Monthly Archives: December 2021

In This Post we are  providing Chapter-14 OSCILLATIONS NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Class 11 PHYSICS which will be beneficial for students. These solutions are updated according to 2021-22 syllabus. These MCQS  can be really helpful in the preparation of Board exams and will provide you with a brief knowledge of the chapter.

NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON OSCILLATIONS

1.The springs of spring factor k, 2k, k respectively are connected in parallel to a mass m. If the mass = 0.08kg m and k = 2N|m, then find the new time period?

Ans. Total spring constant, K¹ = K₁ + K₂ + K₃ (In parallel)

= K + 2K + K

= 4K

= 4 × 2 (k = 2 N | m)

= 8 N | m

Time period,

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2.The bob of a vibrating simple pendulum is made of ice. How will the period of swing will change when the ice starts melting?

Ans .The period of swing of simple pendulum will remain unchanged till the location of centre of gravity of the bob left after melting of the ice remains at the fixed position from the point of suspension. If centre of gravity of ice bob after melting is raised upwards, then effective length of pendulum decreases and hence time period of swing decreases. Similarly, if centre of gravity shifts downward, time period increases.

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3.An 8 kg body performs S.H.M. of amplitude 30 cm. The restoring force is 60N, when the displacement is 30cm. Find: – a) Time period b) the acceleration c) potential and kinetic energy when the displacement is 12cm?

Ans.Here m = 8 kg

m = Mass, a = amplitude

a = 30cm = 0.30m

a) f = 60 N, Y = displacement = 0.30m

K = spring constant

Since, F = Ky

K = = 

As, Angular velocity = w = 

Time period, T = 

b) Y = displacement = 0.12m

Acceleration, A = w² y

A = (5)² × 0.12

A = 3.0m |s²

P.E. = Potential energy = 

Kinetic energy = K.E = 

=  

Kinetic energy = K. E. = 7.56J

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4.A particle executing SH.M has a maximum displacement of 4 cm and its acceleration at a distance of 1 cm from its mean position is 3 cm/s². What will be its velocity when it is at a distance of 2cm from its mean position?

Ans.The acceleration of a particle executing S.H.M is –

A = w² Y

w = Angular frequency ; Y = Displacement

A = Acceleration

Given A = 3cm / s² ; Y = 1cm 

So, 3 = w² × 1

w = 

The velocity of a particle executing S.H.M is :-

a = amplitude

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5.What is ratio of frequencies of the vertical oscillations when two springs of spring constant K are connected in series and then in parallel?

Ans .If two spring of spring constant K are connected in parallel, then effective resistance in parallel = K_P = K + K = 2K

Let f_P = frequency in parallel combination.

In Series combination, effective spring constant for 2 sprigs of spring constant K is :-

Let f_S = frequency in series combination 

Divide equation 2) by 1)

6.   A circular disc of mass 10 kg is suspended by a wire attached to its centre. The wire is twisted by rotating the disc and released. The period of torsional oscillations is found to be 1.5 s. The radius of the disc is 15 cm. Determine the torsional spring constant of the wire. (Torsional spring constant α is defined by the relation J = -α ¸, where J is the restoring couple and ¸ the angle of twist).

Ans. Mass of the circular disc, m = 10 kg

Radius of the disc, r = 15 cm = 0.15 m

The torsional oscillations of the disc has a time period, T = 1.5 s

The moment of inertia of the disc is:

I 

= 

= 0.1125 kg 

Time period, 

α is the torsional constant.

= 1.972 Nm/rad

Hence, the torsional spring constant of the wire is 1.972 Nm rad^–1.

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7. A simple pendulum of length l and having a bob of mass M is suspended in a car. The car is moving on a circular track of radius R with a uniform speed v. If the pendulum makes small oscillations in a radial direction about its equilibrium position, what will be its time period?

Ans.The bob of the simple pendulum will experience the acceleration due to gravity and the centripetal acceleration provided by the circular motion of the car.

Acceleration due to gravity = g

Centripetal acceleration 

Where,

v is the uniform speed of the car

R is the radius of the track

Effective acceleration () is given as:

Time period, 

Where,l is the length of the pendulum

∴Time period, T 

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9. Which of the following examples represent (nearly) simple harmonic motion and which represent periodic but not simple harmonic motion?

(a) the rotation of earth about its axis.

(b) motion of an oscillating mercury column in a U-tube.

(c) motion of a ball bearing inside a smooth curved bowl, when released from a point slightly above the lower most point.

(d) general vibrations of a polyatomic molecule about its equilibrium position.

Ans.(b) and (c) are SHMs

(a) and (d) are periodic, but not SHMs

(a) During its rotation about its axis, earth comes to the same position again and again in equal intervals of time. Hence, it is a periodic motion. However, this motion is not simple harmonic. This is because earth does not have a to and fro motion about its axis.

(b) An oscillating mercury column in a U-tube is simple harmonic. This is because the mercury moves to and fro on the same path, about the fixed position, with a certain period of time.

(c) The ball moves to and fro about the lowermost point of the bowl when released. Also, the ball comes back to its initial position in the same period of time, again and again. Hence, its motion is periodic as well as simple harmonic.

(d) A polyatomic molecule has many natural frequencies of oscillation. Its vibration is the superposition of individual simple harmonic motions of a number of different molecules. Hence, it is not simple harmonic, but periodic.

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10.  Which of the following functions of time represent (a) simple harmonic, (b) periodic but not simple harmonic, and (c) non-periodic motion? Give period for each case of periodic motion ( is any positive constant):

(a)  

(b) 

(c) 3 cos (π/4 – 2t)

(d) cos t + cos 3t + cos 5t

(e) exp 

(f) 1 + t + 

Ans.(a) SHM

The given function is:

This function represents SHM as it can be written in the form:

Its period is: 

(b) Periodic, but not SHM

The given function is:

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In This Post we are  providing Chapter- 13 KINETIC ENERGY NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Class 11 PHYSICS which will be beneficial for students. These solutions are updated according to 2021-22 syllabus. These MCQS  can be really helpful in the preparation of Board exams and will provide you with a brief knowledge of the chapter.

NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON KINETIC ENERGY

Question 1.
Two identical cylinders contain helium at 2 atmospheres and argon at 1 atmosphere respectively. If both the gases are filled in one of the cylinders, then:
(a) What would be the pressure?

Answer:
(2 + 1) = 3 atmosphere.

(b) Will the average translational K.E. per molecule of both gases be equal?

Answer:
Yes, because the average translational K.E./molecule (32kT) depends only upon the temperature.

(c) Will the r.m.s. velocities are different?

Answer:
Yes, because of the r.m.s. velocity depends not only upon temperature but also upon the mass.

Question 2.
Why hydrogen escapes more rapidly than oxygen from the earth’s surface?

Answer:
We know that C_rms ∝ 1ρ√

Also ρ₀ = 16 ρ_H. So C_rms of hydrogen is four times that of oxygen at a given temperature. So the number of hydrogen molecules whose velocity exceeds the escape velocity from earth (11.2 km s^-1) is greater than the no. of oxygen molecules. Thus hydrogen escapes from the earth’s surface more rapidly than oxygen.

Question 3.
Distinguish between the terms evaporation, boiling and vaporization.

Answer:
Evaporation: It is defined as the process of conversion of the liquid to a vapor state at all temperatures and occurs only at the surface of the liquid.

Boiling: It is the process of rapid conversion of the liquid to a vapour state at a definite temperature and occurs throughout the liquid.

Vaporization: It is the general term for the conversion of liquid to vapor state. It includes both evaporation and boiling.

Question 4 .
Estimate the total number of air molecules (inclusive of oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor and other constituents) in a room of capacity 125.0 m³ at a temperature of 127°C and 2 atm pressure, k = 1.38 × 10^-23 JK^-1.

Answer:
Here, T = 127°C + 273 = 400 K
k = 1.38 × 10^-23 JK^-1 P = 2 atmosphere
= 2 × 1.01 × 10⁵ Nm^-2
= 2.02 × 10⁵ Nm^-2

V = volume of room = 125 m³
N’ = no. of molecules in the room =?
∴ R = Nk = 6.023 × 10²³ × 1.38 × 10^-23
= 8.31 JK^-1 mol^-1

Let n = no. of moles of the air in the given volume.
∴ Using gas equation,
PV = nRT, we get
n = PVRT=2.02×105×1258.31×400
= 7.60 × 103 moles

∴ N’ = Nn = 6.023 × 10²³ × 7.60 × 10³
= 45.77 × 10²⁶.

Question 5.
Calculate the temperature at which the oxygen molecules will have the same r.m.s. velocity as the hydrogen molecules at 150°C. The molecular weight of oxygen is 32 and that of hydrogen is 2.

Answer:
Here, Molecular weight of oxygen, M0 = 32
Molecular weight of hydrogen. MH = 2

Let T₀ = temp. of oxygen = ?
T_H = temp. of hydrogen
= 150°C = 150 + 273 = 423 K
C₀ = C_H

Question 6.
Calculate the r.m.s. the velocity of molecules of gas for which the specific heat at constant pressure is 6.84 cal per g mol per °C. The velocity of sound in the gas being 1300 ms^-1. R = 8.31 × 10⁷ erg per g mol per °C. J = 4.2 × 10⁷ erg cal^-1.

Answer:
Here, C_p = 6.84 cal/g mol/°C
R = 8.31 × 10 erg/g mol/°C
J = 4.2 × 10 erg/cal
v = velocity = 1300 ms^-1
= 1300 × 100 cm s^-1
C_rms =?

