NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society Part 1 Chapter 02 Understanding the Weather

Question 1. How can we measure and monitor the weather around us?
Answer: Weather can be tracked using various specialized instruments and equipment. Here are the main tools:
(1) Thermometer - Records how hot or cold the air is.
(2) Rain Gauge - Tracks the depth of rainfall in millimeters or centimeters.
(3) Barometer - Measures air pressure, which helps forecast weather shifts.
(4) Anemometer - Records how quickly the wind moves.
(5) Wind Vane - Tells us which direction the wind is blowing (north, south, east, or west).
(6) Hygrometer - Tracks the amount of moisture in the air.
In simple words: Different tools help us measure different parts of the weather - how hot, how wet, how windy, and how damp the air is.

Exam Tip: Remember which instrument measures which element - this is a common matching question in exams, so create a mental link between each tool and what it does.

Question 2. How do weather predictions help us prepare for events like heavy rain, storms, drought and heat waves?
Answer: Weather forecasts give us advance notice of dangerous or difficult weather conditions, allowing us to get ready and stay safe. For example:
(1) Heavy Rain - Forecasts warn us to grab an umbrella, stay away from areas that may flood, and protect our buildings from water damage.
(2) Storms - We can tie down loose items, move inside, and prepare emergency supplies including food, drinking water, and first aid.
(3) Drought - Farmers can set up irrigation systems and save water to protect their fields, while communities can reduce water use.
(4) Heat Waves - We can drink extra water, avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, and run fans or air conditioning to stay cool.
In simple words: When we know bad weather is coming, we can get ready ahead of time and keep ourselves, our families, and our homes safe.

Exam Tip: Always link each weather event to specific, practical actions people should take - examiners look for concrete examples, not just general statements.

Question 1. What are some of the words in your local language that you use to describe the weather?
Answer: Different languages have special words that capture weather conditions in rich and vivid ways. Some examples include:
(1) Hot - "Garmi" (Hindi) refers to the intense heat, especially during summer months.
(2) Cold - "Thand" is the common word for chilly or cold weather conditions.
(3) Pleasant - When the weather is mild and enjoyable, people say "suhavna mausam," which means lovely or delightful conditions.
(4) Chilly - For a cool breeze or crisp morning, folks use "thandi hawa" or "halki thand".
(5) Rainy - "Barsaaf" or "baarish" describes rainy weather.
(6) Humid - "Urnas" is the word when it feels sticky or sweaty due to moisture in the air.
(7) Cool breeze - A refreshing wind is often called "thandi hawa lag rahi hai".
In simple words: Every language has its own special words to describe how the weather feels - hot, cold, wet, or breezy.

Exam Tip: When answering this question, focus on words from your own regional language and explain what each one means - this shows cultural awareness and language skills.

Question 2. What do you think could be some other reasons to measure the weather more precisely?
Answer: Measuring weather with accuracy serves many important goals beyond just knowing if it will rain. Here are the key reasons:
(1) Planning Daily Activities - By knowing the weather, people can decide what to wear, whether they need an umbrella, or if staying indoors is best during extreme heat or rain.
(2) Agriculture - Farmers depend on accurate forecasts to know when to plant seeds, water their fields, or gather crops. This helps them grow healthier crops and avoid crop failure.
(3) Disaster Preparedness - Precise measurements help predict dangerous events such as cyclones, flooding, or long dry spells. This allows communities and officials to take protective action well in advance.
(4) Aviation and Transportation - Airplane pilots and drivers require accurate weather details to travel safely. Knowledge of storms or thick fog helps reduce accidents.
(5) Environmental Monitoring - Weather data helps researchers study shifting climate patterns, measure air quality, and work toward environmental protection.
In simple words: Precise weather information helps farmers, travelers, and scientists make smart choices and stay safe.

Exam Tip: Provide specific examples for each reason - general statements alone will not earn full marks; examiners want to see that you understand real-world uses.

