Extra Questions and Answers Class 6 CBSE Geography – Chapter 1: The Earth in the Solar System NCERT:-
🌟 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The celestial body nearest to Earth is:
2. The star that provides energy to the Earth is:
3. The biggest planet in the solar system is:
4. The Earth is called a planet because:
5. The shape of the Earth is:
6. Planets do not have their own:
7. The Pole Star is used for:
8. The Milky Way is a:
9. Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
10. How many planets are there in our solar system?
11. Which planet is called the 'Earth’s twin'?
12. Stars are made up of:
13. The natural satellite of the Earth is:
14. The Sun is a:
15. The planets move around the Sun in:
16. The closest planet to the Sun is:
17. Which is the third planet from the Sun?
18. What is a satellite?
19. The full Moon is seen once in:
20. Which planet has rings around it?
21. Which planet is known for supporting life?
22. Celestial bodies are:
23. Which planet is tilted on its side?
24. The Moon has:
25. Which is the farthest planet from the Sun?
26. A group of stars forming a pattern is called:
27. Which constellation looks like a big ladle?
28. Which planet takes the longest time to orbit the Sun?
29. Which is the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon?
30. Asteroids are found between:
✍️ 30 Short Answer Questions
1. What are celestial bodies?
• Natural objects in the sky like stars, planets, and moons.
• They shine or reflect light.
2. Why do stars look so small?
• They are very far away from Earth.
• Distance makes them appear tiny.
3. Why does the Moon shine?
• It reflects sunlight.
• It has no light of its own.
4. What is a planet?
• A large celestial body that revolves around a star.
• It does not have its own light.
5. Name the inner planets.
• Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.
• They are also called terrestrial planets.
6. Name the outer planets.
• Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
• They are gas giants.
7. What is a star?
• A huge ball of hot gases.
• Emits its own heat and light.
8. Why is Earth called a unique planet?
• It supports life.
• Has water, air, and suitable temperature.
9. What is a satellite?
• A body that moves around a planet.
• Example: Moon is Earth’s satellite.
10. What is the Sun?
• A star made of hot gases.
• Centre of our solar system.
11. Define the solar system.
• The Sun and all celestial bodies orbiting it.
• Includes planets, moons, asteroids, etc.
12. What are asteroids?
• Rocky objects between Mars and Jupiter.
• They revolve around the Sun.
13. What are meteoroids?
• Small pieces of rocks in space.
• When they enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn.
14. Name any two constellations.
• Saptarishi and Orion.
• Groups of stars forming patterns.
15. Why is Venus called Earth’s twin?
• Similar size and shape.
• Similar features.
16. What is the Milky Way?
• Our galaxy.
• Appears as a white band in the night sky.
17. Why can’t we see stars during the day?
• Sunlight is too bright.
• It hides the stars.
18. Why is Moon important to Earth?
• Controls tides.
• Affects ecosystems and calendars.
19. Which planet is the hottest and why?
• Venus.
• Thick clouds trap heat.
20. What is the position of Earth in the solar system?
• Third planet from the Sun.
• Lies between Venus and Mars.
21. What is meant by revolution?
• Movement of planets around the Sun.
• Takes 1 year for Earth.
22. What is rotation?
• Spinning of a planet on its axis.
• Causes day and night.
23. What causes shooting stars?
• Meteoroids burning in Earth’s atmosphere.
• Look like bright trails.
24. Why is Jupiter called the giant planet?
• Largest in size.
• Has many moons.
25. Which planet has the fastest rotation?
• Jupiter.
• Rotates in about 10 hours.
26. What is the full moon night called?
• Purnima.
• When the Moon is fully visible.
27. What is the new moon night called?
• Amavasya.
• When the Moon is not visible.
28. Why does the Moon change shape?
• Due to its revolution around Earth.
• We see different portions of its lit surface.
29. Name the planets in order from the Sun.
• Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
30. What is a constellation?
• A group of stars forming a shape.
• Used for navigation.
📖 20 Long Answer Questions and Answers
1. What is the solar system? Name its major components.
The solar system is a family of celestial bodies revolving around the Sun.
It includes 8 planets, their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.
The Sun is at the centre and is the source of heat and light.
The planets move around the Sun in fixed paths called orbits.
Earth is the third planet in the solar system.
Other bodies like asteroids and satellites are also part of it.
2. Why is the Earth called a unique planet?
It supports life — has oxygen, water, and a suitable temperature.
70% of its surface is covered with water.
It has a protective atmosphere that blocks harmful rays.
The ozone layer protects living organisms from UV rays.
It has moderate temperatures suitable for survival.
Earth’s gravity holds the atmosphere, making life possible.
3. Describe the Sun and its importance in the solar system.
The Sun is a medium-sized star made of hot gases (mainly hydrogen and helium).
It is the centre of the solar system.
All planets revolve around it due to its gravitational pull.
It provides heat and light to Earth.
Life on Earth depends on solar energy for warmth and photosynthesis.
It regulates day, night, seasons, and climate.
4. Write a short note on the Moon.
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite.
It does not have its own light — it reflects sunlight.
The Moon completes one orbit around the Earth in about 27 days.
It causes tides on Earth due to its gravitational pull.
The Moon has mountains, plains, and craters but no air or water.
