Introduction to Class 6 Science Ch 5 Sorting Materials-Oxford Book
Class 6 Science Ch 5 Sorting Materials-Oxford Book – introduces students to the classification of everyday objects based on their properties such as appearance, texture, hardness, solubility, and transparency. This chapter helps learners observe, compare, and group materials scientifically, laying a strong foundation for understanding matter and its characteristics. Through engaging examples and activities, students develop critical thinking skills by exploring why and how materials are grouped for practical uses.
Class 6 Science Ch 5 Sorting Materials-Oxford Book
1. Objective type questions.|
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.
1. Glass sheets and flower petals are examples of……(smooth/rough) surfaces.
2. …….(Hard/Soft) materials can be compressed easily.
3. Materials that allow some light to pass through them are called……(transparent/translucent) materials.
4. …….. (Solids/Gases) are highly compressible
5. Liquids that do not dissolve in water are called ….(immiscible/soluble) water.
Ans:
Glass sheets and flower petals are examples of smooth surfaces.
Soft materials can be compressed easily.
Materials that allow some light to pass through them are called translucent materials.
Gases are highly compressible.
Liquids that do not dissolve in water are called immiscible in water.
B. Choose the correct option.
1. Which of the following has a rough surface?
a. A sandpaper b. Petals of a flower
c. Surface of an apple d. Glass sheet
Ans: a. A sandpaper
2. Which of the following can be compressed to a small extent?
a. Gases b. Liquids
c. Solids d. None of these
Ans: b. Liquids
3. Which of the following is translucent?
a. Cellophane paper b. Oiled paper
c. Water d. Wood
Ans: b. Oiled paper
4. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of a solid?
a. It has no definite shape.
b. It is highly compressible.
c. It has no definite volume.
d. Its particles are closely packed.
Ans: d. Its particles are closely packed
5. Which of the following is insoluble in water?
a. Common salt b. Sugar
c. Wax d. Carbon dioxide
Ans: c. Wax
6. Which of the following is a conductor of heat?
a. Metals b. Plastic
c. Bamboo d. Glass
Ans: a. Metals
7. Which of the following states of matter has close packing of particles?
a. Solid state b. Liquid state
c. Gaseous state d. All of these
Ans: a. Solid state
8. Which of the following materials will sink in water?
a. Wood b. Feather
c. Rock d. Leaf
Ans: c. Rock
9. Which of the following gases is soluble in water?
a. Hydrogen b. Nitrogen
c. Helium d. Carbon dioxide
Ans: d. Carbon dioxide
10. Which of the following is a conductor of electricity?
a. Air b. Copper wire
c. Plastic d. Wood
Ans: b. Copper wire
II. Very short answer type questions.
A. Give two examples for the following.
1. Soft materials
Ans: Cotton, Sponge
2. Transparent materials
Ans: Glass, Clear plastic
3. Opaque materials
Ans: Wood, Metal
4. Gases insoluble in water
Ans: Hydrogen, Nitrogen
5. Magnetic materials
Ans: Iron, Nickel
6. Insulators of heat
Ans: Plastic, Wood
Class 6 Science Ch 5 Sorting Materials-Oxford Book-1 mark
B. Give one word for the following.
1. Materials that have uneven or bumpy surface- Ans: Rough
- 2. Materials that do not allow light to pass through them
- Ans: Opaque
- 3. Liquids that are soluble in water
- Ans: Miscible
4. Materials that are attracted to a magnet - Ans: Magnetic
5. Materials that do not have a definite shape and volume
Ans: Gas
Class 6 Science Ch 5 Sorting Materials-Oxford Book-2 marks
III. Short answer type questions.
1. Which property of metals makes them suitable for making jewellery?
Ans: Metals are lustrous, which means they have a shiny appearance. This property makes them attractive and suitable for making jewellery.
2. Compare hard and soft materials with one example of each.
Ans: Hard materials cannot be easily compressed or scratched (e.g., iron).
Soft materials can be easily compressed or scratched (e.g., cotton).
3. What is floatation?
Ans: Floatation is the ability of an object to float on the surface of a liquid, usually water. It depends on the object’s density compared to the liquid.
4. Why are cooking utensils made of metals while their handles are made of wood or hard plastic?
Ans: Metals are good conductors of heat, so they cook food efficiently.
Handles are made of wood or plastic because they are poor conductors of heat and prevent burns while handling.
5. Why are electric cables made of metal wires?
Ans: Metals are good conductors of electricity, so they allow electric current to pass through easily, making them ideal for electrical wiring.
6. What are conductors and insulators of electricity? Give one example of each.
Ans: Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through them (e.g., copper).
Insulators are materials that do not allow electricity to flow through them (e.g., rubber).
Class 6 Science Ch 5 Sorting Materials-Oxford Book-4 marks
V. Long answer type questions.
1. Differentiate between transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Give two examples for each.
Ans:
| Feature | Transparent | Translucent | Opaque |
| Light Passage | Allows almost all light to pass through. | Allows some light to pass through, but scatters it. | Allows no light to pass through. |
| Visibility | Objects behind can be seen clearly. | Objects behind appear blurry or fuzzy. | Objects behind cannot be seen at all. |
| Shadows | Casts very faint or no shadows. | Casts faint, light shadows. | Casts dark, distinct shadows. |
2. What is magnetism? Describe an activity to differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic substances.
Ans:
Magnetism is the property of a material to attract certain substances like iron, nickel, and cobalt. These materials are called magnetic substances, while materials that are not attracted by a magnet are called non-magnetic substances.
Activity to Identify Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Substances:
Materials needed: A magnet, iron nail, paper clip, rubber band, plastic spoon, coin.
Procedure:
Bring the magnet close to each object one by one.
Observe whether the object gets attracted to the magnet.
Observation:
Iron nail and paper clip are attracted → Magnetic.
Rubber band and plastic spoon are not attracted → Non-magnetic.
3. Describe grouping of materials depending upon their solubility in water.
Soluble Materials
Materials that completely dissolve in water are called soluble substances. When these are mixed with water and stirred, they disappear to form a clear solution. The molecules of the substance spread out uniformly between the molecules of water.
- Solid Examples: Salt (Sodium Chloride), Sugar.
- Liquid Examples: Honey, Lemon Juice, Vinegar.
- Gas Examples: Oxygen (partially soluble, which allows aquatic life to breathe), Carbon Dioxide (used in soft drinks).
Insoluble Materials
Materials that do not dissolve in water, even after being stirred for a long time, are called insoluble substances. These materials remain visible and usually either sink to the bottom or float on the surface.
- Solid Examples: Sand, Chalk Powder, Sawdust, Iron Nails.
- Liquid Examples: Mustard Oil, Coconut Oil, Kerosene. (When two liquids do not mix, they are specifically called immiscible).
- Gas Examples: Nitrogen, Methane.
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