Question 3. Talk to the elders in your neighbourhood and ask them how they predict the weather. What signs do they observe? Document any sayings in your regional language that refer to weather prediction.
Answer: This is a hands-on activity - you should conduct it yourself.

Exam Tip: Interview at least 3-5 elders and record their observations. Look for patterns in what they say and organize your findings by the types of signs they notice - sky appearance, animal behavior, plant signs, etc.

Question 4. (a) Here's a chart of the temperatures of a city in Madhya Pradesh. What is the maximum temperature recorded in the week shown here? What is the minimum temperature? Calculate the range.
Answer: Looking at the temperature data in the chart:

Maximum temperature recorded - The highest maximum temperature is 32°C, which occurred on 3.3.2025.

Minimum temperature recorded - The lowest minimum temperature is 14°C, which occurred on 5.3.2025.

Temperature range calculation:
Range = Highest temperature - Lowest temperature
Range = 32°C - 14°C = 18°C

In simple words: The hottest day was 32 degrees, the coldest day was 14 degrees, and the difference between them is 18 degrees.

Exam Tip: Always show your calculation clearly - write the formula first, then substitute the numbers, and state the final answer with its unit.

Question 4. (b) Remember the conversation between Krishnan and Amir? If Krishnan said it was 20 degree Celsius in Chennai and that he was feeling a little cold, both he and Amir would have a measure they could understand. What do you think Amir's reaction to Krishnan's statement might be?
Answer: Amir might react with surprise, perhaps saying something like: "Really? 20 degrees is quite pleasant here! In Madhya Pradesh, we only start to feel cold when the temperature drops much lower than that." This exchange highlights how people's experience of temperature differs based on their local climate. Chennai's weather stays hot and humid for most of the year, so 20°C can feel quite cool to someone living there. By contrast, Amir, who comes from central or northern India, would find 20°C to be quite comfortable or even warm given the much colder winters in his region.
In simple words: Amir would be surprised because 20 degrees feels cold in hot Chennai but feels normal or warm in his colder area.

Exam Tip: Explain that "cold" and "warm" are relative - they depend on what temperature a person is used to living with, not just on the actual number.

Question 5. Make a rain gauge as shown in the below diagram. Place the rain gauge in an open area, away from objects that might obstruct rain. Ensure that the rain gauge is on a flat surface and will not tilt or topple with the wind. Using the measuring scale, record the amount of rainwater collected at the same time every day, for a month. (If there is snow, allow it to melt before taking the measurement.) Calculate the average rainfall for every week in that month and comment on the variation from week to week.
Answer: This is a hands-on activity - you should conduct it yourself.

Exam Tip: Set up your gauge in a truly open spot where nothing blocks falling rain. Measure at exactly the same time each day for consistency, and calculate weekly averages by adding up the daily readings and dividing by 7.

Question 6. Where do you think the humidity is likely to be more, Kochi or Jaipur? You might guess that Kochi has higher humidity than Jaipur because it is located near the sea. But how will we know for sure? If we had to compare the humidity level between Kochi and Mangaluru, how would we do it? Discuss with your classmates.
Answer: This is a hands-on activity - you should conduct it yourself.

Exam Tip: Use a hygrometer to measure humidity in both places at the same time, then compare the readings. Record the values and explain why one location has higher humidity than the other.

Question 7. Discuss in pairs, different situations in which weather predictions are useful. Make a list and after you have completed your list, share it and discuss it with the pair sitting next to you. How many different categories of situations have you been able to identify?
Answer: This is a hands-on activity - you should conduct it yourself.

Exam Tip: Work with a partner to brainstorm at least 10 different situations where weather forecasts matter - think across sectors like farming, travel, sports, health, construction, and daily life planning.