Its changing shape is called phases of the Moon.
5. What are constellations? Name and describe any one.
Constellations are groups of stars forming patterns in the sky.
They appear to form shapes like animals or objects.
Saptarishi is a well-known constellation seen in the northern sky.
It has 7 stars that resemble a ladle or question mark.
Constellations help in navigation and locating stars.
Different cultures have different names for the same constellations.
6. Compare stars and planets.
|
Feature |
Stars |
Planets |
|---|---|---|
|
Light |
Have their own light |
Reflect sunlight |
|
Heat |
Emit heat |
Do not emit heat |
|
Size |
Usually larger than planets |
Smaller than stars |
|
Movement |
Fixed position in sky |
Orbit around stars |
|
Example |
Sun |
Earth, Mars |
7. What are meteoroids? How are they different from meteors and meteorites?
Meteoroids
are small pieces of rocks moving in space.
When they enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn due to friction, they are called
meteors
.
If they do not burn completely and land on Earth, they are called
meteorites
.
They are often called "shooting stars" although they are not real stars.
Some large meteorites can cause damage on Earth.
Meteors produce bright light streaks in the sky.
8. Name and describe the inner planets.
Inner planets:
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
.
They are closer to the Sun.
Also known as terrestrial planets (rocky surface).
Have few or no moons.
Smaller in size compared to outer planets.
They rotate slowly and have a solid surface.
9. Name and describe the outer planets.
Outer planets:
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
.
They are far from the Sun.
Also known as gas giants (made of gases like hydrogen and helium).
Have many moons and rings.
Larger in size than inner planets.
Rotate faster and have no solid surface.
10. What is the Milky Way?
The Milky Way is the galaxy in which our solar system exists.
It appears as a white glowing band in the night sky.
Made up of billions of stars, planets, and celestial bodies.
Earth is located in one of its spiral arms.
It is part of the local group of galaxies.
Our galaxy is called
Akash Ganga
in Hindi.
11. How do the planets revolve around the Sun?
All planets revolve around the Sun in fixed paths called
orbits
.
These orbits are slightly elliptical (oval-shaped).
The movement is due to the Sun's strong gravitational pull.
Each planet takes a different time to complete one revolution.
Earth takes about 365 days (1 year).
This revolution causes seasons on Earth.
12. What are asteroids?
Asteroids are small, rocky celestial bodies.
Found mainly between Mars and Jupiter in the
Asteroid Belt
.
They also revolve around the Sun.
Some asteroids may collide with Earth or other planets.
They are believed to be leftover parts from the formation of the solar system.
Examples include Ceres, Vesta, and Pallas.
13. Why do we see different shapes of the Moon?
The Moon reflects sunlight but only the part facing the Sun is lit.
As the Moon revolves around Earth, the angle of sunlight changes.
These changes cause
phases of the Moon
.
Common phases: New Moon, Crescent, Half Moon, Full Moon.
It takes about 29.5 days for one full cycle.
These phases are used in calendars and festivals.
14. Why is Venus called the brightest planet?
It is covered with thick clouds that reflect sunlight well.
Appears very bright in the sky — called the morning
or evening star
.
It is the second planet from the Sun.
Its atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide.
Though not a star, it shines brightly due to reflection.
It is also called Earth’s twin due to its size and structure.
15. Describe the Moon's surface and conditions.
Rocky surface with plains, mountains, and large craters.
No air, water, or weather.
Gravity is much weaker than Earth.
Temperature changes are extreme (very hot in day and cold at night).
Astronauts left footprints on the Moon, which stay forever.
First human landed on the Moon in 1969 (Neil Armstrong).
16. What are comets?
Comets are icy celestial bodies with dust and gas.
They revolve around the Sun in long elliptical orbits.
As they approach the Sun, they develop a bright head and a long glowing tail.
Tail always points away from the Sun due to solar wind.
Example: Halley's Comet (appears every 76 years).
Ancient people considered comets as omens.
17. Describe the position and characteristics of Earth in the solar system.
Earth is the
third planet
from the Sun.
It supports life — has water, air, and moderate temperature.
About 70% of its surface is covered with water.
Rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun.
Has one natural satellite — the Moon.
Gravity holds the atmosphere, which protects life.
18. What is the importance of the Moon for Earth?
It controls tides in oceans.
Helps in maintaining Earth’s tilt and stability.
Its phases are used in many religious and cultural calendars.
Affects wildlife and certain biological processes.
It reflects sunlight, giving light at night.
It is the nearest celestial body to Earth.
19. What is the difference between natural and artificial satellites?
|
Feature |
Natural Satellite |
Artificial Satellite |
|---|---|---|
|
Example |
Moon |
INSAT, GPS |
|
Origin |
Natural body |
Man-made |
|
Function |
Orbits a planet |
Used for communication, weather, research |
|
Movement |
Fixed orbit |
Can be controlled |
|
Life span |
Infinite (usually) |
Limited duration |
20. How do day and night occur on Earth?
Earth rotates on its axis from west to east.
One rotation takes 24 hours.
The part facing the Sun experiences
day
, and the other part has
night
.
Rotation creates the cycle of sunrise and sunset.
This continuous movement causes time differences across the globe.
Without rotation, only one side would always face the
Sun always
.
