CBSE Class 6 Science Important Questions Chapter 12 - Beyond Earth

1. What is the solar system, and what does it consist of?
The solar system consists of the sun, eight planets, their moons, and other celestial bodies like asteroids and comets. The sun, which is a star, is at the centre, and everything in the solar system revolves around it due to its gravitational pull. The planets follow elliptical orbits around the sun, and this system exists within the Milky Way galaxy.

2. How many planets are there in our solar system, and how are they categorized?
There are eight planets in our solar system, divided into two groups: inner and outer planets. The inner planets, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are rocky and closer to the sun. The outer planets, like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are larger, mostly made of gas, and located farther from the sun.

3. Why is the sun important for life on Earth?
The sun is essential for life on Earth because it provides light and heat, making Earth warm enough to support life. It enables photosynthesis in plants, which is crucial for producing food and oxygen. The sun also plays a key role in regulating Earth’s climate and weather patterns.

4. What are the inner planets, and what are their main features?
The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are also known as terrestrial planets because they have rocky surfaces. These planets are smaller, denser, and closer to the sun, with shorter orbits compared to the outer planets, making their temperatures generally warmer.

5. What are the outer planets, and what are their distinguishing features?
The outer planets include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Known as gas giants (except Uranus and Neptune, which are ice giants), they are much larger and primarily composed of gases. These planets have many moons, ring systems, and longer orbits due to their greater distance from the sun.

6. What is the Milky Way galaxy, and where is our solar system located within it?
The Milky Way galaxy is a vast spiral galaxy that contains billions of stars, including our sun. Our solar system is located in one of the Milky Way’s spiral arms. The galaxy appears as a milky band across the sky, and it’s named for this appearance.

7. How do planets revolve around the sun, and why do they stay in orbit?
Planets revolve around the sun in elliptical orbits because of the sun’s gravitational force, which keeps them in their paths. This movement, along with each planet's rotation on its axis, leads to phenomena like day and night and the changing seasons on Earth.

8. What are stars, and how are they different from planets?
Stars are massive celestial bodies made mostly of hot gases like hydrogen and helium that emit their light. In contrast, planets do not produce light but reflect the light of their star, like the sun. Stars are generally much larger and hotter than planets.

9. What is a constellation, and how are constellations useful?
A constellation is a pattern formed by a group of stars in the night sky, such as Orion or Ursa Major. Constellations have been used by ancient cultures for navigation and to mark seasons. Today, they help astronomers locate specific stars and regions in the sky.

10. Why is the moon important to Earth?
The moon affects Earth’s tides through its gravitational pull, creating high and low tides in oceans. It also helps stabilize Earth’s rotation, which influences our climate and seasons. The moon reflects sunlight, providing light at night, and has cultural and scientific significance.

11. How is Earth different from other planets in the solar system?
Earth is unique because it has liquid water, a suitable atmosphere, and moderate temperatures, all of which support life. It has an oxygen-rich atmosphere and a stable climate that makes it habitable, unlike other planets, which have extreme conditions.

12. What is space exploration, and why is it important?
Space exploration is the study of outer space using technology such as satellites, telescopes, and spacecraft. It is important because it helps us understand the universe, discover new celestial bodies, and learn more about planets, stars, and space phenomena.

13. What is a satellite, and how do natural and artificial satellites differ?
A satellite is an object that orbits a planet. Natural satellites, like the moon, orbit planets naturally, while artificial satellites are human-made and launched for purposes such as communication, weather forecasting, and space exploration.

14. What is the difference between natural and artificial satellites?
Natural satellites, like moons, orbit planets naturally and were not created by humans. Artificial satellites, however, are human-made objects launched into space to perform specific functions, like communication, scientific research, or weather observation.

15. Why is Earth referred to as the “Blue Planet”?
Earth is called the “Blue Planet” because about 71% of its surface is covered by oceans, which appear blue from space. This large amount of water gives Earth its distinctive blue appearance, making it unique among planets in our solar system.

16. What is a comet, and how does it differ from an asteroid?
A comet is a small icy celestial body that orbits the sun. When it comes close to the sun, it heats up and releases gases, forming a glowing head and a tail. In contrast, asteroids are rocky objects, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

17. What are asteroids, and where are they commonly found?
Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size and are considered remnants from the early formation of the solar system, providing insights into its history.

