The detailed Poorvi Class 8 Solutions and Unit 5 Science and Curiosity Chapter 15 Bibha Chowdhuri The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Question Answer serve as excellent models for writing neat exam answers.
Bibha Chowdhuri The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Class 8 Question Answer
Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 15 Question Answer
Class 8 English Chapter 15 Bibha Chowdhuri The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science Question Answer
Let Us Do These Activities Before We Read (Ncert Page 233)
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:
1. Curious Always eager to learn and explore new things.
2. Observant Pays close attention to details and surroundings.
3. Analytical Thinks logically and solves problems using reasoning.
4. Patient Willing to spend time and effort without giving up easily.
5. Hardworking Dedicated and puts in consistent effort.
6. Creative Thinks of new ideas and innovative solutions.
Let Us Discuss (Ncert 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 Schrodinger.
Answer:
Correct order 3 → 5 → 6 →2 → 1 → 4
3. Bibha Chowdhuri was born in pre-independent India.
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 Schrodinger.
2. She became the first woman faculty member at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
1. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honoured her legacy by renaming a star in the constellation Leo-HD 86081-as. ‘Bibha’.
4. The Government of India declared a chair professorship in Bibha’s name.
Let Us Think And Reflect (Ncert 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 Chowdhuri studied under a highly respected and accomplished scientist.
This highlights the importance of her academic journey and proves her capabilities as a serious scientist in a male-dominated field.
(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:
Bibha had a deep understanding and special ability to study cosmic rays carefully and skillfully
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 Chowdhurit’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:
Bibha’s life and work continue to inspire future generations, especially young women in science. Her contributions are remembered and respected even after her death.
(iii) Why is Bibha Chowdhuri referred to as a ‘beacon’ and a ‘beam of light’ in the extract?
Answer:
Bibha is called a ‘beacon’ and a ‘beam of light’ because she gave hope and showed the way for other women in science. Her courage, dedication and achievements became a guiding light for future scientists.
(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:Opinion
(iv) Complete the following sentence suitably.
The phrase ‘She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’ suggests that ………….
Answer:
Bibha had a deep understanding and special ability to study cosmic rays carefully and skillfully
II. Answer the following questions.
Question 1.
Why is Bibha Chowdhuri considered a pioneer in the field of science?
Answer:
Bibha Chowdhuri is considered a pioneer because she was one of the first Indian women to become a physicist and work in a field that was almost completely dominated by men. She broke barriers by becoming the first Indian woman in high-energy particle physics, studying cosmic rays and contributing to major scientific research despite facing many social and professional challenges.
Question 2.
What does Bibha Chowdhurl’s nomination by Erwin Schrödinger tell us about her abilities?
Answer:
Erwin Schrödinger was a very famous scientist and Nobel Laureate, so his nomination of Bibha for a Nobel Prize shows that he recognised her scientific talent and achievements. It means that Bibha’s work was of high quality and respected by top scientists in the world.
Question 3.
Bibha Chowdhuri never worked for awards or recognition. Support this statement with evidence from the text.
Answer:
The text says that Bibha never received any awards during her lifetime but continued her work tirelessly. She worked quietly in many top research institutes and remained dedicated to science, even when her efforts were not recognised publicly. This shows that her motivation was the love for science, not fame or rewards.
Question 4.
How does the renaming of a star as ‘Bibha’ serve as both a literal and symbolic recognition of her contributions to science?
Answer:
Literally, a real star in the Leo constellation was named ‘Bibha’ by the International Astronomical Union. Symbolically, it represents how Bibha Chowdhuri was a shining light in the world of science.
Even though her work was not celebrated during her life, this star keeps her memory alive and honours her as a guiding force for future scientists.
Question 5.
How do the roles of women in ISRO today reflect broader changes in societal attitudes towards women in STEM in India?
Answer:
Today, women in ISRO are not just team members but leaders in major space missions like Chandrayaan-3. This shows that society is now more accepting and supportive of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
It reflects progress in gender equality and a growing respect for women’s skills and contributions.
Question 6.
What is the writer’s purpose of highlighting the contributions of Bibha Chowdhuri and other modern women scientists?
Answer:
The writer wants to show how important and inspiring the contributions of women like Bibha Chowdhuri have been in Indian science. By telling their stories, the writer hopes to encourage more young women to follow their dreams and break stereotypes.
The purpose is to celebrate women’s achievements and push for greater equality in science.
Question 7.
How might this text help shape people’s perception of the role of women in other traditionally male-dominated fields?
Answer:
This text can help people realise that women are just as capable as men in difficult and competitive fields like science. It shows that with determination and support, women can achieve great things.
This may encourage people to support gender equality in other areas like politics, engineering or leadership roles, where men still dominate.
Let Us Learn (Ncert 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.
Note Its given boxes for filling crossword are misheading or incorrect.
II. Substitute the underlined phrase in the sentences with the suitable words from the box given below.
Question 1.
They are considered to be the first people to start the online markets.
Answer:
pioneers
Question 2.
A scientist who studies matter, energy, light, etc.
Answer:
physicist
Question 3.
Most of my friends are my classmates and are my age.
Answer:
peers
Question 4.
We first welcomed all the famous and important people in folk song for the award ceremony.
Answer:
luminaries
Question 5.
My brother finally succeeded in his business because of his continuous efforts and determination.
