50 Short Answer Type Questions — Chapter 6
Concepts & Definitions (1–10)
1. What is a material? Give two examples.
A material is a substance from which objects are made. Examples: wood (for furniture), water (drinkable liquid).
2. Define texture with an example.
Texture describes how a surface feels to touch. Example: Sandpaper feels rough; silk feels smooth.
3. Explain hardness with a classroom test.
Hardness is resistance to scratching. Test by gently scratching a material with a coin; if it doesn't scratch easily, it is harder.
4. What is flexibility? Provide an example.
Flexibility is the ability to bend without breaking. Example: A rubber sheet bends easily and is flexible.
5. Define solubility and give one soluble and one insoluble example.
Solubility is the ability to dissolve in a liquid. Soluble: sugar in water. Insoluble: sand in water.
6. What does transparent mean? Give an example.
Transparent materials allow light to pass through clearly, so objects behind them are visible. Example: clear glass.
7. Define elasticity with an example.
Elasticity is the ability to return to original shape after being stretched. Example: a stretched rubber band returning to its shape.
8. What is a conductor? Give an example for heat conduction.
A conductor allows heat or electricity to pass through it easily. Example for heat: copper pans conduct heat well.
9. What is an insulator? Give one example.
An insulator does not allow heat or electricity to pass through easily. Example: wood or plastic used for handles.
10. Why do we study properties of materials?
We study properties to choose suitable materials for uses — for safety, durability and functionality (e.g., using glass for windows because it is transparent).
Properties & Examples (11–20)
11. Give two examples of rough and two of smooth materials.
Rough: sandpaper, brick. Smooth: glass, polished metal.
12. How does density relate to materials (simple explanation)?
Density is mass per unit volume; denser materials feel heavier for the same size (e.g., a stone is denser than a sponge).
13. Give two examples of hard materials and two of soft materials.
Hard: rock, iron. Soft: sponge, cotton.
14. What makes cotton suitable for clothes?
Cotton is soft, breathable and absorbs sweat, making it comfortable for clothing.
15. Why are metals often used for tools?
Metals are strong, hard and can withstand wear; they are also good conductors of heat and electricity.
16. Name a flexible and a brittle material and explain the difference.
Flexible: rubber (bends without breaking). Brittle: glass (breaks or shatters instead of bending).
17. Give examples of materials that are transparent, translucent and opaque.
Transparent: glass. Translucent: tracing paper. Opaque: wood.
18. How is solubility useful in everyday life?
Solubility helps in cooking and cleaning — sugar dissolves in tea; detergents dissolve to clean clothes.
19. What properties make plastic useful for bottles?
Plastic is lightweight, waterproof and can be moulded into shapes; it is also durable and inexpensive.
20. Why is wood used for furniture?
Wood is strong, easy to shape, durable and provides a natural finish suitable for furniture.
States of Matter & Particle View (21–30)
21. Describe particles in solids, liquids and gases briefly.
Solids: particles are closely packed and vibrate in place. Liquids: particles are close but can move/slide past each other. Gases: particles are far apart and move freely.
22. Why do solids keep their shape?
Because particles are closely packed in a fixed arrangement, giving a definite shape.
23. Why do liquids take the shape of the container?
Particles in liquids can move around, so they flow and adopt the container's shape while keeping volume.
24. Give two examples where gases play an important role.
Breathing (oxygen) and inflating tyres (air) are examples where gases are essential.
25. What happens to particle arrangement when ice melts?
Particles gain energy, move more freely and change from a fixed arrangement (solid) to a less ordered liquid state.
26. How can you show that particles are present in air?
Blowing soap bubbles or using a dust particle beam shows particles in air; gas occupies space and has mass.
27. Can a substance exist in more than one state? Give example.
Yes. Water exists as ice (solid), water (liquid) and steam (gas) depending on temperature.
28. What is meant by 'flow' in liquids and gases?
Flow means the ability to move from one place to another; both liquids and gases can flow due to particle movement.
29. Why is diffusion faster in gases than in liquids?
Because gas particles move faster and are further apart, allowing quicker mixing.
30. Give an example of a daily life change showing gas expansion on heating.
Heating an air-filled balloon makes the air expand and the balloon inflate more (be cautious with overheating).
Practical Tests & Observations (31–40)
31. How to design a simple test to check solubility of two substances?
Take two beakers with water, add equal amounts of each substance, stir and observe which dissolves to form a clear solution and which does not.
32. Explain a safe classroom test to compare hardness.
Use a wooden block, plastic ruler and metal spoon; try scratching each with a coin and note which materials get scratched easily.
33. How would you test transparency using everyday items?
Place a small object behind different materials (glass, wax paper, cardboard) and note through which material the object is visible clearly, partly, or not at all.
34. Describe how to separate a mixture of sand and water.
Use filtration: pour the mixture through filter paper; sand stays on filter paper while water passes through and is collected below.
35. How to test if a material is elastic using a ruler and rubber band?
Attach a small weight to a stretched rubber band and then remove it; if the band returns to original length, it is elastic (do not overload).
36. Why should electrical conductor tests be teacher-supervised?
Because testing conductivity involves electricity which can be dangerous; supervision ensures safety and correct procedures.
37. What observation shows that a soluble substance dissolved completely?
The solution looks clear and uniform; no particles settle on standing and the solute cannot be seen separately.
38. How can you show that oil is insoluble in water?
Pour oil into water; it floats on top forming a separate layer, showing it does not dissolve.
39. Describe a simple test to check flexibility of paper and plastic strip.
Bend each strip gently; paper may crease or tear while a plastic strip may bend and return or hold shape without breaking.
40. How can filtration be used to separate undissolved solids from liquids? Give an example.
Filtering sand from water using filter paper separates undissolved sand from the liquid; sand remains while water passes through.
Applications, Changes & Quick Revision (41–50)
41. Explain why steel is used in construction.
Steel is strong, durable, and can bear heavy loads, making it suitable for building structures and reinforcement.
42. What causes iron to rust and how can it be prevented?
Iron rusts when exposed to air and moisture (oxidation). Prevention: paint coating, oiling, or galvanisation to protect from water and air.
43. Give an example of a reversible and an irreversible change.
Reversible: freezing and melting of water. Irreversible: burning wood into ash.
44. Why do materials change with temperature? Give an example.
Temperature changes affect particle motion; heating often increases motion causing melting or expansion (e.g., ice melts to water).
45. How are mixtures different from compounds (simple explanation)?
Mixtures are physical combinations where components retain properties (e.g., sand + salt). Compounds are chemically bonded (e.g., water) with fixed properties.
46. Name two items made from composite materials and state why composites are used.
Items: plywood (wood layers + adhesive), fibre-glass (glass fibres in resin). Composites combine strengths of different materials for better performance.
47. How does choosing the right material affect sustainability?
Choosing durable, recyclable or locally available materials reduces waste, energy use and environmental impact.
48. Suggest three safety tips while doing experiments on materials.
Wear safety goggles, handle sharp objects carefully, and avoid using electrical equipment without supervision.
49. How can students prepare quickly for an exam from this chapter?
Revise definitions, practice diagrams of particle arrangements, perform a few experiments and memorise key examples and one-line differences.
50. Write a one-line summary of Chapter 6.
This chapter teaches about different materials, their properties, classification into solids, liquids and gases, and simple tests to identify them.
Short Answer Type Questions - CBSE Class 6 Science – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT