 237-239)

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. In 1945, Bibha’s academic journey took her to the University of Manchester. Under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett, she delved deeper into the field of cosmic rays. Her Ph.D. thesis on cosmic rays earned local recognition, with newspapers introducing her as ‘India’s New Woman Scientist—She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’.

(i) Why is the mention of Patrick M.S. Blackett, a Nobel Laureate, significant in this extract?

Answer: The mention of Patrick M.S. Blackett, a Nobel Laureate, is significant because it shows that Bibha was working under a world-famous and highly respected scientist, which highlights the importance and quality of her research.

(ii) What can be inferred about the public perception of women scientists in the 1940s from the title given to her by the press ‘India’s New Woman Scientist’?
A. Women scientists were widely accepted and celebrated at that time.
B. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.
C. Women scientists were as common and renowned as men in the 1940s.
D. Women were not allowed to study sciences or pursue scientific careers.

Answer: B. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.

(iii) In the phrase ‘celebrated Nobel Laureate,’ the word ‘celebrated’ refers to all of the following EXCEPT someone who is
A. famous and highly respected
B. frequently seen in public
C. renowned for their achievements
D. well-regarded in their field

Answer: B. frequently seen in public

(iv) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’ suggests that __________.

Answer: The phrase “She has an eye for Cosmic Rays” suggests that Bibha Chowdhuri had a special ability and deep understanding to study and identify cosmic rays effectively.

2. The journey from Bibha Chowdhuri’s era to today’s women scientists has been long and arduous, but it is also inspiring. The struggles Chowdhuri faced are a stark reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we have to go. But with every cosmic achievement— be it landing on the moon or reaching Mars—these women prove that the journey is well worth it.

Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on. Her story continues to inspire young women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and leave their mark on the world. As the stars of Indian science shine brighter, Bibha Chowdhuri, the beacon–‘beam of light,’ will always guide the way.

(i) What can be inferred about the challenges faced by women scientists today, as compared to Bibha Chowdhuri’s era?
A. Women scientists no longer face any barriers.
B. The challenges remain, but progress has been made.
C. The struggles have become more difficult over time.
D. The struggles are the same as they were for Chowdhuri.

Answer: B. The challenges remain, but progress has been made.

(ii) The phrase ‘Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on’ suggests that __________.

Answer:  The phrase “Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on” suggests that her life and work continue to inspire and motivate future generations, especially young women in science.

(iii) Why is Bibha Chowdhuri referred to as a ‘beacon’ and a ‘beam of light’ in the extract?

Answer:  She is referred to as a “beacon” and a “beam of light” because she lit the path for other women in science, broke barriers, and gave hope and encouragement through her achievements.

(iv) State whether the following sentence is a fact or an opinion.
Bibha Chowdhuri was the beacon, the ‘beam of light’ whose story continues to inspire young women.

Answer: The sentence is an opinion, because it expresses admiration and interpretation rather than a verifiable fact.

II Answer the following questions.

1. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri considered a pioneer in the field of science?

Answer: Bibha Chowdhuri is considered a pioneer because she was the first Indian woman physicist to work in high-energy particle physics. She broke gender barriers, studied cosmic rays and subatomic particles, and opened the path for other women scientists in India.

2. What does Bibha Chowdhuri’s nomination by Erwin Schrödinger tell us about her abilities?

Answer: It shows that Bibha Chowdhuri’s work was of very high quality and was recognized worldwide. Her nomination for the Nobel Prize by the famous scientist Erwin Schrödinger proves her great talent and important contributions.

3. Bibha Chowdhuri never worked for awards or recognition. Support this statement with evidence from the text.

Answer: Bibha Chowdhuri did not work for awards or recognition, as she never received any during her lifetime but still continued her research with full dedication. This shows that her work was guided by true scientific curiosity, not by the desire for honours.

4. How does the renaming of a star as ‘Bibha’ serve as both a literal and symbolic recognition of her contributions to science?

Answer: The renaming of the star HD 86081 as ‘Bibha’ is a literal honour because her name is now part of astronomical records. Symbolically, it shows how she lit the way for women in science, just like a star gives light in darkness. The name ‘Bibha,’ meaning ‘beam of light,’ is a perfect tribute.