Answer:
persistence
Question 6.
We should remove all the things that block our way in achieving success.
Answer:
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:
Clipping
The short form of laboratory is lab. In making this short form, the front part of the word is retained and the end part is removed or clipped.
Clipping is a method of making words from larger words in English. There are three clipping methods.
- Back clipping: a word is made by removing the end part of a word and retaining the front part (exam-examination, ad-advertisement, gas-gasoline, memo-memorandum, gym-gymnasium, photo-photograph, etc.).
- Front clipping: a word is made by removing the front part of a word and retaining the end part (phone-telephone, net-internet, bike-motorbike, etc.).
- Middle clipping: a word is made by removing the front and the end parts of the word and retaining the middle part (flu-influenza, fridge-refrigerator, etc.)
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 and the importance of light in enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health was highlighted.
VII. Read the instructions given in the box on landing of Chandrayaan. Complete the passage by choosing the correct answer from the options given.
- Launch the spacecraft towards the Moon from Earth.
- Position the spacecraft to enter the Moon’s orbit.
- Adjust the spacecraft’s path for landing.
- Slow down the spacecraft as it nears the Moon’s surface.
- Release the rover to explore the surface and collect valuable data.
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
Answer:
(c) was launched
(ii) (a) position
(b) was positioned
(c) is positioned
(d) has positioned
Answer:
(b) was positioned
(iii) (a) adjusted
(b) was adjusted
(c) is adjusted
(d) were adjusted
Answer:
(b) was adjusted
(iv) (a) slowed down
(b) was slowed down
(c) is slowed down
(d) were slowed down
Answer:
(b) was slowed down
(v) (a) is released
(b) has released
(c) were released
(d) was released
Answer:
(a) is released
Let Us Speak (Ncert Pages 245 & 246)
Question 1.
Form a group of five. Conduct a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Evaluation 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)
Yom may use the cues given below and add your own ideas when speaking.
| Principal As a principal, I strongly believe mobile phones are largely disruptive because… |
Teacher From an educator’s perspective, I think moblie phones can be valuable but…. |
| Parent As a parent, I’m concerned that mobile phones pose certain risks to children’s health and social development…………. | Student As a student, I feel mobile phones are essential because… |
Answer:
Moderator
Good morning everyone, and welcome to our panel discussion on ‘Evaluating the Impact of Mobile Phones-Beneficial or Harmful’. Today, we have four panelists presenting different perspectives on this topic. Let me begin by inviting our Principal to share her views.
Principal
As a Principal, I strongly believe mobile phones are largely disruptive in a school environment. They distract students from learning, encourage cheating during exams and reduce face-to-face communication. We are here to educate, not to entertain. Mobile phones, if not banned, must at least be strictly regulated in school premises to maintain discipline and focus.
Moderator
Thank you, ma’am. Now let us hear from our teacher, who has a slightly different viewpoint on this issue.
Teacher
From an educator’s perspective, I think mobile phones can be valuable if used responsibly. Educational apps, quick access to research material and learning through videos are definite advantages. However, without guidance, students may misuse them for gaming or social media. So, I support the use of mobile phones in education, but with strict limitations and supervision.
Moderator
Thank you, sir. Now let’s hear the concerns of a parent regarding this topic.
Parent
As a parent, I’m concerned that mobile phones pose serious risks to children’s health and social development. Excessive screen time can affect their eyesight, posture, and sleep. Emotionally too, children become isolated, addicted and less active in real life. I believe that children should have limited access to mobile phones and must be guided to use them safely and moderately.
Moderator
Thank you for that important insight. Let us now listen to what a student has to say in support of mobile phones.
Student
As a student, I feel mobile phones are essential because they help us stay connected, access learning resources, and stay informed. During online classes or assignments, mobile phones are often the easiest and most affordable tool we have. They also promote digital skills, which are crucial for future careers. What we need is proper digital education-not a ban.
Moderator
Thank you all for your views. To sum up, we heard both sides of the debate-while mobile phones have undeniable educational and communication benefits, they also carry risks related to health, distraction, and misuse. Responsible use, with clear rules and awareness, seems to be the key. I thank all the panelists for sharing their thoughts and our audience for their attention.
Let Us Write (Ncert 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 Showcases Young Scientific Talent
Reported by Ravi Shashank, Student Editor The Zonal Science Exhibition was successfully organised by the District Science Council and hosted by Green Valley Public School on 1st June, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school auditorium. The event aimed to ignite scientific curiosity and provide a platform for budding scientists to showcase their creativity and research skills.
Over 25 schools from across the zone participated with great enthusiasm. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Meera Deshmukh, a renowned scientist from the National Science Foundation, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A wide range of competitions, including a Science Quiz, Model-Making Contest and Poster Presentation, were held. The science models were based on diverse themes such as ‘Renewable Energy Sources’, ‘Artificial Intelligence in Daily Life’, ‘Water Conservation’ and ‘Smart City Technology’. Each model displayed innovation, teamwork and practical relevance.
The team from Blue Ridge International School was awarded the trophy for the Best Exhibit for their model on ‘Affordable Water Purifier Using Natural Filters’. The Chief Guest praised the students for their critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. Visitors and judges appreciated the creativity, depth of research and presentation skills demonstrated by all participants. The exhibition was declared a grand success and an inspiration for future young scientists.