We’re going on a journey through our solar system to learn NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Geography Chapter 1 about the planets and how they relate to Earth. In science class, you might have learned that Earth is the only planet in our solar system that seems to have life. It’s also the only one with liquid water, which is super important! This chapter is packed with mind-blowing facts about Earth and its neighbors in the solar system. Plus, it’s written by experts who have been teaching kids about science for years!
This comprehensive guide is crafted to offer detailed insights into Chapter 1 of Class 6 Geography – The Earth in the Solar System. As part of your Class 6 Social Science Notes, this chapter unravels fascinating facts about the universe we inhabit.
Question 1: Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) How does a planet differ from a star?
Ans (a) Stars are like giant glowing balls. They make their own light and heat through a super powerful process called fusion. Planets are more like rocky balls or balls of gas that travel around stars. They don’t make their own light, they just shine because they reflect light from a star, like our Sun!
(b) What is meant by the ‘Solar System’?
Ans The Sun, eight planets, satellites and some other celestial bodies known as asteroids and meteoroids form the solar system.
(c) Name all the planets according to their distance from the Sun.
Ans In order of their distance from the sun, the eight planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
(d) Why is the Earth called a unique planet?
Ans Earth is special because it’s the only planet in our solar system known to support life! It has just the right conditions, like air to breathe, water everywhere, and the perfect temperature – not too cold, not too hot.
(e) Why do we see only one side of the Moon always?
Ans because the moon moves around the Earth in about 27 days, and it takes exactly the same time to complete one spin.
(f) What is the Universe?
Ans The Universe is the largest unit in which we live. It is a collection of galaxies. There is only one Universe and everything that exists in this Universe itself.
Question 2: Tick the correct answers.
(a) The planet known as the “Earth’s Twin” is
(i) Jupiter (ii) Saturn (iii) Venus
Ans Venus
(b) Which is the third nearest planet to the Sun?
(i) Venus (ii) Earth (iii) Mercury
Ans Earth
(c) All the planets move around the Sun in a
(i) Circular path (ii) Rectangular path (iii) Elongated path
Ans Elongated path
(d) The Pole Star indicates the direction to the
(i) South (ii) North (iii) East
Ans North
(e) Asteroids are found between the orbits of
(i) Saturn and Jupiter (ii) Mars and Jupiter (iii) The Earth and Mars
Ans Mars and Jupiter
Question 3: Fill in the blanks.
(a) A group of ________ forming various patterns is called a ________.
(b) A huge system of stars is called _________.
(c) ________ is the closest celestial body to our Earth.
(d) ________ is the third nearest planet to the Sun.
(e) Planets do not have their own _________ and __________.
ANSWER:
(a) A group of stars forming various patterns is called a constellation.
(b) A huge system of stars is called a galaxy.
(c) The Moon is the closest celestial body to our Earth.
(d) Earth is the third nearest planet to the Sun.
(e) Planets do not have their own heat and light.
Class 6 Geography Chapter 1 – The Earth in the Solar System: An In-Depth Study
1. Introduction to the Solar System
the Solar System is a fascinating celestial arrangement comprising the Sun, nine planets, their respective satellites, and a multitude of smaller celestial bodies such as asteroids and meteoroids. All these celestial entities are bound together by the gravitational force of the Sun, which lies at the center of this system.
2. The Sun: The Head of the Solar System
The Sun, a star made up of extremely hot gases, is the ultimate source of heat and light for the entire solar system. Despite being approximately 150 million kilometers away from the Earth, the Sun’s powerful rays light up our planet and sustain life.
3. Planets: The Major Celestial Bodies
Our Solar System is home to nine intriguing planets, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. These planets revolve around the Sun in their respective, fixed orbits. The recently discovered dwarf planet, 2003 UB313, is larger than Pluto and is currently the farthest known planet from the Sun.
- The Earth: Our Unique Planet
The Earth, the third planet nearest to the Sun, is a geoid-shaped celestial body that supports life, making it a unique entity in the universe. Also known as the “Blue Planet”, the Earth is covered by water to the extent of two-thirds of its surface.
- The Moon: Earth’s Satellite
The Moon, the Earth’s only natural satellite, orbits our planet in approximately 27 days. Despite its smaller size (one-quarter of the Earth’s diameter), the Moon is a significant celestial body. However, its lack of air and water makes it an inhospitable place for life.
6. Asteroids & Meteoroids: The Small Celestial Debris
Apart from the prominent planets and their satellites, our Solar System also houses many smaller celestial bodies. Asteroids, the tiny bodies moving around the Sun, mainly exist in a belt between Mars and Jupiter’s orbits. On the other hand, meteoroids, the small chunks of rocks, also revolve around the Sun and occasionally make their way to Earth’s surface.
7. The Milky Way: Our Galactic Home
Our Solar System belongs to a galaxy named the Milky Way, which is a massive system composed of billions of stars. The Milky Way, also known as Akash Ganga, is part of the larger cosmos known as the Universe, which comprises millions of such galaxies.
8. The Universe: The Cosmic Expanse
The Universe, the largest cosmic unit known to us, is a colossal collection of galaxies, including the Milky Way. Everything that exists, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy, resides within the Universe. The Universe is a testament to the infinite and awe-inspiring expanse of cosmic reality.
9. Key Terms and Definitions
- Celestial Body: Any natural body outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Star: A celestial entity composed of hot gases that emit its light and heat.
- Full Moon Night & New Moon Night: The phases of the moon as seen from the Earth.
- Constellation: A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern.
- Planets: Celestial bodies orbiting a star (Sun in our case) and receiving light from it.
- Satellites: Celestial bodies revolving around a planet in a specific orbit.
- Orbit: The specific elliptical path in which a celestial body revolves.
- Sun: The star around which the planets of the Solar System revolve.
- Inner Planets & Outer Planets: Planets that orbit closer to the Sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are Inner Planets, while those orbiting farther from the Sun (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are Outer Planets.
- Geoid: The shape of the Earth, which is spherical but slightly flattened at the poles.
- Asteroids & Meteoroids: Small celestial bodies that move around the Sun.
- Galaxy: A massive collection of billions of stars.
- Universe: The vast cosmic entity encompassing all galaxies, including the Milky Way.
10. Important Questions & Answers
- What makes Earth a unique planet in the Solar System?
Earth is unique because it’s the only known planet in the universe that supports life. It has the right conditions, including water in its liquid state and a breathable atmosphere. - Why does the Moon always show us the same face?
The Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate as it orbits the Earth, a phenomenon known as synchronous rotation. This means we only ever see one side of the Moon from Earth. - What are Asteroids and where are they found?
Asteroids are small, rocky celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. Most asteroids are found in the Asteroid Belt, a region of space located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. - What is the Universe?
The Universe is the vast, all-encompassing space that holds all matter, energy, and everything that exists, including all the galaxies and celestial bodies.
11. Conclusion
The Earth in the Solar System Class 6 Notes Geography Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive understanding of our place in the universe. It expands our horizons beyond our planet, enlightening us about the celestial bodies that make up our Solar System and the vast cosmos that lies beyond. As we delve into the mysteries of the universe, we realize the magnificence of the cosmic symphony in which we are a small but significant part.
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