CHAPTER – 1

Food: Where Does it Come From?

• Food: Nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink, or that plants absorb. In
order to maintain life and growth.
• There is a lot of variation in the food eaten in different regions of India.
• The main sources of our food are plants and animals.
• Food sources from plants:- vegetables, pulses, spices, cereals, fruits, oils, etc.
• Food sources from animals:- milk, egg, honey, meat, fish, etc.
• Other sources of food are salt and water.
• Animals which eat only plants are called herbivores. Example: cow, goat, sheep etc.
• Animals which eat only animals are called carnivores. Example: tiger, lion, etc.
• Animals which eat both plants as well as other animals are called omnivores. Example:
bears, foxes, dogs, etc.
• Animals that live on dead and decayin food is called scavengers. Example: hyenas,
vulture, etc.
Ncert Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 1

Ncert Solutions For Class 6 Science Chapter 1 Food : Where

does it come from
1. Do you find that all living beings need the same kind of food?

Answer

No, the food requirements of all living organisms are different. Depending on the food
requirements, living organisms are grouped into three categories:

• Herbivores: Animals which eat only plants and plant products are called herbivores. For
example: Cow, elephant, rabbit, horse, etc.

• Carnivores: Animals which eat other animals are called carnivores. For example: Lion, tiger,
lizard, etc.

• Omnivores: These animals eat both plants and animals. For example: Dog, cat, cr ow, etc.

2. Name five plants and their parts that we eat.

Answer

Plants - edible parts

Carrot - root

Potato - stem

Carrot - root

Apple - fruit

Cabbage - leaf

3. Match the items given in Column A with that in Column B

 Column A Column B
Milk, curd, panner ghee eat other animals
Spinach, cauliflower, carrot eat plant and plants products
Lions and tigers are vegetables
Herbivores are all animal products

Answer
Column A Column B
Milk, curd, panner ghee are all animal products
Spinach, cauliflower, carrot are vegetables
Lions and tigers eat other animals
Herbivores eat plant and plants products

Page No: 7

4. Fill up the blanks with the words given:

Herbivore, plant, milk, sugarcane, carnivore

(a) Tiger is a _________ because it eats only meat.

► carnivore

(b) Deer eats only plant products and so, is called _________.

► Herbivore

(c) Parrot eats only _________ products.

► plant

(d) The _______that we drink, which comes from cows, buffaloes and goats is an animal
product.

► milk

(e) We get sugar from _________ .

► sugarcane
 CHAPTER – 2
COMPONENTS OF FOOD

• Nutrients: Food substances that provide nourishemt to the body.

• The major nutrients in our food are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
In addition, food also contains dietary fibres and water.
• Carbohydrates and fats mainly provide energy to our body.
• Carbohydrates: These are energy-giving compounds. There may be simple carbohydrates
or complex carbohydrates.
• Fats: These are very high energy-giving compounds compounds. They produce greater
amount of energy than carbohydrates.
• Minerals: These are elements required by the body in small amounts. It is essential for
growth and development of bones, teeth and red blood cells.
• Proteins: These are body-building foods. They help in the growth of the body.
• Vitamins: These are organic substances that protect the body from diseases.
• Roughage: It is the dietary fibre present in the food. It facilitates regular movement of the
bowels and prevents constipation.
• Balanced diet: It provides all the nutrients that our body needs, in right quantities, along
with adequate amount of roughage and water.
• Deficiency Diseases: These are the diseases cause due to the lack of required nutrients for
a long period in the diet.
• Some Nutrients Deficiency Diseases are:
(a) Protein: Kwashiorkar - Stunted growth, thinning of legs, protruding belly.
(b) Protein and Carbohydrates – Marasmus – Complete/partial arrest of growth, lack of
energy.
(c) Vitamin D: Rickets – Bowed legs, bent spine, deofmed bones are joints.
(d) Vitamin C: Scurvy – Bleeding and swelling of gums, weakness.
(e) Iodine: Goitre – Enlargement of thyroid gland, retarded growth.
(f) Iron – Anaemia – Fatigue, loss of appetite, pale skin.
Ncert Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 2

Ncert Solutions For Class 6 Science Chapter 2 Components

of Food
1. Name the major nutrients in our food.

