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Level - A

A146 Equivalent to Class 3

OBE Programme
Bharatiya Jnana Parampara

Vijnana

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OPEN SCHOOLING


(An autonomous organisation under Ministry of Education, Govt. of India)
A-24-25, Institutional Area, Sector-62, NOIDA-201309 (U.P.)
National Institute of Open Schooling
Open Basic Education Programme
Bharatiya Jnana Parampara

Vijnana (A146)
Level A (Equivalent to Class 3)

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OPEN SCHOOLING


(An autonomous mganisation under. Ministry of Education, Govt. of India)
A-24-25, InstitutionalArea, Sector-62, NOIDA-201309 (U.P.)
Website: www.nios.ac.in, Toll Free No: 18001809393
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Prof. Chandra Bhushan Sharma Dr.RajivKumar Singh
Chairman Director (Academic)
National Institute of Open Schooling National Institute of Open Schooling
NOIDA(UP) NOIDA(UP)

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON
Dr. H. R. Nagendra
Vice-Chancellor
Swami Vivekanand Yoganusandhanam Sansthanam, Bengaluru, Kamataka

Swami Ramdev Ji SwamiAtmpriyanand Ji Dr. Ram Chandra Bhat


Founder Pro Vice- Chancellor Founder
Patanjali Yog Peeth Ramkrishna Mission Ved Vijnana Gurukulam
Kankhal, Haridwar, Vivekanand Vishwavidyalaya Chhannenhalli, Bengaluru,
Uttarakhand Bellur Math, Kolkata, West Bengal Kamataka

Shri Govind Dev Girl Ji Dr. Ravindra Mule Shri Mukul Kanitkar
Bharat Mata Mandir Vice President Akhil BhartiyaAyojak Sachiv
Haridwar, Uttarakhand Maharshi Sandipani Rashtriya Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal
Ved Vidya Pratisthan, Ujjain, M.:e

Shri Ravi Tumuluri Dr. Ram Narayan Meena Sh.Vivek Singh


Joint Secretary Asst. Director (Academic) SEO (Academic)
Indian Yoga Association, New Delhi NIOS, NOIDA (U.P) NIOS, NOIDA (U.P)

LESSON WRITERS
Dr. Puran MalVerma Dr. Ram Narayan Meena
Assistant Professor (Sanskrit) Asst. Director (Academic)
Deprtment of Sanskrit NIOS, NOIDA (U.P)
Hindu College, University of Delhi

EDIDORS
Smt ArunaSaraswat Dr. Ram Narayan Meena
National Vice-president Asst. Director (Academic)
Bhartiya Shikshana Mandal NIOS, NOIDA (U.P)

COURSE COORDINATORS
Dr. Ram Narayan Meena Sh.Vivek Singh
Asst. Director (Academic) SEO (Academic)
NIOS, NOIDA (U.P) NIOS, NOIDA (U.P)

DTP
Kuldeep Singh
Tri Nagar, Delhi-35
JI 'Wora 'Witn <You
Dear Learners,
The National Institute of Open Schooling is providing education at your doorstep throug
Open Basic Education (OBE) Programme. The OBE programme was initiated in June
1994 with the aim of providing the primary and upper primary education through altemativ
means of open schooling. It provides three tier education i.e. Level 'A' (equivalent to
class 3), Level 'B' (equivalent to class 5) and Level 'C' (equivalent to class 8). The Ope
Basic Education programme has been recognised by the Government of India as equivalen
education to that of the formal school, for further education and employment.

The ancient education system of India was unique in nature and had peculiar characteristic
and qualities which were not found in any civilisation of the world. The Indian tradition
knowledge consists of Astronomy, Astrology, Acoustics, Arcitecture, Philosophy,
Medicine, Life sciences, Law, Poetics, Aesthetics, Agriculture and many more. The
gurukuls were the centre of knowledge where the pupils were living under the guidance o
the Guru. This knowledge system had relevance in the ancient Indian as well as in prese
society and now needs to be made accessible for the present generation.

NIOS has launched the new stream-'lndian KnowledgeTradition' courses for reviving the
Vedic Education, Sanskrit Language and literatureYoga and many other areas of ancient
Indian Knowledge. The aim of this stream is also to re-establish and to carry forward o
ancient education system throughout the country to preserve our rich tradition for comin
generations.

In this book (Level A), the origin of creation, earth and its natural resources; five great
elements; conservation of laud, water & air i~edas, elements of laud, water air fire and
space are given.

This book has 11 lessons which has been devided into three part-class I, II and III. In
every lesson there are "Intext Questions" given to help you to assess your own progres
as you go along. Every lesson, includes "'Irminal Questions" and "What have you learnt"
to help you revise the lesson easily and thoroughly

I am confident that you will find this book useful and interesting. I am also thankful to t
experts who have played an important role in making this material interesting and useful
I wish you a bright future.

I welcome the views of experts and readers for the improvement in the leaning materia

With best wishes.

Chairman
National Institute of Open Schooling
How to use the Study 9dateria{
Congratulation! You have accepted the challenge to be a self-learner. NIOS is with you at every step
and has developed the material in Vijnana with the help of a team of experts, keeping you in mind. A
format supporting independent learning has been followed. If you follow the instructions given, then
you will be able to get the best out ofthis material. The relevant icons used in the material will guide
you. These icons have been explained below for your convenience.

Title: will give a clear indication of the contents within. Do read it.
Introduction: This will introduce you to the lesson linking it to the previous one.
Objectives: These are statements that explain what you are expected to learn from the
lesson. The objectives will also help you to check what you have learnt after you have
gone through the lesson. Do read them.

Notes: Each page carries empty space in the side margins, for you to write important
points or make notes.

Intext Questions: Very short answer self check questions are asked after every section,
the answers to which are given at the end ofthe lesson. These will help you to check your
progress. Do solve them. Successful completion will allow you to decide whether to
proceed further or go back and learn again.

What You Have Learnt: This is the summary of the main points of the lesson. It will
help in recapitulation and revision. You are welcome to add your own points to it also.

Terminal Exercises: These are long and short questions that provide an opportunity to
practice for a clear understanding ofthe whole topic.

Do You Know: This box provides additional information. The text in boxes is important
and must be given attention. It is not meant for evaluation, but only to improve your
general knowledge.

Answers : These will help you to know how correctly you have answered the questions.

Activities: Certain activities have been suggested for better understanding of the
concept.

www Web site: These websites provide extended learning. Necessary information has been
included in the content and you may refer to these for more information.
Contents
CLASS-I
Lesson 1 Origin of Creation.................................................................... 3
Lesson 2 The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)......................... 12
Lesson 3 Earth And Its Natural Resources............................................. 19
CLASS-II
Lesson 4 Land Conservation InThe Vedas ............................................. 37
Lesson 5 Aap (Water) ............................................................................ 43
Lesson 6 Water Conservation InThe Vedas ........................................... 63
Lesson 7 Air .......................................................................................... 71
CLASS-III
Lesson 8 Air Conservation InThe Vedas............................................... 91
Lesson 9 Fire (Energy)......................................................................... 97
Lesson 10 Conservation of Fire (Energy) In Vedas .............................. 117
Lesson 11 Sky (Space)......................................................................... 125
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

Notes

CLASS-I
Lesson 1 Origin of Creation
Lesson 2 The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
Lesson 3 Earth And Its Natural Resources

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 1


Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

Notes

2 Science, Level-A
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

1 Notes

ORIGIN OF CREATION

Dear student, in this lesson you will be able to know the origin
of creation in the light of our ancient knowledge tradition. In our
ancient Vedic literature many informative things have been said
about the origin of creation.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this you will be able:
• To get to know the origin of the creation of the Vedas;
• To remember the Vedic hymns related to the origin of creation.

1.1 ORIGIN OF CEATION


In the RigVeda, many sages like Prajapati, Parmeshthi Narayana
and dhirghatama have described the initial stage of creation.
In our RigVeda, there is mention of creation in Nasadiya Sukta
and Purusha Sukta. According to the Purusha Sukta, the creation
of the universe has originated from the Virat Purush. In the
Purusha Sukta, Narayan Rishi has described the creative power
and omnipresence of the supreme power:
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 3
- ---------------------------------
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

^^lglz'kh"kkZ iq#"k% lglzk{k% lglzikr~


l Hkwfea fo'orkso`RokR;fr"n`'kkMye~**
Notes (Rigveda, 10.90.1)
It the above hymn it is said that the Almighty God is the one with
thousands of heads, thousands of eyes and with thousands of
feet, he is present in the whole universe. God, who is the creator
of the world, has surrounded the whole nature in all its forms.
Even after encircling the entire nature from all sides, it is situated
on the tenth finger in it with grace. Here the creation of the
universe is told through the working powers of the Almighty.

Fig. 1.1

The sage Dighatma of the RigVeda, revealing the mystery of the


origin of the creation, has said that -
¶}k lqi.kZ l;qtk l[k;k lekua o`{ka ifj"kTotkrs
r;ksjU;% fiIiya Lok}Ù;u'uUuU;ks vfHk pkd'khfrAA**
(Rigveda1.164.20)

--
4 Vijnana, Level-A
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -------
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

It means that the two birds are sitting side by side on the same
tree. One of these two birds tastes the fruits of that tree while the
other bird is not eating the fruits and doing a subtle inspection of
Notes
the movements of the first bird eating those fruits. The first bird
in it is the metaphor of the person who is doing the deeds while
the second one observing the bird is the metaphor of the divine,
who is closely observing the movements of that first bird in order
to give fruit according to its deeds. From this hymn, it is expressed
that there are two major elements in the creation of the universe.

Fig. 1.2

According to the Atharvaveda, three major elements are


mentioned in the creation process -
^^ckykr~ ,iQe~ v.kh;Lde~ mr~ ,oa uSo n`';rsA
rr%ifj"oth;lh nsork lk ee fiz;kAA**
(Atharvaveda 10.8.25)
It means that there is an element which is more subtle than the
subtle hair and is unique. It is the metaphor of an organism. The

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara

----------- 5
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

second element is so subtle that it is irresistible. This is the


metaphor of subtle invisible nature. The third element is the one
in which nature is embraced. This third element is the omnipotent
Notes
Supreme Power, my beloved deity.
According to Prajapati Parmeshthi in the Nasadi Sukta of the
Rigveda, in the early period of creation, there was a substance
called "Swadha" which was in a liquid state from which the
creation has taken place -
^^;kuhnokra Lo/;k rnsda rLeknU;UUij% fda puklA**
(Rigveda 10.129.2)
That is, only by his inherent powers he breathed without dying
of life. That is, no one had power other than that one.
^^re vklh=kelk eqygexzsMizdsra lfyya loZek bne~**
(Rigveda 10.129.3)
That is, before the creation of the universe, it was initially covered
with darkness. Only that was the least liquid. Describing the
nature of that fluid moving substance, the sage of the Rigveda
says that -
¶;nØUn% izFkea tk;eku m;Urleqnzknqr ok nqjh"kkr~
';suL; i{kk gfj.kL; ckgw miLrqRia efg tkra rs voZu~¸
(Rigveda 1.163.1)
That is, the element that originated at the beginning of the world,
it was making a loud sound, like the sun's light, eagle's spreading

6 Vijnana, Level-A
------------------------------------
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

it wings and like deer's feet, rising up at great speed and spreading
everywhere.
In conclusion, there is a moving fluid called 'Swadha' which made Notes
creation possible. 'Swadha' is a kind of an atom. Atoms behave
like a liquid due to being too subtle. 'Swadha' transforms in the
form of water - lfyya loZ e s n e~
It has been said in the Rigveda that the ultimate controlling power,
by balancing Sattva, Rajas, Tamas, activated the atom by
accelerating it.
It means that by equilibrium, the atoms of nature became brighter.
In nature's incoherence, the atom is called Vasu. In equilibrium,
Vasu becomes energetic and gets activated -
¶;esu n=ka f=kr ,uHkk;qufxUnz ,.ka izFkeksa vè;fe.r~
xU/oksZ vL; j'kukee`Hk.kkr~ lqjkn'oa oloks fujrVA¸
(Rigveda 1.163.2)
This means that when equal forces of atoms come face to face,
they start pushing each other away and unequal forces attract
each other, resulting in the movement of the atoms. This motion
is indicated by the name of Vayu in the Vedas. There was a mutual
coincidence with the speed in the atom, which led to the formation
of the terms. Three types of terms (formation) are mentioned in
the Rigveda -
(1) Sattvaguna Pradhan
(2) Rajoguna Pradhan
(3) Tamoguna Pradhan
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 7
---------------------------------
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

¶vfl ;eks vL;kfnR;ks voZUufr f=krks xqásu ozrsuA


vfl lksesu le;k fui`Dr vkgqLrs =khf.k fnfo cU/ukfuA¸
Notes (Rigveda 1.163.3)

^^=khf.k r vkgqfnZfo cU/ukfu =kh.;Ilq =kh.;Ur% leqnza


mrso esa o#.k'NUrL;oZu~ ;=kk r vkgq% ijea tfu=ke~AA¸
(Rigveda 1.163.4)
Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are considered positive, negative and
with zero charge respectively. It is mentioned by the name 'app'.
Modern science has named 'aap' as 'atomic particle'. In the Vedas,
Sattva, Rajas and Tamas have been named Mitra, Varun, Aaryama
respectively. Modern science has called Mitra as electron,Varun
as proton and Aaryama as neutron.

