CBSE Class 6 Science Important Questions Chapter 6 - Materials Around Us

1. What are materials, and why are they important?
Ans: Materials are substances or objects used to create other products. They are essential as they form the basis of everything we use daily, from furniture to clothes to buildings.

2. List some common types of materials.
Ans: Common materials include 

• metals (iron, aluminium) 

• Wood

• Glass 

• Plastic

• Rubber

• Fabric. 

Each has unique properties suited for specific uses.

3. What are the main properties of materials?
Ans: Materials have various properties, including hardness, transparency, flexibility, solubility, and the ability to conduct heat or electricity.

4. How can materials be classified based on their properties?
Ans: Materials can be classified as hard/soft, transparent/opaque, flexible/rigid, soluble/insoluble, and conductive/non-conductive based on their properties.

5. What is transparency? Give examples of transparent materials.
Ans: Transparency is the property that allows light to pass through a material. Glass and clear plastic are examples of transparent materials.

6. Explain the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque materials.

Ans: 

• Transparent: Allows light to pass through (e.g., glass).

• Translucent: Allows partial light through, making objects appear blurred (e.g., frosted glass).

• Opaque: Does not allow light through (e.g., wood).

7. Why are metals often used in construction?
Ans: Metals are strong, durable, and resistant to weather, making them ideal for building structures, bridges, and other constructions.

8. What are flexible materials? Give examples.
Ans: Flexible materials can bend without breaking. Examples include rubber and fabric.

9. Why is plastic used in making water bottles?
Ans: Plastic is lightweight, durable, and does not react with water, making it an ideal material for water bottles.

10. How do the properties of glass make it suitable for windows?
Ans: Glass is transparent, allowing light to pass through, which makes it suitable for windows as it provides visibility and natural lighting.

11. What are soluble and insoluble materials?

Ans: 

• Soluble: Materials that dissolve in water (e.g., salt, sugar).

• Insoluble: Materials that do not dissolve in water (e.g., sand, oil).

12. What is the difference between conductors and insulators?

Ans: 

• Conductors: Materials that allow electricity or heat to pass through them, like metals.

• Insulators: Materials that do not allow electricity or heat to pass through, like rubber and plastic.

13. Why are metals like copper and aluminium used in electrical wiring?
Ans: Copper and aluminium are good conductors of electricity, allowing electrical currents to pass through them efficiently.

14. Why is the wood used in making furniture?
Ans: Wood is sturdy, durable, and can be easily shaped, making it ideal for crafting furniture.

15. How can we identify if a material is hard or soft?
Ans: Hard materials cannot be easily scratched or compressed (e.g., iron), while soft materials can be (e.g., sponge).

16. What materials are used to make clothes, and why?
Ans: Fabrics like cotton, wool, and polyester are used for clothing. Cotton is breathable, wool is warm, and polyester is durable, each suited for different types of clothing.

17. How does the environment affect material choice?
Ans: The properties of materials, like resistance to weather or biodegradability, determine their suitability. For instance, plastic resists water, so it’s used outdoors, but it’s not environmentally friendly.

18. What materials are biodegradable and non-biodegradable?

Ans: 

• Biodegradable: Materials that decompose naturally, like wood and paper.

• Non-Biodegradable: Materials that don’t decompose easily, like plastic.

19. Why is it important to understand material properties in science?
Ans: Understanding material properties helps us make informed choices about their uses, promoting sustainability and safe usage in technology and construction.

20. How can learning about materials around us impact environmental awareness?
Ans: By learning about materials, especially non-biodegradable ones, students understand the importance of choosing environmentally friendly options and reducing waste, fostering environmental responsibility.

Class 6 Science Chapter 6 Materials Around Us: Extra Questions and Answers

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is the process of arranging materials based on common properties called?

Answer: The process is called classification.

2. Name a lustrous material.

Answer: An example of a lustrous material is gold.

3. Give an example of a translucent material.

Answer: Frosted glass is an example of a translucent material.

4. What property of materials determines whether they can be compressed?

Answer: The property that determines whether materials can be compressed is hardness.

5. Which of the following materials is used for making windows? (a) Wood (b) Plastic (c) Glass (d) Metal

Answer: The correct material used for making windows is (c) Glass.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why are gold and silver shinier compared to iron?

Answer: Gold and silver are shiny because they are metals with a lustrous surface, while iron can lose its shine and corrode when exposed to air and moisture.

2. List any four objects and the materials they are made from.

Answer:

• Table: Made of wood.

• Spoon: Made of steel.

• Spectacles: Made of glass, steel, and plastic.

• Book: Made of paper.

3. What is the basis for sorting materials?

Answer: Materials are sorted based on similarities or differences in properties such as hardness, transparency, solubility, and lustre.

4. Why is wood most suitable for making a table?

Answer: Wood is suitable for making a table because it is hard, durable, and easily shaped.

5. Differentiate between opaque and transparent materials.

Answer:

• Transparent materials allow light to pass through and provide clear vision (e.g., glass).

• Opaque materials do not allow light to pass through and prevent visibility (e.g., wood).

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Classify the following materials based on their solubility and transparency: salt, flower, oxygen, sand, piece of glass, sugar crystal, oiled butter paper, and coconut oil.

Answer:

2. Explain why a tumbler made of cloth cannot be used for storing water.

Answer: A cloth tumbler cannot store water because the material is porous, meaning it allows water to pass through. Also, cloth lacks the rigidity needed to maintain the shape required for holding liquids.

3. What are the advantages of grouping materials based on their properties?

Answer:

• Grouping materials helps in easily identifying and choosing the right material for specific purposes.

• It also assists in understanding the different characteristics and behaviours of various materials.

Downloading and practising the FREE PDF containing the most important questions for Class 6 Science Chapter 6 on Materials Around Us is an excellent way to prepare for your exams. 

This resource offers a structured approach, covering key topics, extra questions, short answers, and even a test paper. By focusing on these important questions and revising effectively, you’ll not only build your confidence but also deepen your understanding of the subject.

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