Important Questions and Answers for Class 8 English Chapter 15 Bibha Chowdhuri The Beam of Light 2025-26

1. Multiple choice questions.

1. Who was the Nobel Laureate who mentored Bibha Chowdhuri during her studies in Manchester?

• (a) Homi J. Bhabha
• (b) Erwin Schrödinger
• (c) Patrick M.S. Blackett
• (d) Vikram Sarabhai

Answer: (c) Patrick M.S. Blackett.

2. Which of the following best describes Bibha Chowdhuri's main area of research?

• (a) Space engineering
• (b) High-energy particle physics
• (c) Robotics
• (d) Marine biology

Answer: (b) High-energy particle physics.

3. Why was a star in the constellation Leo named ‘Bibha’ by the International Astronomical Union?

• (a) To honor scientific discoveries in astronomy
• (b) As a symbol of Bibha Chowdhuri’s contribution to science
• (c) Because Bibha studied astronomy
• (d) To celebrate International Women’s Day

Answer: (b) As a symbol of Bibha Chowdhuri’s contribution to science.

4. What does the word ‘beacon’ as used to describe Bibha Chowdhuri mean?

• (a) Challenge
• (b) Destroyer
• (c) Great encouragement
• (d) Intimidator

Answer: (c) Great encouragement.

5. Bibha Chowdhuri's nomination by Erwin Schrödinger for the Nobel Prize primarily showed that she was

• (a) Hard working
• (b) Highly talented and respected in science
• (c) Famous only in India
• (d) A popular teacher

Answer: (b) Highly talented and respected in science.

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

1. Define 'trailblazers' as used in the context of Bibha Chowdhuri’s life.

Answer: 'Trailblazers' are people who are the first to do something innovative, paving the way for others, just like Bibha Chowdhuri did for women scientists in India.

2. What quality helped Bibha Chowdhuri succeed despite obstacles?

Answer: Bibha Chowdhuri’s persistence, her continuous effort and determination to overcome difficulties, was key to her success in science.

3. Name one key scientific institute in India where Bibha Chowdhuri worked.

Answer: Bibha Chowdhuri worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), where she was the first woman faculty member.

4. When and where was Bibha Chowdhuri born?

Answer: Bibha Chowdhuri was born in 1913 in Kolkata, pre-independent India.

5. What does the phrase 'defied the odds' mean in relation to Bibha Chowdhuri?

Answer: It means she achieved success in her scientific career despite facing many difficulties and societal challenges.

3. Short Answer Questions.

1. Explain how Bibha Chowdhuri’s achievements influenced women’s participation in Indian science today.

Answer: Bibha Chowdhuri paved the way for future generations by breaking gender barriers in science. Her work and perseverance inspired women to pursue education and leadership roles in organisations like ISRO, where women now lead important space missions.

2. Describe the symbolic importance of naming a star 'Bibha' in her honour.

Answer: The renaming of a star as 'Bibha' recognises her contributions both literally, as a lasting mark in the universe, and symbolically, reflecting her as a guiding light or 'beam of light' for aspiring women in science.

3. How did Bibha Chowdhuri demonstrate tenacity throughout her career?

Answer: Despite being overlooked for awards and working in a male-dominated field, Bibha Chowdhuri continued her scientific research relentlessly, setting an example of determination for others to emulate.

4. What are some of the challenges Bibha Chowdhuri faced as a woman scientist in her time?

Answer: She faced barriers to education, societal expectations, and lack of recognition. Her accomplishments were often overshadowed by male scientists, and she had to work harder for acknowledgment and acceptance.

5. In what ways do the roles of women in modern ISRO missions reflect societal progression?

Answer: Women are now taking on leadership roles, managing mission-critical operations, and developing autonomous systems for spacecraft. This progression mirrors changing attitudes towards gender equality in STEM fields in India.

4. True or False Questions.

1. Bibha Chowdhuri received several national awards during her lifetime.

Answer: False.

2. The word 'beacon' describes Bibha Chowdhuri as someone who gives hope and encouragement.

Answer: True.

3. Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava is popularly known as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’.

Answer: True.

4. Bibha Chowdhuri’s primary research was in marine biology.

Answer: False.

5. The International Astronomical Union named a star after Bibha Chowdhuri.

Answer: True.

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

1. Bibha Chowdhuri is regarded as India’s first woman ________.

Answer: physicist

2. The quality that helped Bibha Chowdhuri to keep going despite problems was her ________.

Answer: persistence

3. The star 'HD 86081' in the constellation Leo is now called ________ in honour of Bibha Chowdhuri.

Answer: Bibha

4. Bibha Chowdhuri continued her research at institutions like the Physical Research Laboratory and the ________ Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata.

Answer: Saha

5. Bibha Chowdhuri’s story inspires young women to ________ barriers and follow their passions.

Answer: break

How Learning About Bibha Chowdhuri Empowers Students

Exploring Bibha Chowdhuri’s journey in Important Questions Class 8 English Chapter 15 Bibha Chowdhuri The Beam of Light helps students discover how perseverance shapes success. This chapter encourages every student to dream big, even when faced with challenges in education and life.

Students learn from Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy that women can shine in STEM fields like physics and space science. With real-life stories and relatable language, this chapter builds hope, courage, and respect for all pioneers in Indian science.

Regularly practising questions on English Chapter 15 Bibha Chowdhuri boosts understanding of trailblazing contributions and broadens vocabulary. Students feel empowered to break norms, just like India’s inspiring scientists.