"SJTiR"
(proton) 0 . ~
(Neutron)
(Electron)

Fig. 1.3

The way modern science believes that nuclear were first made
and atoms have led to the creation of other things, in the same

--
8 Vijnana, Level-A
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

way in Vedic literature, it is also believed that the circle of nature


is formed by Mitra, Varun and Aaryama -
|q{ka fe=kL; lknue;ZE.kksa o#.kL; pA Notes
v;k n/krs o`gn`DV;a o; miLrqR;a c`gn;%A
(Rigveda 1.136.2)
This ultimate power of the universe is considered Hiranyamaya
in the Rigveda, which led to the emergence of the five great
elements -
¶jsrks/k vklUefgeku vklURLo/k voLrkRiz;fr ijLrkr~A¸
(Rigveda 10.129.5)
According to Rigveda, Rishi Madhuchanda, the Almighty created
the complete space from water which was filled with atoms -
¶rrks jkT;tk;r rr% leqnzksa v.kZu%A¸
(Rigveda 10.190.1)
Time, era and calculation appeared from the space containing
atoms. The Sun, day, night and vital world held on to the Supreme
Power-
leqnzn.kZokn laoLljks Hktk;rA
vgksjk=kkf.k fon/fn`JoL; fe;rks o'khA
(Rigveda 10.190.2)
After this, the mighty Supreme God created the sun, the moon,
the dhuloka, the earth, the space and the heaven respectively.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 9


---------------------------------
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I
lw;kZpUnzelkS /krk l;kiwoZedYier~A
fnoa p i`fFkoha pkUrfj{ke;ks Lo%AA
Notes (Rigveda 10.190.3)
The sage Kutsa of the Atharvaveda believes that this process of
creation of the world keeps on being new and transforming. It
keeps going on continuously. The power that it produces is
permanent and eternal.
¶lukruesuekgq:rk; L;kr~ iqu.kZu%A
vgksjk=ks tk;srs vU;ks vU;kU; #i;ks%AA
(Atharvaveda 10.8.23)
INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.1
1. Which Veda states that the Almighty has thousands of heads,
thousands of eyes and thousands of feet?
2. According to Nasadi Sukta, what is the name of the substance,
during the early period of creation, when it was in a liquid
state?
3. How many types of terms (formations) are mentioned in
Rigveda?
4. Write the names of the five great elements.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT
• Vedic explanation of creation of the universe.
I • Features of the ultimate power
10 Vijnana, Level-A
Origin of Creation
CLASS-I

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Learn the hymns given in the lesson and narrate it to a member
Notes
of the family.
2. Who has created the universe?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


1.1
1. Rigveda
2. Swadha
3. Three types
4. Sky, Air, Fire, Water, Earth

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 11


---------------------------------
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 11


The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

Notes 2
THE FIVE GREAT ELEMENTS
(PANCHMAHABHUTAS)

Dear student, in the last lesson you've learned Vedic opinion about
the creation. In this lesson you will be able to get general
information about the five great elements. The creation has
originated from these five great elements. On this subject, you
can also talk to your parents, grandparents or any elder member
of the family. Earth, water, fire, air and sky are called the five
great elements.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able to:
• get to know about the five great elements ;
• to understand the power (existence) of the great elements.
2.1 THE FIVE GREAT ELEMENTS
(PANCHAMAHABHUTAS): EARTH AND NATURE
The word bhut is formed by the sum of the kt affixes in bhu
sattayam (ground metal). Bhut means one who has power
(existence) or one who exists. Bhut are not the work of any other

12 Vijnana, Level-A
-----------------------------------
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

person, that is, there is no reason for their origin, but the existence
of everything else as a factor cause of the great elements.
According to Maharishi Charak, these great elements are very
Notes
small and difficult to identify by the senses.
vFkkZ% 'kCnkn;ks Ks;k xkspjk fo"kek xq.kk%
(Charak shastra 1/32)
The great elements are called mahabhuta -
¶egfUr Hkwrkfu egkHkwrkfu¸
Because of their importance or grossness, they are known as
mahabhuta. The body and non living substances of all living
beings are made from them.
bg fg nzo;a i×pegkHkwrkRede
These are the five great elements:
1. Sky
2. Air
3. Fire
4. Water
5. Earth
Sky- The sky has been
considered to be eternal. One
of the properties of the sky is-
shabd. Just as the sky is
eternal, so is its property -
"shabd" is also everlasting.
Fig. 2.1 Sky

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 13


---------------------------------
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

Wind- The origin of air is assumed to be from the sky.


¶vkdk'k}k;q%¸ air is also considered to be eternal. The air has its
own property of touch and the quality of the sky shabd. In this
Notes
way the two properties of air - touch and word are everlasting.

Fig. 2.2 Wind

Fire- fire is also called tej. The origin of fire is believed to be


from air.
Fire is considered to be ¶ok;ks j kfXu¸. Fire has three properties of

Fig. 2.3 Fire

--
14 Vijnana, Level-A
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

shabd, touch and form. All three qualities are eternal. Such are
the three properties of fire.
Aap- aap is called water. The origin of water is assumed to be Notes
from aap -¶vxz s j ki%¸. aap is considered to be everlasting.

Fig. 2.4 Water

Water has shabd, touch, form and taste properties. All four
properties are eternal.
Earth- Earth is believed to originate from water. Amazing earth.
shabd, touch, form, taste, smell are the five properties of earth.

Fig. 2.5 Earth

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


--- -------- --
15
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

Apart from the above basic essential properties, there are some
other characteristics in these mahabhutas which we can feel
through our senses, for example in the earth, water, light, air
Notes
respectively, we can infer the characteristics of smell, liquidity,
consistency etc. Similarly, we can see the experience of resistance
in the sky.
The Five Great Elements Properties
Sky shabd
Air shabd, touch
fire (tej) shabd, touch, form
aap (water) shabd, touch, form, taste
Earth shabd, touch, form, taste, smell
The manifestations of Sattva, Rajas, Tamas qualities are described
in the five great elements. As per the nature of their qualities, the
predominance of sattva quality in the sky, rajo quality in air, sattva
and rajo quality in fire, sattva and Tamas qualities in aap (water)
and tamas quality in the earth can be seen.
Five great elements Predominance of sattva, rajas, tamas
Sky Sattva predominance
Wind Rajas predominance
fire Sattva + Rajas predominance
aap Sattva + Tamas predominance
Earth tamas predominance
The entire universe is created by these five elements.
16 Vijnana, Level-A
------------------------------------
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

INTEXT QUESTIONS 2.1


1. "Bhu Sattayam" - By which affix is the word bhut formed in
Notes
the ground metal?
2. How many great elements are there?
3. Is the sky temporary or eternal?
4. What is the quality of the sky?
5. The origin of air is considered from which great element?
6. What are the properties of air?
7. Write down the properties of fire ?
8. How many properties does aap (water) have?
9. The properties of the great elements are continual or
impermanent?
10. Write the properties of the Earth.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• The five great elements- Water, fire, air, sky and earth.
• The five great elements and their properties are continual.
• The creation of the universe is made from these five elements.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Write the names and properties of the five great elements?
2. Write the predominance of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas in the
five elements.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 17


- ---------------------------------
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


2.1
Notes
1. kt affix
2. five
3. Continually
4. shabd property
5. Sky
6. shabd and Touch
7. shabd, Touch and Form
8. Four
9. Continuous
10. shabd, touch, form, taste and smell

18 Vijnana, Level-A
------------------------------------
The Five Great Elements (Panchmahabhutas)
CLASS-I

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 19


Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

3 Notes

EARTH AND ITS


NATURAL RESOURCES

Dear student, the Earth is one of the five great elements. In this
lesson, we will learn about the Earth. You see various things
around you, such as houses, animals, trees, plants, birds, soil,
rocks, mountains, rivers and streams, ponds, lakes, moon, stars
and so many other things. You also may see many events, such
as water flowing, sunrise and sunset, chicks coming out of their
eggs, spider weaving web, birds making their nests, stars not
being visible at sunrise, butterfly sucking pollen from flowers
etc. Whatever is around us and happening on its own, are all
natural phenomena. There are many events and things that we
cannot see, but only experience, such as heat, cold, wind,
humidity, light etc. You can also make a long list of such natural
phenomena. All the things and events mentioned above, which
can be seen or experienced, are collectively called nature. The
origin of this nature is possible only on Earth. Just as trees, plants,
sun, moon, stars etc. are part of nature, similarly we humans are
also a part of nature. Both living and non-living things come

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 19


---------------------------------
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I
under nature. Animals, trees, plants etc. are the living parts
(components) of nature, because they contain life. Whereas air,
water, soil, sunlight, stones etc. are non-living parts (components)
Notes
of nature as they have no life. But do you know that both living
and non-living components are dependent on each other.
Let us learn about Earth in this lesson and see how Earth and its
resources are useful to us.
<@'

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able to:
• get to know about our natural resources;
• get to know about the resources in nature which are useful to
us (humans);
• understanding the dependence of plants and animals on each
other; and
• understanding of how humans affects the natural balance.
3.1 RESOURCES ON EARTH
We see many types of things around us. Whatever is in nature is
useful to humans in some form or the other. These are called
natural resources. Some of these objects or animals are currently
useful to humans, such as soil, cow dung, wood, water, trees,
etc. But there are some things that are not currently useful to
humans, such as flies, mosquitoes etc. Resources that are not
currently useful to humans in nature are called non- resources. It
I is especially worth noting here that the non-resources that are in
20 Vijnana, Level-A
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

nature today can be converted into resources in the future. For


example, elements were non-resources for the early men, while
they were still available in nature. Early men did not know how
Notes
to obtain and use them, but elements are very important resources
for today's humans. Therefore, we must conserve all natural
resources.
In our ancient knowledge tradition, there was a lot of emphasis
for the preservation of the earth. It is said in the Vedas that ¶ekrk
Hkwfe% iq=kks¿g¡i`fpO;k%¸ meaning that the earth is our mother, it is
as nutritious as mother and I am its protector like a son.
In the Aranyani Sukta of the Rigveda, the sage says that ¶u ok
v[;kfugaURlUJ~p=kfHkxPNfr¸ meaning that those who love and know
the importance of forests never destroy the forests nor do any
other violence towards such forest lovers. Here the sage of the
Rigveda is saying that we should conserve our natural resources.
The Atharva sage in the Atharvaveda has set a unique example
for the earth -
¶;=ks Hkwfe fo[kukfe f{kiza rniq jksgrqA
ek rs eeZ foe`Xofj ek rs ân;efiZie~
( 12.1.35 )
That is, O land! I wish whichever of your part I dig, that should
fill itself again. O discoverable earth! I should never harm your
heart nor make your heart sad.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 21


---------------------------------
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

Renewable and Non-Renewable Natural Resources


Such resources, which can occur frequently and in short duration
Notes in nature, are called renewable natural resources, such as plants,
wood, air, water, etc.

Fig. 3.1
The resources on our earth, which once exhausted, take a very
long time to regenerate in nature, from millions to millions of
years, are called non-renewable natural resources, such as petrol,
coal, kerosene, water, etc.

Fig. 3.2

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22
----------- - - - - - -
Vijnana, Level-A
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

Some renewable resources are available in such large quantities


that we may never lack them. Oxygen is a renewable resource,
as plants add fresh oxygen to the atmosphere every day through
Notes
photosynthesis. Similarly, we get wood from trees. A new tree
can grow up fully in a few years. Hence, wood is a renewable
resource. But many resources can be exhausted if used in large
quantities. For example - coal. In the process of making coal,
wood remains buried in the depths of the earth for millions of
years. So once it ends, it may not be available to humans in the
near future. Hence wood is a renewable natural resource whereas
coal is a non-renewable resource.
Bio and Abiotic natural resources
The natural resources of the earth, which contain life, are called
bio natural resources, such as trees, plants, humans, animals etc.
And those natural resources which do not have life, are called
abiotic natural resources such as wood, soil, air etc.

Fig. 3.3

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 23


--- ----------------
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I
J\llr-
~~
ii"

ACTIVITY 3.1
Make a list of some resources that you can find in your house
Notes
or around the house according to the following sections:
1. Two objects that are capable of moving on their own.
2. Two objects that move with an external force (eg, bicycle).
3. Two things that you eat.
4. Two things that feed.
Now make two groups out of all these resources in such a way
that only the living resources are in one group, meaning those
which are born and die and the other group has all the non-
living resources.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.1
1. Fill in the blanks:
A) Resources that are generated in nature continuously and
in a short period of time are called as ……….
B) Oxygen in air is a ……… resource.
2. Write the names of any two such natural resources which were
non resources long ago.
3. Choose the natural renewable resources from the following:
Plants, wood, air, coal, water, petrol
4. Choose the bio-natural resources from the following:
I human, animal, water, forest, iron, elephant, bicycle and soil.
24 Vijnana, Level-A
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

3.2 SOIL - A NATURAL RESOURSE


Soil is an important and very useful natural resource. Soil is
necessary for any food production, so the forests that grow on it Notes
are also very important for us. Let's read about them in a little
detail.
Soil is a naturally dispersed unorganized material, forming the
outer thin layer of the earth. It is a natural resource, which forms
the base (medium) for farming and it helps in the growth of plants
on the surface of the earth. The nature of the soil depends on its
basic substances from which it is produced. Sometimes layers of
soil are removed or swept away due to air, water or other reasons.
This is called soil erosion. To avoid this, a large number of trees
are planted, so that soil erosion can be prevented.
The top surface (layer) of the earth is made up of soil, which
forms a base for growing plants. Have you ever wondered how
this soil is made? Soil is formed as a result of the physical process
of rocks. Due to temperature fluctuations, cracks occur in the
rocks and their pieces are broken down into small parts by strong
wind. This is due to a chemical process, i.e., the minerals found
in rocks are converted into other substances. Rocks also turn
into small particles due to weather, moisture, plants, animals and
other means, this is called soil impermeability. A major constituent
of soil is humus, which is made up of rotten parts of plants and
animals. Humus helps in keeping the soil fertile and in good
condition. Due to this, the fertility of soil increases and helps in
plant growth.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 25
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Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

Many substances are found in the soil, due to their proper amount,
the soil becomes fertile. If the amount of sand in the soil is high,
then the soil will be dry and if the amount of clay is high, the soil
Notes
will be very wet and it will be very difficult to grow anything in
that soil.
Types of soil
Depending on the geographical area, the type of soil depends on
its colour, its texture and the elements found in it. There are mainly
six types of soil found in India.
1. Red soil - As the name suggests, the colour of this soil is red.
This red colour is due to the presence of iron oxide in the soil.
Humus is found in this soil only in very small quantity. Chemical
fertilizers are added to this soil, then it becomes cultivable.
2. Black soil - The nature of this soil is preserved (perforated)
and is rich in iron and magnesium. This soil is particularly useful
for the cultivation of sugarcane and cotton.
3. Alluvial soil - This soil is very fertile, arable and humorous.
This soil is brought by the rivers and released into the plains. It is
clayey loam in nature and particles of all sizes are found in it.
There is a good yield of wheat, mustard etc. in this soil.
4. Sandy soil - The particles in this soil are thick. This soil is dry,
sandy and compact and contains sufficient amount of minerals.
Humus is less in this soil because it contains less amount of rotten
guts of trees and plants.

26 Vijnana, Level-A
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Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

5. Mountain soil - This soil is very fertile and humus is also


found in large quantity in it.
6. Laterite soil - It is clayey and also red in colour. This soil is Notes
good for growing tea, coffee and coconut.

1fffil
lfi:lll<liR

""'---------·-·--·. -- . -----
Fig. 3.4

ACTIVITY 7.2
To understand properly about the different varieties of soil, go
to the areas around you. Collect samples of different types of
soils there. After this, based on the qualities mentioned above,
tell us what kind of soil is found there.
Soil-erosion
When there is a very strong wind, then you must have noticed
that soil (dust) particles keep blowing in the air. The same particles

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 27


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Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

also get into your eyes. You will also experience dust storms
during summer. What is this dust? Actually, dust is the particles
of soil found in air. Even during the first rains in the rainy
Notes
season, you see that a lot of dust gets washed away with water.
The sky and the land are cleared. Soil erosion is the moving of
soil from one place to another due to strong wind flow or running
water.
Soil erosion reduces the fertility of the land and consequently
reduces the production. Soil erosion is caused by rain, wind,
deforestation, over-harvesting of animals and use of wrong
farming methods.
Soil pollution
For us both land and soil are very important and useful. Soil
forms the basis of life. But there are many of our activities, due
to which the soil is becoming poisonous and its production
capacity is also decreasing. This is called soil pollution. Any
substance which, if found in the soil, reduces its production
capacity or becomes toxic in some way, is called soil pollutant.
Following are the major factors of soil pollution:
• use of pesticides.
• Soil waste materials released from industries.
• The mixing of dirt and water from the houses in the soil.
• Open defecation.

28 Vijnana, Level-A
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Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

INTEXT QUESTIONS 3.2


1. How is soil formed?
Notes
2. How many types of soil are found in India?
3. How can soil erosion be prevented?
4. What are the consequences of soil erosion?
5. Describe the two ways in which soil pollutants occur?

3.3 FORESTS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE


Our second important natural resource is forests. Forests have a
lot of significance in our lives. We get a wide variety of things
from forests and wild animals also live in them. But due to many
reasons like increasing human population, setting up of industries,
building houses, traffic, forests are being cut. As a result of this,
the number of forests as well as wildlife is ever decreasing.