Using the relation,


Now using the relation,

Question 7.
Calculate the molecular K.E. of I g of an oxygen molecule at 127°C. Given R = 8.31 JK^-1 mol^-1. The molecular weight of oxygen = 32.

Answer:
Here, M = 32 g
T = 127 + 273 = 400 K

∴ Molecular K.E. of oxygen is given by
12 MC² = 32 RT
Now K.E. of 32 g of O₂ RT = 32RT

∴ K.E.of 1 g of O₂ = 32⋅RT32
or
E = 364 × 8.31 × 400 J
= 155.81 J.

Question 8.
Calculate the intermolecular B.E. in eV of water molecules from the following data:
N = 6 × 10²³ per mole
1 eV= 1.6 × 10^-19 J
L = latent heat of vaporization of water = 22.6 × 10⁵ J/kg.

Answer:
Here, molecular weight of water, M = 2 + 16 = 18g
∴ No. of molecules in 1 kg of water = 6×102318 × 1000 = 10263

L = 22.6 × 10⁵ J kg
∴ B.E .per molecule = 22.6 × 10⁵ J = B.E of 6×102318 molecule

Thus B.E. per molecule

Question 9.
Two perfect gases at absolute temperatures T₁ and T₂ are mixed. There is no loss of energy. Find the temperature of mixture if masses of molecules are m₁ and m₂ and the no. of molecules in the gases are n₁ and n₂ respectively.

Answer:
Let E₁ and E₂ be the K.E. of the two gases,
∴ E₁ = 32 kT₁ × n₁
and E₂ = 32 kT₂ × n₂

Let E be the total energy of the two gases before mixing
∴ E = E₁ + E₂ = 32K(n₁T₁ + n₂T₂) ….(1)

After mixing the gases, let T be the temperature of the mixture of the two gases
∴ E’ = 32kT(n₁ + n₂) …(2)

As there is no loss of energy,

Question 1.
Ram has to attend an interview. He was not well. He took the help of his friend Raman. On the way office, Ram felt giddy, He vomited on his dress. Raman washed his shirt. He made Ram drink enough amount of water. In spite of doing, a foul smell was coming from the shirt. Then Raman purchased a scent bottle from the nearby cosmetics shop and applied to Ram. Ram attended the interview, Performed well. Finally, he was selected.
(a) What values do you find in Raman?

Answer:
He has the presence of mind, serves others in need.

(b) The velocity of air is nearly 500m/s. But the smell of scent spreads very slowly, Why?

Answer:
This is because the air molecules can travel only along a zig-zag path due to frequent collisions. Consequently, the displacement per unit time is considerably small.

In This Post we are  providing Chapter-12 THERMODYNAMICS NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Class 11 PHYSICS which will be beneficial for students. These solutions are updated according to 2021-22 syllabus. These MCQS  can be really helpful in the preparation of Board exams and will provide you with a brief knowledge of the chapter.

NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON THERMODYNAMICS

1.Change in internal energy is a state function while work is not, why?

Ans. The change in internal energy during a process depends only upon the initial and final state of the system. Therefore it is a state function. But the work is related the path followed. Therefore, it is not a state function.

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2.With the help of first law of thermodynamics and H = U + pv, prove = q_p

Ans.The enthalpy is defined as

H = U + pv

For a change in the stales of system,

= 

= 

= …………(i)

The first law of thermodynamics states that –

= …………………….(ii)

From (i) and (ii),

= 

When the pressure is constant,

3.Show that for an ideal gas, the molar heat capacity under constant volume conditions is equal to 3/2 R.

Ans.For an ideal gas, from kinetic theory of gases, the average kinetic energy per mole (Ek) of the gas at any temperature T_k is given by 

At (T+1)k, the kinetic energy per mole (Ek¹) is Ek¹ = 

Therefore increase in the average kinetic energy of the gas for 1⁰C (or 1K) rise in temperature is 

by definition is to the molar heat capacity of a gas at constant volume, Cv.

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4.A 1.25g sample of octane (C₁₈ H₁₈) is burnt in excess of oxygen in a bomb calorimeter. The temperature of the calorimeter rises from 294.05 to 300.78K. If heat capacity of the calorimeter is 8.93 KJ/K. find the heat transferred to calorimeter.

Ans .Mass of octane,

M = 1.250g.

= 0.00125.

Heat capacity, c = 8.93 kJ/k

Rise in temp, 

= 6.73K

Heat transferred to calorimeter

= 0.00125 x 8.93 x 6.73

= 0.075 kJ

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5.Calculate the heat of combustion of ethylene (gas) to from CO₂ (gas) and H₂O (gas) at 298k and 1 atmospheric pressure. The heats of formation of CO_2, H₂O and C₂H₄ are – 393.7, – 241.8, + 52.3 kJ per mole respectively.

Ans. C₂H₄ (g) + 30₂(g) 2CO₂(g) + 2H₂O (g)

reactants

= [2 x (CO₂) + 2 x ] – 

= 2 x[(-393.7)m+2x (-241.8)] – [(523.0) + 0)]

= [-787.4 – 483.6 ] -53.3

= – 1323.3 kJ.

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6.Give two examples of reactions which are driven by enthalpy change.

Ans. Examples of reactions driven by enthalpy change:

The process which is highly exothermic, i.e. enthalpy change is negative and has large value but entropy change is negative is said to be driven by enthalpy change, eg.

(i)

(ii)

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7.Will the heat released in the following two reactions be equal? Give reasons in support of your answer.

(i)H₂ (g) + 

Ans. No, the heats released in the two reactions are not equal. The heat released in any reaction depends upon the reactants, products and their physical states. Here in reaction (i), the water produced is in the gaseous state whereas in reaction (ii) liquid is formed. As we know, that when water vapors condensed to from water, heat equal to the latent heat of vaporization is released. Thus, more heat is released in reaction (ii).

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8.What is the relation between the enthalpy of reaction and bond enthalpy?

Ans .A chemical reaction involves the breaking of bonds in reactants and formation of new bonds in products. The heat of reaction (enthalpy change) depends on the values of the heat needed to break the bond formation .Thus

(Heat of reaction = (Heat needed to break the bonds in reactants – Heat liberated to from bonds in products).

= Bond energy in (to break the bonds) – Bond energy out (to form the bonds)

= Bond energy of reactants – Bond energy of products.

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9.The reaction C (graphite) + O₂ (g) CO₂(g) + 393.5 kJ mol^-1 represents the formation of CO₂ and also combustion of carbon. Write the values of the two processes.

Ans.(i) The standard enthalpy of formation of CO₂ is -393.5 kJ per mole of CO₂.

That is 

(ii) The staard enthalpy of combustion of carbon is – 393.5 kJ per mole of carbon i.e. 

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10.Explain how is enthalpy related to spontaneity of a reaction?

Ans.Majority of the exothermic reactions are spontaneous because there is decrease in energy.

Burning of a substance is a spontaneous process.

C(s) +O₂(g) 

Neutralisation of an acid with a base is a spontaneous reaction.

Many spontaneous reactions proceed with the absorption of heat. Conversion of water into water vapour is an endothermic spontaneous change. Therefore change in enthalpy is not the only criterion for deciding the spontaneity of a reaction.

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In This Post we are  providing Chapter-11 THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Class 11 PHYSICS which will be beneficial for students. These solutions are updated according to 2021-22 syllabus. These MCQS  can be really helpful in the preparation of Board exams and will provide you with a brief knowledge of the chapter.

NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Question 1.
Why gas thermometers are more sensitive than mercury thermometers?

Answer:
This is because the coefficient of expansion of a gas is very large as compared to the coefficient of expansion of mercury. For the same temperature change, the gas would undergo a much larger change in volume as compared to mercury.

Question 2.
Why the brake drum of an automobile gets heated up when the automobile moves down a hill at constant speed?

Answer:
Since the speed is constant so there is no change of kinetic energy. The loss in gravitational potential energy is partially the gain in the heat energy of the brake drum.

Question 3.
A solid is heated at a constant rate. The variation of temperature with heat input is shown in the figure here:

(а) What is represented by AB and CD?

Answer:
The portions AB and CD represent a change of state. This is because the supplied heat is unable to change the temperature. While AB represents a change of state from solid to liquid, the CD represents a change of state from liquid to vapour state.

(b) What conclusion would you draw1 if CD = 2AB?

Answer:
It indicates that the latent heat of vaporization is twice the latent heat of fusion.

(c) What is represented by the slope of DE?

Answer:
Slope of DE represents the reciprocal of the thermal or heat capacity of the substance in vapour state i.e. slope 0f DE = dTdQ=1mC(∴ dQ = mCΔT).

(d) What conclusion would you draw from the fact that the slope of OA is greater than the slope of BC?
Answer:
Specific heat of the substance in the liquid state is greater than that in the solid-state as the slope of OA is more than that of BC i.e. 1mC1 > 1mC2 where C₁, C₂ are specific heats mC₁ mC₂ of the material in solid and liquid state respectively.

Question 4.
Define:
(a) Thermal conduction.

Answer:
It h defined as the process of the transfer of heat energy from one part of a solid. to another part at a lower temperature without the actual motion of the molecules. It is also called the conduction of heat.

(b) Coefficient of thermal conductivity of a material.

Answer:
It is defined as the quantity of heat flowing per second across the opposite faces of a unit cube made of that material when the opposite faces are maintained at a temperature difference of 1K or 1°C.

Question 5.
On what factors does the amount of heat flowing from the hot face to the cold face depend? How?

