NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 10 The Comet -II

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 10 The Comet -II are provided below. These solutions contain answers to all the textbook questions. All the questions are solved by experts with a detailed explanation that help students to complete their assignments and homework. NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English It So Happened Chapter 10 The Comet -II are prepared as per the latest CBSE syllabus and curriculum. Students of Class 8th can study the answers provided here to score well in their school exams.

The Comet -II Class 8 NCERT Questions and Answers

Comprehension Check (Page No 83)

Question 1: “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?

Answer: James was doubtful about his sums and calculations because when James looked up from his window a star-studded night sky, he knew somewhere amongst these stars was Comet Dutta that was heading for a collision with Earth. It was hard for him to believe the calamity of the future could have an impact on such a peaceful night.

Question 2: What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums?

Answer: The scientists said that James’ ‘sums’ were correct and that there was no escape from the direct hit predicted by him. There was a small chance that the comet might just graze the atmosphere of the earth and not collide. In that case, the loss of life and property would not be total. However, that was hardly reassuring. Therefore, they decided to take some action.

Question 3: Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.

Answer: The approaching comet needed immediate action. The scientists had two options. The defensive measure was that the people should live in bunkers. The offensive action was to do something to deflect the comet from its path. This could be done by exploding a nuclear payload near the comet.

Question 4: “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15”. What did Sir John mean by that?

Answer: Sir John meant that he was not very sure that they would succeed in their operation. December 15 was the date when if the experiment failed, the comet would hit the earth.

Comprehension Check (Page No 87)

Question 1: What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?

Answer: Duttada was expected to perform a shanti yajna on his return from London. This yajna was to be performed to pacify the supposed evil spirit behind the comet.

Question 2: What is his reaction to the proposal?

Answer: Duttada reacted very angrily to the proposal of sitting on a yagna to fight the evil effects of a comet that is likely to collide with Earth. He simply remarked it as superstition and refused to perform the yagna meant to fight the ill-effects of a comet.

Question 3: (i) What does “Project Light Brigade’ refer to?

(ii) What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?

Answer: (i) ‘Project Light Brigade’ was a code name given to the operation which would deflect the comet and stop it from colliding with the earth. The operation involved placing the nuclear payload in a spaceship, sending it to intercept the approaching comet and detonating it by remote control.

(ii) Sir John says about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October that the charge of the Light Brigade has begun and let us hope for the best which meant that the spacecraft had been launched on time.

Question 4: Did Sir John Buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?

Answer: Yes, Sir John bought Christmas presents on December 15. Duttada got to know about it in the letter that Sir John had written to him, saying that he was confident of buying Christmas presents on December 15, indicating that the project was successful.

Question 5: Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?

Answer: According to Indrani Debi, the comet had not proved to be disastrous because of the yajna that had been performed in their house.

No, the yajna had no impact upon the comet. The project undertaken by the scientists prevented the comet from colliding with the earth, thereby saving earth and all its inhabitants from destruction.

Question 6: Is Duttada’s general outlook
(i) rational?
(ii) moral?
(iii) traditional?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.

Answer: Duttada’s general outlook is rational because he had a scientific temper. He went by reason, not by custom or morality.

Exercise

Discuss the following topics in small groups. Write your answers afterwards.

Question 1: Should a scientist’s findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the topic.

Answer: This question requires you to use your own perspective as well as your analytical skills. The answer to the question would vary from one person to another. It is suggested that you read the text carefully and try attempting it on your own.

Question 2: Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional? Do you find these things useless or useful?

Answer: Ours is a traditional and conservative society. It is because of the ignorance of the people. Our priests have full traditional beliefs in rites and rituals. We try to pacify the evil spirits and please God with offerings. These are futile and foolish practices.

Question 3: Give two or three examples to show how science has been useful to us.

Answer: This question requires you to use your own perspective as well as your analytical skills. The answer to the question would vary from one person to another. It is suggested that you read the text carefully and try attempting it on your own.

Question 4: Give one example to show how science has been misused, and has as a result been harmful to us.

Answer: Science discovered gun powder and hydrogen bombs, lethal gases and other weapons of mass destruction. Instead of generating power from atomic reactors, we try to produce a bomb. Such misuse of science involves enormous loss of life and property.