Fig. 3.5

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


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29
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

Forests are natural areas, which include naturally grown trees


and freely living wildlife. Forests can be replanted.

Notes This means that forests are renewable resources. Forests serve
as a producer as well as a protector. Forests prevent flooding. Do
you know that we get many useful substances from forests? Yes,
wood is the first thing that comes to our mind, but apart from
this, there are many other things that we get from forests, such as
lac, tendu leaf, different kinds of medicines, gum, rhizomes ,
perfume etc.
In Vedic culture, small components of the environment have been
considered superior in specific condition. And it has been said
that just as parents nurture their children, so do the land and
solar system-
&|ksf"ir% i`fFkfo ekrj?kzxXus&
&HkkroZloksewyrk u%A
(Rigveda 6.51.5)
Deforestation (cutting down forests)
Nowadays due to increase in human population, there has been a
problem of places for people to live, which has become a very
common cause to cut forests. Cutting trees and forests in this
way is called deforestation. There are many reasons for
deforestation, some of which are -

30 Vijnana, Level-A
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Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

• For construction of road, dam and rail tracks.


• For mining and quarrying process.
• To obtain raw material for industries. Notes

• To meet the demand of increasing land for farming.


• To meet the increasing demand for fuel and timber.
Conservation of Forests
Now, the question arises: why do we need to conserve forests?
As we know, forests are our natural resources. It is a place for
many animals to live. Forests are not only an important part of

Fig. 3.1

our environment, but they also contribute to our economic


condition. Forests prevent soil erosion and air pollution and
provide shelter to wildlife. If you eliminate the place of living of

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


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31
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I
wildlife, then the number of wildlife will decrease, due to which
the natural balance deteriorates. Therefore, there is a need to save
forests and to plant new forests.
Notes
Wildlife Resources
Wild animals are animals that are not directly used by humans in
general. These include thousands of species of mammals, reptiles,
birds, fish and amphibians. Indian wildlife includes lion, cheetah,
elephant, deer, reindeer, duck, leopard, rhinoceros, son bird,
crocodile, tortoise etc. National park is the place where all types
of wildlife get protection. But apart from the forest area, the area
or place where wild animals and birds are kept in their natural
environment (atmosphere) is called wildlife sanctuary.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 3.3
1. Name two useful substances obtained from forests?
2. Give two reasons for deforestation.
3. State two harmful effects of deforestation.
4. Name the four animals included in the wildlife.
• WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT
• Natural Resources on Earth
• Soil - a natural resource
• Forests and their importance
I
32 Vijnana, Level-A
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

TERMINAL QUESTIONS

1. Write the difference between renewable and non-renewable Notes


resources by giving examples.

2. Why should we conserve forests?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


3.1

1. a. Innovative Resources

b. innovative resources

2. b. Metals, Oil

3. Plants, wood, air, water

4. Human, animal, elephant

3.2

1. by physical process of rocks.

2. 6 types

3. preventing rainwater, planting trees, with good farming


methods.

4. the fertility of the land is reduced.

5. proper use of pesticides, release of water from


industries.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 33


---------------------------------
Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

3.3
1. Gum medicines.
Notes 2. demand of land for farming and timber
3. air pollution, reduced rainfall, global warming
4. lion, cheetah, elephant, rhinoceros

34 Vijnana, Level-A
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Earth And Its Natural Resources
CLASS-I

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 35


Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

Notes

CLASS-II
Lesson 4 Land Conservation In The Vedas
Lesson 5 Aap (Water)
Lesson 6 Water Conservation In The Vedas
Lesson 7 Air

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 35


Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

Notes

36 Science, Level-A
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

4 Notes

LAND CONSERVATION
IN THE VEDAS

Dear student, in the last lesson you've learned about Earth (one
of the five great elements). In this lesson, you will learn about
land conservation in the Vedas. Earth is the only place that has
nourished and protected biodiversity. ¶ekrk Hkwfe% iq=kks¿ge~ i`fFkR;k%¸
Conservation of land in the Vedas is inherent in the protection of
the mother's land. Even in the Earth Sukta of the Atharvaveda it
has been said that in order to protect the land, we should be ready
for self-sacrifice -¶o;a rq ' ;a cfyâr%L;keA¸

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able to:
• Understand the importance of conserving land in the Vedas;
• Understand the basic spirit of the Vedas for conservation of land.

4.1 CONSERVATION OF LAND IN THE VEDAS


In Vedic culture there is a lot of emphasis on conservation of land.
The Earth Sukta of the Atharvaveda is note worthy in this subject-

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 37


- ---------------------------------
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

¶;=ks Hkwfe fo[kukfe f{kiza rnfi jksgrqA


ekrs eeZ foe`Xofj ek rs ân;efiZre~AA
Notes (Atharvaveda-12.1.35)
That is, O land! If I dig any part of you, it should be filled
immediately. O discoverable earth! I won't do anything that will
either hurt your heart or harm you.
This personal prayer towards the earth shows how sensitive the
Vedic sage is to the earth. If we keep this kind of sensation in our
minds, then the conservation of the land will be done by itself.

Fig. 4.1

According to the Vedas, the earth is our shelter. It nurtures us


and takes care of us. Therefore it is our responsibility to protect
it. In the Atharvaveda, the sage says, O land! As long as I see
your various forms with the yam sun, till then my vision should
not destroy the best and good action.

38 Vijnana, Level-A

---------------
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

;kor~ rs¿fHk foi';kfu Hkwes lw;sZo esfnukA


rkoUes p{kqekZ es.VksrjkeqÙkjka lekl~A
(Atharvaveda 12.01.33) Notes

The sage here wishes for the preservation of the various forms
of the earth.

Fig. 4.2
Atharva, the sage of the Rigveda says that we should protect the
earth because this earth nourishes us, protects our wealth, has a
firm foundation, has gold in itself, is always moving, provides
happiness to all, is nurturing fire; such land which considers Indra
as prime, will protect us amidst the power of money -
¶fo'oEHkjk jlqpkuh izfr"Bk fgj.;o{kk txrks fous'kuh
oS'okuja fcHkzrh HkwfejfXufl¼ Í"kuk nzfo.ks uksn?kkrqA
(Atharvaveda 12.01.6)
The sage of the Atharvaveda expresses his concern for the
preservation of the Earth and says that O Earth! May we be

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 39


- - - - - ----------------------------
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

healthy in your lap. Keep ourselves prepared for sacrifice while


sustaining the life of our metals. Here the sage talks about
sacrificing our lives for the protection of the Earth.
Notes

Fig. 4.3

miLFkkLrs vuehok v;{ek vLeH;a iarq i`fFkfo jlwrk%


nh?kZ u vkiq% izfrcqg;ekuk o;a rq';a cfyâr% L;keAA
(Atharvaveda 12.1.62)
The sage of the Arthavaveda warns that if the earth is not
preserved in time, then the human species should be prepared to
suffer the vicious cycle because just as the horse shakes off the
dust particles, in the same way earth, the planet, the protector of
the world, the receptive earth of flora and medicines, has always
shaken those humans who do not conserve it and harm it-
v'o bo jtks nqU/qos fu rku tuku~ ; vkf{k;u i`fFkoh ;kntk;r~A
eUnzkxzsRojh HkqouL; xksik ouLirhuka x`fHkjks"k/huke~AA
(Atharvaveda 12.1.57)

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40
------------------------------
Vijnana, Level-A
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

The sage of the Rigveda accorded the status of mother to the earth.
¶( ) firk tfurk ukfHkL=k cU;qesZ ekrk i`fFkoh egh;e~A
(Rigveda 1.164.23) Notes
That is, the sky is my father, the fraternity is my navel, and this
earth is my mother who is the greatest.
In the Vrihdarnpakopanisd , Yajnavalkya explains to the sage
Maitreyi that this earth is the soul of all the bhut (core elements)
and all bhut are in the middle of this earth.
b;a i`Foh losZ"kka Hkwrkuka eèoL;S
i`fFkO;S lokZf.k Hkwrkfu e;qA
(Vrihadaranyakopanishad 2.5)
When the Vedic sages are so conscious about the preservation
of the earth, then we should not over-exploit nature, but rather
emphasize the preservation of the earth.
Mahatma Gandhi also said that
the nature is capable of
fulfilling our needs but not in
fulfilling anyone's greed. Here,
Gandhi ji gives more indication
to stop the over exploitation of
nature and says that if the nature
Fig. 4.1
is used by inclusive
conservation, then all the needs of human species can be fulfilled.
We should be conscious of the environment around us,
exploitation of land and conserve the earth as much as possible.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara
----- - ------------------------------ --
41
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

INTEXT QUESTIONS 4.1


1. Fill in the following blanks -
Notes
(A) ;=ks ---------- fo"kukfe f{kiza rnfi jksgrqA
(B) ;kor~ rs¿fe ---------- Hkwfe lw;S.k esfnukA
(C) ---------- izfr"Bk fgj.;o{kk turks fuos'kuhA
(D) b;a ---------- i`fFkO;S lokZf.k Hkwrkfu eU?kqA
2. In the Vedic culture, whose status is given to the earth?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• Conservation of the Earth in Vedas
• Importance of Conservation of earth

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. What has been said in the Vedas for conservation of earth.
2. What did Mahatma Gandhi say about nature?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


4.1
1. (a) land
(b) foi';kfe
(c) fo'oEHkjk olq/kuh
(d) i`Foh losZ"kka Hkwrkuka egoL;S
2. mother's status and honor
42 Vijnana, Level-A
-----------------------------------
Land Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 43


Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

5 Notes

AAP (WATER)

Dear student, in the previous lesson you've learned about the


protection of land in the Vedas. In this lesson, we will read about
one of the five great elements - aap (water). Water is also known
as one of the five great elements. About three quarters of our
earth consist of water, yet the problem of water is increasing. Do
you know why the water problem persists? Where does water
come from? And why is water important for us?
Now, there's another problem which is arising; whatever water
that can be used is becoming poisonous. There is a continuous
shortage of potable water. Do you know what are the causes for
all these? Can we contribute anything to stop this water pollution?
Water has been given great importance in our Vedic culture. Water
conservation has been a fundamental component of our culture.
Let us study from composition to the source, properties, uses
and pollution of water in this lesson.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able to:
• know the need and utility of water;

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 43


- ---------------------------------
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

• Understand the various forms of water;


• understand the water pollution and protection;

Notes • understand the importance of water in Vedic culture.

5.1 IMPORTANCE OF WATER


You must have felt that if we do not get water to drink for long
enough, then our condition worsens. Water is not only necessary
for us but also for all living things. More than two-third of our
body weight is due to water. Not only this, water is also essential
for many biological functions of our body, such as to digest food,
to keep body parts healthy, etc.
You know that, we get food from trees, plants and animals; and
all of them also need water. All the food items - such as potatoes,
tomatoes, apples - all of them contain a lot of water.
Apart from this, water is essential for everyday things like; from
cleanliness and bathing to cooking, farming, industrial uses and
power generation.

Fig. 5.1

Vijnana, Level-A

----------
44
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II
4llr-
~~

.... ~

L........J

ACTIVITY 5.1
Make a list of all the items that are found around you, which
Notes
require water.
5.1.1 Uses of Water -
1. Water provides habitat to many organisms. There are many
types of aquatic animals, such as all kinds of fish and sea
creatures, which survive only in water and grow on their own.
2. The water present in the blood, etc., in the bodies of living
beings, carries the function of transporting food, mineral salts
and gases from one place to another. More than two-thirds
of the human body is water, which shows that a sufficient
amount of water is required for the above activities.
3. When water collects in lakes and ponds and also in the
form of rivers, But when it flows, it acts to carry seeds,
fruits and many types of microorganisms from one place
to another. In this way, the seeds, which fall into rivers and
canals and flow from one place to another, go down and
grow at a suitable place somewhere. Thus, water also helps
in spreading plant life on the earth. Fruits also have seeds,
they also flow with water from one place to another.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 5.1
1. A large part of an organism's body is water. What are their
benefits?
2. What are the utilities of water in industries?

I
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 45
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

3. Describe four such ways for which we use water in the house?
4. If the water was not transparent, what would be the harms on
Notes
the living organisms, living in the water?

5.2 DIFFERENT FORMS OF WATER


As you may have noticed, water is usually found in a liquid state,
which is called fluid state. But when cooled to zero degree, it
turns into ice, which is its solid state. If the water is heated to 100
degrees, it turns into vapor, which is its gaseous state. This means
that water is found in all three forms i.e. solid (ice), fluid (water)
and gas (vapor)
Composition of water
In 1781, Henry Cavandish proved by an experiment that water is
not an element but a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. Its
chemical formula is H2O. When we heat it, it turns into vapor and
upon cooling it returns to its liquid state again. Water molecules
need to be heated to 2200 degrees Celsius in order to break into
hydrogen and oxygen. But heating the water to 2200 degrees is very
difficult, because it turns into vapor at 100 degrees. The only
alternative is decomposition of water. When an electric current is
carried in water, it breaks down into its elemental elements -
hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen and oxygen are found in water
in the ratio of 1: 8 according to weight and 2: 1 according to volume.
Different Sources of Water
When the water is so important and necessary for us, we should
also know where the water comes from and from which sources?

46 Vijnana, Level-A
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Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

Notes

Fig. 5.1

The main sources of water which we use are wells, rivers, lakes,
ponds, waterfalls and hand pumps.
Although there is a huge reservoir of water in the form of oceans,
seas and lakes on our earth, in the same way it is very difficult
for us to get water for its use directly.
Water cycle
Due to the heat of the sun; seas and oceans evaporate and fly
into the sky as water vapor. At a high altitude, this water vapor

Fig. 5.2

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


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47
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

starts to cool and then turn into small droplets of water, thus they
take the form of clouds. Then a situation comes in that these
small droplets of water, combine to form big drops of water and
Notes
then it starts raining. This rain water does not contain the
impurities which are found in the seas and oceans.
After the rains, some part of this water soaks in the ground and
the rest goes to the lakes and seas through the river and drains.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 5.2


1. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Solid form of water is called.........and gaseous form .........
(b) Pure water turns solid on.........and gaseous form on..........
(c) Water is a compound of .........and.........
(d) Water by weight has 1 part........and 8 parts..........
2. What is the easiest method of dividing water into hydrogen
and oxygen ?
3. The following sentences are true or false:
(a) Due to decreasing number of ponds, ground-water level
is decreasing
(b) The Sun plays the most important role in providing us
pure water
(c) The process of large-scale distillation is continuous in
nature.
(d) Rain water also has many impurities because it is
basically sea-water.

48 Vijnana, Level-A
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Aap (Water)
CLASS-II
5.3 HAND WATER AND SOFT WATER
Rain water is pure, but after reaching the earth, many types of
impurities and salts dissolve in it, due to which the properties of Notes
water also changes. . If we look at the water of the sea, ordinary
salt is dissolved in more quantity than other salts, due to which
the taste of sea water is very salty (saline).
There are two types of water depending on the presence of water
soluble salts. Let's study it.

