Session 2023- 2024

Class : IX Subject : GEOGRAPHY Date :

ID: ___________ Name: ___________________________ Sec:

Earth as a Planet

1. The Earth’s gravitational pull is almost the same at all places, but slight variations are found
between the Pole and the Equator. Why?

Ans: The earth has an Oblate Spheroidal shape. It is bulged out at the equator (12756 km)
and flattened at the Poles (12714 km). Therefore, a difference of 42 km exists between the
polar and equatorial diameter measured from the centre of the earth. This causes the slight
variation in the earth’s gravitational pull between the two regions.

2. The theory put forward by the following diagram was rejected. Discuss the accepted theory,
and draw a diagram in support of your answer.

Ans. The theory put forward in the given picture is that of the ‘sighting of a ship’. It states
that on a flat earth, an observer sees an entire ship at once even from a distance. But the
theory was rejected. As one observes a ship coming towards a port, the smoke is first
noticed, followed by the funnel, mast, and finally the hull of the ship comes into view. This
is because of the curvature of the earth and proves that the earth is spherical in shape.

Fig. Sighting of s ship on a curved surface

(you can draw the diagram given in your book)
3. How does the angle of the pole star change from the north pole to the equator? What does it
tell us about the shape of the earth?

Ans. The angle of the Pole Star decreases from the North Pole to the equator. It is directly
seen overhead at the North Pole (90o) and its angle keeps decreasing with each latitude until
the equator is reached where it is visible at the horizon (0o). Beyond that, it is not visible at
all in the southern hemisphere.

If the earth were flat, the pole star would have been overhead at all places. But the
fact that its angle changes with change in latitude proves that the earth is a sphere.

4. With the help of a sketch, show that the biosphere is a narrow zone of contact between the
other spheres. State any two roles of the lithosphere in sustaining life on earth.

Ans.

Fig. The spheres of the earth

Any two roles of the lithosphere in sustaining life on earth are as follows:-
● The Lithosphere is the layer of rocks which make up the earth's valuable soil
layer that supports the plant life.
● The Lithosphere also contains all valuable minerals that make the modern
way of life possible on earth. Eg: iron, copper etc.
(you can also think of your own points)

5. Define antipodal balance taking relevant examples from the earth’s surface.

Ans. The term ‘antipode’ means ‘directly opposite to’ something. There is an antipodal
balance of land and water on directly opposite sides of the globe. It means that the
continents and oceans are roughly arranged in such a way that land on one side of the globe
is balanced by water on the opposite side of the globe.
For example:
● The North Polar Arctic ocean (water) is balanced by the continent of Antarctica
(land) at the South Pole.
● The North Polar large landmasses like N.America and Eurasia are balanced by The
Southern ocean.

6. Give reason why-

a. The weight of a body remains almost the same at all places on earth.

Ans. The weight of a body remains almost the same at all places on earth due to its
spherical shape. The weight of a body depends on the effect of the force of gravity on that
body and this gravitational force comes from the earth’s centre. Since the earth is spherical
in shape, every place on earth is equidistant from the centre. Hence, the force of gravity is
almost equal in all places on earth and thus the weight of a body remains constant.

b. The earth is considered a unique planet.

Ans. The earth is the third planet in the solar system and several factors make it a unique
one:-
● The earth is surrounded by a protective blanket, the atmosphere, which contains
almost 21% oxygen. The presence of this gas makes life possible on earth as it is
needed for respiration.
● The earth has 71% water that exists in solid, liquid and gaseous state. In gaseous
form, it helps in maintaining the temperature of the earth as it is a greenhouse gas.
● Fresh water (liquid) is used by living organisms for drinking. (you can write any 2/3
points like this)
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