Answer:
If Q is the amount of heat flowing from hot to the cold face, then it is found to be:

1. directly proportional to the cross-sectional area (A) of the face
   i. e. Q ∝ A …(1)
2. directly proportional to the temperature difference between the two faces, i.e. Q ∝ Δθ ….(2)
3. directly proportional to the time t for which the heat flows i.e. Q ∝ t …. (3)
4. inversely proportional to the distance ‘d’ between the two faces
   i.e. Q ∝ 1Δx …(4)

Combining factors (1) to (4), we get
Q ∝ AΔθΔxt
or
Q ∝ K A ΔθΔxt
where K is the proportionality constant known as the coefficient – of thermal conductivity.

Question 6.
State Newton’s law of cooling and define the cooling curve. What is its importance?

Answer:
Newton’s law of cooling: States that the rate of loss of heat per unit surface area of a body is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the body and the surroundings provided the difference is not too large.

Cooling Curve: It is defined as a graph between the temperature of a body and the time. It is as shown in the figure here.

The slope of the tangent to the curve at any point gives the rate of fall of temperature.

Question 7.
Explain why heat is generated continuously in an electric heater but its temperature becomes constant after some time?

Answer:
When the electric heater is switched on, a stage is quickly reached when the rate at which heat is generated by an electric current becomes equal to the rate at which heat is lost by conduction, convection and radiation and hence a thermal equilibrium is established. Thus temperature becomes constant.

Question 8.
Specific heats of argon at constant pressure and volume are 0.125 cal g^-1 and 0.075 cal g^-1 respectively. Calculate the density of argon at N.T.P. (J = 4.18 × 10⁷ ergs/cal and normal pressure = 1.01 × 10⁶ dynes cm^-2.)

Answer:
Here, CP = 0.125 cal g^-1
Cv = 0.075 cal g^-1 J
J = 4.18 × 107 ergs cal^-1
P = 1.01 × 106 dyne cm^-2
d = density at NTP = ?
m = 1 g
T = 273 K

Using the relation,
C_p – C_v = rJ=PVTJ=PmdTJ (∵ V = md)
d = Pm TJ(Cr−Cv)

Question 9.
A piece of metal weighs 46 g in air. When it is immersed ¡n a liquid of specific gravity 124 at 27°C, it weighs 30g. When the temperature of the liquid is raised to42°C, the metal piece weighs 30.5 g. The specific gravity of the liquid at 42°C ¡s 1.20. Calculate the coefficient of linear expansion of the metal.

Answer:
Here, the Weight of the metal piece at 27°C in air 46 g
Weight of metal piece at 27°C in liquid =30 g
Weight of metal piece at 42°C in liquid = 30.5 g
α =?
Loss in weight of the metal = weight of liqiid displaced = 46 – 30
= 16 g.

The volume of metal at 27°C = Volume of liquid displaced at 27°C
or
V1 = 16g specific gravity of liquid 
= 16 g1.24gcm−3
= 12.903 cm3

Similarly volume of metal piece at 42°C = V₂ = (46−30.5)1.2gcm−3
= 12.917 cm³

∴ Coefficient of cubical expansion of the metal

Since γ = 3α
∴ α = 13 γ = 13 × 2.41 × 10⁵ °C^-1
= 0.803 × 10⁵ °C^-1

Question 10.
In an industrial process, 10 kg of water per hour is to be heated from 20°C to 80°C. To do so, steam at 150°C is passed from a boiler into a copper coil immersed in water. The steam condenses in the coil and is returned to the boiler as water at 90°C. How many kg of steam is required per hour? Specific heat of steam = 1 Kcal kg^-1 °C^-1 and latent heat of steam = 540 Kcal kg^-1.

Answer:
C = sp. heat of steam
= 1 Kcal kg^-1 °c^-1

L = latent heat of steam
= 540 Kcal kg^-1

Let m (kg) = mass of steam required per hour.

Heat is given by steam first from 150°C to steam at 100°C = mCΔθ
= m × (150 – 100)Kcal = 50 m Kcal.

Then steam changes from steam at 100°C to water at 100°C and gives out heat = mL = 540 m Kcal.

After this water at 100°C gives heat is going to temperature 90°C = m (100 – 90) = 10m Kcal.

Total amount of heat given by the steam = 50 m + 540 m + 10 m = 600 m Kcal.
∴ 600 m K cal = 600 K cal
∴ m = 1 kilogram.

In This Post we are  providing Chapter-10 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLUIDS NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Class 11 PHYSICS which will be beneficial for students. These solutions are updated according to 2021-22 syllabus. These MCQS  can be really helpful in the preparation of Board exams and will provide you with a brief knowledge of the chapter.

NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLUIDS

Question 1.
Prove Archimedes’ Principle mathematically.

Answer:
Let W₁ and W₂ be the weights of the body in the air and when completely immersed in a liquid respectively.

∴ Loss in weight of body inside the liquid = W₁ – W₂.

Proof: Let h = height of a body lying at a depth X below the free surface of a liquid of density p.
Let a = area of the face of the body parallel to the horizontal.

If P₁ and P₂ be the pressures at the upper and lower face of the
P₁ = x ρg ….(i)
P₂ = (x + h) ρg …(ii)

If F₁ and F₂ be the thrust on the upper and lower face of the body, then
F₁ = P₁a = xρag …(iii)
and acts vertically downward.

and F₂ = P₂a = (x + h) ρag …. (iv)
and acts vertically upward.

As F₂ > F₁, so net thrust acts on the body in the upward direction and is called upthrust (U)

As V = volume of the body = volume of liquid displaced by the body, so Vρ is the mass of the liquid displaced
∴ Vρg = weight of the displaced liquid

Thus loss in weight of the body when sunk in the liquid = weight of the liquid displaced.

Question 2.
Derive the condition of floatation of the body.

Answer:
When a body floats in a liquid with a part submerged in the liquid, the weight of the liquid displaced by the submerged part is always equal to the weight of the body.

Let V = volume of the body
σ = density of its material
ρ = density of the liquid in which the body floats such that its volume V ‘ is outside the liquid

Then the volume of the body inside the liquid = V – V’
Weight of the displaced liquid = (V – V’) ρg
Also weight of the body = Vσg

For the body to float,
weight of the liquid displaced by the submerged part = weight of the body.

Question 3.
(a) Why the wings of an airplane are rounded outwards (i.e. more curved) while flattened inwards? What is this shape called?

Answer:
The special design of the wings which is slightly convex upward and concave downward increases velocity at the upper surface and decreases it at the lower surface. So according to Bernoulli’s Theorem, the pressure on the upper side is less than the pressure on the lower side.

This difference of pressure provides the additional thrust on the foil called lift. This is called airfoil or aerofoil. It is a solid piece that is so shaped that it an upward vertical. force is produced on it when it moves horizontally through the air.

(b) What is an ideal liquid?

Answer:
A liquid is said to be ideal if:

1. It is incompressible.
2. It is non-viscous.
3. Its flow is steady i.e. stream-line.

Question 4 .
What is a hydrostatic paradox? Explain. Is it really a paradox?

Answer:
It is defined as the inability of a liquid to flow from a vessel having more liquid to a vessel having lesser liquid when the liquid level is the same. Consider three vessels of different shapes but the same base area as shown., The level of water is kept the same in A, B, and C. So the quantity of water is different in the vessels. However, the thrust on the bottom is the same in all of them. It may appear paradoxical

We know that

1. the pressure at a point depends on the height of the liquid column.
2. It does not depend on the quantity of the liquid and
3. thrust is the product of pressure and area of the surface. ,

In the given three cases the pressure at the base is hρg and since the area of the base is the same in all the three cases hence the thrust = hρg a where a = area of the base

So, we see that the thrust is the same in A, B, and C even though the quantity of liquid is different in them.

No. In fact, there is no paradox as such because the pressure depends on the depth of point and not on the quantity of liquid. Here O₁, O₂, and O₃ lie in the same horizontal plane, so the pressure is the same.

Question 5.
State Pascal’s law. How does it get changed in the presence of gravity?

Answer:
Pascal’s law states that for a liquid in equilibrium, the pressure is the same everywhere (provided the effect of gravity can be neglected), It may also be stated as “the pressure applied anywhere on an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid”.

Effect of gravity: Consider a liquid of density p contained in a vessel. Let us find the pressure difference between the points x and y. Let us imagine a cylinder of liquid whose faces 1 and 2 are at height h. The cylinder is in equilibrium.

Let P₁ = Pressure at face 1, pressure P₂ at face 2 and the weight of the liquid in cylinder mg. Here m is the mass of the imaginary fluid cylinder. If F, and F, be the forces on the upper and lower faces of the cylinder, then F₁ = P₁ A₁, F₂ = P₂A₂. As the cylinder of liquid is in equilibrium, so the net force on it is zero.
i.e. (F₁ + mg) – F₂ = 0
or P₁A + mg – P₂A = 0
or (P₂ – P₁)A = mg

where A is the base area of the imaginary cylinder. Since mass of the liquid cylinder
m = Vρ = Ahρ (∵ V = Ah)
∴ (P₂ – P₁)A = Ahρg
or (P₂ – P₁) = hρg

If the point x lies on the surface, then P₁ = 0 and Let P₂ = P
∴ P = hρg
Equation (1) gives the expression for the pressure applied by a liquid column of height h.

Question 6.
Draw a diagram showing the construction of a hydraulic brake sIow does it work?

Answer:
The diagram showing various parts of a hydraulic brake is given here.

On applying foot pressure on the pedal, the brake fluid flows*from the master cylinder transmitting the pressure from P₁ to P₂ equally.

This expands the brake shoe and stops the wheel. When pressure is released at the foot pedals, the spring brings the brake shoe to its original position and brake fluid is forced back to the master cylinder.

Question 7.
Stake’s law deals with spherical bodies moving through a viscous fluid. Give its statement and derive it dimensionally.