ACTIVITY 5.2 J
what you need to do: study about the pond and tap water.
What you need: Two plastic naps, two samples of water - one
taken from a tap and the other from a pond, a little soap powder.
How to do: Put both samples of water in separate taps. Add a
couple of spoons of soap powder to each sample and stir well
by hand.
What you saw: There is a lot of foam in the water sample
obtained from the tap and they remain for a long time. Either
foam is not formed in the water obtained from the pond, but
even if a lot is formed, it is destroyed quickly.
Conclusion: The water of the pond is hard and tap water is soft.
Water that does not contain salts etc. and easily lathers with
soap, such water is called soft water. Rain water and distilled
water are examples of soft water.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


--- --- --- ------ --- --- --- --- ---
--
49
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

If soap is not rubbed in water, froth does not arise. The same
white substance is formed with soap, it is called hard water.
This is due to the magnesium and calcium salts present in it.
Notes
Sea water, lake water and water from open wells are often
hard water.
Measures to remove the hardness of water
Due to dissolution of ordinary salt or calcium salts in hard water,
the taste of water is good. Therefore it can be used for drinking.
However, it cannot be used in pharmaceutical or chemical sector
industries, because there is a need for pure water in which no
impurities are dissolved.
Hard water is completely unusable for washing clothes. This also
spoils the cooking and eating utensils because these utensils
solidify the layer of salts dissolved in hard water. Have you
noticed that a white colored layer solidifies on the coil parts of
the water heating immersion rod . This white layer consists of
impurities dissolved in water.
Water hardness is of two types depending on the salts dissolved
in it: (1) temporary hardness, and (2) permanent hardness.
1. Temporary hardness: The hardness that is caused by bi-
carbonate salts of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water
is called temporary hardness. This type of hardness can be easily
overcome by boiling water at high temperature. Bi-carbonate
salts precipitate as insoluble carbonate salts by heating. The salts
settle down and then they can be easily separated by filtering.
2. Permanent hardness: Such hardness is due to dissolution of
50 Vijnana, Level-A
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Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

calcium and magnesium in chloride and sulfate salts in water. It


cannot be boiled away with proper means. It overcomes by special
chemical treatments, such as -
Notes
(A) By washing soda: When dissolved soda is added to hard
water, the dissolved impurities of sulfate and chloride salts are
converted into insoluble carbonate salts. Insoluble salts are filtered
and separated. Thus, they remove these impurities. Now pay
attention to the following:
- Sodium Carbonate - Magnesium Chloride
- Sodium Chloride - Magnesium Carbonate
(Soluble) (Insoluble)
If sodium chloride (ordinary salt) is dissolved as an impurity in
water, it does not cause hardness in the water.
(B) By permutite method (using zeolide): Zeolite contains sodium
and aluminum oxide sand particles and water. When the hard
water passes through the filter of permutid (zeolite), the calcium
and the magnesium ions of the salts are added to zeolite and; the
sodium ions of the zeolite moves into the water. The water thus
obtained is not hard.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 5.3


1. If my bucket of water does not foam with soap, instead forms
like curd then
(a) The water is soft or hard
(b) It must have been taken from the pond or covered well.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 51


---------------------------------
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

2. If the hardness of water overcomes by boiling then:


(a) It will be called permanent hardness or temporary?
Notes (b) Or will calcium chloride or calcium Bi-carbonate
dissolve in that water?
3. Which of the following can we use hard water-
(a) In washing
(b) In drinking
(c) In industries
(d) In drug manufacturing.
4. Write the names of two methods of removing the temporary
stiffness.
5. Does dissolving salt in water make it hard water?

5.4 PROPERTIES OF WATER


In our daily life we mostly use water from the tap or well. Do
you know whether it is pure water or not? To know this, let us
study the properties of pure water
1. Pure water is colorless and transparent liquid but you must
have seen that sometimes when looking at deep water, it
appears blue. This Appearance is caused by scattering of light.
2. Pure water is odorless. Contaminated water causes an
unpleasant smell. It is caused by dissolved dirt in it.
3. Pure water is tasteless, but water from any place is tasty. Do
you know why? This is due to dissolved gases and some
mineral salts in it.

52 Vijnana, Level-A
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CLASS-II

Germs find favorable conditions in the stagnant waters of


lakes and ponds. These germs present in the air and soil reach
from one place to another through the water of rivers. This
Notes
causes the water to become polluted and not potable for
drinking. So before using water, It must be checked.
4 On heating, the water remains thin and cold; and does not
thicken. If the water starts getting thin and thicker on cooling,
then imagine what will happen to the organisms and plants?
5. Water is transparent to visible light. Light rays can go very
deep in water. That is why we can see deep in water. Life of
many aquatic organisms is possible in water. Tell what would
have happened if the water was not transparent?
6. Water is a good solvent for many substances. That is why we use
it in pharmaceutical manufacturing and many chemical industries.
Please tell, What would happen if water was not solvent?
7. Water cools to ice (solid) when it cools to zero degree
temperature. When the ice is hot, it starts changing again to
zero degree temperature in a liquid state. This temperature at
which the ice reverts to water is called the melting point of
ice. But due to dissolution of impurities in water, the melting
point of ice decreases.
8. On heating pure water to (100 degree Celsius) it starts boiling
and turns into a gaseous state (in steam). This temperature is
called the boiling point of water. For pure water, it is the
right temperature for boiling. But due to dissolution of
impurities in water, boiling point increases. This means that

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 53


---------------------------------
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

some impure water boils at a higher temperature than (100


degree Celsius).
9. Generally, the density of a substance in the solid state is greater
Notes
than the density of its fluid state. But the solid form of water,
the density of ice, is less than the liquid water. This is why
ice floats above water.
When the normal temperature (room temperature) is greater
than (melting temperature of ice), the water temperature
obtained by melting ice usually increases and its density is
greater at (1.3 times of water). It is over. Because (more than)
temperature, the density of water starts to decrease. Hence,
the density of water above and below (ice) is reduced. Due to
this quality, the winter days in cold regions; In spite of freezing
of ice, aquatic organisms live there.
10. Water is a solvent, because most of the substances present in
water are bad conductors of electricity. That is, distilled water
cannot conduct electricity.

5.5 WATER PURIFICATION


All the water available on earth is not potable. Potable water is
translucent, colorless, odorless and has a flavorful liquid due to
dissolution of some salts and gases. If there is no inaccuracy in
it, then pure water is tasteless. But the water from the lake, river,
wells and other sources is not pure. It contains some unwanted
substances and also contains some harmful microorganisms. Now
the question arises how to purify such impure water? For this we
adopt many methods. Let's study those methods:
54 Vijnana, Level-A
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CLASS-II

1. Distillation method: Distillation is the process by which water


purification can be done easily. Take some quantity of water in a
bowl and heat it to its boiling point. The bacteria and germs
Notes
present in water are destroyed on heating and water gets converted
into vapor. Oil particles unsettled in water and dissolved mineral
salts remain in the cup. When this water vapor passes through a
condensate tube filled with cold water, it condenses and becomes
pure water.
Distilled water is
pure water. It is used
in medicine making,
laboratory solutions
and car batteries.
Being tasteless, it
cannot be used for
drinking. Fig. 5.4 Water Purification

2. Filtration: Filtration is separating dissolved impurities such


as dust mites, sand, plant residues etc. from water. A special
method of filtering (separating) them is by laying layers of
charcoal, coarsely-grained sand and some pebbles in a vessel
and pouring the dirty water in it. There is a hole in the bottom of
this pot, in which cotton is placed. If the water passes through
these layers and comes out through the sand in the hole, then the
above mentioned impurities remain in these layers and clean water
comes out, which is filled in another vessel. This water is either
boiled or chlorinated to make it bacteria free.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara

---------- 55
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

3. Chlorination: To chlorine the water, chlorine tablets are added


to the water. Chlorine destroys almost all microbes. Sometimes
there is some smell coming from your tap water. It is caused by
Notes
chlorination of this water.
The water in the Swimming pool is usually treated by chlorination.
4. Mixing Potassium Permanganate: Have you noticed that
sometimes To purify the water of the wells, pink colored crystals
of potassium permanganate are added to it. When potassium
permanganate dissolves in well water, a merger of potassium
permanganate is formed in water, which kills almost all germs
and thus the water becomes bacteria free.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 5.4


1. Why is water purification necessary?
2. What is the difference between methods of distillation and
filtration of water?
3. Why is sometimes, potassium permanganate is added to wells?

5.6 WATER POLLUTION


If unwanted impurities are found in the water, then the water is
no longer drinkable. Such water is called polluted water.
Nowadays, the problem of water pollution is becoming so serious
that even the water of the rivers, seas, lakes, ponds, etc., is getting
much polluted.
Have you ever wondered why water pollution is happening and
what are the losses due to it? Let's try to find out.

56 Vijnana, Level-A
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CLASS-II

Notes

Fig. 5.5 Water Pollution

Causes of Water Pollution


Water pollution is due to unwanted impurities found in the water
of rivers. The extent of pollution depends on the flow of rivers,
the sewage effluents found in them, and the amount of waste
from industries.
Some harmful bacteria like insects and mosquitoes make their
habitat in lakes, ponds and stagnant water. Water is also polluted
by washing clothes and bathing animals in them. Water has become
very polluted due to dead bodies and waste materials and
other unwanted impurities of plants and animals living aquatic life
in the sea. That is why some efforts have to be made for the
purification of seawater. The stagnant water of lakes and ponds is
more polluted than the flowing streams of rivers and covered wells.
Disadvantages of polluted water
1. Polluted water causes many infectious diseases such as cholera,
diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, etc.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 57


- - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

2. Pollution makes the water dirty, so that it cannot be used in


any work like washing clothes etc.

Notes 3. Algae in water cause foul smell and make its color dirty. Algae
make aquatic life unsafe (adding copper sulphate to water can
make it algae free).

Prevention of water pollution

Water is life. Therefore, people should be aware to prevent water


pollution. A law should be made to prevent pollution factors.

Dirty drains left in rivers should be stopped. To treat harmful


impurities, plants should be planted.

To treat the excreta, it is filled in large tanks and stirred rapidly.


By running it, air enters into it, which causes oxidation of
harmful compounds. Harmless substances are formed in this
process.

Do you know that water treatment plants are installed in Delhi


and other metros? These thriving take place where the drains of
the city fall into the rivers.

Industrial wastes contain toxic substances. They can be extracted


by chemical methods. Industrial waste should not be allowed to
be released into the rivers without refining to prevent water from
getting polluted.

Covering wells can save water from pollution.

58 Vijnana, Level-A
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CLASS-II

5.7 WATER CONSERVATION


What does conservation mean? As you may know, conservation
means - to use with caution and frugality. We all know that,
Notes
although there is a lot of water on the earth, there is still a shortage
of potable water. Therefore, people should be aware for the proper
use of water.
We should also make tireless efforts to conserve drinking water.
As far as possible, we all must work with less water and do not
waste water unnecessarily. Agricultural irrigation requires more
water. Therefore, if we collect water and use it in our traditional
methods, such as ponds, etc., even in the field of irrigation.
There is a lot of emphasis on water conservation in our Vedic
culture. The sage of Rigveda says that "We all enjoy the comfort
of the water from clouds as well as other types of water."
Ray Ghava and Bhoomi Dev away from us from our evil deeds.
¶vk 'keZ ioZrkukeksrkika o`.khegs
?kkok{kkekjs vLenziLd`re~A¸
(Rigveda 8.18.16)

INTEXT QUESTIONS 5.5


1. Write the names of two pesticides that are used in water
purification?
2. Name four factors that cause water pollution?
3. What four steps will you take to prevent water pollution?
4. Write the names of four diseases caused by polluted water?
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 59
---------------------------------
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• It is not possible for a creature to survive without water. Life
Notes originates in water.
• a large part of organisms are water. Water is required in the
body for many bio-activities.
• Some organisms like fish can survive only in water.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Draw a picture and describe the continuous cycle of nature.
2. Differentiate between soft and hard water. Name one use of
hard water?
3. Write a note on the topic 'Importance of water in life'?
4. There is not only shortage of water but also for drinking
water on the earth, elaborate on this topic and write your
thoughts
5. What efforts should be made to conserve water resources on
earth?
6. 'Greenery on earth is associated with water.' Write your
thoughts on this topic?
7. Describe three measures of water circulation.
8. Draw and explain the distillation method.
9. Describe the three properties of water that make it an
important chemical for life.
10. Explain the method of the boiling point of water by drawing.
60 Vijnana, Level-A
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Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


5.1
Notes
1. To run all the functions of the body smoothly.
2. (1) To cool the hot appliances
(2) as a solvent
3. (1) in bathing and washing
(2) in cooking
(3) in drinking
(4) Cleanliness
4. The path ahead and their food (prey) is not visible
5.2
1. (a) Ice, vapor
(b) cooling, boiling
(c) Oxygen, Hydrogen
(d) Hydrogen, Oxygen
2. Electrical decomposition
3. (a) True, (b) False, (c) True, (d) False
5.3
1. (a) Hard water,
(b) must have been taken from the pond

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 61


---------------------------------
Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

2. (a) Temporary
(b) Calcium Bi-carbonate
Notes 3. (b) drinking
4. (1) to boil at a high temperatures
(2) by distillation
5. yes
5.4
1. It may contain soil particles and bacteria etc.
2. In distillation, water is converted into vapor to obtain pure
water and in filtration water is filtered.
3. To destroy harmful bacteria.
5.5
1. Chlorine tablets, potassium permanganate
2. Dirty water flowing out of homes, washing clothes,
sewage urine, waste of industries
3. Cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid

62 Vijnana, Level-A
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Aap (Water)
CLASS-II

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 63


Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

6 Notes

WATER CONSERVATION
IN THE VADAS

Dear student, we have studied about water in the previous chapter.


In this chapter you will study about water conservation in Vedas.
In Vedas, great emphasis is given on water conservation, and
also on importance of water in our life

OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
• Understand the importance of water as given in the Vedas; and
• Understand the basic reason behind water conservation in
Vedas

6.1 WATER CONSERVATION IN ANCIENT TIMES


Water had been considered as life in Ancient Indian culture -
water is life. Very large emphasis is given to sources of water,
importance of water for all living organisms, quality and
usefulness of water and conservation of water in the Vedas. In
Vedas, water is said to have medicinal importance. Aacharya

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 63


- ---------------------------------
Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

Notes

Fig. 6.1
Charak has discussed about usefulness of groundwater in Charak
Sanhita.
According to Ancient Indian Civilization, each and every type
of water present in this universe should be conserved by us.
Highest priority is given to the conservation of river water because
they irrigate agricultural fields which are responsible for the
survival of life of all living beings. Flowing water of rivers is
considered pure so we must not pollute rivers.
Seven Sindhu rivers are mentioned in Atharva Ved. These seven
rivers are:
1. Sindhu river
2. Vipasha (Vyas) river
3. Shatudri (Satluj) river
4. Vitasta (Jhelum) river
5. Assikki (Chenab) river
6. Saraswati river

Vijnana, Level-A

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64
Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

These rivers have been given respect like mother in Rigveda.


rk vLe';a ielk fiUoekuk f'koknsohjf'konA
HkoUr lokZ u/% vf'kfegk HkoUrqA Notes

(Rigveda 7.50.4)
Rivers satisfy all living beings by providing water, by providing
food etc to them. Rivers love vegetation and they contribute in
pleasure of others.

