Polythene : A Disaster| Class 8 Questions &Answers |

 Polythene : A Disaster| Class 8 Questions & Answers |

Polythene : A Disaster Questions &Answers

Q. No. 1: What is polythene and who discovered it? 

Ans: Polythene or polyethylene is the most common plastic used today. It is a tough, light, flexible and cheap substance used for packaging purposes. It is a linear, man-made polymer (a long molecule consisting of a chain or network of many repeating units) made by polymerizing (a process of combining smaller units to form bigger units) ethylene. 

It was accidently discovered by a German Scientist, Hans Van Pechmann. 

Q. No. 2: What does Rakesh's father expect from the kids? 

Ans: Rakesh's father expects from the kids that after listening to him, the kids will stop using polythene bags which the elders have so far failed to do. He also expects them to make a promise that they will encourage other kids at their school and neighbourhood to not use polythene bags as well. 

Q. No. 3: Why is polythene widely used? 

Ans: Polythene is widely used because it is tough, light, cheap and easy to carry. It is also very easy to dispose off after use as they are very light and can easily be thrown away. 

Q. No. 4: What is biodegradation? 

Ans: Biodegradation is a natural process in which the organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. 

Q. No. 5: What are the harmful effects of polythene? 

Ans: Polythene has not one but a Plethora of harmful effects. It is the cause of diseases like malaria, cholera, etc. It also decreases the fertility of soil, It plays a major role in the blockage of water systems like Sewerage and water pipes causing floods during moderate or heavy rainfall. When dumped into the water or on land it leads to water and land pollution and when burnt, it leads to air pollution. Polythene pollution has widespread effect on ecosystem. Polythene pollution through biomagnifications enters the food chain and increases along the trophic levels. Polythene is also suspected to be a cancer-causing agent. Polythene can also aid in the spread of diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis B. 

Q. No. 6:How is the soil affected by polythene? 

Ans: When polythene is dumped into the ground, it decreases the fertility of the soil. As it is a Non- biodegradable substance, it remains in the soil forever and reduces the water-retaining capacity of the soil by blocking its pores. Also, polythene has the property of Non-permeability, so it cuts off respiration of soil stem which in turn affects the plant life and animal life dependent on that soil. 

Q. No. 7: How does polythene affect animals? 

Ans: Polythene bags disposed ofcarelessly on the roads are often eaten by stray animals. This polythene disturbs the normal functioning of an animals body and often leads to their death. It is estimated that about one billion marine animals die each year due to polythene pollution. 

Q. No. 8: What is SRO 182? 

Ans: Vide SRO 182 is a new law passed by the government of Jammu and Kashmir on 18 June,2008 by which the use of polythene has been banned within the territorial limits of the state. 

Q. No. 9: How can we save our Posterity from the harmful effects of the polythene? 

Ans: As the inhabitants of the earth, it is our foremost responsibility that we stop the use of polythene bags as well as its manufacture. We should seek other better alternatives like paper and jute. Our earth is choking; it can no longer endure the burden of our mistakes. We've already done much harm to her. It is the high time we start correcting our wrongs and at once stop the use of polythene so that our future generations too can witness life on the earth.