Worksheet 5Skills assessed:Problem solving and qualitativaanimalsRead the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow.We know that various factors such as, the right temperaturepresence of oxygen in the atmosphere,water in the liquid form, and the right distance from thesun, have contributed in making life possibleon Earth. Did you know that the Earth's magneticfield is also an important factor for the presence oflife on Earth?Along with the light and warmth of the sun, there is also a continuous flow of tiny particles,containing an electric charge from the sun.This stream of charged particles from the sun is calledthe solar wind. These charged particles move at extremely high speeds and are quite harmful to us.No life form can survive after being directly exposed to thesecharged particles. One would thinkthat the thick blanket of the Earth's atmosphere would protect us, but these particles carry so muchenergy that they can rip apart even the molecules of gases in our atmosphere.These harmful charged particles can, however, be deflected by a magnetic field. This is where themagnetic field of the Earth comes into play. The Earth's magnetic field is very effective in deflectingthese charged particles and keeping the atmosphere and the life on Earth safe. It is believed that theplanet Mars has a very weak magnetic field and therefore, a very thin layer of atmosphere. Somescientists are of the opinion that Mars lost its magnetic field about 4.2 billion years ago. Due to this,the solar winds destroyed the planet's atmosphere.1. Name two factors that make life possible on Earth.2. What is a 'solar wind'?3. In what way is it harmful to us?4. Can the thick blanket of atmosphere protect us from solar wind?5. How is our Earth protected from the effects of solar wind?6. Name a planet which has a weak magnetic field.170 Unit 5: How Things Work​