Fig. 6.2

Rigveda laid emphasis on water conservation and it is said in


Rigveda that water is like our mother. Water should make us
powerful and excellent as ghee makes us. Such water needs to be
protected in whatever form it is present and wherever it is present-
¶vkiks vLekUekrj% 'kqU/;Urq |`rsu uk |`RIo% iquUrqA¸
(Rigveda 10.17.10)
For water conservation, for rain water and flowing water, it has
been said in Vedas O human, rain water and water obtained from
other sources such as well, springs, ponds etc contains many
nutrients.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara
--
65
Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

You should know this and you should become energetic and
powerful by using such nutritious water.

Notes vikega fnO;kukeika lzksrL;kuke~


mQikeg iz.stusn'ok Hko; okftu%A
Apamahan divyanampaan srotsyanaam
oopamah prarejnedshava bhavay waajina:
(Atharv ved 19.1.4)

Fig. 6.3
Rain water should be conserved because it is the purest form of
water. In this regard, it has been said in Atharved that rain water
is very good for us -

Fig. 6.4

Vijnana, Level-A

----------
66
Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

f'kok u% lUrq okf"kZdh%A


Shiva na santu vaarshiki
(Atharved 1.6.4) Notes
Water should be protected from being polluted and our efforts
should be such that water is not contaminated. In this reference,
it had been said in Yajurved that water should not be destroyed -
¶ek vkiks fgalhA¸
" Maa aapo hinsi"
At this instant priest ordered that do not destroy water. It is
priceless.
Nine types of water had been mentioned in Atharvved
(i) Parichara aap: - Water flowing from natural
waterfalls
(ii) Hemwati aap: - Water flowing from
mountains covered with
snow
(iii) Varshaya aap: - Rain water
(iv) Sanishyada aap: - Water flowing with great
velocity
(v) Anuppa aap: - Water of such place where
there are many marshes
(vi) Dhanvanya aap: - Water of desert land
(vii) Kumbheybhiravaratta aap: - water present in earthern pots
(viii) Anbhrayah aap: - Water of wells
(ix) Utsaya aap: - water of source
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 67
---------------------------------
Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

In this way, it is clear that water had been given prime importance
in Vedas and its all types are pointed out so that water conservation
can be done. It is need of the hour that we must grasp the message
Notes
of water conservation given in our ancient texts and try to
conserve water.
It has been said in Vedas that water flows during rainfall and it
flows in the form of rivers. Flowing water is considered pure in
our culture and that's why rivers are considered respectable as
mothers. It had been said in Vedic literature about holiness of
rivers that such a river which originate from mountains and flows
till oceans is holy. Vedic Rishis want to convey us by this message
that we should conserve the flow of rivers. Rivers should be
allowed to flow.

Fig. 6.5

In Athurveda, 'Mitr' and 'Varuna' had been said as God of Rain.


Water is formed when Mitr and Varuna meet. Mitr and Varuna
refer to hydrogen and oxygen respectively.

--
68 Vijnana, Level-A
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Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

It had been said in Vedas regarding purification of impure water


that both air and sun purify water. Rays of sun purify water by
destroying germs present in water.
Notes
Saying of Rishi of Rigveda is that 'O Humans, You should
consume water which is like honeydew and which has medicinal
properties like them who consume it in correct way. Always be
ready to praise water -
vILoMUrje`reIlq Hks"kteikeqr iz'kLr;s nsok HkDr okftu%A
Apswadantarmritmapsu bheshjampaamut prashastayey deva
bhakt waajinah
(Rigveda 1.23.19)

INTEXT QUESTIONS 6.1


1. How many types of water had been told in Atharved?
2. What is meant by Saptsainyav?
3. Write names of any two types of water.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• Importance of water in Vedas
• Water conservation in Vedas

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Write the names of rivers coming under 'Saptsanandhav'
2. Write nine types of water.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 69
- ---------------------------------
Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


6.1
Notes
1. Nine types
2. Seven rivers
3. Parichara water, Hemwati water (You can take others too)

70 Vijnana, Level-A
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Water Conservation in the Vedas
CLASS-II

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 71


Air
CLASS-II

7 Notes

AIR

Dear student, in the previous lesson we read about the importance


and conservation of water in the Vedas. In this lesson, you will
learn about air. Air is also one of the five great elements. We do
not see the wind. We often feel it around us, such as when the
wind blows or when we have to cycle against the wind or when
we fill the air in a bicycle or football.
In reality, there is a small layer of air around the Earth, a thick
layer of air is called the atmosphere. Life on Earth is not possible
without air. We breathe in air. It is fuel from the air that burns our
food. Air is also the root of all the changes in the weather.
What is the composition of air? What is the mixture of gases in
it? What are its uses in life? We will study all these things in this
lesson.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able to
• know the composition of air;

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 71


- ---------------------------------
Air
CLASS-II
• To know the usefulness of air for plants; and
• To know our contribution in keeping the air clean for a healthy
Notes life.
7.1 PORPERTIES OF AIR
Air is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is a mixture of many
gases. We can see through it. Apart from these, there are some
other properties of air :
1. Air surrounds the place
2. There is a load in the air,
3. Air exerts pressure,
4. The volume of air can be reduced by compressing it.
Let us know these properties in detail.
The air surrounds the space
(?) Matter surrounds space. Air is also a substance. Like any
other substance, air also occupies the space. You look at a glass
that does not contain anything. Is it empty? Is it really not empty
at all? The empty space inside is filled with air.
.\llr-
~s
~ ACTIVITY 7.1

-
What you have to do: Prove that air encircles space.
What you need: Water in a transparent bottle and bucket.
How to do: Close the mouth of the bottle with the thumb.
I Now immerse it completely in water. Gently remove the thumb
72 Vijnana, Level-A
Air
CLASS-II
See what happens? Are bubbles coming out of the bottle? Is
the water going inside the bottle?
Is it going? Just think where the bubbles are coming from. Notes
Conclusion:
You noticed that the water entered the bottle when the mouth
of the bottle was opened in water. Water has replaced the air.
The air came out as bubbles. The empty bottle was filled with
air.
You learned that the empty bottle actually contained air.
Air Has Weight
To make sure there is weight in the air, let's do an activity -
ACTIVITY 7.2
What you need to do: Prove that there is weight in the air.
What you need: Bicycle's rubber tube, spring balance, weights.
How to do it:
1. First weigh the unfilled tube in a spring balance and know
the weight of it.
2. Now fill the rubber tube with air and make it full and again
Find the weight.
3. Has the load increased now?
Did you see that there is a load in the air?

I
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 73
Air
CLASS-II

Air exerts pressure


The layer of air around the earth exerts pressure on the earth,
Notes which is called atmospheric pressure or air pressure. You should
know that the air pressure at the sea level is the highest. As we
move upstream from the sea level, the air pressure decreases. This
happens because the amount of air decreases at height. Air exerts
equal pressure everywhere. There are many uses of air pressure
in our daily activities, which you will study in further classes. To
prove that the air exerts pressure, let's do a small experiment.

ACTIVITY 7.3
What you need to do: Prove that air exerts pressure.
What you need: a glass, a piece of cardboard, water.
How to do it:
1. Fill the glass with water and fill it with cardboard. Move
the piece.
2. Invert the glass while holding the cardboard on it tightly
with the palm of one hand. Make sure that water does not
fall from the glass in this process.
3. Now gently remove the hands from the cardboard.
What did you see: that even after removing the hand, the piece of
cardboard remains stuck with the glass and does not fall down.
Do you know why this happened: This has happened because
the air pressure is applied from the bottom to the top on the
piece of cardboard.

74 Vijnana, Level-A
------------------- --- --- --- --- ---
Air
CLASS-II

The volume of air can be reduced by compressing it


There is no attraction force between the molecules of a gas.
Molecules are very much far away from each other. Therefore, it Notes
is possible to reduce the volume of the gas by pressing it. Air,
since it is a gas, can also be reduced by compressing it. This
process is called compression. In fact, when you fill the air in the
balloon, the air is compressed because the air outside which was
spread over a large volume, is limited it to a small volume of the
balloon.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 7.1


Write in the field in front of the following sentences whether the
sentence is true or false.
1. There is no air inside an empty vessel. ( )
2. There is a load in the air and it exerts pressure. ( )
3. The air pressure is always in the downward direction. ( )
4. Air pressure is highest on mountains. ( )
5. As we rise above the sea level, the air pressure decreases.( )

7.2 AIR COMPOSITION


Air is a mixture of several gases, mainly containing nitrogen,
oxygen, carbon dioxide and small amounts of argon, helium,
neon, hydrogen, etc. There is also some amount of dust, smoke
and water content in the air, the percentage of which varies
according to the environment.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 75


---------------------------------
Air
CLASS-II

Existing gases in the air are very important for our life in one
form or the other. Let's go into some more detail about the main
components of air and their importance in life.
Notes
Importance of various components of air
1. Nitrogen - Nitrogen gas is 78% of the total volume of the
Earth's air. Nitrogen is an odorless and tasteless gas. It is neither
flammable nor helpful in combustion.
2. Oxygen - About 21 percent
¢ I4--1-s I~311 cffl I~-s
of the total volume of air is of er 31R'1Rcta ~
oxygen. Oxygen is also called 1%

Prana-Vayu. Without this, we


cannot live. Pure oxygen is
strong to smell. Nitrogen
present in air reduces its --11~~11.Ti--l
78%
sharpness. All plants and
animals require oxygen for
Fig. 7.1
respiration. When we breathe,
we take in oxygen from the air
and take out carbon dioxide. Oxygen itself is not flammable but
is helpful for flammation. The more oxygen the burning fuel
gets, the faster it burns. Have you ever wondered why the wood
starts burning more quickly when we blow the wooden stove?
Without oxygen nothing can burn. Imagine what would happen
if there was only oxygen in the air? Once a fire sets up, it would
be difficult to extinguish it. Let us know this fact through an
activity
76 Vijnana, Level-A
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Air
CLASS-II
I
4-l-
7
I ~~
~
I I

ACTIVITY 7.4
1

What you need to do: Prove that oxygen is necessary for


Notes
combustion.
What do you need: a small candle, matchmaker, a metal dish,
a large glass.
How to do:
1. Put a candle in the middle of the metal dish and light it.
2. Cover the candle with a glass and keep watching for a
while.
What you learned: That the candle extinguishes shortly after
the glass is covered.
Do you know why this happened?
Because the glass cut-off the exposure of the inside air to the
outside air. After some time the air inside the glass did not
survive the oxygen required to keep the candle burning.
What you learned: Oxygen is required to burn an object.
r

Oxygen is used for artificial respiration. Climbers, sea divers


and astronauts also carry oxygen cylinders to breathe. Hospitals
have oxygen cylinders. The mere amount of oxygen dissolved in
water is not enough for our breath, although it is sufficient for
living beings in water.

I
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 77
Air
CLASS-II

3. Carbon-dioxide - Carbon dioxide is found in very small


amounts in the air, yet it is a very important component of air.
Carbon-dioxide is produced in the respiration and fuel burning
Notes
process of plants and animals. It is used in the process of
producing food by green plants. Carbon dioxide in the air also
helps maintain a certain average global temperature. It is not
helpful in combustion. It is a flame retardant gas. Have you ever
seen red colored cylinders hanging on the walls of theaters, shops,
buildings to extinguish the fire? When the glass on these is broken,
carbon dioxide gas comes out of them, which extinguishes the fire.
4. Other gases - Other gases found in air are also very useful for
us. For example, ozone prevents ultraviolet rays from the sun
reaching the earth and thus protects us from their side effects.
5. Water Vapor - Water vapor is also found in the air which
comes into the air when the sun rays evaporate from the earth's
reservoirs. Have you noticed that the amount of water vapor in
the air is not always the same; sweat does not dry easily in the
rainy season. Let us make sure that there is water vapor in the air.

ACTIVITY 7.5 J
What you need to do: Prove that air contains water vapor.
What you need: A glass or glass pot and a few pieces of ice.
How to do you:
1. Put ice pieces in a glass pot and keep it for a while.
2. After a while, look at the outer surface of the vessel.

78 Vijnana, Level-A
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Air
CLASS-II

What you saw: Water droplets are seen on the outer surface
of the vessel.
Do you know why this happened? This is because when the Notes
glass cools, the water vapor of the air coming in contact with its
outer wall condenses and settles on the outer wall of the glass.
What have you learned: That there is water vapor in the air.
Note: This experiment becomes easily apparent in the rain,
then there is a lot of water vapor in the air. It may not have
been seen on a dry day. Repeat this experiment every season
and in different seasons. Also draw conclusions from those
experiments.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 7.2


1. Name the main components of air.
2. Which gas has the highest volume in air?
3. What would happen if there was only oxygen in the air?
4. How does water vapor develop in the air?

7.3 EQUILIBRIUM OF THE COMPONENTS


OF AIR
You have already read that different gases are found in air in
different quantities. In order to keep the environment around us
healthy, balance must be maintained in these gases. Nature
maintains this balance.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 79


---------------------------------
Air
CLASS-II

Study the carbon cycle shown in Figure 2.9. This explains how
plants and animals use oxygen in respiration and how the balance
of oxygen and carbon dioxide is maintained in the air. How the
Notes
quantity of oxygen and carbon dioxide remains in nature from
this cycle. Likewise, some similar cycles like nitrogen cycle,
oxygen cycle etc. keeps the balance of other gases in the
atmosphere unchanging.
Nature maintains balance, but the strange member of the
biosphere i,e, human is disturbing this balance of nature.
Imbalance in nature has occurred as a result of fast development
being done by humans in industries, agriculture, cities and
residential areas. Due to
our thoughtless activities
and exploitation of f
natural resources, many qlg'1-scll~ ~

unwanted changes are CO 2

taking place in the nature


of air, water and soil. This
~
is called pollution. ~

Pollution is creating a
very bad effect on human
life. Fig. 7.2 Natural carbon cycle

The substances or factors that cause pollution are called


pollutants. Generally, we talk about four types of pollutants - air,
water, soil and noise pollution. Come let's learn about air pollution
and its effects.

--
80 Vijnana, Level-A
Air
CLASS-II

7.4 AIR POLLUTION


The mixing of gases or particulate matter harmful in the air causes
air pollution. Air pollution is not only dangerous for our health,
Notes
but it also spoils our environment. There are many reasons for
air pollution, some of which are mentioned here.
Reasons of air pollution
The air around us can be polluted in many ways (Figure 2.10).
The smoke from the factories also pollutes the air. That is why it
is harmful to our health. Burning firecrackers on Diwali also
contaminates the air. Therefore, in schools, children are taught
to quit firecrackers. Do you
know that the governments
of many states have
declared punishable crime
of smoking cigarettes and
bidis (?????) in all theaters,
buses, auditoriums, schools
and colleges, offices and Fig. 7.3 A glimpse of air pollution
other public places?
Smoke consists of very small carbon particles, which sit on the
leaves of plants and disrupt the processes of photo-synthesis and
respiration. If these particles of dust and carbon enter the human body,
then it causes respiratory diseases like tuberculosis (TB), bronchitis.
When sulfur dioxide is found in rainwater, it becomes acidic.
And thus acidic rain occurs. Acid rain damages plants and
buildings and causes skin diseases in animals.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 81
---------------------------------
Air
CLASS-II

Chlorofluorocarbons ( ), which are used in the refrigerant's fluid


and aroma sprays, also contribute to air pollution. These react
with the ozone of the air and eliminate it and due to this, holes
Notes
have started to form in the ozone layer. Large amounts of the
sun's ultraviolet rays reach the Earth through the holes in the
ozone layer, which damages plants and causes skin cancer in
animals.
When the amount of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the
air increases, the air retains more heat inside itself. Due to this,
the average temperature of the earth starts increasing. This process
is called global warming. You will read about this in further
classes.
How can we prevent air pollution?
Once the balance of nature deteriorates, it becomes very difficult
to improve it. So we should stop air pollution. We can save the
air from getting polluted by the following ways.
1. Plant trees wherever possible.
2. Polluting industries should be kept away from the city.
3. Use only those things which do not disturb the environment.
4. Put air filters in the chimneys of the industries.
5. Use of compact, compressed natural gas in vehicles.
6. Take proper care of the machines so that they do not spread
too much pollution.
7. Stop using chlorofluorocarbons.

