Short and Long Answer Questions: Bibha Chowdhuri | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1. Who was Bibha Chowdhuri and why is she remembered in Indian science?
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri was one of India’s pioneering women physicists. She made important contributions in the field of particle physics, especially in the study of cosmic rays. At a time when very few women pursued science, she broke barriers and established herself in research. She is remembered for her determination, hard work, and inspiring role in Indian science.

Q2. What challenges did Bibha Chowdhuri face as a woman in science?
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri faced many challenges because science was a male-dominated field in her time. She struggled to gain recognition and opportunities despite her talent. Often, her achievements were overlooked, and she had to work harder than her male colleagues. Yet, her passion for science kept her moving forward.

Q3. How did Bibha Chowdhuri inspire future generations of women?
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri’s courage and dedication showed that women could excel in science despite social barriers. She set an example of perseverance and intellectual strength. Her life story inspires young women to enter STEM fields and contribute without fear of discrimination. She became a role model for women in Indian science.

Q4. What was Bibha Chowdhuri’s contribution to the study of cosmic rays?
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri researched extensively on cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles from outer space. Her experiments helped in understanding subatomic particles and their behavior. Her work gained international attention and contributed to the growth of particle physics in India. This was a remarkable achievement for a woman scientist in her era.

Q5. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri called a “beam of light” for women in science?
Ans: She is called a “beam of light” because her life illuminated the path for other women to follow. Just as a beam of light removes darkness, Bibha Chowdhuri broke gender barriers and guided women toward careers in science. Her courage and achievements continue to inspire generations.

Long Answer Questions 

Q1. Describe Bibha Chowdhuri’s journey as a woman scientist and the significance of her contributions.
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri’s journey was both inspiring and challenging. At a time when very few women pursued higher education in science, she chose physics as her career. Her research on cosmic rays was pioneering and added valuable knowledge to particle physics. Despite facing gender discrimination and lack of recognition, she continued to work with dedication. She collaborated with prominent scientists and her experiments gained international importance. Bibha’s determination proved that women could make groundbreaking contributions to science. Her life continues to motivate young women to follow their passion for knowledge and research.

Q2. How did Bibha Chowdhuri pave the way for women in science in India? Explain with reference to her struggles and achievements.
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri’s life was marked by struggles against societal norms and professional challenges. In an era where women were discouraged from pursuing careers in science, she chose physics and excelled in research. She studied cosmic rays and subatomic particles, producing important work in particle physics. Her achievements showed that women could match the brilliance of men in scientific inquiry. Even though her contributions were not fully acknowledged during her lifetime, she symbolized courage and resilience. By breaking barriers, she encouraged women to enter STEM fields. Her legacy remains a guiding light for women scientists in India.

Q3. Discuss the challenges Bibha Chowdhuri faced as a woman scientist in pre-independence India and how she overcame them.
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri entered the world of science at a time when very few women pursued it as a career. She faced gender bias, lack of recognition, and limited opportunities in Indian institutions. Despite these challenges, she excelled through her dedication and brilliance. Her pioneering research in cosmic rays and particle physics received appreciation from international scientists. She worked under C. V. Raman and later collaborated with famous scientists abroad. Though her contributions were often overlooked in India, she continued her work with determination. Bibha’s persistence and achievements paved the way for other women to enter the field of science with greater confidence.

Q4. How did Bibha Chowdhuri’s work in cosmic ray research and particle physics contribute to the field of science?
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri’s research primarily focused on cosmic rays, which were of great scientific interest during her time. She made detailed studies of subatomic particles, particularly mesons, which were critical to the advancement of particle physics. Working in Europe with world-renowned scientists, she became one of the first women to explore such advanced topics. Her findings provided valuable insights into the behavior of high-energy particles. Even though she did not receive the recognition she deserved in India, her research was respected internationally. Her work strengthened the foundation of experimental physics and continues to inspire later generations of scientists.

Q5. In what ways does Bibha Chowdhuri remain an inspirational figure for today’s young scientists, especially women?
Ans: Bibha Chowdhuri remains a symbol of courage, persistence, and brilliance in science. Despite facing neglect and bias in India, she pursued her passion fearlessly. Her groundbreaking research in cosmic rays showed her intellectual strength and scientific vision. She proved that women could excel in highly technical fields and compete with the best minds globally. For today’s young scientists, Bibha’s life is a reminder that passion and hard work can break barriers. She inspires women to believe in their abilities and pursue science with confidence. Her legacy shines as a guiding light for women who dream of making their mark in research and discovery.