Answer:
Stake’s law may be stated as “the viscous drag experienced by a spherical body of radius r moving in a fluid of viscosity η with a terminal velocity v is given by
F = 6πηrv

Derivation: Let F depends on η, r, and v, we can write
F = kη_ar_bv_c ….(1)
where k = Proportionality constant.
On writing dimensional formula on both sides, we have

∴ a = 1, b = 1, c = 1

∴ Putting values of a, b, c in equation (1), we get
F = kη₁r₁V₁
= kηrv.

For spherical bodies Stoke found k to be 6π
∴ F = 6ηπrv
Hence, derived.

Question 8.
A ring is cut from a platinum tube having 8.5 cm internal and 8.7 cm external diameter. It is supported horizontally from a pan of balance so that it comes in contact with water in a glass vessel. What is the surface tension of water if an extra 3.97 g weight is required to pull it away from water (g = 980 ms^-2)?

Answer:
Here, m = 3.97 gm
r₁ = 8.5 cm
r₂ = 8.7 cm
T = ?
The water is in contact with the inner and outer circumference of the ring. To pull it out, work has to be done against forces due to surface tension.

Question 9.
A stone of density 2.5 g cm^-3 completely immersed in seawater is allowed to sink from rest. Calculate the depth to which the stone would sink in 2s. The specific gravity of seawater is 1.025 and acceleration due to gravity is 980 cm s^-2. Neglect the effect of friction.

Answer:
Here, g = 980 cm s^-2 .
ρ₁ = density of stone = 2.5 g cm^-3.
Specific gravity of sea water = 1.025
∴ ρ₂ = density of sea water = 1.025 g cm^-3.

Now let m = mass of stone.
∴ V = volume of stone = \frac{\mathrm{m}}{\rho}=\frac{\mathrm{m}}{2.5} cm .
and this is equal to the volume of the displaced seawater.

∴ M = mass of seawater displaced.
= ρ₂ × V
= 1.025 × \frac{m}{2.5} gram

∴ Weight of sea water displaced = \frac{1.025 \times \mathrm{m}}{2.5} × g
If W₁ be the weight of the stone in seawater, then
W₁ = weight of stone – the weight of seawater displaced.

∴ Downward acceleration ‘a’ of stone in seawater is given by

Now let S = depth to which stone sinks. t = 2s, u = 0

∴ Using the relation,

Question 10.
Krishna went sightseeing to a nearby river along with his physics teacher. He noticed that the wind was blowing from the side and the sailboat still continue to move forward. He was surprised. He asked his physics teacher an explanation of this situation. The teacher has noticed his “interest explained the concept through a small example.

The physics of sailing is very interesting in that sailboats do not need the wind to push from behind in order to move. The wind can blow from the side and the sailboat can still move forward.

The answer lies in the well-known principle of aerodynamic
lift Imagine you are a passenger in a car as it’s moving along, and you place your right hand out the window, ff you tilt your hand in the clockwise sense your hand will be pushed backward and up. This is due to the force of the air which has a sideways component and upwards component (therefore your hand is pushed backward and up).
(a) What values could you find- in Krishna?
Answer:
Krishna is very interested in learning the subject; also he is interested in knowing how science helps in understanding the day-to-day experiences, observant, has the courage to ask questions.

(b) Also explain what the Magnus effect is.
Answer:
The difference in velocities of air above the ball is relatively larger than below. Hence, there is a pressure difference between the lower and upper faces and there is a net upward force on the ball. This dynamic lift due to spinning is called the Magnus effect.

Before you Read
Q.1What does the title of the poem suggests to you? What do you think the poem is about?

ANSWER:
The title of the poem suggests the importance of silence.
The poem is about the importance of self-examination and introspection. It is also an appeal for universal harmony.

Think it Out
Q.1 What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

ANSWER:
Keeping still for this brief interval of time gives us a momentary pause to introspect and review the course of action. It is generally observed that most of the ills and troubles of the world are caused by our rush or hurry. Violence is caused by anger. Keeping quiet and still will give us necessary respite and ensure peace.

Q.2 Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?

ANSWER:
No, he doesn’t advocate either total inactivity or death. He makes it quite clear that ‘stillness’ should not be confused with ‘total inactivity’ or equated to it. Total inactivity brings death. But Neruda has ‘no truck with death’. His stillness means halting of harmful and hostile human activities.

Q.3What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?

ANSWER:
The poet refers to the ‘sadness’ of failing to understand oneself in the monotonous every day existence. He also finds it sad that the humanity is moving towards its own ruin owing to its unanalyzed actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made us forget the values of humanity.

Q.4 What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

ANSWER:
The poet uses the symbol of the earth to illustrate the point that there can be life under apparent stillness.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (Word Limit: 30-40 words)
Q1. Why does Pablo Neruda urge us to keep still?
ANSWER:  Stillness is essential for calm reflection and quiet introspection. We hear the voice of conscience in moments of silence. The poet is convinced that most of human ills and miseries are caused by man’s hurry and rush to do things. The poet wishes that we may withdraw ourselves from our undesirable actions and keep still for a moment.

Q2. Why shouldn’t we “speak in any language” and “not move our arms so much”?
ANSWER: People of the world speak in different languages. They indulge in unnecessary debates and disputes. Most of these arguments lead to destructive wars. The poet urges people to stop speaking in any language. They must speak through their hearts. So far men have moved their arms only to harm others. Therefore, the poet wants that they should not move their arms so much. Let these arms rest for once. Let a feeling of mutual understanding , be created among human beings.

Q3. Pablo Neruda says:“we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.”
When can we experience such a moment? Why will that be an exotic moment?
ANSWER: Non-stop activity, unnecessary rush and noise have made our lives unpleasant and full of misery, pain and troubles. We must stop rushing, hurrying, worrying and running. Even the noise of engines and machines must stop for once. Then all of us will enjoy the sudden strangeness of that moment. It will be a unique moment. In that exotic or fascinating moment we shall feel totally relaxed, physically as well as mentally.

Q4. What does the poet ask the fisherman and the man collecting salt to dot What docs In-exactly want to convey by this?
ANSWER: Pablo Neruda is against any kind of violence. He addresses the fishermen and asks them not to harm whales living in the cold seas of the polar regions. He is also against any kind of self torturing. The man who is gathering salt has hint his hands. He asks this man to look after himself and take care of his injured hands.

Q5. What are the different kinds of war mentioned towards war?
ANSWER: The poet is against wars of all kinds. He wants a total stoppage of war. Green wars against the environment, wars with poisonous gases and wars with fire must be terminated (stopped) at once.

Q6. What alternative does Pablo Neruda suggest instead of indulging in wars?
ANSWER:  Instead of indulging in wars, the people must come out in their best dresses with then- brothers. They should go out for a walk under the shady trees and enjoy themselves doing nothing. This would bring the feeling of togetherness among them.

Q7. How does the poet distinguish ‘stillness’ from ‘total inactivity’? Why does Neruda saw I want no truck with death?
ANSWER:  Pablo Neruda is in favour of stillness or silence. We remain still and quiet for sometime. On the other hand, total inactivity is a permanent suspension of work. It is just like death. ‘Stillness’ should not be Confused with ‘total inactivity’. Life goes on as usual. There can’t be anything like total inactivity. The poet refuses to associate with death or deal with it.

Q8. Why does the poet fee! that we should not be so single-minded’?
ANSWER:  People are generally single-minded. They want to focus on only one thing. They want to keep their lives going. They are ever busy in their pursuit. The poet wishes that they would not be so much absorbed with always remaining on the move. They must have some respite or rest. They too need peace or silence.

Q9.Why do men become sad? How can this sadness be overcome?
ANSWER:  Men fail to understand themselves. They are always threatening themselves with death. When they realise their failure to understand themselves they become sad or helpless. Fear of death also makes them sad. Only a huge silence’ can interrupt this sadness. Such silence will do them good.

Q10. How might a huge silence interrupt the sadness of men?
ANSWER:  Men never understand themselves. Nor are they ever sure of their actions. They face another tragedy. Due to their own actions, they are threatening themselves with death. This realisation makes them helpless and sad. Only a huge (long) silence might interrupt this sadness and do them some good.

Q11. Under the apparent stillness there is life. Justify this statement giving an example from the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’.
ANSWER: Neruda does not equate stillness with total inactivity. He believes that under this apparent stillness there is life. We can learn it from the earth. When everything seems dead, the earth still remains alive. The earth is never dead. The life on the earth goes on as usual under the apparent stillness.

Q12. Justify the title ‘Keeping Quiet’.
ANSWER: The title of the poem is quite appropriate and logical. It suggests the necessity of quiet introspection. The people of the world are overactive and always on the move. Their activities have caused untold troubles and sufferings. Keeping quiet will do them a lot of good. It will save them from many harmful and violent activities. Moreover, it will help in reflecting over the fate of man and help in creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.

Q13. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’:[Delhi 201]
ANSWER: The poet talks about the exotic moment when everyone keeps quiet. There will be no rush for a second. The machines must stop for a moment. That moment will be fascinating for all of us. All of us shall enjoy the sudden strangeness of the moment together.

Before you Read
Q.1Have you ever visited or seen an elementary school in a slum? What does it look like?

ANSWER:

Yes, I have visited an elementary school in a slum. The school was in a pitiful state. Its dingy and neglected classrooms were devoid of even basic amenities like fan and lights. Every single window was broken and bore marks of rust. How the students in the classroom dealt with the outside noise or the winters was anybody’s guess. The ceilings too were full of cobwebs. The furniture was broken and almost unusable. The walls of the classrooms were as shabby, malnourished and disinterested as the students sitting in their enclosures. Even the teachers seemed to have lost their concern both for the students and their education. Moreover, I was shocked to know that the usage of toilets was restricted to the school staff.

