Comprehension Unit 5

Std 10 English — Unit 5: Playing with Fire

Section A Extract-Based Questions & Answers

(1) Extract

"There is nothing to match the excitement when crackers go off in the night sky with a loud bang and a brilliant shower of colours. The physics and chemistry of fireworks is as interesting as the sound and the light they emit."

1. Describe the excitement of crackers in Diwali.

Ans - There is nothing to match the excitement when crackers go off in the night sky with a loud bang and a brilliant shower of colours.

2. The physics and chemistry of fireworks is as interesting as........ (Complete the Sentence)

Ans - The physics and chemistry of fireworks is as interesting as the sound and the light they emit.

(2) Extract

"Incandescent light is produced when a substance is heated so much that it begins to glow. Heat causes the substance to become hot and glow, initially emitting infra red, then red, orange, yellow and white light as it becomes increasingly hotter. When the temperature of a firework is controlled, the glow of its metallic substances can be manipulated to be a desired colour at the proper time."

1. How is Incandescent light produced?

Ans - Incandescent light is produced when a substance is heated so much that it begins to glow.

2. Why is the temperature of a firework controlled?

Ans - The temperature of a firework is controlled so that the glow of its metallic substances can be manipulated to be a desired colour at the proper time.

(3) Extract

"The principle behind any firework is that when heat is applied to fuel (the gun powder), it burns using oxygen. However, because the fuel is packed tightly to keep the heat in, the burning takes place all of a sudden and it causes the characteristic loud noise. The actual manufacturing process of firework is simple. The raw materials required are fuel, binders, oxidisers (to make it burn), and a few other materials. The ingredients are ground and mixed well, the mixture is pushed through a machine from which it comes out as long rolls or strips, and then rolled in cardboard or old newspapers with a fuse."

1. What is the principle behind any firework?

Ans - The principle behind any firework is that when heat is applied to the gun powder, it burns using oxygen.

2. Which raw materials are required to manufacture fireworks?

Ans - The raw materials required to manufacture fireworks are fuel, binders, oxidisers and a few other materials.

(4) Extract

"In India, fireworks used to be imported from China. During the Second World War, these imports were stopped, and the safety match producers of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu began manufacturing fireworks for Deepavali. In 1992, the country used about 60 crores worth of fireworks and 60 to 70 percent of this came from Sivakasi."

1. From which country were fireworks imported?

Ans - Fireworks were imported from China.

2. Who started manufacturing fireworks in India?

Ans - The safety match producers of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu began manufacturing fireworks in India.

(5) Extract

"Fireworks should be stored, handled and lit with care. They should never be stored or unpacked near a flame, gas cylinder or heater. One should never wear long, loose clothes or nylon clothes when lighting crackers. And since the powder in crackers is poisonous, they should never be carried loose in your pocket or your hand. Also, fireworks should never ever be lit inside a house. Never bend over a firework when you are lighting it and never use fireworks to frighten people. If in spite of being careful, you do get a burn, go to a doctor instead of applying oil or ointment."

1. Where should the fireworks never be stored?

Ans - Fireworks should never be stored or unpacked near a flame, gas cylinder or heater.

2. Why should we not carry crackers in our hands?

Ans - We should not carry crackers in our hand because the powder in them is poisonous.