82 Vijnana, Level-A
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Air
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INTEXT QUESTIONS 7.3


Fill in the blanks:
Notes
1. For a healthy environment, _____ of gases in the air must be
kept stable.
2. Plants need _____ and _____ to make their food in sunlight.
3. Photosynthesis and respiration helps to keep the _____ of
carbon dioxide and oxygen in the air stable.
4. Air pollution is _____ for our health.
5. Smoke contains small particles of _____.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• The most important thing to maintain life on the earth is air.
A thick layer of air surrounds the earth.
• Air is a substance. It carries a load. This space surrounds,
pressures and can be compressed.
• Air is a mixture of gases. The main gases found in air are
nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), carbon dioxide (0. 03%) and
other gases (0.97%).
• Nitrogen is essential for growth in plants and animals.
• Oxygen is needed for combustion of fuel and respiration of
plants and animals. We cannot live without oxygen.
• Carbon dioxide is required to maintain the environment at a
constant temperature and for photosynthesis in plants.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 83
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Air
CLASS-II

• Air contains water vapor, the quantity of which varies


according to the weather.

Notes • Imbalance in nature has increased due to increasing


population, increasing residential areas, urbanization,
industrialization, new agricultural techniques and
technological development.
• Gases from industries, pesticides, scented sprays, dust, smoke,
gases from vehicles, etc. are the main causes of air pollution.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Put a mark ( ) in front of the correct answer:
(1) The amount of oxygen in the air is approximately-
( ) 0.03% ( ) 1% ( ) 21% ( ) 78%
(2) The amount of nitrogen in the air is approximately-
( ) 0.03% ( ) 1% ( ) 21% ( ) 78%
(3) The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is approximately.
( ) 0.03% ( ) 1% ( ) 21% ( ) 78%
(4) Which of the following gases is not one of the main
gases present in air?
( ) Nitrogen ( ) oxygen ( ) Neon ( ) carbon dioxide
(5) The amount of water in the air-
( ) Is always the same everywhere.
( ) Is always zero everywhere.
84 Vijnana, Level-A
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Air
CLASS-II

( ) Time and place varies by changing it.


( ) By changing the place it changes, it always remains
the same in one place. Notes
(6) Tell whether the following sentence is true or false -
- Air is a mixture of gases. ( )
- Air is essential for the existence of life on earth. ( )
- The fuel needs oxygen to burn. ( )
- We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide in
exhalation.( )
- Carbon dioxide is found in air. ( )
- The amount of water vapor at a place remains the
same in every season. ( )
- Nitrogen is necessary for plant growth. ( )
- Some bacteria help to keep the amount of nitrogen in
the air constant. ( )
- Ozone protects us from ultraviolet rays coming from
the Sun. ( )
- We should try to stop air pollution. ( )
2. What is Air? What are its components?
3. Explain two uses -
( ) Of nitrogen in air
( ) Of oxygen in air
( ) Of carbon dioxide in air

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 85


---------------------------------
Air
CLASS-II

4. Prove by an experiment that


( ) Oxygen helps in combustion (burning)
Notes ( ) Air has water vapor
( ) The air exerts pressure.
5. Write any three properties of air.
6. Explain how the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in
the air remain in equilibrium.
7. Explain how plants help in keeping the air clean.
8. What do you understand by air pollution? Write any four
reasons for air pollution.
9. What four measures will you take to protect the air around
you from pollution?
10. Which fuel is not polluted by using the atmosphere in buses
and cars?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


7.1
1. False
2. Truth
3. False
4. Truth
5. Truth

86 Vijnana, Level-A
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Air
CLASS-II

7.2
1. Oxygen, nitrogen, ozone, water vapor
2. Nitrogen Notes

3. Plants are not able to make food and when plants are
not there then others organisms do not exist.
4. In condensation
7.3
1. Quantity
2. Carbon dioxide and water
3. Ratio of volume
4. Harm
5. Carbon

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 87


---------------------------------
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

Notes

CLASS-III
Lesson 8 Air Conservation In The Vedas
Lesson 9 Fire (Energy)
Lesson 10 Conservation of Fire (Energy) In Vedas
Lesson 11 Sky (Space)

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 89


Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

Notes

90 Science, Level-A
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

8 Notes

AIR CONSERVATION
IN THE VEDAS

Dear student, in the last lesson, you read about one of the elements
of the five great elements i.e. air. In this lesson, you will read
about the importance of air in the Vedas and conservation of air.
It is not possible for us to survive without breathing in pure air,
so it is very important to concentrate on conservation of air.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able
• To know the importance of air in Vedas; and
• To understand the basic spirit of air conservation in the Vedas.

8.1 IMPORTANCE AND CONSERVATION OF


AIR IN VEDAS
In the Atharvaveda, mentioning the importance of air, it has been
said that air helps in transporting the sky water everywhere, which
brings prosperity in the Annadi.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 91


- ---------------------------------
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

mRlef{kra O;pkfUr ;s lnk ; vkflØpfu jleks"k/h"k]


iqjks n/s e#r% i`f'uekRgaLrs uks eq×paRoagl%A
Notes (Atharvaveda 4.27.2)
That is, those who carry the water through the air here and there
in many ways, who take it to annadi medicines, I keep them in
touch with the air deities that touch the matter and the sky. Such
air deities release us from all sufferings.

Fig. 8.1

In the Vedas, giving respect to air, it has been said that the air
protects us.
=kk;Urka e:rka x.k%
(Rigveda 10.137.5)
In the imbalances happening in nature, there is a prayer in the
Vedas against the rage form of air i.e. the storm, the loss which
occurs from the storm; that O Lord of the Gods, our prayer is
that you should always be friendly with everyone.

--
92 Vijnana, Level-A
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

e:rka eUos vf/ es czqoUr izsea okta oktokrs voUrq


vk'kwfuo lq;ekun mr;s rsoks eq×pURoagl%AA
(Atharvaveda 4.27.1) Notes

That is, I will always remember in my mind the destructor of the


air (wind). May that wind bless me and make everyone happy
and capable to be able to give food. I have called beautiful winds
like fast moving horses for my protection. May those winds grant
us freedom from all sorrows.
Here the sage is requesting air (wind) to remain good.
Pointing to the concern of environmental security, the sage says
that air (wind).! Do not harm the fields with trees (Annadi),
tree-

;ReheUra u pwuq;
(Rigveda 1.37.6)
Air protects us from many types of disorders occurring in space.
That is why the sage of the Rigveda prays that O Pavan protect
us from the disturbances in Space

¶ikrq okrks vUrfj{kkr~¸


(Rigveda 10.158.1)
In the Atharvaveda, air has been described as a destroyer of filth
and suffering.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 93


---------------------------------
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

vkiks ok;ks lfork p nq"d`re; j{kkf.k fufenka p es?kre~A


lag;wtZ;k l`t;% ladysu rk uks eq×pUroage%AA
(Atharvaveda 4.25.2)
Notes
That is, O air and Sun God, both of you together remove the
filthiness here. Cure the diseases and remove the sufferings because
both of you mix with spiritual satisfaction and with physical
force. Therefore, give us freedom from sufferings and sorrows.
In this way, we see that oxygen has been called the pranavayu
(deathbed) in the Vedas and it has been ordered that we should
keep trying to conserve air i.e. to keep the air in pure form. We
should not pollute the air and whoever pollutes such air, its crime
is unforgivable.

Fig. 8.2
Stating the importance of air, it is said that air provides purity to
all other things. It purifies the water. Therefore, the Vedas instruct
us not to do any act which makes the air impure. We should keep
our daily routine in such a way that we conserve air and we should
not let even the least amount of air pollution happen.

--
94 Vijnana, Level-A
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

Notes

Fig. 8.3

The Vedas have been prayed to protect the Earth from ultraviolet
and other poisonous gases coming into space.
In short it is said that, Vedic literature has placed a lot of emphasis
on maintaining the purity of air.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.1


1. Fill in the blanks
(A) =kk;Urka ---------- x.k%A
(B) ;RlheUra u ----------A
(C) ikrq ---------- vUrfj{kkr~A
(D) vkiks ok;ks ---------- p nq"d`re; j{kkf.kA

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• Importance of air in Vedas
• the main way of conserving air in Vedas

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


--------- 95
Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Write the meaning of ¶ikrq ok;ks vUrfj{kkr¸
Notes
2. What is said in the Vedas about not polluting the air?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


8.1
1. (a) e:rke~
(b) pwuq/k
(c) okrks
(d) lfork

96 Vijnana, Level-A
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Air Conservation In The Vedas
CLASS-III

Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 97


Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

9 Notes

FIRE (ENERGY)

Dear student, in the last lesson you read about air conservation
of air in the Vedas. In this lesson you will read about Fire (energy).
Fire (energy) is also one of the great five elements. The heat of
fire is present in the form of energy in the whole universe.
Have you ever felt what it feels like if you don't eat food someday?
Weary, the desire not to do any work, it seems to be the same.
Can a car work if we do not put diesel or petrol in it? No. Because
the engine cannot run until it gets fuel. Food also acts as a fuel
for us, which gives us strength. Whether it is food or fuel, all
these provide such power to us or the engine, etc., by which
work can be done.The ability of any object to function is called
energy.
The ox needs energy to run the plow in the field, the children to
play and the engine to drive the car. There are many such
examples, in which it will be seen that no work is being done,
but they are also using energy, such as in a ignited bulb or in
running water, they also have energy.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 97


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Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

Actually, energy has become such a necessity in our daily life


that without it, it seems that everything will stop. There are many
forms of energy and energy comes from different sources.
Notes
Let us read about the need for energy, its various sources and
forms in this lesson. In this lesson we will also read about the
uses and conservation of energy.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able -
• know the different forms of energy;
• get to know about various sources of energy;
• Knowing energy saving measures; and
• understand nuclear energy and its utility.

9.1 FATIGUE AND ENGERGY


As you read 'no work is possible without energy'. You too must
have said such a thing many times, which also means the same
thing as mentioned above. For example - after running for a long
distance you would have said that 'I am tired, cannot run longer.
Similarly, when you stop playing after playing for hours, you
have said, 'Now, I cannot play much, I am feeling tired'. What is
this tiredness? How do you know you are tired? Why do you
feel tired when you work too much or work too long?
Tiredness means a condition after which you are not in a position
to do anymore work. This means that all your energy is spent

98 Vijnana, Level-A
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working. Therefore, tiredness depends on your physical energy.


The weak man feels tired after doing a little hard work. A powerful
man can carry a heavy weight far enough, but a weak man can
Notes
carry that same weight for barely half the distance. This makes it
clear that the weak man does not have the ability to carry the
weight much further.

Fig. 9.1 (a) Use of energy while playing hockey. (a) while working,

We often use two words to explain the above example - work


and energy. We will say that carrying weight is a task and the
amount of work done will depend on the strength or energy of
his body and when the entire energy of his body is spent, he feels
tired. In this way, we can define energy as the ability to work.
This means that there is a close relationship between energy and
work.
Unit of energy
If an object is displaced by a meter distance by applying a Newton
force, the energy spent in doing so is one joule of energy. Hence
the unit of energy is joule.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------- - - - - - - - - - -
--
99
Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.1


1. Why do we feel tired when doing more work?
Notes
2. Why can't a weak man do more work?
3. What does one joule energy mean?

9.2 ENERGY FORMS


There are many forms of energy. And one type of energy can
also be converted into another type of energy. The various forms
of energy are of the following types:
(a) Mechanical energy
The energy present in an object due to its state or motion is called
mechanical energy, such as a keyed clock coil has mechanical
energy. Similarly, there is also mechanical energy in flowing water
or in a moving car.

Fig. 9.2 Mechanical energy objects

100 Vijnana, Level-A


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CLASS-III

(b) Chemical Energy


As you know, all substances are made up of molecules.
Compounds are formed when molecules of different substances Notes
combine. Some energy is hidden in these molecules and
compounds. When a chemical change occurs, this hidden energy,
called chemical energy, is produced in many forms. For example,
before burning a matchstick, it contains chemical energy, but
after burning it turns into thermal and light energy.
(C) Sound energy
Sound is another form of energy. It will be difficult to see that an
object can be moved by sound, but you know that when the sound
waves produce vibrations on the screen of our ears, then only we
are able to hear.
When there is a big explosion with a loud sound, you must have
noticed that the doors and windows of the houses start rattling.
Since sound can rattle windows and doors, it is also a form of
energy.
(D) Thermal energy
Have you ever made tea at home or have you ever seen your
mother or elder sister making tea? When the water starts boiling
in the steel vessel, you must have noticed that the lid placed on it
starts rising upwards due to steam. At normal temperature, the
water cannot lift the lid but when heated to boiling, it becomes
hot vapor ie steam and now it has thermal energy and it can lift
the lid. Hence heat is a form of energy.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 101


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Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III
(E) Optical energy
Since light is a weak form of energy, it is not able to produce
Notes motion in heavy objects. However, it can affect the photographic
film. This can cause displacement in light dust particles. The
light emitted from a bulb or tube light is optical energy.
Hidden-bell is a device that works on optical energy. Light energy
is incident on an optical cell(photo cell) and the bell starts ringing.
When a thief enters the house, this photo stops the light imported
from the cell and starts ringing.
(F) Electrical energy
As you all know, electric energy is one of the most used energy
in our daily life.

,
Fig. 9.4 Use of electrical energy (a) Bulb, (b) Fan, (c) Computer
We switch on the bulb and light is generated due to the current
flowing in the bulb. Similarly, electric energy is used in the fan;
tube well, air conditioning, fridge, mixer and many other
household appliances.
I
102 Vijnana, Level-A
Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

(G) Magnetic energy


You all know that a magnet can
attract (pull) iron shavings or pins. Notes
In many factories, cranes will be
found to separate the iron from the
pile of waste. Very large
electromagnets are used in these.

Fig. 9.5 Magnetic energy

Energy Conversion
Different types of energy can be converted into each other, for
example in the thermal power house, the chemical energy of coal
is first converted into thermal energy of hot steam, then it is
converted into mechanical energy of turbine. This energy
is converted into electrical energy by the generator, which
flows into
electrical wires and
reaches various
places - houses,
factories, etc.,
where it is again
converted into
heat, light, sound or
mechanical energy.
Fig. 9.6 Thermal Power Plant

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


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103
Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

INTEXT QUESTIONS 9.2


1. Explain with the help of an example that sound is also a form
Notes of energy.
2. What are the energies before and after burning in matchsticks?
3. State three uses of electrical energy.