5. How do the roles of women in ISRO today reflect broader changes in societal attitudes towards women in STEM in India?

Answer: Women in ISRO now lead important space missions, which shows that society has started to accept and support women’s abilities in science and technology. This progress became possible because of pioneers like Bibha Chowdhuri.

6. What is the writer’s purpose of highlighting the contributions of Bibha Chowdhuri and other modern women scientists?

Answer: The writer wants to inspire readers, especially young girls, by showing how women overcame difficulties and succeeded in science. The text also honours forgotten heroes and encourages gender equality in STEM fields.

7. How might this text help shape people’s perception of the role of women in other traditionally male-dominated fields?

Answer: The leading roles of women in ISRO today, like in Chandrayaan-3, show big progress compared to Bibha Chowdhuri’s time when women worked alone and unnoticed. While Bibha was rare in her era, today women scientists are respected leaders, proving society’s wider acceptance of women in STEM.

Let us learn (Pages 239-244)

I Complete the crossword puzzle by filling in the antonyms from the clues given below in the table. You may refer to the text.

Answer: 

II Substitute the underlined phrase in the sentences with the suitable words from the box given below.

1. They are considered to be the first people to start the online markets.
2. A scientist who studies matter, energy, light, etc.
3. Most of my friends are my classmates and are my age.
4. We first welcomed all the famous and important people in folk song for the award ceremony.
5. My brother finally succeeded in his business because of his continuous efforts and determination.
6. We should remove all the things that block our way in achieving success.

Answer: 

1. They are considered to be the first people to start the online markets. → pioneers
2. A scientist who studies matter, energy, light, etc. → physicist
3. Most of my friends are my classmates and are my age. → peers
4. We first welcomed all the famous and important people in folk song for the award ceremony. → luminaries
5. My brother finally succeeded in his business because of his continuous efforts and determination. → persistence
6. We should remove all the things that block our way in achieving success. → barriers

III The words ‘professorship’, ‘mentorship’, and ‘leadership’ are used in the text. These words are made by adding the suffix ‘-ship’ to the words ‘professor’, ‘mentor’ and ‘leader’. Similarly, we can make words by adding -ment and -hood to certain words.
Now, make words by adding suitable suffixes -ship, -ment, and -hood to the words given below. One example has been done for you.

achieve + ment = achievement
1. member + _______________ = _________________
2. govern + _______________ = _________________
3. partner + _______________ = _________________
4. child + _______________ = _________________
5. citizen + _______________ = _________________
6. entertain + _______________ = _________________
7. brother + _______________ = _________________
8. agree + _______________ = _________________

Answer: 

1. member + ship = membership
2. govern + ment = government
3. partner + ship = partnership
4. child + hood = childhood
5. citizen + ship = citizenship
6. entertain + ment = entertainment
7. brother + hood = brotherhood
8. agree + ment = agreement

IV The abbreviations—ISRO and STEM—used in the text are called acronyms because they are read or pronounced as full words.
The grid given below has acronyms for the following. Circle the acronyms in the grid.
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences
3. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy
4. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
5. World Health Organization

Answer: 

V Read the following sentence from the text and the table that follows.…, the foundation was laid by early pioneers like Bibha Chowdhuri…

Here the verb is expressed in passive form.
Verbs can be expressed in either active voice or passive voice.
When the subject performs the action, the sentence is said to be in active voice. On the other hand, when the subject receives the action, the sentence is in passive voice. Generally, sentences written in active voice are considered effective.
However, passive voice is used when the
• action is more important than the doer,
A cure for the disease was discovered.
(The focus is on the discovery, not on who discovered it.)
• doer of the action (agent) is obvious,
The national anthem is sung at the beginning of the event.
(It is clear that people sing it, so mentioning the doer is unnecessary.)
• doer of the action is unknown.
The car was stolen last night.
(The identity of the thief is unknown.)

Now, complete the following news report with the passive form of verbs given in the box below. (Remember that the verb must agree with the subject.)