Think it Out

Q.1What do you think is the colour of ‘sour cream’? Why do you think the poet has used this expression to describe the classroom walls?

ANSWER:
Sour cream indicates the colour cream or dirty white. The poet has used this expression to describe the poor dull and ill-equipped environment of the classroom. The walls were painted long ago by donations and since then no attention has been given to them. We see the neglect these children face. It adds to the dull ambiance.

Q.2The walls of the classroom are decorated with the pictures of ‘Shakespeare’, ‘buildings with domes’, ‘world maps’ and beautiful valleys. How do these contrast with the world of these children?

ANSWER:
All these totally contrast with the world of the children in the slum. They get half education, the value of education for the children is minimal and to have these pictures which are symbols of high quality education is incongruous here. The buildings with domes are examples of a civilised world, the world unknown to them. The world map is irrelevant to them because the slums, their world cannot be located by them. Finally, the beautiful valley with rivers and capes is meaningless to them. They just have the polluted sky to watch from the broken window panes. These children are deprived of natural beauty.

Q.3What does the poet want for the children of the slums? How can their lives be made to change?

ANSWER:
He wants the children of the slums to venture into the outside world, beyond the boundaries of their slums, and experience a better present and future life.
The elementary school in the slum does not serve any purpose with its poor infrastructure and disinterested students. The poet feels that the governor, inspector and visitors should take initiative to bring about a real change in their situation. To ensure a better way of living for them, they need to be given proper education and freedom from their present confines. They need opportunity, encouragement and optimism to be able to live life with purpose and zest.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS :

Q1. In the opening stanza the imagery is that of despair and disease. Read the poem and underline the words /phrases that bring out these images.
ANSWER:  The following words/phrases bring out these images of despair and disease:
‘Rootless weeds’; ‘the air tom round their pallor’;
The tall girl with her weighed-down head’;
The paper-seeming boy, with rat’s eyes’.
‘The stunted, unlucky heir of twisted bones’.
‘gnarled disease’.

Q2. Why does Stephen Spender use the images of despair and disease in the first stanza of the poem and with what effect?
ANSWER:  He uses the images of despair and disease to describe the miserable and pathetic fives of the children living in slums. The faces of these children are pale and lifeless. They and their hair are like ‘rootless weeds’. The burden of fife makes them sit with their head ‘weighed down’. The stunted growth is depicted by ‘the paper-seeming bo/ and ‘the stunted unlucky heir of twisted bones’. Their weak bodies recite their fathers’ ‘gnarled disease’.

Q3. In spite of despair and disease pervading the lives of the slum children, they are not devoid of hope. Give an example of their hope or dream.
ANSWER:  The burden of poverty and disease crushes the bodies of these slum children but not their souls. They still have dreams. Even their foggy future has not crashed all their hopes. They dream of open seas, green fields and about the games that a squirrel plays in the tree room.

Q4. How does Stephen Spender picturise the condition of the slum children?
ANSWER:  Stephen Spender uses contrasting images in the poem to picturise the condition of the slum children. For example:
“A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky Far far from rivers, capes and stars of words.”
The first line presents the dark, narrow, cramped holes and lanes closed in by the bluish grey sky. The second fine presents a world of beauty, prosperity, progress, well-being and openness.

Q5. What is the theme of the poem ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’ ? How has it been presented?
ANSWER:  In this poem Stephen Spender deals with the theme of social injustice and class inequalities. He presents the theme by talking of two different and incompatible worlds. The world of the rich and the ‘civilized’ has nothing to do with the world of narrow lanes and cramped holes. The gap between these two worlds highlights social disparities and class inequalities.

Q6. What message does Stephen Spender convey through the poem An Elementary School Classroom in a. Slum’ ? What solution does he offer?
ANSWER:  Stephen Spender conveys the message of social justice and class equalities by presenting two contrasting and incompatible worlds. He provides a way out. For achieving any significant progress and development the gap between the two worlds must be abridged. This can be done only by breaking the barriers that bind the slum children in dark, narrow, cramped holes and lanes. Let them be made mentally and physically free to lead happy lives. Only then art, culture and literature will have relevance for them.

Q7. Who Ttrd, the ivor/d its world and ho,What does this world contain,?
ANSWER: The conquerors and dictators change the map of the world according to their whims and will. They change the boundaries of various nations and shape the ‘map’. Their fair map is of a beautiful world full of domes, bells and flowers, rivers, capes and stars.

Q8. Th e poet says. Aria yet. for these Children, these windows, not this map, their world’. Which world do these children belong to? Which world is irue ecssihlc to them?
ANSWER:  The world of stinking slums is the world that belongs to these poverty-stricken, ill-fed, under-nourished children. The narrow lanes and dark, cramped, holes or hovels make their world. The world of ‘domes’, ‘bells’ and ‘flowers’ meant for the rich is inaccessible to them. They can only dream of rivers, capes and stars.

Q9. Which images of the slums in the third stanza pr sent the picture of social disparity, injustice and class inequalities.
ANSWER:  The slum dwellers slyly turn in their ‘cramped holes’ from birth to death i.e. ‘from fog to endless nights’. Their surroundings are ‘slag heap’. Their children “wear skins peeped through by bones.’ Their spectacles are “like bottle bits on stones.” The image that sums up their harsh existence reads : “All of their time and space are foggy slum.”

Q10. So blot their maps with slums as big as do,in;” says Stephen Sp,.meter. What does the poet want to convex?
ANSWER:  The poet notices the creation of two different worlds—the dirty slums with their narrow lanes and cramped houses which are virtual hells. Then there are islands of prosperity and beauty where the rich and powerful dwell. The poet protests against the disparity between the lives of the people in these two worlds. He wants that the poor should enjoy social equality and justice. The fair ‘map’ of the world should have blots of slums as big as doom. The gap must be reduced between the two worlds.

Q11. Stephen Spender while writing about an elementary classroom hi a slum, questions the value of education in such a milieu, suggesting that maps of the world and good literature may raise hopes and aspirations, which win never be fulfilled. Yet the gown offers a solution/hope. What is it?
ANSWER:  The slum children are being imparted education in a room whose walls are off-white in colour but are decorated with the pictures of ‘Shakespeare’, ‘buildings with domes’, “world maps’ and ‘beautiful valleys’. The maps of the world and good literature may raise hopes and aspirations. They may try to steal slyly from their milieu but it is quite unlikely that their hopes and aspirations may be fulfilled. The only solution/hope for them is to break the artificial barriers that bind and cramp them. Once free from their milieu, they can enjoy beauty.

Q12. How can powerful persons viz. governor,inspector,visitor may contribute to improve the lot of slum children?
ANSWER:  Powerful persons like governors, inspectors and visitors may take an initiative and start abridging the gap between the worlds of the rich and poor. They can play an important and effective role in removing social injustice and class inequalities. They should break and dismantle all the barriers that bind these children and confine them to the ugly surroundings. They will have their physical and mental development only when they leave the filthy and ugly slums. All good things of life should be within their reach. They must enjoy the freedom of expression.

Q13. How far do you agree with the statement: “History is theirs whose language is the sun.”
ANSWER:  This metaphor contains a vital truth. This world does not listen to the ‘dumb and driven’ people. Only those who speak with confidence, power, authority and vision are heard and obeyed. Those who create history are people whose ideas and language can motivate, move, inspire and influence millions of people. In order to be effective, their language must have the warmth and power of the Sun.

Before You Read

Q.1Ageing is a natural process; have you ever thought what our elderly parents expect from us?

ANSWER:
Aged people usually undergo pangs of loneliness and need companionship. The pessimistic approach they develop towards life can be shunned only if we provide them with abundant love, care, importance and empathy. They expect their children to sit calmly and talk to them about the happenings of their lives and to take their suggestions for making significant decisions. Their lost vitality can thus be easily rejuvenated. This happiness will encourage them to live life enthusiastically.

Think it Out

Q.1Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

ANSWER:
The young trees are personified in the poem. They seem to be running in the opposite direction when seen through the window of the moving car. The movement is juxtaposed with the expression on the mother’s face i.e. ashen like a corpse. The movement of the children and the trees is in stark contrast with the stillness associated with the mother.

Q,2Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?

ANSWER:
The poet highlights the helplessness and frailty of old age with the help of contrasts. The mother dozes off mouth open, whereas the children spilling out of their homes signify movement and energy, enthusiasm and vivacity, which the old people are bereft off.

Q.3Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

ANSWER:
The mother has been compared to the late winter’s moon which is dull and shrouded. It symbolizes the ebbing of life. The moon brings to the poets mind night or the approaching end of life. The mother like the late winter’s moon is dull, dim and dismal.

Q.4What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

ANSWER:
The parting words ‘see you soon Amma’ are used by the poet to reassure the mother and to infuse optimism in the poet herself. The poet accepts the reality yet keeps up the façade of smiling in order to put up a brave front. It requires a lot of effort and hence the poet has used the poetic device of repetition.

Short Answer Type Question:

Q1. Where was the poet going and who was with her?
ANSWER: The poet was driving from her parent’s home to the Cochin airport. The poet’s mother had comfe to see her off. She was sitting beside her. She was dozing with her mouth open. The words ‘driving’ and ‘doze’ provide a contrast between images of dynamic activity and static passivity respectively.

Q2. What was the poet’s childhood fear? [All India 2014]
ANSWER:  The child is always in fear of being separated from his parents. In the same way, the poet’s fear as a child was that of losing her mother or her company.