9.3 SOURCES OF ENERGY


Everything from which we receive energy is called a source of
energy. By the way, there are many types of sources of energy,
the major sources of which are given below.
Non-renewable sources of energy
So far coal, petrol, natural gas and diesel have been major sources
of energy. These energy sources are limited in quantity and are
likely exhaustible. They cannot be used again and again. Hence
they are called non-renewable energy sources. If we look at our
current energy requirement and rapid development in the future,
it is expected that our oil and natural gas reserves will end in the
next few years.The coal reserves will also not be able to run
much. Therefore, we should use our non-renewable sources of
energy wisely and avoid misuse of energy as much as possible.
Residual (fossil) fuel
Sources of energy are found in many forms. Residual fuels are
the most popular sources, such as coal, wood, petrol, diesel,
kerosene, and natural gas.
Coal is formed thousands of years after the plants are buried in

104 Vijnana, Level-A


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CLASS-III

the ground. There is a limited stock of coal found in the coal


mines. There will also be a time when all the coal will be used
completely and we will have to find other sources of energy.
Notes
Coal contains chemical energy. When coal burns, this chemical
energy is converted into heat. Coal is also used to generate
electricity in thermal power planets. Wood obtained from trees
is also used as coal. When wood burns, chemical energy is
converted into heat and light. Trees have to be harvested for this
source. Therefore, a large number of trees are required to be
planted daily to maintain the natural balance.
Other than this, petrol and diesel are used in cars, scooters, trucks,
airplanes and other vehicles. Kerosene (kerosene) is used in lamps
to obtain light and in stoves for thermal energy. Natural gas is
used in gas stoves for cooking. Petrol, diesel, kerosene and natural
gas are obtained from petroleum, which is found at very deep
depths inside the earth. It is formed as a result of thousands of
years of water plants and animals being buried in the ground.
They contain chemical energy, which on burning is converted
into thermal and light energy. But there is a limited stock of
petroleum and once it is exhausted, it will take thousands of years
to become fresh petroleum.
Renewable sources of energy
Water, air, sunlight and biomass etc. are called renewable sources
of energy. The reason for this is that they can be used again and
again. Also, they are available in sufficient quantities, are free
and do not pollute the environment. Therefore, efforts are being
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 105
---------------------------------
Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

made to make maximum use of the energy available in them.


The following is a brief description of the major renewable
sources of energy.
Notes
(1) Food energy
All living beings get energy from the food they eat. Trees and
plants (flora) are the main source of food for all living beings
including humans.
Trees and plants make their own food by the method of
photosynthesis and food is present as chemical energy in plants.
(2) Solar Energy
Sun has been providing us with uninterrupted heat and light for
billions of years and it is expected that it will continue to provide
energy to us for the next billion years. All plants get their energy
from the sun and animals get their energy mainly from plants.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the sun is the source of energy
of animals. Even the energy stored in butter, milk and eggs come
from the sun. Why do we say? In fact, the sun is the ultimate
source of energy for all living beings. Life on earth is possible
only due to solar energy.
(3) Wind Energy
You must have seen the spinning wheel. This is called the wind
cycle. What happens when you blow on the petals of a spinning
wheel? It starts rotating. Therefore, wind provides energy. Wind
power is available for free. It is clean and does not pollute the
environment and is reliable.

106 Vijnana, Level-A


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Fire (Energy)
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Notes
Fig. 9.7 Windmill
In many areas of our country, where strong winds blow for most
of the year, wind cycles are used to draw water from wells and
generate electricity. Wind energy is used to rotate wind cycles.
(4) Water Energy
Like flowing air (wind), flowing water is also a source of energy.
It is also free and does not pollute the environment. The energy
of the running water is used to move large wooden logs and
plants from one place to another. The energy of flowing water in
hydropower plants (hydro power houses) is used to generate
electricity. The flowing water rotates the wheel of a turbine, which
helps in generating electricity.
(5) Energy from biomass
Biomass means dead parts of living things and waste material.
This includes garbage, industrial waste, crop waste and sewage.

I
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 107
Fire (Energy)
CLASS-III

We can use biomass as an energy source in two ways -


• By directly burning dry biomass to generate heat and steam.
Notes • By creating biogas by decomposition of biomass in the absence
of air. Like liquid petroleum gas, this gas can be used for
cooking and lighting.
The remaining of the biomass can be used as fertilizer in a biomass
plant.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 9.3


1. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable
energy sources.
2. What is biomass? How can biomass be used as a source of
energy?
3. Explain by example that the last source of energy for living
beings is the sun.

9.4 MEASURES OF SAVING ENERGY


In our country and all over the world, a small number of large
oil fields have been detected in the past years, even after
running programs of oil explorations. Our oil and gas demand
will certainly exceed the available supply in the early twenty-
first century. This type of situation is called energy crisis. In times
of energy crisis there is high demand and limited supply of energy.
As you know that fossil fuels are limited in quantity, so to
conserve energy sources we should use them as little as possible.

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We all must put serious effort to save energy. For this, we can
start from our home.
(a) When not needed, we can switch off the bulbs and fans; and Notes
other electrical devices.
(b) Do not leave water tanks open because energy is also used to
supply water.
(c) Keep the vessel covered while cooking lentils, rice, etc. and
does not use more water than necessary to cook them.
(d) Soak the pulses in water for a while before setting them on
for cooking.
There are some ways to comply by which we can save a lot of
energy. Outside the house, if we have to go a little bit far, we can
go on foot or go by bicycle and save energy by not going by
vehicle. To save fuel, you can travel by public vehicles rather
than using a private vehicle.
Another way to save energy is to use more efficient applications.
For example, fluorescence tubes (tube lights) of the same power
rate give more light than bulbs. Fuel burns more efficiently in
good stoves and they give relatively higher heat for the result of
energy per unit. More energy efficient vehicles should be used
and their engines should properly be taken care of.
Conservation of Energy
We use energy every moment. We eat food and use the energy
stored in food to do our work and maintain body temperature.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 109


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When work is there, energy is transformed from one form to


another. In the period of every physical, chemical or biological
change, energy is transformed from one form to another. But at
Notes
the time of all these energy conversions, the total quantity of
energy remains unchanged. Energy can neither be generated, nor
can it be destroyed. It only changes from one form to another,
and the sum total of all the energies of the body remains fixed.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 9.4


1. What do you mean by the energy crisis?
2. Describe four ways for energy saving in homes.
3. What is the principle of energy conservation?

9.5 ENERGY FROM ATOMS


As the name suggests, chemical energy is related to the type of
chemical conversion in which each atom of a reagent retains its
identity and there is no change in its behavior and nature. But
there are also some energy conversion processes in which the
nuclei of some atoms remain unchanged. This type of energy-
conversion processes yields large amounts of energy. Since the
nuclei of atoms participate in these processes, the energy obtained
is called nuclear energy.
Nuclear Energy
The energy stored in the nucleus of an atom is called nuclear
energy. This energy stored in the nucleus of an atom can be

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released by breaking (disintegrating) it into two lighter nuclei


than a heavy nucleus such as uranium.

Nuclear Fission is the breaking of the nucleus of an atom into Notes


two equal mass segments in which such energy is released.

When an independent neutron collides with a uranium nucleus


at the right speed, it is absorbed into it. After absorption of the
neutron, the uranium nucleus becomes very unstable and breaks
into the nucleus of the small atom and in this process energy is
released to a great extent. In this process, some neutrons are also
released. These neutrons fragment other uranium nuclei. Running
this sequence rapidly releases energy and is called chain reaction.
This reaction produces extremely high quantities of heat, which
are used in many ways.

Neutrons released in a fission reaction to produce electric current


are absorbed by controlled sticks made of cadmium. Nuclear
fission reactions are controlled and routinely generated in nuclear
reactors. The energy gathered in nuclear reactors is used to heat
water to create steam and it drives the steam generator, which
generates electricity. Great scientists like Homi Jahangir Bhabha
and APJ Abdul Kalam have a huge hand in strengthening and
advancing our country in the field of nuclear energy. In our
country nuclear reactors are being used for power generation in
Narora, Tarapur, Kalpakkam and Kota.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 111


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Fire (Energy)
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The uses of nuclear energy


The following are the uses of nuclear energy:
Notes • The heat generated in the nuclear reactor is used to heat water
by steam. It is used to rotate the turbine due to which the
electric generator starts working and electricity is generated.
• Nowadays nuclear energy is being used to operate submarines
and ships. Nuclear-powered ships and submarines can be
operated for long distances without refueling.
• The nuclear energy of bombs (atomic bombs and hydrogen
bombs) is used to protect the country.
• Radioisotopes are made by nuclear energy, which are used in
agriculture, research and hospitals.
Nuclear energy hazards
Nuclear radiation is also employed when nuclear reactors generate
nuclear energy that can pierce the human body and cause so much
damage to cells that it is not possible to be treated. Nuclear
reactors are covered with very thick radiation absorbing materials
such as lead, to protect them from degradation of these severe
and deadly nuclear radiations. But if there is a slight error in the
structure of the reactor or if any natural untoward incident occurs
with a completely safe reactor, then this type of very harmful
radiation can be employed in the environment, due to which the
people living around that area pose a permanent threat to animals.
Many such substances are produced at each stage of the nuclear

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cycle. These harmful nuclear materials are collectively called


nuclear waste. We have not yet been able to discover the
procedures for safe disposal of nuclear wastes.
Notes

INTEXT QUESTIONS 9.5


1. Write two uses of radioisotopes.
2. What could be the contribution of nuclear energy to avoid
an energy crisis?
3. Explain one use of nuclear fission.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• require energy for all processes occurring on Earth. The ability
to work is called energy.
• Energy comes in many forms; it can be converted from one
form to another.
• The Sun is considered the ultimate source of energy for life
on Earth. We All use the sun's energy, which is called solar
energy, indirectly or indirectly.
• Energy sources are either renewable or non-renewable, but
non-renewable sources are ending.
• Coal and petroleum are fossil fuels. We must use renewable
sources of energy to conserve fossil fuels.
• Energy can neither be generated nor destroyed. In any energy
conversion, the sum total of all energies remains fixed.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 113


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Fire (Energy)
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• In nuclear power plants, the fission reaction is carried out in


a controlled manner. A large amount of nuclear energy is
released in this process.
Notes
• Nuclear energy is used in many peaceful works.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Write the definition of energy and its unit.
2. What are the different forms of energy? Give one example
each.
3. Write the names of different sources of energy.
4. "The ultimate source of energy for all living beings is the
sun." Confirm this statement.
5. How can energy be obtained from biomass? Which of these
Is the best and why?
6. What is the major difference between renewable and non-
renewable sources of energy?
7. What is meant by the energy crisis? What steps should we
take to face it?
8. What can we do to save energy?
9. Make a list of energy conversions on a thermal power plant.
10. List some uses of nuclear energy.
11. Explain the nuclear chain reaction.
12. What are the risks in generating nuclear energy?
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ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


9.1
Notes
1. Because energy is spent.
2. A weak man does not have enough energy.
3. A Joule energy means the work done to displace an object
by a meter distance by applying a Newton force.
9.2
1. Rattling of glass of windows with a loud bang.
2. Chemical energy before burning and then optical and
Thermal energy.
3. For light to run a fan, for ironing, and in the form of
energy.
9.3
1. Renewable sources non-renewable sources
(1) There are never (1) One day it will end.
ending sources.
(2) can be born again. (2) Takes thousands of years
in rebirth.
(3) They do not pollute (3) They pollute
the environment. the environment.
2. Dead parts and waste materials of living things.
3. Trees need sunlight to make food and we get our food
from trees, which is our main source of energy.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 115


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9.4
1. Spending more than supply is an energy crisis.
Notes 2. Please refer to 9.4.
3. Energy is never destroyed nor can it be produced but
Can be converted from one form to another.
9.5
1. In the field of agriculture, in the field of medicine and in
the treatment of cancer.
2. A large amount of energy can be obtained from nuclear
energy without pollution.
3. To make energy from nuclear reactors.

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Notes

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 117


Conservation Of Fire (Energy) In Vedas
CLASS-III

10 Notes

CONSERVATION OF FIRE
(ENERGY) IN VEDAS

Dear student, in the last lesson you read about fire i.e. energy. In
this lesson you will read about the importance of conserving fire
(energy) in the Vedas. In the Vedas, fire has been considered as
the basic platform for the creation of the environment. The fire
element is present in the form of energy in the whole world.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able
• To know the importance of Fire (energy) in the Vedas; and
• To understand the basic importance of Fire (energy) in the Vedas.
10.1 IMPORTANCE AND CONSERVATION OF
FIRE (ENERGY) IN VEDAS
In Vedic discussion, Fire (energy) has been called Global Fire
(Vishvanar). Global fire means - the power that keeps the world
engaged in work. This global fire has been considered as the
main factor in the creation of the universe. In view of the protector
of this global fire, sage Madhuchanda says to the Rigveda that

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 117


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Conservation Of Fire (Energy) In Vedas
CLASS-III

¶vfXuehys iqjksfgre~¸
(Rigveda 1.11)
Notes That means "I want fire". Worshiping him, propounding the
importance of fire, sage Kashyapa sage says in the Rigveda that
¶vfXutkZxkj re`p% dke;Urs¿fXutkZxkj req lkekfu ikfUrA
vfXutkZxkj re;a lksx vkg rokgefLe lk;a U;ksek%A¸
(Rigveda 5.44.15)
That is, one who wishes to keep the fire awake, he has knowledge
about the Samaveda. Knowledge and happiness are attained.
Some (lkse) consider him as bondage.
Here the Rigveda sages, point towards the use and protection of
Fire (energy). Keeping awake means keeping it constant and
continuously.In our Vedic contemplation, Fire has been
considered in three forms -
(1) Earthly fire
(2) Space fire
(3) Ordinary (Dyosthani) Fire
The fire on earth is called earthly fire. Local electric fire is
considered as space and solar fire as ordinary fire. In this way,
this global fire spread everywhere. The whole earth is resplendent
with this fire.
While enlightening the importance of fire, the sage of the Rigveda
prays to space fire to protect us from the disturbances of space.

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Notes

Fig. 10.1 Sun

¶lw;ksZ uks fnoLikrq okrks vUrfj{kkr~&&vfXuuZ% ikfFkZos';%A¸


(Rigveda 7.62.5)
It means that the sun should protect us from celestial disturbances;
wind from space disturbances and fire from earth's disturbances.
The sage of the Atharvaveda prays for the protection from
demoniacal fire -
¶lw;Z p{kq"kk ek ikfg¸
(Atharvaveda 2.16.3)
I.e. O Sun! You protect me by viewing me. It has been further
said that O Sun illuminate us with his life force -
¶lw;Z% ;ts¿fpZLrsu ra izR;pZ¸
(Atharvaveda 2.21.3)
Punishment has been named in the Vedas to destroy and harm
fire (energy). The Atharvaveda prays that O Fire! Inure and afflict
what hurts you -
¶vXus ;rs riL=ksu ra izfrri¸
(Atharvaveda 2.19.1)
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 119
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Pointing to the importance of solar energy, the kaanv sage of the


Rigveda says that the Continuous energy is received from the
Sun -
Notes
¶fo|q}Lrk vfHk|.k%¸
(RigVeda 8.7.5)
That is, the rays of the sun continue to spread everywhere with
the help of its superlative power.

