NCERT Class 8 Science Science: Chapter 12 — Some Natural Phenomena
This chapter introduces students to two significant natural phenomena: lightning and earthquakes, focusing on lightning. It explains that lightning is a massive electric spark caused by the accumulation of charges in clouds, a concept understood scientifically only after centuries of fear and superstition. The chapter delves into the basics of electric charges, demonstrating how rubbing objects like a plastic refill with polythene or a comb with dry hair causes them to acquire a charge and attract light objects. It encourages hands-on activities to explore charging by rubbing and understand the nature of electric charges. The text highlights the historical context of understanding these phenomena, contrasting ancient fears with modern scientific knowledge, and emphasizes the importance of taking precautions against the dangers of lightning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Science |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — Some Natural Phenomena |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 528 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that lightning is a large-scale electric spark.
- Learn how objects acquire electric charges through rubbing.
- Recognize the historical development of understanding lightning.
- Appreciate the need for precautions against natural phenomena like lightning.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Phenomena | An observable fact or event. |
| Lightning | A natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage, between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash. |
| Earthquakes | A sudden violent shaking of the ground, typically causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. |
| Resin | A sticky, flammable organic substance usually produced by plants. |
| Attracted | Drawn towards something by a force. |
| Accumulation | The gathering or acquisition of something over a period of time. |
| Charges | An electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that experiences a force when placed in an electromagnetic field. |
| Polythene | A common type of plastic. |
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Practice questions
- What is lightning? Answer: Lightning is a large-scale electric spark caused by the accumulation of charges in clouds.
- How can you make a plastic refill attract small pieces of paper? Answer: By rubbing the plastic refill with polythene or woollen cloth, it acquires a charge and can attract light objects like paper.
- What did the ancient Greeks know about electric charges? Answer: The ancient Greeks knew that when amber was rubbed with fur, it attracted light objects.
- Why were people afraid of lightning in ancient times? Answer: In ancient times, people did not understand the cause of lightning and thought it was the wrath of gods.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two natural phenomena discussed in this chapter?
The chapter discusses lightning and earthquakes.
What is lightning according to the chapter?
Lightning is described as an electric spark on a huge scale, caused by the accumulation of charges in clouds.
How can we demonstrate charging by rubbing?
By rubbing a plastic refill with polythene or a plastic comb with dry hair, they acquire a charge and can attract light objects like paper.
Did people always understand lightning?
No, in ancient times, people were afraid of lightning due to a lack of understanding, attributing it to divine wrath.
What is amber?
Amber is a kind of resin, known since ancient times for its ability to attract light objects when rubbed.
What is the significance of Benjamin Franklin's work?
Benjamin Franklin showed that lightning and the sparks from clothes are essentially the same phenomena, linking them to electric charges.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Science — Science — Chapter 12 — Some Natural Phenomena. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.