Q3. What does the poet’s mother look like? What kind of images has the poet used to signify her ageing decay?
ANSWER: The poet’s mother is sixty-six years old. She is sitting beside the poet and dozing with her mouth open. This is a sign of old age. Usually old people keep their mouth open to overcome breathing problems. Her face looked pale and faded like ash. Actually, she is an image of death as her ‘ashen’ face looks like that of a corpse.

Q4. What does the poet realise with pain? Why does the poet ‘put that thought away’ and look outside?
ANSWER: The lifeless and faded face of the poet’s mother pains her heart. She looks lifeless like a corpse. She provides an image of passivity, decay and death. The old lady seems to be lost in her thoughts. The poet needs a distraction, a change. She puts that thought away and looks outside. There she gets a picture of life, happiness and activity.

Q5. Describe the world inside the car and compare it to the activities taking place outside?
ANSWER: The pale and faded face of the poet’s mother looks lifeless like a corpse. Her dozing with mouth wide open suggests passivity, decay and death. Outside the car, the poet watches young trees speeding past them. They seem to be running fast or sprinting. Happy children are moving out of their homes cheerfully. They present an image of life, dynamism and activity.

Q6. Why does the poet look outside? What does she see happening outside?
ANSWER: The thought of the ageing mother at sixty-six and her pale and ashen face looking like a corpse becomes too heavy for the poet to bear. She needs a distraction, a diversion and therefore she looks outside. She watches young trees. These trees speed past them and appear to be sprinting. Then she sees happy children moving out of their houses and making merry.

Q7. How has the poet contrasted the scene inside the car with the activities going on outside?
ANSWER: The poet has used beautiful images to highlight the stark contrast between the scene inside the car and the activities going on outside. The ‘ashen’ face of the poet’s mother is pale and lifeless. It looks like that of a corpse. She is dozing and lost to herself. The image of the ‘dozing’ mother is contrasted with the ‘spilling’ of children. The ‘ashen’ and ‘corpse¬like’ face is contrasted with the young trees sprinting outside.

Q8. What does the poet do after the security check-up? What does she notice?
ANSWER:  They have to pass through a security check-up at the airport. After it, the poet stands a few yards away. Before saying parting words to her mother, she looks at her mother again. Her face looks pale and colourless like the late winter’s moon. She presents a picture of ageing and decay.

Q9. Why is the poet’s mother compared to the late winter’s moon?
ANSWER:  The poet’s mother has been compared to the late winter’s moon to bring out the similarity of ageing and decay. The late winter moon looks hazy and obscure. It lacks shine and strength. The poet’s mother has an ‘ashen’ face resembling a corpse. She has lost her shine and strength of youth. The comparison reinforces the impact.

Q10. What is the poet’s familiar ache and why does it return?
ANSWER: The poet is pained at the ageing and decaying of her mother. The fear is that with ageing comes decay and death. The sight of her old mother’s ‘ashen’ and corpse-like face arouses “that old familiar ache” in her heart. Her childhood fear returns. She is also pained and frightened by the idea that she may have to face all these things herself.

Q11. How does Kamala Das try to put away the thoughts of her ageing mother?[All India 2014]

  ANSWER: Kamala Das was in much trouble after seeing the lifeless and faded face of her mother. The old lady seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. The poetess turned away her attention from her mother and looked outside. The outside world was full of life and activity. The young trees seemed to be running fast. The children looked happy while moving out of their homes.

Q12. Why does the poet smile and what does she say while bidding good bye to her mother ?
OR
With fear and ache inside her heart and words of assurance on lips and smile on the face, the poet presents two opposite and contrasting experiences. Why does the poet put on a smile?
  ANSWER: The ‘wan’, ‘pale’, face of the poet’s mother at sixty-six brings an image of decay and death. It brings that old familiar fear of separation back. She fears the ultimate fate of human beings. But she has to put on a brave face. She regains self-control. She composes herself and tries to look normal. She utters the words of assurance that they will meet again soon. She tries to hide her ache and fear by smiling continuously.

Q13. What poetic devices have been used by Kamala Das in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?
  ANSWER:  The poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ is rich in imagery. Kamala Das uses the devices of comparison and contrast. The use of simile is very effective. The face of the poet’s old mother is described as ‘ashen’. This ashen face is ‘like that of a corpse’. The poet uses another simile. The “wan, pale’ face of the mother is compared to ‘a late winter’s moon’.
The poem excels in contrasts. The old ‘dozing’ lady inside is contrasted with the young trees “sprinting” and merry children “spilling” out of their homes.

Think As you Read

Q.1Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?

ANSWER:
The two girls, Sophie and Jansie, were already destined for a job in the biscuit factory and it was likely that they would work there after school.

Q.2What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does Jansie discourage her to have such dreams?

ANSWER:
Sophie dreamt of opening a boutique or becoming an actress or a fashion designer. She thought that she would be offered the position of a manager and that she would work there till the time she saves enough money for her boutique.
Keeping in mind their lower middle class family background, Jansie discourages Sophie to have such dreams. Jansie is more realistic and practical in life, and hence, knows that big ambitions cost heavy investments, something their working-class status could not afford.

Q.3Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father that she had met Danny Casey?

ANSWER:
Sophie knew her father well. He would be angry if he knew of her meeting with the young Irish footballer, Danny Casey. She didn’t tell him. When Geoff told his father about it, he became angry. He turned his head to look at her with disdain. Sophie wriggled where she was sitting at the table.
Q.4 Did Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey?

ANSWER:
No, Geoff doesn’t believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey. First, he looks round in disbelief and says, “It can’t be true”. Again he says, “I don’t believe it.” Sophie then narrates how Danny Casey came and stood beside her. Geoff asks her, “What does he look like?” So, he doesn’t seem to be convinced that Sophie met Danny Casey.

Q.5Does her father believe her story?

ANSWER:
Sophie’s father does not believe her story and he warns her that her “wild stories” might land her into trouble.

Q.6How does Sophie include her brother Geoff in her fantasy of future?

ANSWER:
Sophie was jealous of the fact that her brother had access to the world outside. She fantasises about going to these places with him some day in the future wearing a yellow dress. She fantasises that the world would rise to greet them.

Q.7Which country did Danny Casey play for?

ANSWER:
Danny Casey played football for Ireland.

Q.8 Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny?

ANSWER:

Sophie didn’t want Jansie to know about her encounter with Danny because she feared that Jansie would spread her story to the whole neighbourhood.

Q.9Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?
ANSWER:
Sophie did not meet Danny Casey in reality. She made up the story of her encounter with Danny Casey only to seek the attention her brother, Geoff.

Q.10 Which was the only occasion when she got to see Danny Casey in person?
ANSWER:
The only occasion when Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person was when the family went to watch United on Saturday. Sophie, her father and little Derek went down near the goal. Geoff went with his mates higher up. United won two-nil. Her idol Casey drove in the second goal. She saw the Irish genius going round two big defenders on the edge of penalty area. He beat the hesitant goal keeper from a dozen yards. Sophie glowed with pride.

Understanding the Text
Q.1 Sophie and Jansie were class-mates and friends. What were the differences between them that show up in the story?

ANSWER:
Sophie and Jansie were different from each other. Sophie was a dreamer who enjoyed creating her own fantasy world using her imagination. She showed an urge to transcend her working-class status and attain sophistication by pursuing the ambition of a fashion designer or an actress. Jansie, on the other hand, was more practical and realistic than Sophie. She tried to pull Sophie back to reality, but all in vain. Jansie’s sensibility and maturity are evident in her attempt to remind her friend that they were earmarked for the biscuit factory, and expensive dreams were inappropriate to their financial status.

Q.2How would you describe the character and temperament of Sophie’s father?

ANSWER:

Sophie’s father has a plumpy face looking grimy and sweaty. He doesn’t seem to be a soft or sophisticated man. Sophie fears his agressive manliness. He is a realist and does not believe in his daughter’s wild stories. He loves watching football. He hopes young Casey will be as good as Tom Finney. He wishes that the young footballer keeps away from all distractions. He shouts instructions to Casey at the playground. When the Irish genius , beats the hesitant goal keeper, Sophie’s father screams with joy and pride. He goes to a pub to celebrate the victory.

Q.3Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?

ANSWER:
Sophie liked her brother, Geoff, more than anybody else because he was not in the habit of talking much and remained lost in his own thoughts. She envied his silence and thought that he had access to an unknown world. She wanted to be a part of that world where she fancied herself wearing glamorous clothes and being welcomed by everyone. For Sophie, Geoff symbolised liberty from the monotonous and colourless life they had been living.

Q.4What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of her family’s financial status?

ANSWER:
Sophie belongs to a lower middle class socio-economic background. She lives in a small house with her parents and two brothers, Derek and Geoff. When she returns home after school, she feels choked with the steam of the stove and is disgusted with the dirty dishes piled in a corner. Her mother’s back has become stooped and bent by handling all the household chores and responsibilities on her own. Her father is a hard labourer and her elder brother, Geoff, works as an apprentice mechanic in a garage situated far away from his house. Her family wants Sophie to join work immediately after her school. These are some of the indicators of Sophie’s family’s financial status.
Talking about the Text
Discuss in pairs.

Q.1Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in her mind.

ANSWER:
Sophie was a dreamer who often made up stories for herself and for others. One possibility might be that she wanted to escape the squalor of daily life with the help of her fantasies. Her encounter with Danny Casey was a made-up story for the sake of catching her brother’s attention. Eventually, she gets so much engrossed in it that she starts to live the fantasy. When Danny Casey does not arrive for the second ‘date’, she experiences disappointment. However painful and disappointing her fantasy might be, she was not willing to accept reality. Her dreams and disappointments are figments of her
imagination.