Question 8. (i) Look carefully at the below map. What do you observe happening on that day (19 May 2024)? What are the various weather conditions that the IMD is alerting people to?
Answer: On 19 May 2024, the India Meteorological Department issued multiple alerts across different regions for the following conditions:
(1) Severe heatwave conditions - Parts of northwest India, particularly Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, were under heat alerts.
(2) Extremely heavy rainfall - Tamil Nadu and Kerala experienced very intense rainfall warnings.
(3) Heavy rainfall - Northeastern states including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam & Meghalaya faced rainfall alerts.
(4) Thunderstorms with lightning - Central and eastern portions of India, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar, were warned about strong thunderstorms with dangerous lightning and powerful wind gusts.
(5) Hot and humid conditions - The Konkan region and Goa were experiencing sticky, hot weather.
In simple words: On that day, northern India was very hot, southern India had heavy rains, and the middle part had thunderstorms.

Exam Tip: When reading a weather map, look at the color coding and symbols carefully - different colors represent different alert levels, and the symbols show the type of weather event.

Question 8. (ii) Which state has warning sign?
Answer: States that carried red alert status or significant weather warnings on 19 May 2024 were:
(1) Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan - These faced severe heatwave conditions.
(2) Tamil Nadu and Kerala - These were under alerts for extremely heavy rainfall.
(3) Assam and Meghalaya - These faced alerts for very heavy rainfall.
In simple words: The red-colored states on the map had the strongest weather warnings and needed the most immediate action.

Exam Tip: Red on a weather alert map always indicates the highest alert level - "Warning (Take Action)" - so these areas are in the greatest need of preparation.

Question 8. (iii) Which parts of India are likely to be free from any severe weather?
Answer: Areas where severe weather was not expected and normal conditions were forecast included:
(1) Parts of western India such as Maharashtra (with the exception of the Vidarbha region).
(2) Central India zones that were not under heatwave or rainfall warnings.
(3) Sections of eastern India not affected by thunderstorms or heavy rainfall.
In simple words: The green-colored regions on the map had no warnings and normal, safe weather.

Exam Tip: Green on a weather map means "No Warning" - these areas can proceed with normal activities without weather-related disruptions.

Question 8. (iv) Which states are likely to face heat wave conditions?
Answer: States forecasted to experience heatwave or severe heatwave conditions on 19 May 2024 included:
(1) Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
(2) Both western and eastern portions of Uttar Pradesh.
(3) Gujarat.
(4) Madhya Pradesh.
(5) Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
In simple words: Mainly northern and central India faced extreme heat warnings on this date.

Exam Tip: Identify which states appear in red or orange on the heatwave section of the map - these colors show areas facing the highest and moderate heat risks respectively.

Question 8. (v) What are causes for warning in Tripura and Lakshadweep?
Answer: The reasons for alerts in these northeastern and island locations were:
(1) Tripura - A spinning weather system over northeast Assam was driving widespread rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning flashes, and strong gusty winds across the region.
(2) Lakshadweep - An alert was put in place due to scattered but intense rainfall expected between 19 to 22 May 2024.
In simple words: Tripura had storms and rain from a weather system, while Lakshadweep was warned about heavy rain coming in the next few days.

Exam Tip: When explaining weather causes, reference the specific weather systems mentioned (cyclonic circulation, isolated rainfall patterns) - this shows deeper understanding beyond just reading the map.

Question 1. Let us imagine Krishnan from Chennai is speaking with Amir in Kashmir. Krishnan tells Amir that it has become chilly in Chennai after it rained the previous night. Amir asks him how cold it is. How will Krishnan explain to Amir how cold it is? After all, what is cold for Krishnan may not be cold for Amir?
Answer: Krishnan, living in Chennai, explains to Amir from Kashmir that after the previous night's rain, the weather has turned cool. When Amir asks exactly how cold, Krishnan tells him the temperature has dropped to roughly 22°C, which feels quite chilly for Chennai residents. He notes that people in Chennai experience hot and humid conditions throughout most of the year, so even a modest fall in temperature creates a noticeable chill. He might add that he needed to wear a light sweater during the morning. Amir, coming from Kashmir where winter temperatures can dip below 0°C, finds this surprising. For him, 22°C represents pleasant, comfortable weather - hardly cold at all. This conversation shows that what one person feels as "cold" or "warm" depends heavily on the climate and temperatures they have grown up with.
In simple words: What feels cold in hot Chennai feels warm in cold Kashmir - it all depends on what temperature you are used to.

