CBSE Class 7 Science Question 15 of 16

Heat Transfer in Nature — Question 15

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15
Question
Explain how water seeps through the surface of the Earth and gets stored as groundwater.
Answer

Water seeps through the surface of the Earth by gradually passing through the soil and porous rocks. This process is known as infiltration. This water fills the pores and cracks in rocks and soil and gets stored underground as groundwater. The layers of sediments and rocks that store water in their pore spaces are known as aquifers.

Chapter 3: Heat

Heat is a form of energy that flows from hot to cold. Temperature measures hotness/coldness. Clinical thermometer (35-42 degrees C, has kink) and laboratory thermometer (-10 to 110 degrees C, no kink) are used for measurement. Heat transfers by conduction (solids), convection (liquids/gases), and radiation (no medium needed). Dark surfaces absorb more heat; light surfaces reflect more.

Theme: Physics | Difficulty: Age-appropriate for Class VII

Key Formulas & Equations

Formula / Equation When to Use
Normal body temperature = 37°CReference value
Clinical range: 35°C – 42°CFor body temperature only
Lab thermometer range: −10°C to 110°CFor experiments

Must-Know Concepts

  • Heat is energy (joules); temperature is degree of hotness (°C)
  • Clinical thermometer has a kink; lab thermometer does not
  • Conduction: heat in solids (metals are conductors, wood/plastic are insulators)
  • Convection: heat in liquids/gases by particle movement (sea breeze, land breeze)
  • Radiation: heat without medium (Sun to Earth through vacuum)
  • Dark clothes absorb heat; light clothes reflect heat
  • Wool traps air (insulator), does not produce heat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing heat with temperature
  • Thinking metals are "cold" — they conduct heat away from hand quickly
  • Thinking wool generates heat — it only traps body heat
  • Believing radiation needs a medium

Scoring Tips

  • Compare clinical and lab thermometer in a table
  • Draw sea breeze and land breeze diagrams with arrows
  • Give 2 examples each of conduction, convection, radiation