Q.2It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. What would you say are the benefits and disadvantages of such fantasising?
ANSWER:
Teenage is the phase of life which constitutes of major changes in the life of an individual. During this phase, a person learns many things, sets his career goals, and deals with peer pressure and the pressure of adults’ expectations. Hence, it is natural for teenagers to fantasise and to have unrealistic dreams.

Advantages: Fantasising, based on realistic goals or the world around, provides a means to reach higher ambitions and dreams. Aspiring for higher career goals and working hard may ensure successful career prospects. Thus, it instills confidence and a spirit to achieve one’s desire. In difficult situations of life, it helps instill positivity and optimism. It is a talent in those known as creative.

Disadvantages: Fantasising builds a gap between fantasy and reality. The realisation of the disparity between one’s goals and capabilities may be painful. Non achievement may also lead to disappointment, depression or suicidal tendencies. Moreover, it is a sheer wastage of time for many.

Short Answer Type question:

Q1. What does Sophie dream of doing after she passes out of school? Why do you call it a ‘dream’ and not a ‘plan’?
  ANSWER: Sophie dreams to have a boutique of her own. It will be the most amazing shop the city has ever seen. She says that she will buy a boutique if ever she comes into money. She does not mind becoming an actress to run a boutique as a side business. Since she has no money or experience, it is called a ‘dream’ and not a ‘plan’.

Q2. What are the other dreams of Sophie in addition to having a boutique?
ANSWER:  The greatest dream of Sophie is to have a boutique. She wants to be a bit sophisticated and rise above her lower-middle class status. Her other dream is of being an actress as “there’s real money in that”. Moreover, actresses don’t work full time. She can look after her first love i.e. boutique as a side business. She has another option. She can be a fashion designer, and do something sophisticated.

Q3. Why does -Jansie say : “Soaf, you really should be sensible” ?
ANSWER: Jansie knows Sophie’s family background and financial position. She knows that both of them are earmarked for that biscuit factory. Sophie dreams of big and beautiful things like having a boutique or becoming an actress or a fashion designer. All these things need a lot of money and experience. Sophie has neither of them. So Jansie being down-to-earth advises her to be sensible and stop having wild dreams.

Q4. Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie?
OR
Jansie is Sophie’s classmate and friend but doesn’t entertain any ‘wild dreams’like her. Why?
ANSWER:  Sophie and Jansie are classmates and friends, but the similarity ends here. They are poles ’ apart in thinking and temperament. Sophie is an incurable dreamer and escapist. She dreams of big and beautiful things, which are beyond her reach.
On the other hand, Jansie is realistic and practical. She knows that they are poor and will have to work in the biscuit factory after leaving school. She is well aware that big things require big money and experience, which they don’t have. It is better to live in reality and think accordingly.

Q5. What job is Geoff engaged in? How does he differ from his sister, Sophie?
ANSWER:  Geoff is a grown up boy. He left school three years ago. Now he is an apprentice mechanic. He has to travel to his work each day to the far side of the city. He speaks little but listens to his sister’s ‘wild stories’. But he is not a day dreamer like her. He knows the financial limitations of his family. He cautions Sophie against entertaining dreams for a celebrity like Danny Casey.

Q6. Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff’s silence?
ANSWER: Geoff was almost grown up now. He spoke little. Words had to be extracted out of him like stones out of the ground. Sophie was jealous of his silence. She knew that when he was not speaking, he was away somewhere. He was out in the surrounding country—in those places she had never been. She wanted to share her brother’s affection.

Q7. What does Sophie tell Geoff about her meeting with Danny Gasey? How does Geoff react to it?
ANSWER: Sophie tells Geoff that she met Danny Casey. Geoff is surprised. He looks round abruptly and asks ‘where?’ Sophie replies that she met him in the arcade. Geoff can’t believe her. He says, “It’s never true.” He asks her, “What does he look like?” She replies that he has green eyes and is not very tall. Geoff is still not convinced.

Q8. How does Sophie’s father react when Geoff tells him about her meeting with Danny Casey?
ANSWER: Geoff informs his father that Sophie had a meeting with Danny Casey. He turns his head on his thick neck to look at her in disbelief. His expression is one of disdain. He ignores the news and goes on to talk about Tom Finney. He hopes that Danny will he like Tom Finney one day. When Sophie says that Casey is going to buy a shop, he reacts sharply. “This is another of your wild stories.”

Q9. “He don’t believe you—though he’d like to.” Who says so, about whom and in what context?
ANSWER: Geoff says so to Sophie about their father. He reacted sharply to her account of meeting Danny Casey. Geoff said that she had met him in the arcade and then told him how it had been. Their father said aggressively that she was going to talk herself into a load of trouble. Sophie asked Geoff to confirm that it was true. It was then that Geoff uttered these remarks. *-

Q10. Why do you think, does Goeff tell Sophie the following?
(i)“Casey must have strings of girls.”
(ii)“As if he’d ever show up.”
ANSWER:  Geoff knows that Sophie is still very young and immature. She is crazy after Danny Casey, the Irish wonder-boy. He tries to convince Sophie that a celebrity like Casey must have a large number of girls running after him. She says that he doesn’t have any. He will give her autograph next week if she cares to meet him next week. Geoff is not convinced. He doubts if he would ever show up.

Q11.Who was Danny Casey? How did the members of Sophie’s family react towards him?
ANSWER:  Danny Casey was a young Irish football player. He played for the United. The Irish prodigy could easily dodge the defenders and score goals. Sophie’s father was a football fan. He admired old heroes like Tom Finney and young wonder boy Casey. Geoff had a large poster of United first team squad on his bed room wall. There were three coloured photographs of Casey in the row below it. Every Saturday they went to watch United play.

Q12. Why was the visit of Sophie’s father and his family to watch United ‘their weekly pilgrimage’ ?
ANSWER:  Sophie’s father was a keen footfall fan. He took great interest in the career of Danny Casey, the Irish prodigy. Geoff, too was interested in football. Sophie considered Danny Casey her personal hero. She always dreamt of him. Casey was playing for United. The family visited the stadium regularly to watch him. So the family’s visit was like a religious or holy weekly ritual—a pilgrimage.

Q13. Where did Sophie meet Casey and what transpired between them?
ANSWER:  Sophie met Danny Casey in the arcade. It was she who spoke first and asked if he was Casey. He looked surprised. He was certainly Danny Casey as he had the Irish accent. She had already heard him on television. She asked him for an autograph for little Derek. But neither of them had any paper or pen. Before going he promised to give his autograph if she cared to meet him next week.

Q14. What promise does Sophie want Geoff to make and why ?
OR
Why does Sophie say: “Promise you’ll tell no one” and “Promise, Geoff-Dad’d murder me.”
ANSWER:  Sophie wants to confide in Geoff what happened dining her meeting with Danny Casey. Before telling him the details, she wants him to promise that he would tell no one about her meeting and the next ‘date’. She is afraid of her father’s anger. She fears he would murder her. Geoff assures her that she is quite safe. Their father does not believe such wild stories.

Q15. Did Geoff keep his promise? How do you know?
‘ OR
Why did Sophie say “Damn that Geoff, this was a Geoff thing not a Jansie thing.”
ANSWER:  Sophie had told Geoff about her meeting with Danny Casey and asked him to promise that he would tell no one. It was a secret between the two—something special just between them. Geoff did not keep his promise. He told Jansie’s brother Frank about it. Sophie cursed Geoff, as it was his doing, not Jansie’s.

Q16. Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey?
ANSWER: Sophie knew that Jansie was ‘nosey’. She was very inquisitive by nature. She took special interest in knowing new things about others. Sophie did not trust Jansie as she could not keep a secret. She could spread the rumour in the whole neighbourhood.

Q17. How did Jansie react at Sophie’s story of her meeting with Danny Casey ? [Delhi 2014]
ANSWER:  Jansie was a classmate and friend of Sophie. She lived in the same neighbourhood. She knew Sophie quite well. She was also aware of Sophie’s habit of dreaming. On learning of her meeting with Danny Casey, her first reaction was of disbelief. “You never did”, exclaimed Jansie. But when Sophie told her about her request for autograph, Jansie softened a little and said, “Jesus, I wish Fd have been there.”

Q18. What did Sophie want to keep a secret from her father and why? How did Jansie react to this disclosure?
ANSWER:  Sophie told Jansie that she wanted to keep her meeting with Casey a secret. There would be a row if her father knew it. Jansie thought that he would be pleased. Sophie told Jansie what a misery her father was. Moreover, she did not want crowd of people asking him about Danny Casey and her. She feared that he would murder her. Her mother felt upset whenever there was a row. Jansie assured Sophie that she could trust her to keep the secret.

Q19. Why did Sophie choose to walk by the canal? What did she do there?
ANSWER:  Sophie walked by the canal along a sheltered path. It was far away from the noise and crowd of the city. It was a place where she had often played when she was a child. There was a wooden bench beneath a solitary elm tree. Lovers sometimes came there. That was the most suitable place where she could dream of her hero Danny Casey.

Q20. How did Sophie react as she kept sitting for hours, waiting for Danny Casey and imagining his coming?
ANSWER:  At first Sophie was optimistic. She imagined him coming out of the shadows. When time had elapsed, pangs of doubt stirred inside her. She became sad and despondent. Danny would not come there at all. She feared that people would laugh at the story of her meeting with Casey.

Q21. Sophie is a typical adolescen.t hero-worshipper who carries her fantasising too far. Comment.
ANSWER:  Sophie is a dreamer and an escapist. She is also a hero-worshipper. Danny Casey, the wonderful Irish football player was her hero. She indulged in wishful thinking and dreams of meeting him. Her imagined meeting gave her immense pleasure. But the pangs of not meeting him made her sad and despondent.