Exam Tip: Use this example to explain that temperature perception is relative - always mention that people adapt to their local climate and judge temperature based on their experience.

Question 2. Why do you think it would be important to measure the atmospheric pressure? Who are the people most likely to use such measurements?
Answer: Measuring air pressure serves many critical purposes:
(1) Weather forecasting - Shifts in air pressure signal upcoming weather changes. A drop in pressure typically points to storms or rainfall, while sustained high pressure usually signals clear skies.
(2) Disaster warning - Fast changes in pressure can indicate serious weather threats such as cyclones, hurricanes, or thunderstorms, giving officials time to issue safety alerts.
(3) Flying safety - Plane pilots must know exact pressure readings to carry out safe takeoffs, landings, and flights, since pressure affects how the air moves and how aircraft perform.
(4) Health concerns - Pressure shifts can trigger or worsen health problems such as joint pain or headaches. Monitoring pressure allows people to prepare.
(5) Climate study - Researchers analyze pressure data to understand climate shifts, track weather patterns, and safeguard the environment.
(6) Ocean travel - Boat crews and fishing workers depend on pressure readings to sense approaching storms and arrange secure journeys.

Professionals who rely on these measurements include:
(1) Meteorologists - They analyze pressure readings to predict weather and examine climate patterns.
(2) Pilots and airlines - They use pressure information for flight safety and operational decisions.
(3) Farmers - They consult pressure data to time planting, irrigation, and harvesting while guarding against bad weather.
(4) Sailors and fishermen - They apply pressure knowledge to spot storms early and keep voyages safe.
(5) Climbers and trekkers - They watch pressure to track elevation changes and lower risks like altitude sickness.
(6) Scientists - They examine pressure to understand and predict climate shifts and environmental trends.
In simple words: Air pressure tells us what weather is coming, so pilots, farmers, sailors, and weather experts all need to know about it.

Exam Tip: Always pair each use of pressure with the specific group of people who depend on it - this connection between knowledge and application is what examiners want to see.

Question 3. People who journey to places at a high altitude are advised to make pause on the way to allow the body to acclimatise. Our army personnel serve in high-altitude places like Khardung La in Ladakh, which is over 5600 metres above sea level. It is hard to image how they live and work in places where the oxygen level is so low - the atmospheric pressure there is generally about 650 millibars!
Answer: Army personnel stationed at extreme-altitude locations like Khardung La face and manage extraordinary challenges:
(1) Extreme conditions - Soldiers at Khardung La experience freezing cold, powerful winds, and severely limited oxygen. Living and working in such harsh surroundings demands exceptional strength.
(2) Training and readiness - Military personnel go through intensive training programs that prepare them physically and mentally for high-altitude work. This conditioning is vital for survival.
(3) Specialized gear - These soldiers carry oxygen tanks, insulated clothing, and other survival tools to endure the brutal environment and perform required duties.
(4) Inner strength - Surviving and functioning in such extreme conditions requires tremendous personal courage and toughness. Soldiers frequently spend months separated from family while protecting the nation in life-threatening weather.

For most people, living at such elevations is nearly unthinkable because we live with standard oxygen and pleasant temperatures. The fact that army personnel can survive in freezing conditions with scarce oxygen while performing physically tough jobs stands as powerful proof of their bravery and devotion to service.
In simple words: Soldiers at high mountains face extreme cold and low oxygen but survive through training, equipment, and incredible courage.

Exam Tip: Emphasize both the physical challenges (cold, low oxygen, pressure) and the personal qualities (training, courage, dedication) that allow people to survive such extreme environments.

