NCERT Class 8 Science Curiosity (Sanskrit): Chapter 5 — अध्यायः ५ बलनाम् अवलोकनम्
This chapter, 'बलानाम् अवलोकनम्' (Observation of Forces) from NCERT's Class 8 Science Curiosity book in Sanskrit, explores the fundamental concept of forces. It begins with thought-provoking questions about why cycling is harder on hills than flat ground, why slipping is easier on wet surfaces, and the sensation of feeling lighter on a swing. Through a narrative of Sonali and Ragini's bicycle journey, the chapter illustrates concepts like air resistance and the effort required to move against it. It introduces the idea that an unseen force might be pulling things downwards. The chapter defines 'force' as a push or pull applied to an object, demonstrated through an activity involving moving a cardboard box in various ways. This foundational understanding of forces is crucial for comprehending many physical phenomena in science.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — अध्यायः ५ बलनाम् अवलोकनम् |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 152 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of force as a push or pull.
- Identify situations where forces are applied.
- Relate forces to everyday experiences like cycling and slipping.
- Begin to comprehend the nature of forces acting on objects.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सूक्ष्मचिन्तनं | Deep thinking / Contemplation |
| प्रमाणीकरणञ्च | And verification / validation |
| समतलभूमेः | Of flat ground |
| पर्ववतस्य | Of the mountain |
| आरोहणकाले | During ascent |
| द्विचक्रीकायाः | Of the bicycle |
| चालनं | Movement / Driving |
| कठिEनं | Difficult |
| शुष्कभूतलापेक्षया | Compared to a dry surface |
| आर्द्ररभुतले | On a wet surface |
| स्खलनं | Slipping |
| सुलभं | Easy |
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Practice questions
- पर्ववतस्य आरोहणकाले द्विचक्रीकायाः चालनं कि�मर्थं कठिEनं भववति�? Answer: पर्ववतस्य आरोहणकाले गुरुत्वाकर्षणस्य विरोधं कुर्ववन्तः द्विचक्रीकायाः चालनं कठिEनं भववति�।
- शुष्कभूतलापेक्षया आर्द्ररभुतले स्खलनं कि�मर्थं सुलभं भववति�? Answer: आर्द्ररभुतले घर्षणं न्यूनं भवति, अतः स्खलनं सुलभं भवति।
- सामान्यतया, ववस्तुनः उपरि� प्रयुक्तः अपसर्पपणम्् आकर्षषणञ्च वि�ज्ञाने कि�म्् इति� कथ्यते? Answer: सामान्यतया, ववस्तुनः उपरि� प्रयुक्तः अपसर्पपणम्् आकर्षषणञ्च वि�ज्ञाने 'बलम््' इति� कथ्यते।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of Chapter 5 of Class 8 Science Curiosity?
Chapter 5, 'बलानाम् अवलोकनम्', focuses on the observation and understanding of forces in science.
What everyday examples are used to explain forces in this chapter?
The chapter uses examples like cycling on hills, slipping on wet surfaces, and the sensation on a swing to illustrate forces.
How is force defined in the chapter?
Force is defined as a push or pull applied to an object.
What activity is suggested to understand forces?
An activity involving moving a cardboard box in different ways is suggested to understand push and pull.
What is the significance of 'बलानाम् अवलोकनम्'?
'बलानाम् अवलोकनम्' translates to 'Observation of Forces', highlighting the chapter's aim to observe and understand forces in our surroundings.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Science — Curiosity (Sanskrit) — Chapter 5 — अध्यायः ५ बलनाम् अवलोकनम्. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.