Q22. “Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in her mind.” Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer.
ANSWER: I fully agree with the observation. Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in her mind, she is a hero-worshipper. The Irish prodigy is her hero. She imagines her meeting with him. Her day-dreaming makes her sad and despondent. The idea that Casey will not come at all is quite painful to her. Thus, her dreams and disappointments are products of her mind only. They have nothing to do with reality. ‘

Q23. Why did Sophie long for her brother’s affection? [All India 2014]
ANSWER:  Geoff was not veiy talkative. He was an introvert. Sophie thought that Geoff had access to the world where she had not got even a chance to visit. She wanted to be the part of her brother’s world. That is why she longed for his affection.

Long Answer Type Question:

Q1. What impression do you form of Sophie on reading the story ‘Going Places’?
OR
Sophie has her own dreams and disappointments, but they are all her creations—the creations of her own mind. Justify the statement.
ANSWER: Sophie is a young school girl. She dreams of big and beautiful things. Some of these are beyond her reach or her means. Her ambitions have no relation with the harsh realities of life. She thinks of having a boutique. She wants to have the most amazing shop this city has ever seen. Then she entertains the idea of being an actress There’s real money in that.’ Actresses do not work full time. So she would nm the boutique as a side business. If need be, she can be a fashion designer. She doesn’t realise that her family is not rich enough and her dreams can’t be fulfilled.
Sophie develops a romantic fascination for Danny Casey. He is a young Irish football player and the hero of her dreams. She indulges in hero worship. She tells a story that she met Casey. Her father calls it another of her “wild stories”. Even Geoff does not believe her. He tries to caution her. Casey is a celebrity. Many girls run after him. But Sophie ignores him.
She is an incurable dreamer. She has seen Casey only once, but all the time she thinks of him. She sits alone and waits for his arrival. She becomes sad and despondent when Casey does not come. She suffers because of her dreams. These dreams and disappointments are all the creations of her mind.

Q2. Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie highlighting their temperament and aspirations.
ANSWER:  Sophie and Jansie are class-fellows and friends. They belong to lower middle class families. Both of them are earmarked for biscuit factory. Jansie’s feet are firmly planted on the ground. But Sophie is totally blind to the harsh realities of life. She dreams of big and beautiful things. She wants to have a boutique. She thinks of becoming an actress as there is lot of money in this profession. If need be, she can also be a fashion designer. In short, she loves to be grand and sophisticated. All her dreams are beyond her reach and resources. Jansie advises her to be sensible, but she remains a romantic dreamer.
Sophie and Jansie differ in thinking and temperament. Sophie is lost in her dream world. She shares her secret with only one person. It is her elder brother Geoff. Jansie is ‘nose/. She takes interests in learning new things about others. She can spread the story in the whole neighbourhood. So, Sophie doesn’t want to share secrets with her.
Sophie is an incurable dreamer and escapist. She is a hero-worshipper. She adores the young Irish footballer Danny Casey. She develops a fascination for her. She becomes sad and helpless but she doesn’t become wiser. She remains a dreamer. Jansie is practical and realist. She has no such unrealistic dreams.

Q3. Describe the bond between Geoff and Sophie in spite of differences in their temperament and thinking.
ANSWER: Geoff was Sophie’s elder brother. He was three years out of school. He was an apprentice mechanic. He travelled to his work each day to the far side of the city. He was almost grown up now. He spoke very little. Sophie was jealous of Geoff’s silence. He was quiet
and didn’t make new Mends easily. He thought that Sophie was too young and immature. Geoff was mature enough to understand his limitations and those of his family. He never dreamt of big and beautiful things.
In spite of difference in their temperaments, there was a close bond between the two. Geoff was always the first to share Sophie’s secrets. He knew that Sophie’s story of meeting with Danny Casey was not true. Still he listened to her. Sophie confided in him. Her secret was something special just between them. It was not meant for nosey Jansie who would spread it in the whole neighbourhood. Geoff tried to persuade Sophie. He warned her that Danny Casey was a celebrity. He must have many girls like her running after him. Sophie told him that Casey would give her an autograph if she cared to meet him next week. Geoff did not believe “he’d ever show up.” Thus, he acted like an elder brother.
Geoff and Sophie share a common trait. It is their fascination for the Irish prodigy, Danny Casey. But they differ in their thinking. Like his father, Geoff wished Casey to be a great footballer one day. Sophie had romantic fascination for Casey. It was something else other than football.

Q4. Who was Danny Casey ? How was he adored by the family of Sophie, and specially by Sophie and her father ?
ANSWER:  Danny Casey was an Irish Prodigy. He was a wonderboy of football. He had won the hearts of his countless fans. He played for United. Sophie’s family was obsessed with the Irish genius. Sophie’s father compared young Danny Casey to another great football player Tom Finney. He wished that Casey might be that good someday. He knew there were a lot of distractions for a youngster in the game those days. He wished that Casey would keep his head on his shoulders. Geoff remarked that he was with the best team in the country. He hoped that Casey would prove even a better player than Tom Finney. Geoff considered him the best. His father thought that he was too young for the first team. The fact was that with his exceptional ability he was playing for the first eleven.
On Saturday, Sophie’s family made their weekly pilgrimage to the stadium to watch United play their match. They watched their hero Danny Casey in action. He was running, going round the two big defenders. Then he was on the edge of the penalty area. Sophie’s father was screaming for him to pass. They saw him beating the hesitant goal keeper from a dozen yards. He scored the second goal. United won two-nil. Sophie glowed with pride. Geoff was ecstatic. Someone wished he were an Englishman. Little Derek declared that Ireland would win the world cup. Their father went to the pub to celebrate.
Sophie adored Danny Casey. She had a romantic fascination for the Irish prodigy. Her young heart throbbed for her hero. She imagined Casey coming to her. She would sit under an elm tree, waiting for Casey and dreaming of him. She realised that he would not come. This made her sad and dejected. Sophie became a victim of her own dreams and disappointments.

Think As you Read
Q.1 What are some of the positive views on interviews?
ANSWER:
Interview, in the 130 years of its existence, has become an inherent part of journalism. It is a useful means of communication that is, at times, considered to be an art, serving as a source of truth. Denis Brian has stated that in today’s world we get to know “our contemporaries” through their interviews.

Q.2Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?

ANSWER:

Celebrity writers believe that interviews unduly interfere in their private lives. They regard themselves as victims of interviews. They claim that the interview in some way ‘diminishes’ them, just like some ancient cultures believed that a portrait of a person takes away his soul. Certain celebrities like V.S Naipaul have claimed that interviews leave them wounded, while others like Rudyard Kipling have referred to it as a crime and an immoral act.

Q.3 What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

ANSWER:
Some primitive cultures believed that photographing a person is no less than stealing his/her soul out of the body and rendering him incomplete and slighted.

Q.4 What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?

ANSWER:
The expression means having been strangulated. The interview is an assault on a person as it makes him/her so tense that he/she feels as good as being choked.

Q.5 Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

ANSWER:
In modern times, the chief source of information on personalities is the interviewer who, through his power and influence, gathers information and provides us with the best possible information on the interviewees. He extracts everything significant through his questions for us.

Understanding the Text

Q.1Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.

ANSWER:
Yes, Umberto Eco, in all possibilities, likes being interviewed. He felt just at ease with the interviewer and answered all the questions fully and patiently without showing any hurry. He stated his achievement in a very modest manner and explained his philosophical views and interest clearly. He let the interviewer enter the secret about his craft with a loud laugh. Also, he elaborated his approach which was unique. He was mannerly, warm and properly responsive as well.

Q.2 What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

ANSWER:
Umberto Eco’s academic writing style is quite distinctive. It has a certain playful and personal quality about it. It is a marked departure from a regular academic style, which is usually depersonalised and often dry and boring.

Q.3Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

ANSWER:
Umberto Eco considered himself an academic scholar first and a novelist later. He makes his preference clear by saying, “I consider myself a university professor who writes novels on Sundays”. On week days he attends academic conferences and does other scholarly, non-fictional work.

Q.4What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?

ANSWER:
‘The Name of the Rose’ is different sort of noveL It is quite serious noveL It is a detective story at one leveL But it also probes into metaphysics theology and medieval history. The reasons for the success of the book, however, remain a mystery.

Talking about the Text

Discuss in pairs or small groups.

Q.1The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.

ANSWER:

The medium I like best for an interview is the television. It has both audio and visual effect. It presents the interviewer and interviewee before the audience in their true colours. Usually celebrities accuse the reporters of misquoting them or misreporting them in the print media or the radio. This is not possible when they are face-to-face on the television. Their lip movement and body movement while replying to probing questions are there for all to see. The recording of various expressions coming on the face of the interviewee and his/her gestures and words are the additional advantages that television holds over the print media or the radio. The print media has dull, dry words alongside a picture whereas the radio tries to create the atmosphere by skilful variation of the sound. Both expect a lot of attention from the reader/audience.

Q.2Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.

ANSWER:
Interviewers want to present exculsive and intimate details about the famous person they are interviewing. Some interviewrs focus on the public life and achievements of the individual only. They try to be objective in their approach as well as assesment. However, there are others who want to make their interviews more spicy and usually cross the thin limit of privacy of the individual. In their zeal to present good copy they embrass the famous person with the personal questions. Sometimes impact of such questions on famous person reveals his/her aversion as well as irritation at the silliness of the person. If they shout, they are accused of being rude and proud and if they keep mum thy are labelled as arrogant. In my opinion privacy of an individual must be respected.