Answer

The major nutrients in our food are Carbohydrates, proteins, Fats, Vitamins and minerals.

2. Name the following:

(a) The nutrients which mainly give energy to our body.

► Carbohydrates and fats

(b) The nutrients that are needed for the growth and maintenance of our body.

► Proteins and minerals

(c) A vitamin required for maintaining good eyesight.

► Vitamin A

(d) A mineral that is required for keeping our bones healthy.

► Calcium

3. Name two foods each rich in:

(a) Fats
► Mustard oil and Meat

(b) Starch
► Rice and Mango

(c) Dietary fibre

► Pulses and Potato
(d) Protein

► Gram and Milk

4. Tick (✓) the statements that are correct.

(a) By eating rice alone, we can fulfill the nutritional requirement in our body. ( )

► (✘)

(b) Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet. ( )

► (✓)

(c) Balanced diet for the body should contain a variety of food items. ( )
► (✓)

(d) Meat alone is sufficient to provide all nutrients to the body. ( )

► (✘)

5. Fill in the blanks:

(a) _________ is caused by the deficiency of vitamin D.

► Rickets

(b) Deficiency of _________ causes a disease known as beri-beri.

► Vitamin B1

(c) Deficiency of vitamin C causes a disease known as _________.

► Scurvy

(d) Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of _________ in our food.

► Vitamin A
 CHAPTER – 3
FIBRE TO FABRIC
• Fibres: There are two types of fibres:
(a) Natural Fibres: The fibres which are obtained from plants and animals. Example:
cotton, jute, silk and wool.
(b) Synthetic Fibres: Man-made fibres which are not obtrained from plant and animals
sources. Examples: rayon, nulon, polyester, etc.
• Fibres from plant sources:
(a) Cotton: cotton is grown in black soil and warm climate.
(b) Jute: jute is obtained from stem of jute plant.
• Fibres from animal sources:
(a) Wool: wool cloth is spun from yarn made from the fibres of the thick fleece of sheep.
(b) Silk: silk thread is obtained from the saliva of an insect called silkworm.
• Processing of wool: It involves four steps:
(a) Shearing: The process of removal of wool from the sheep’s skin.
(b) Grading: The process of separating fleece from damaged wool.
(c) Carding: The process after the wool has been washed and dried, it is passed through
the rollers (that have teeth).
(d) Spinning: The process by which fibrs are gathered together and drawn into a long
rope and then twisted to make yarn.
• Fabrics are made from yarns, which in turn are made from fibres.
• Making Fabric from Yarn: It is done by two processes:
(a) Weaving: The process by two sets of yarns are arranged together to form fabric. It is
done on looms.
(b) Knitting: The process by which a single yarn is used to make fabric. It is done by hand
or machines.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 3 Fibre to Fabric