Question 4. Have you seen seeds like these flying in the wind? What would happen to the seeds if there was no wind?
Answer: Without wind, seeds would fail to scatter far from their parent plant. Most wind-carried seeds would land directly beneath the plant that produced them. This would force plants to grow clustered closely together, creating fierce competition for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. Many seeds might not grow at all because there would not be enough room or resources. Wind-dispersed seeds rely entirely on air movement to reach new locations where they can develop. Without this spreading force, certain plant species would struggle to expand their range, and over generations, some plant types might even vanish from regions where they currently thrive because reproduction would become impossible.
In simple words: Without wind, seeds would pile up under one plant instead of spreading out, so fewer new plants could grow.

Exam Tip: Explain the connection between seed dispersal, competition, and species survival - show that wind is not just helpful but essential for plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Question 5. If the humidity in Delhi is at 52% while in Kochi it is 84% in which of the two places are wet clothes likely to dry faster? And where are you likely to sweat more, assuming the temperature in the same in both places?
Answer: Comparing Delhi's 52% humidity with Kochi's 84% humidity shows two different outcomes:
(1) Drying wet clothes - Wet clothes dry faster in Delhi. Lower humidity (52%) means the air has more ability to absorb moisture, allowing water from clothes to escape into the air more quickly.
(2) Sweating - You sweat more noticeably in Kochi. At higher humidity (84%), sweat on your skin cannot evaporate easily into the already moisture-filled air. This creates that sticky, uncomfortable feeling of sweating, and your body remains hotter even when the actual temperature is identical to Delhi's.
In simple words: In Delhi, clothes dry fast because dry air soaks up moisture. In Kochi, you feel sweaty because humid air cannot take away body moisture.

Exam Tip: Link humidity directly to evaporation rates - this is the key concept that explains why humidity affects both cloth drying and body comfort.

Question 1. Match the instrument with the weather element it measures.

Exam Tip: Create a memory aid by linking the first letter of each instrument to what it measures - for example, "H" for Hygrometer and "H" for Humidity.

Question 2. Jyotsna is deciding what clothes to pack for her school trip to Mumbai in June. She looks at the weather forecast, which predicts 29°C and 84% humidity. What would be your advice to her?
Answer: Since Jyotsna is heading to Mumbai in June with a forecast of 29°C and high humidity at 84%, here are practical packing recommendations:
(1) Choose light, breathable fabrics - Cotton garments work best since they soak up sweat and let your body stay cooler in humid heat.
(2) Take a hat and dark glasses - These shield your skin and eyes from strong sunlight when you are outside.
(3) Pack rain gear - June marks the arrival of monsoon season in Mumbai, so sudden downpours are typical. An umbrella or waterproof coat is essential.
(4) Wear water-safe shoes - Choose moisture-resistant footwear or flip-flops that can handle wet conditions if rain strikes.
(5) Keep yourself hydrated - High humidity makes the air feel hotter on your body. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for staying healthy and comfortable.
In simple words: Wear light cotton clothes, bring rain gear, and drink lots of water because June in Mumbai is hot, wet, and sticky.

Exam Tip: Link each clothing suggestion directly to the weather conditions mentioned (temperature, humidity, season) - this shows you understand why each item matters.

Question 3. Imagine that a small group of students is setting up a rain gauge. Here are some options for the site. (i) The school vegetable garden. (ii) The terrace of the school building. (iii) Open ground with elevated platform. (iv) Compound wall of school. (v) Verandah of the school laboratory. Discuss in your group and finalise the site. Write down the reasons for your decisions.
Answer: This is a hands-on activity - you should conduct it yourself.

Exam Tip: Choose a location with no overhead obstacles (trees, buildings, roofs) that could block falling rain. An open ground with an elevated platform works best because it stays clear and prevents flooding from ground water.

Question 4. Below is a chart taken from IMD, Jammu and Kashmir. Looking at the data available, write a short script to report the weather conditions in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir on the data shown. (Hint: Cover the temperature range, maximum and minimum temperatures, humidity, precipitation, etc.)
Answer: This is a hands-on activity - you should conduct it yourself.

Exam Tip: For each station in the chart, mention the highest and lowest temperatures, describe the humidity levels, and note any rain or snow. Organize your script by region (Srinagar area, southern Kashmir, etc.) and make it sound like a weather bulletin a news reporter would read.