CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 15, Some Natural Phenomena

CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 15, Some Natural Phenomena, with our comprehensive list of Multiple Choice Questions. These Some Natural Phenomena Class 8 MCQs are expertly designed to help you test your understanding, revise crucial concepts, and score higher in your exams. All questions are based on the latest NCERT textbook and align perfectly with the current CBSE syllabus for the 2025-26 academic year.

This MCQ set covers all critical topics from the chapter. You will find specific lightning and earthquake MCQs, including questions on the principles of static electricity, the Richter scale, the function of an electroscope, and the science behind a lightning conductor. We have also included important lightning safety objective questions to ensure you understand the practical applications of these concepts.

Get ready to practice with our curated Class 8 Science Chapter 15 MCQs with answers. Whether you need a quick revision or are looking for detailed multiple choice questions on earthquakes for Class 8, this resource is your perfect guide for achieving exam success.

Some Natural Phenomena Class 8 MCQs with Answers

Ques: What causes lightning?

A) Friction between two clouds

B) Collision of two stars

C) Friction between moving air and water droplets

D) None of the above

Ans: C) Friction between moving air and water droplets

Explanation: Lightning is caused by the buildup of static electricity due to friction between moving air and water droplets within clouds.

Ques: Earthquakes are caused by:

A) Volcanic eruptions

B) Tectonic plate movements

C) Thunderstorms

D) Heavy rainfall

Ans: B) Tectonic plate movements

Explanation: Earthquakes occur due to the sudden movement of tectonic plates along faults in the Earth's crust.

Ques: Which instrument is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake?

A) Barometer

B) Seismograph

C) Thermometer

D) Anemometer

Ans: B) Seismograph

Explanation: A seismograph is used to detect and record the intensity and duration of earthquakes.

Ques: The point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates is called:

A) Epicenter

B) Focus

C) Seismic zone

D) Fault line

Ans: B) Focus

Explanation: The focus (or hypocenter) is the point inside the Earth where an earthquake starts.

Ques: The point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus is called:

A) Epicenter

B) Focus

C) Seismic zone

D) Fault line

Ans: A) Epicenter

Explanation: The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface located directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Ques: Lightning is seen before thunder is heard because:

A) Light travels faster than sound

B) Sound travels faster than light

C) Both travel at the same speed

D) None of the above

Ans: A) Light travels faster than sound

Explanation: Light travels much faster than sound, so we see the lightning before we hear the thunder.

Ques: Which of the following is a safety measure during an earthquake?

A) Stand under a tree

B) Run outside immediately

C) Take cover under a sturdy table

D) Use elevators

Ans: C) Take cover under a sturdy table

Explanation: Taking cover under a sturdy table helps protect from falling objects during an earthquake.

Ques: Which natural phenomenon can cause a tsunami?

A) Hurricane

B) Earthquake

C) Tornado

D) Lightning

Ans: B) Earthquake

Explanation: Tsunamis are large ocean waves typically caused by underwater earthquakes.

Ques: What should you avoid during a thunderstorm?

A) Staying indoors

B) Using electrical appliances

C) Closing windows

D) All of the above

Ans: B) Using electrical appliances

Explanation: Using electrical appliances during a thunderstorm can be dangerous due to the risk of electrical surges.

Ques: The Richter scale measures:

A) Wind speed

B) Earthquake magnitude

C) Rainfall

D) Temperature

Ans: B) Earthquake magnitude

Explanation: The Richter scale quantifies the amount of energy released by an earthquake.

Ques: Which of the following is not a natural phenomenon?

A) Tornado

B) Earthquake

C) Pollution

D) Volcano

Ans: C) Pollution

Explanation: Pollution is caused by human activities, whereas the others are natural phenomena.

Ques: A volcanic eruption is caused by:

A) Release of gases

B) Movement of magma

C) Tectonic plate collisions

D) All of the above

Ans: D) All of the above

Explanation: Volcanic eruptions can be triggered by the movement of magma, release of gases, and tectonic activities.

Ques: What is a seismogram?

A) A device to predict weather

B) A graph output by a seismograph

C) A tool to measure wind speed

D) None of the above

Ans: B) A graph output by a seismograph

Explanation: A seismogram is a visual record produced by a seismograph, showing the seismic waves of an earthquake.

Ques: The energy released during an earthquake travels in the form of:

A) Sound waves

B) Seismic waves

C) Water waves

D) Light waves

Ans: B) Seismic waves

Explanation: The energy from an earthquake travels through the Earth as seismic waves.

Ques: Which of the following is a man-made phenomenon?

A) Earthquake

B) Landslide

C) Deforestation

D) Cyclone

Ans: C) Deforestation

Explanation: Deforestation is a result of human activities, unlike natural phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, and cyclones.

Ques: What is the main cause of a landslide?

A) Heavy rainfall

B) Deforestation

C) Earthquake

D) All of the above

Ans: D) All of the above

Explanation: Landslides can be caused by various factors including heavy rainfall, deforestation, and earthquakes.

Ques: Which phenomenon occurs due to the rapid movement of charged particles from the sun?

A) Tornado

B) Solar flare

C) Earthquake

D) Thunderstorm

Ans: B) Solar flare

Explanation: Solar flares are bursts of radiation caused by the release of magnetic energy from the sun's atmosphere.

Ques: During an earthquake, the safest place to be is:

A) Near a window

B) Under a doorway

C) In an elevator

D) Outside in an open area

Ans: D) Outside in an open area

Explanation: Being outside in an open area is safest during an earthquake to avoid falling debris.

Ques: Which gas is commonly emitted during a volcanic eruption?

A) Oxygen

B) Carbon dioxide

C) Helium

D) Nitrogen

Ans: B) Carbon dioxide

Explanation: Volcanic eruptions emit gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and others.

Ques: What device can be used to detect lightning?

A) Barometer

B) Seismograph

C) Anemometer

D) Lightning detector

Ans: D) Lightning detector

Explanation: A lightning detector is used to detect and locate lightning strikes.