NIOS Class 10 Science Worksheet 26 Questions Answers (Air and Water)

This worksheet 26 contains questions based on Chapter 26 Air and Water of NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology (212) along with complete and accurate answers.

This post explains the answers of questions given in the worksheet including explanation, diagrams. These solutions will help you complete your assignments and TMA also.

 

Air and Water Worksheet 26 Solution

Q1. What are the different ways in which water gets contaminated?

Answer

Water gets contaminated in the following ways:

    1.  Factories and industrial discharge, untreated effluents, toxic chemicals, heavy metals and industrial solvents into rivers lakes and other water bodies.

    2. Fertilizers and pesticides used in farms are washed into water bodies by rain, causing eutrophication and biomagnification.

   3. Sewage pipes and storm water drains release pathogens, detergents and disinfectants into water sources.

   4. Mining exposes heavy metals and Sulphur present in the earth, which then mix with water bodies.

   5. Pollutants like Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen present in air dissolve in rainwater and contaminate water bodies.

 

Q2. At an individual level, how can you help reduce air pollution?

Answer

At an individual level, we can reduced air pollutions by following ways:

   1. We use public transport or carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles and exhaust gases released into the air.

   2. We keep our vehicles well maintained so that fuel burns completely and harmful gases are not released into the air.

   3. We avoid burning waste such as plastics, leaves and garbage.

   4. We use clean fuels like LPG or electricity instead of coal, wood.

   5. We plant more trees because they absorb CO₂ and help purify the air.

  

   6. Electricity is produced by burning of fossil fuels so we conserve electricity.

So, by following these steps, we can keep air pollution free.

 

Q3. Clear, transparent water is always fit for drinking. Comment on it.

Answer

The statement “Clear, transparent water is always fit for drinking” is not correct.

Clear and transparent water may still contain harmful microorganisms, disease causing bacteria and dissolved impurities which are not visible to the naked eye. So, such water can cause disease if consumed without treatment.

Water must be purified by methods such as boiling, filtration and chlorination to kill germs and remove impurities before it becomes potable.

So clear looking water is not always safe for drinking.

 

Q4.  You are member of the municipal body of your town. Make a list of measures that would help your town to ensure the supply of clean water to all its residents.

Answer

As a member of the municipal body, the following measures can be taken to ensure the supply of clean water to all.

    1.  Protection of water sources: Water sources must be prevented from disposal of sewage, industrial waste and garbage into rivers, lakes and ponds.

   2. Proper water purification; I ensure regular filtration, boiling and chlorination of water before supplying it to households.

   3. Maintenance of pipelines: Repair old and leaking water pipelines to avoid contamination during water distribution.

   4. Sewage treatment: Treat sewage properly before releasing into the natural water bodies.

   5. Rainwater harvesting: Promote and implement rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater and reduce pressure on existing water sources.

   6. Public awareness: Educate people about safe storage of drinking water and simple household purification methods.

 

Q5. Explain the differences between pure air and polluted air.

Answer

Pure air	Polluted air
Pure air is a natural mixture of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and inert gases in proper proportion.	Polluted air contains harmful substances called pollutants along with natural gases.
It supports healthy respiration in human, animals and plants.	It causes breathing problem and diseases in humans and animals.
It does not contain harmful gases smoke or suspended particles.	It contains pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides.
It does not harm the environment.	It harms the environment and leads to smog, acid rain and global warming.
It is clean and safe for living organisms.	It is harmful for living beings and environment.

 

Q6. Explain circumstances leading to acid rain. How does acid rain affect us?

Answer

Circumstances leading to acid rain

Acid rain is caused due to air pollution. The main circumstances leading to acid rain are:

   1. Burring of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum in industries, power plants and vehicles releases Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the air.

   2. Many industrial processes emit Sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

   3. Sulphur dioxide gets oxidized to Sulphur trioxides and nitrogen oxides react in air. These gases dissolve in water to form sulphuric acid and nitric acid. This acidic rainwater is called acid rain.

Effects of acid rain

   1. Acid rain damages leaves, reduces soil fertility and affects crop production.

   2. When acid rain enters rivers and lakes, it makes the water acidic, harming aquatic plants and animals.

   3. Acid rain corrodes metals and damages buildings and stone monuments.

   4. Acid rain increases air and water pollution, which can lead to beathing problems and other health issues.

 

Q7. Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?

(a)       Carbon dioxide

(b)      Sulphur dioxide

(c)       Methane

(d)      Nitrogen

Answer

Correct answer – (d) Nitrogen

Q8. Describe the ‘Greenhouse Effect’ in your own words.

Answer

The greenhouse effect is caused due to the presence of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas which traps the infrared (heat)radiation reflected form the earth’s surface.

Because of this trapping of heat, the atmospheric temperature rises and leading to global warming. An increase in greenhouse gases enhances this effect and disturbs the natural balance of the environment.

Thus, the greenhouse effect results in warming of the atmosphere due to the heat trapping nature of gases like CO₂.

 

Q9. Prepare a brief speech on global warming. You have to deliver the speech in your class.

Answer

Good morning respected teachers and my dear friends,

 Today I am going to speak about a very serious environmental problem called global warming.

Global warming is caused due to the increase in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps the heat (infrared radiation) reflected from the earth’s surface. As a result, the temperature in the atmosphere rises.

The main reason for global warming is burning of fossil fuels, industrial activities, vehicles and deforestation. These human activities increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and disturbs he natural balance of the environment.

Global warming affects our life in many ways. It leads to climate change, melting of glaciers, irregular rainfall and harm to plants, animals and human health. If this problem in not controlled, it can create serious dangers for life on earth.

We can help reduce global warming by planting more trees, saving electricity, using clean fuels and reducing pollution.

Let us all take responsibility to protect our environment and make the earth a safer place to live.

Thank you.

 

Q10. Describe the threat to the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Answer

The beauty of the Taj Mahal is under threat mainly due to air pollution and acid rain.

Industries, vehicles and power plants release Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These gases react with water vapuor in the air and form acid rain. When acid rain falls on marble monuments like the Taj Mahal, it reacts with calcium carbonate present in marble and slowly corrode it.

As a result, the marble surface loses its shine, becomes rough and develops yellow or black patches. This continuous damage reduces the beauty and strength of the monument.

Thus, acid rain caused by air pollution is a serious threat to the beauty of the Taj Mahal.