Last year, significant advancements in medical science 1. __________ in leading medical journals when a new vaccine for malaria 2. __________. The vaccine 3. __________ through several clinical trials and results 4. _________ in those journals. During the trials, blood samples 5. __________ regularly from participants to monitor their immune response. The amount of antibodies produced 6. __________ carefully to assess the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Answer: 

1. were published
2. was discovered
3. was tested
4. were recorded
5. were taken
6. was measured

VI Read the following report of an experiment. Rewrite the report using passive verbs wherever necessary.
I conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of light on plant growth. I placed various plants under different light conditions and measured their growth over several weeks. I recorded data daily to track the height of each plant. At the end of the experiment, I analysed the results and found that plants exposed to natural light grew significantly taller than those under artificial light. I concluded that sunlight plays a crucial role in plant development. I presented my findings to the class, highlighting the importance of light in enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health.
You may begin like this.
An experiment was conducted…

Answer: 

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of light on plant growth. Various plants were placed under different light conditions, and their growth was measured over several weeks. Data was recorded daily to track the height of each plant. At the end of the experiment, the results were analysed, and it was found that plants exposed to natural light grew significantly taller than those under artificial light. It was concluded that sunlight plays a crucial role in plant development. The findings were presented to the class, highlighting the importance of light in enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health.

VII Read the instructions given in the box on landing of Chandrayaan.
Complete the passage by choosing the correct answer from the options given.

Chandrayaan’s landing mission involves several key steps.
First, the spacecraft 1.________ towards the Moon from the Earth. Then, it 2. ________ to enter the Moon’s orbit. After reaching the Moon’s orbit, the spacecraft’s path 3. ________ for landing. Next, the spacecraft 4. ________ as it nears the Moon’s surface. Finally, the rover 5.________ to explore the surface and collect valuable data.

(i) A. launched B. were launched
C. was launched D. is launched

(ii) A. position B. was positioned
C. is positioned D. has positioned

(iii) A. adjusted B. was adjusted
C. is adjusted D. were adjusted

(iv) A. slowed down B. was slowed down
C. is slowed down D. were slowed down

(v) A. is released B. has released
C. were released D. was released

Answer:

(i) C. was launched
(ii) B. was positioned
(iii) B. was adjusted
(iv) was slowed down
(v) D. was released

You will listen to a podcast about Artificial Intelligence. As you listen, answer the following questions by selecting the correct options. (Transcript for teacher on page 251)
1. What is one of the key benefits of AI in the healthcare sector?
(i) Helps doctors communicate faster with patients.
(ii) Provides personalised treatments and faster diagnoses.
(iii) Focuses on cosmetic surgeries to improve appearance.

Answer: (ii) Provides personalised treatments and faster diagnoses.

2. How did AI play a crucial role during the global pandemic?
(i) AI robots monitored patient behaviour in hospitals.
(ii) AI assisted in speeding up the discovery of new medicines.
(iii) AI developed different types of vaccines by itself.

Answer: (ii) AI assisted in speeding up the discovery of new medicines.

3. What example was given regarding AI’s role in renewable energy?
(i) AI is optimising the placement of wind turbines and solar panels in cities.
(ii) AI is promoting alternative energy from wind turbines and solar panels.
(iii) AI is improving the performance of wind turbines and solar panels.

Answer: (iii) AI is improving the performance of wind turbines and solar panels.

4. What does AI offer to teachers in the field of education?
(i) Helps teachers assign grades more quickly.
(ii) Allows teachers to communicate better with students.
(iii) Helps teachers analyse student performance.

Answer: (iii) Helps teachers analyse student performance.

5. What is one of the user-friendly features that AI is enhancing for people with disabilities?
(i) Helps them find better jobs in the mainstream.
(ii) Improves speech recognition and voice command technologies.
(iii) Trains individuals to interact with robots.

Answer: (ii) Improves speech recognition and voice command technologies.

Let us speak (Pages 245)

I. Form a group of five. Conduct a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Evaluating the Impact of Mobile Phones—Beneficial or Harmful’. Each student will take on one of the following roles.

• Moderator (initiates and directs the flow of the discussion inviting the speakers to share their views on the subject; at the end sums up the points of discussion and thanks the members of the group)
• Principal (opposed to—focus on discipline in school)
• Teacher (in favour of—partially in favour, educational use with limitations)
• Parent (opposed to—concerned about health and social effects on children)
• Student (in favour of—highlighting the benefits like connectivity and learning)

You may use the cues given below and add your own ideas when speaking.