Fig. 10.2 Solar Energy

The energy of this sun (solar energy) is currently very important,


so we need to pay attention to solar energy. We should use the
energy we get from the sun.
Sage Gritsamad (x`rLen) of the RigVeda states that energy is
produced by the rays of the sun which have the power to burn
instantly.
¶RoeXus ;qfHkLRoek;q'kq{kf.k¸
(Rigveda 2.1.1)

--
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The importance of solar energy was pointed out in Vedic thought,


which is getting our focus today. Today, efforts are being made
to make electricity (electricity) from solar energy.
Notes

Fig. 10.1 make electricity from solar energy

It is said in the Rigveda that the Sun makes the Som (lkse) strong.
The earth also gets stronger with Som (lkse).
¶lksesukfnyks cfyu% lksesu i`fFkoh ;gh¸
(Rigveda 10.85.2)
In this context, Som (lkse) means the Moon at some places and
Somalata at some places means the gas(Hydrogen, Helium) at
some point in reference to the Sun. Earlier 'Richa' states that
Som (lkse) makes the Sun strong. Here the meaning of Som (lkse)
can be derived from hydrogen and helium gas, because Som (lkse)
transmits energy from the Sun.
It is said in the Yajurveda that the element of water is established
in the sun -
¶vika jle~ mn~o;ea lUr lekfgre~
vika jlL; ;ks je%A¸
(Yajurveda 9.3)
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 121
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Conservation Of Fire (Energy) In Vedas
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Here, the Sun of Water is (upholder). Proper combination of
hydrogen and oxygen. From the point of view of Sage above, the
element of water indicates hydrogen and the element of hydrogen
Notes
only indicates helium.
The Atharvaveda states that both fire and Som (lkse) elements
are mixed in water
¶vfXu "kkseks fcHkzfr vki jrrk%¸
(Atharvaveda 3.13.5)
Fire means oxygen here, Som (lkse) means hydrogen. In this way,
the combination of the two can be considered as indicated in the
Atharvaveda.
In the Yajurveda, indicating the importance of the energy of the
Sun, it is said that; the Sun is the energy given by you and the
energy generated by that energy is the accomplishment of deeds,
so you should combine us in the best deeds.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 10.1
1. How many types of fire are mentioned in the Veda?
2. Explain the meaning of ordinary energy?
3. What does ¶vfXuehys iqjksfgre~¸ mean?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT
• The importance of fire in the Vedas
• Reflections on fire protection in the Vedas
I • The utility of solar energy in the Vedas
122 Vijnana, Level-A
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TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. How is the importance of solar energy currently increasing?
Notes
2. Write down the types of Fire (energy).

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


10.1
1. Three types
2. Solar energy
3. I acknowledge Fire (energy)

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 123


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11 Notes

SKY (SPACE)

Dear student, in the last lesson you learned about fire protection
in Vedas. In this lesson you will learn about the sky i.e. space.
The sky is considered constant. The quality of the sky is shabd.
Shabd quality is the eternal quality of the sky. In the proposed
text, we will study many things related to space, such as - about
the Sun, Moon and stars, the difference of stars and planets, the
relationship between the Sun and the planets, the formation of
day and night, etc.

OBJECTIVES
After reading this lesson you will be able to -
• get to know about space;
• To get to know about Sun, Moon, stars;
• To understand the difference between stars and planets;
• To know the relationship between the Sun and the planets;
• Understanding of night and day; And
• understanding the change of seasons.
OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 125
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Sky (Space)
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11.1 SKY (SPACE)


The sky is very large. It is wrapped around our earth. When we
Notes see it with our eyes we see blue color. In Vedic culture it is called
'open space' or a place that is void. It is one of the great five
elements. If we look at the expanse of the sky, from the
atmosphere around the earth, it is infinite. All the weather events
like rain, storm etc. occurs in this atmosphere. All the planets,
satellites, solar system and much Akash(sky) Ganges are found
in space extending beyond the same atmosphere.

Fig. 11.1 Open Space

Our Akash(sky) Ganga is one of these many Akash (sky) Ganges


spread in space. Our solar system is located in this. We also know
Akash (sky) Ganga as 'Kshir Sagar' and in English it is called
'Milky Way' i.e. 'River of Milk'.

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Notes

Fig. 11.2 Akash (sky) Ganga

11.2 OUR SOLAR SYSTEM AND THEIR


RELATIONSHIP
The sun, moon and stars have a very important role in people's
life. In the absence of these, life of humans is not possible. People
of the older generation thought about them in different ways. It
was believed that our earth remains fixed and the sun moves. It
rises in the morning and sets in the evening. Later it was
discovered that the Earth revolves around the Sun on its axis,
while the Sun remains still at one place. Days and nights are

Fig. 11.3 Our Solar System

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara


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Sky (Space)
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formed only when the earth revolves around the sun. Like the
earth, the moon also rotates.
The moon revolves around the Earth. In this way, nature and
Notes
human life have been created by the interconnection of the sun,
moon, earth and stars. Civilization and culture have evolved and
developed from them.
Let us now try to understand the solar system through the
interaction of teachers and students.
When sir entered a class, he had a globe in his hand. He started
observing it very carefully.
Sir asked- "Children, do you know what is in my hand?"
"Yes sir, it is a globe. We have seen
this many times, it is placed on the
table of the Principal", the children
answered in one voice.
"You know, why I brought it to the
class today?" sir asked.
"You must have brought to teach
us geography today," Radha
replied immediately. Fig. 11.4 Globe

"Exactly, today I will give you information about the solar system
i.e. Earth, Sun, Moon and stars, "sir said.
"What is this solar system, sir?"Gopal asked.
"Now everyone tell! Well, everyone must have seen the sun,
moon, earth and stars! "sir asked.

--
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"I see many stars on the roof every day before sleeping. I try to
count them as well", Vivek said.
"So everyone has seen the sun, moon and stars?" Notes
"Yes, sir, see it every day," the children said.
"Then everyone must have also heard about planets, satellites
and constellations," sir asked.
"Yes, sir, but don't know what this is all about?" Two or three
children spoke together.
"Together they are called the solar system. Today I will teach
about it."
Sir raised the globe and showed it to everyone - "Our earth is
round like this and it rotates in this way, tilting on its axis."
Saying this, he moved the globe by hand.
"Sir, what is the relationship between the Earth and the Sun?"
Aristina wanted to know.

Fig. 11.5

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 129


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"You know that we all live on Earth. So far there is no evidence


of life on any other planet has been found. It is believed that the
Earth is broken by the sun.
Notes
The Sun is a large circle of fire and gases. It shines continuously
with its light, that's why it is considered a star, "said sir.
"Sir, why a star? The sun is the sun, not the star," Aristina interrupted.
"One who shines with its own light is called a star. The one who
receives its light from the star is called the planet. Therefore our
earth is the planet, because it receives its light from the sun. As I
said earlier it is round. It rotates from east to west on its tilted
axis. Along its axis, it also rotates around the Sun. It also revolves.
This revolution of the Earth is completed in 365 days. . "
"Does only the Earth revolve around the Sun, sir?" Gopal asked.
"No, there are seven more planets besides Earth - Mars, Mercury,
Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, which revolve
around the sun. Earlier Pluto was also considered a planet. Now
some scholars do not consider him a planet. All these planets get
their shine only from the sun. The bodies that orbit(revolve)
around these planets are called satellites. We can call them the
Sun's own family. These all together are called the Solar System,
"sir explained in detail.
"Well, those who orbit(revolve) the Sun, get light from it, the
planets, and the planets that revolve around satellites, "Gopal said.
"Got it all right."
"Do satellites revolve around the Earth as well?" Arstu asked.

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"Only one satellite orbits (revolve) the Earth. It is called the moon.
By the way, many satellites also revolve around other planets.
Like Mars have 2 satellites, 8 of Neptune, 23 "Because the moon
Notes
revolves around the earth, that's why it is also seen by us,
sometimes hiding and moving out.
But sir, why is there a difference in its size? Sometimes it looks
like a plate; sometimes it is incomplete like a laugh. It also keeps
on increasing-decreasing, "Radha asked.
"Yes, it keeps on increasing-decreasing. When it starts decreasing
it is completely hidden, then there is Amavasya(lunar phase) and
when it shines completely in the sky, that night is the full moon
night. The journey from Amavasya(lunar phase) to Purnima(full
moon) takes fifteen nights. This movement of the Moon is called
the phases of the Moon. There are two phases of 15-15 nights -
Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. The dates of the Indian
calendar are based on these.

Fig. 11.6

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 131


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"You must have also seen that many stars flicker in the sky. There
are many stars in them, which are much larger than the Sun in
their size," sir said.
Notes
"Then why do they appear so small, sir?" Vivek asked.
"Because, they are at a much higher distance from our Earth
than the Sun. You know that a distant object appears small. These
groups of stars are called constellations. "
"Then there must be many groups of them sir," Vivek asked.
"Is there a group of seven stars along the pole star (Dhruva tara)."
Radha questioned.
"Yes, it is right that the pole star in the north direction remains in
a stable position and near those seven stars there is a cluster of
stars, which is named as Sapta Rishi," sir told.
"Sir, sometimes a white milky way of star appears in the sky,
what is that?"Arstu asked.
"It is called Akash Ganga(milky way). Sometimes, the shooting
star also appear in the sky," sir explained, then said-" All our
planets, satellites, constellations and stars etc. revolve in space,
ie the sky. Space means the sky, which has no end, thus you
know that all the planets including the earth rotate in the sky, so
they cannot rest on anything.
• The sun, the earth, the moon, etc. makes up the solar system.
• The sun is a star in the solar system. It shines with its own
light.

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• Earth receives sunlight in the solar system. That's why earth


is called a planet.

• Moon is the satellite of our Earth. It revolves around the earth. Notes

• Like the moon, other planets also have satellites, which revolve
around them.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 11.1


1. What are the names of the planets in the solar system?

2. What is the difference between stars and planets?

3. Where does the Earth revolve?

4. From whom do satellites receive light?

11.3 DAY AND NIGHT OCCURRING


"Sir you just told us that the Sun is a star, so why doesn't it show
up at night? The stars shine at night don't they?" Raju asked.

"You know that, we live on earth. The sun rises from the east and
sets in the west." sir said.

"Wow! Who doesn't know this! I know it too," Gopal replied.

"Then now must have know the truth that the sun does not
actually go anywhere, nor does it come from anywhere. It neither
rises nor sinks. It keeps shining in the same place. It shines with
its spreading light,"sir said while giving information.
"But we see the sun rising and sinking," Gopal said, disagreeing.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 133


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Notes

Fig. 11.7

"Well, I have also told you that the earth is round like a globe. It
also revolves around the sun rotating on its tilted axis," sir
reminded.
"What happens with this, sir?"
"This is the reason why the sun rises and appears to be sinking.
That is why night and day are made. I have told you that the sun
shines steadily at one place. The part of the earth that is exposed
to the sun is filled with sunlight. The light which falls on the part
of the earth there the day comes out, "sir said, placing a part of
the globe in front of the lighted bulb -
"Look, the part of the globe which is In front of this bulb is
shining with light, while the shadow of the bulb is seen on the
back of the globe. Thus, the light does not reach this back part. "
"Meaning, the part which is hidden behind, has no light. It is
considered night there," Gopal said.

--
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"Exactly, the Earth rotates on its axis in 24 hours. This forms


night and day. That is, the part of the Earth that faces the Sun,
there are days. Likewise, in the rest part, the night occurs. Thus,
Notes
it is 12 hours a day and 12 hours a night. Seven days are there in
a week. The days of the week are also named according to these
constellations.
"Sir; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are
the names of the planets, but on what basis are the names Sunday
and Monday?"
"Why, don't you know that the Sun itself is called Ravi, it is
named after Sunday? The Moon also has a name Som, so a day
is named as Monday."

11.4 FORMATION OF SEASONS


"The day and night occur by rotation of the earth and the sun;
likewise, the seasons occur by rotation."
"How is that sir?"
"This revolution of the earth is completed in 365 days. 7 days in
a week, 30 days in a month and 365 days in a year"
"But, you were talking about how seasons occur?" Vivek said,
interrupting in the middle.
"Yes, the distance between the Sun and the Earth is different
during this orbit (revolution). The part of the Earth which is closest
to the Sun is affected by the heat which results to summer season.
The part which is away, winters occur there. Due to the rotation
of the cycle of seasons is formed. "

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 135


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Sky (Space)
CLASS-III

Notes

Fig. 11.1 Formation of Seasons

"This way there should be only two seasons."Gopal expressed


doubt.
"The temperature of the Earth changes due to the increasing
distance between the Sun and the Earth. A mixture of these two
forms the other four seasons. These are called spring, monsoon,
autumn and pre-winter," sir told.
- The earth rotates on its axis.
- Because of it, day and night occurs.
- The Earth revolves around the sun is called revolution.
- Seasons are formed due to the mutual distance between
the sun and the earth.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 11.2


1. When one part of the earth has a day, why is there a night in
the other part?
2. How many seasons are there in our country?

136 Vijnana, Level-A


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Sky (Space)J
CLASS-III

3. How does the earth take to complete one round around the
sun?
4. How do days and nights occur? Notes

5. How seasons are formed?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT


• The sun and along its eight planets build our solar system.
• Those that shine with their own energy are called stars.
• Those who receive light from the stars are called planets.
• The bodies that revolve around the planets are called satellites.
• The Earth revolving around the sun is called revolution.
• The earth takes 24 hours to rotate on its axis.
• Earth completes its revolution around the sun in 365 days.
• Due to the rotation of the earth on its axis, seasons are formed
due to day and night and revolution.

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Write the answers to the questions:
(i) What is a solar system called?
(ii) What is a Milky Way (Akash Ganga)?
(iii) From whom do planets and satellites take their light?
(iv) What is a star?

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 137


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Sky (Space)
CLASS-III

(v) What are the various planets?


I........ II.......... III.......... IV.........
Notes V......... VI.......... VII....... VIII.........
(vi) What is a satellite?
2. Fill in the blanks:
(i) Earth rotates on its axis in ……….
(ii) Earth completes its revolution in …….
(iii) Moon is a satellite of.......
(iv) The sun is a large ball of........ And........
(v) All planets revolve............
3. Mark the right () and the wrong ( ):
• The moon shines with its light. ( )
• The Earth revolves around the Sun. ( )
• The one that revolves around the Sun is called a
satellite. ( )
• The part of the Earth which is facing the Sun, there occurs
a day. ( )
• The seasons are formed by the rotation of the Earth's
around the Sun. ( )
• The part of the Earth that is close to the Sun is hot. ( )
• There are four seasons in a year. ( )

138 Vijnana, Level-A


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Sky (Space)J
CLASS-III

4. Try the following by yourself.


(1) See when days are equal to nights.
(2) When is the biggest night and the biggest day. Notes

(3) When is the shortest night and shortest day.


(4) In the night, see big dipper(Sapta Rishi), Milky Way
(Akash Ganga) or shooting star (Punchchal Tara), pole
star (Dhruva Tara). Where does it appear? What is it's time?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS


11.1
1. Earth, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Uranus and
Neptune.
2. The one who shines with his own light is called a star.
The one who receives its light from the stars are called
planets.
3. The Sun
4. The Sun
11.2
1. Sunlight does not fall on the other side of the Earth, so
there It is night.
2. There are six seasons in our country.
3. 365 days.
4. Night and day are formed by the Earth's rotation on its axis.
5. By revolution of the Earth round the Sun.

OBE-Bharatiya Jnana Parampara 139


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