18. Why is Mars known as the “Red Planet”?
Mars is called the “Red Planet” because of its reddish appearance, which is due to iron oxide, or rust, on its surface. This distinct red color makes Mars easily recognizable in the night sky and gives it a unique identity among planets.

19. How is Jupiter different from other planets in our solar system?
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and is mostly made of hydrogen and helium, similar to the sun. It has a strong magnetic field, many moons, and a famous storm called the Great Red Spot, which has been active for centuries.

20. What are the rings of Saturn made of, and why are they unique?
The rings of Saturn are made of ice, rock, and dust particles that orbit the planet. These rings are unique because they are the most extensive and visible ring system in the solar system, making Saturn easily identifiable and visually striking.

21. What is the role of telescopes in studying space?
Telescopes are instruments that allow us to observe distant celestial objects by collecting light. They help astronomers study stars, planets, and other space phenomena in detail. Telescopes have contributed greatly to our understanding of the universe.

22. How does Earth’s rotation affect day and night?
Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night. As Earth rotates, different parts of its surface face the sun, experiencing daylight, while the opposite side experiences darkness or nighttime. This rotation cycle takes approximately 24 hours.

23. What are meteors, and why are they sometimes called shooting stars?
Meteors are small rocks or particles that enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, creating a bright streak of light. This appearance makes them look like stars shooting across the sky, hence the name "shooting stars." They are visible as flashes in the night sky.

24. How does the gravitational force of the sun keep planets in orbit?
The sun’s gravitational force pulls planets towards it, balancing with their forward motion and keeping them in stable orbits. This gravitational force prevents planets from drifting into space, maintaining the structure of our solar system.

25. Why is Neptune called an ice giant, and how is it different from gas giants?
Neptune is called an ice giant because it has a larger proportion of icy elements, like water, ammonia, and methane, compared to gas giants. It is located farthest from the sun, making it extremely cold, and has a distinct blue colour due to methane in its atmosphere.

Extra Questions for Class 6 Science Chapter 12 - Beyond Earth

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is the Sun?
The Sun is a star located at the center of our Solar System, providing the necessary light and heat that supports life on Earth.

2. Name the planet nearest to the Sun.
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

3. Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
Mars is referred to as the Red Planet because of its reddish soil.

4. What is a constellation?
A constellation is a group of stars that form a distinct pattern in the night sky.

5. Name the star that is part of the Little Dipper constellation.
The Pole Star, or Polaris, is a key star in the Little Dipper constellation.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why does the Sun appear brighter than other stars in the sky?

The Sun appears brighter than other stars because it is the closest star to Earth, releasing a massive amount of energy that makes it shine more brightly.

2. What is the significance of the Sun’s distance from Earth in terms of measurement units?
The average distance from Earth to the Sun, around 150 million kilometers, defines one astronomical unit (AU), which is a standard measurement for distances within our Solar System.

3. How does the Sun contribute to sustaining life on Earth?
The Sun provides essential heat and light, which maintain suitable temperatures for life, support plant photosynthesis, and regulate Earth's climate and weather systems.

4. Describe the characteristics and location of asteroids.
Asteroids are small, rocky objects that range in size from about 10 meters to 500 kilometers in diameter. Most of them are found in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter.

5. Explain the formation of a comet’s tail and its behavior as it approaches and moves away from the Sun.
As a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes its icy core to vaporize, forming a glowing tail that always faces away from the Sun due to solar wind. The tail fades as the comet moves farther from the Sun and cools down.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Differentiate between stars and planets.

Stars are luminous celestial bodies that generate their own light and heat through nuclear reactions, causing them to twinkle in the night sky. Planets are large objects that orbit stars; they do not produce their own light and appear steady without twinkling.

2. Why can we not hear any sound on the Moon?
Sound cannot be heard on the Moon because it lacks an atmosphere, which is necessary for sound waves to travel. Without a medium, sound cannot propagate.

3. What is the Solar System? Explain its components.

The Solar System consists of the Sun, eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), their moons, and other smaller bodies such as asteroids and comets, all held together by gravity.

This collection of important questions and answers for Class 6 Science Chapter 12 – Beyond Earth is designed to help you prepare thoroughly for your upcoming exams. With a well-structured selection of short and long answer questions, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and extra questions

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