Answer: 

Moderator:
“Welcome, everyone. Our topic for today is whether mobile phones are truly useful or if they create more problems. Let’s listen to the viewpoints of our panel members.”

Principal (Opposed):
“From a school’s perspective, mobile phones often disturb discipline. They distract students from studies and expose them to unsafe online content. To ensure focus in classrooms, I feel they should be restricted or banned in schools.”

Teacher (Partially in Favour):
“Phones can support education when used wisely—for research, online lessons, and study apps. However, without proper rules, they can easily be misused. Controlled use within limits is the best solution.”

Parent (Opposed):
“As a parent, I worry about health issues such as eye problems, lack of sleep, and reduced outdoor play due to mobile phones. Children also spend less time interacting with family. Parents must guide and monitor their usage.”

Student (In Favour):
“From a student’s point of view, mobile phones are very helpful. They allow us to stay in touch with parents, access study materials, and use them in emergencies. Completely banning them is not practical in today’s world.”

Moderator (Conclusion):
“Clearly, mobile phones have both advantages and drawbacks. They support learning and connectivity, but misuse leads to health concerns and loss of discipline. The best way forward is balanced use with clear guidelines. Thank you to all our panelists.”

Let us write (Page 246)

I. Your school recently hosted the Zonal Science Exhibition, in which teams of students from 25 schools participated enthusiastically. As the student editor, write a report on the exhibition to be published in your school magazine. Use the cues given below with your own ideas to compose this report.

• Who was the organiser and who hosted the exhibition?
• When (date and time) and where was it held?
• Why was it held?
• Who participated?
• Who was the Chief Guest?
• What were the competitions held? For example: Science Quiz, Science Models, etc.
• What were the topics of models exhibited? Give details.
• Which team got the trophy for best exhibit?
• What were the observations of the Chief Guest and other visitors?

Points to remember:
1. Write the report in past tense, passive voice, and third person.
2. Follow proper format with a headline, reporter’s name, and three paragraphs.

Answer: 

Zonal Science Exhibition Hosted at Greenfield School
By Student Editor

The Zonal Science Exhibition was organised by the District Education Department and hosted by Greenfield School on 15th August 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event was held in the school auditorium to encourage scientific curiosity and innovation among students. Teams from 25 schools across the zone were invited, and their participation was marked with great enthusiasm.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. R. Mehra, Director of the State Science Council. Various competitions such as the Science Quiz, Model-Making Contest, and Poster Presentation were conducted. Models on topics like Renewable Energy Sources, Artificial Intelligence in Daily Life, Space Exploration, and Waste Management were displayed. Each exhibit reflected the creativity and hard work of the participants.

The trophy for the Best Exhibit was awarded to Bright Future School for their innovative model on Solar-Powered Smart Irrigation System. The Chief Guest praised the efforts of all students and observed that such programmes help in nurturing scientific temperament among young minds. Visitors also expressed appreciation for the originality and presentation of the exhibits. The event was concluded successfully with the vote of thanks.

Let us explore (Pages 247-248)

I. In the recent times, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are changing
the way students learn. Let us know more about them.
• Augmented reality (AR) enhances a person’s environment by adding digital elements to what can be seen in real time, usually through a smartphone camera.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers a fully immersive experience, replacing the real world with a simulated one.
• Through AR and VR, the students can see and interact with things that they could not interact with in real life. This enables younger students to understand difficult ideas easily.
• To keep up with the times, NCERT has developed the e-Pathshala AR (Augmented Reality) App under the aegis of MHRD, Government of India.
• This App aims to enable students to go beyond textbooks and four walls of the classrooms and learn concepts by directly experimenting rather than only through reading and memorisation.
• This revolutionary effort will change most students from passive listeners to active learners.
• This effort is in line with the Prime Minister’s Digital India vision to empower varied sectors using technology and addressing the triple need of skill, scale, and speed.
Gear up for the new age education!

Gear up for the new age education! https://ciet.ncert.gov.in/ar-vr

II The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation known as ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’.
The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognise the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
1. Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognise lifetime achievements and contributions made in any field of science and technology.
2. Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognise distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
3. Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognise and encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years, who have made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
4. Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators, who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

III A glimpse of women pioneers from different fields.