1. Classify the following fibers as natural or synthetic:

nylon, wool, cotton, silk, polyester, jute
Solution:
Natural: Wool, Cotton, Silk, Jute
Synthetic: Nylon, Polyester
2. State whether the following statements are true or false:
a) Yarn is made from fibres.
b) Spinning is a process of making fibres.
c) Jute is the outer covering of coconut.
d) The process of removing seed from cotton is called ginning.
e) The weaving of yarn makes a piece of fabric.
f) The silk fibre is obtained from the stem of a plant.
g) Polyester is a natural fibre.
Solution:
a) True
b) False
c) False
d) True
e) True
f) False
g) False
3. Fill in the blanks:
a) Plant fibres are obtained from_________ and ________ .
b) Animals fibres are __________ and ___________ .
Solution:
a) Plant fibres are obtained from cotton and jute.
b) Animals fibres are silk and wool.
4. From which parts of the plant cotton and jute are obtained?
Solution:
Cotton is obtained from the fruits of the cotton plant and Jute is obtained from the stem of the jute
plant.
5. Name two items that are made from coconut fiber.
Solution:
Gunny bags, Ropes and Mats.
6. Explain the process of making yarn from fiber.
Solution:
Yarn can be made from fibre by the process called Spinning. From the mass of cotton, fibres are
drawn and twisted which brings together the fibres to form a yarn. Takli and Charkha are the devices
used for spinning.
 CHAPTER – 4
Sorting Material into Groups
• Objects around us are made up of a large variety of materials.
• A given material could be used to make a large number of objects. It is also possible that
an object could be made of a single material or of many different types of materials.
• Different types of materials have different properties.
• Some materials are shiny in appearance while others are not. Some are rough, some
smooth. Similarly, some materials are hard, whereas some others are soft.
• Some materials are soluble in water whereas some others are insoluble.
• Some materials such as glass, are transparent and some others such as wood and metals
are opaque. Some materials are translucent.
• Materials are grouped together on the basis of similarities and differences in their
properties.
• Things are grouped together for convenience and to study their properties.
• Materials are classified based on their properties like: appearance, hardness, solubility,
float/ sink, transparency, conduction of heat, states of matter, conduction of electricity,
attraction towards magnets, combustibility.
• Advantages of classification:
(a) Helps in identification of objects.
(b) Helps in sortingof objects.
(c) Helps in locting things.
(d) Makes study of different objects easy and more meaningful rather than studying each
other separately.
(e) Helps to understanding similarities and dissimilarties among objects.
Ncert Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 4

Ncert Solutions For Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Sorting

Materials Into Group
1. Name five objects which can be made from wood.

Answer

Five objects which can be made from wood

 Almirah
 Table
 Chair
 Desk
 Door

2. Select those objects from the following which shine:

Glass bowl, plastic toy, steel spoon, cotton shirt

Answer

Glass, bowl, steel spoon

3. Match the objects given below with the materials from which they could be made.
Remember, an object could be made from more than one material and a given material
could be used for making many objects.

Object Material
Book Glass

Tumbler Wood

Chair Paper

Toy Leather

Shoes Plastics

Answer
Object Material
Book Paper

Tumbler Glass, Plastic

Chair Wood, Plastic

Toy Wood, Paper, Plastic

Shoes Leather

4. State whether the statements given below are 'True' or 'False'.

(i) Stone is transparent, while glass is opaque.

► False

(ii) A notebook has lustre, while an eraser does not.

► False

(iii) Chalk dissolves in water.

► False

(iv) A piece of wood floats on water.

► True

(v) Sugar does not dissolve in water.

► False

(vi) Oil mixes with water.

► False

(vii) Sand settles down in water.

► True

(viii) Vinegar dissolves in water.

► True

Page No: 34
5. Given below are the names of some objects and materials:

Water, basket ball, orange, sugar, globe, apple, and earthen pitcher

Group them as:

(a) Round shaped and other shapes

(b) Eatables and non-eatables

Answer

(a) Round-shaped: Basketball, orange, globe, apple, earthen pitcher

Other shapes: Water, sugar

(b) Eatables: Water, orange, sugar, apple

Non-eatables: Basketball, globe, earthen pitcher

6. List all items known to you that float on water. Check and see if they will float on an oil
or kerosene.

Answer

Sponge's piece, Plastic Bottle, Paper's piece, Thermocol's piece, Wood, Plastic ball, Cork are the
known to you that float on water. No, they will not float on an oil or kerosene.

7. Find the odd one out from the following:

(a) Chair, Bed, Table, Baby, Cupboard

► Baby as it is living being while others are non-living.

(b) Rose, Jasmine, Boat, Marigold, Lotus

► Boat as it is used for transportation purpose while others are flowers.

(c) Aluminium, Iron, Copper, Silver, Sand

► Sand as it non-metal while others are metals.

(d) Sugar, Salt, Sand, Copper sulphate

►Sand as it is insoluble in water while others are soluble in water.

 CHAPTER – 5
SEPARATION OF SUBSTANCES

• Handpicking, winnowing, sieving, sedimentation, decantation and filtration are some of

the methods of separating substances from their mixtures.
• Methods of separation:
(i) Separation of solid from other solids:
(a) Threshing: Process by which the grains are released from the chaff.
(b) Winnowing: The process of separation of heavier and lighter components of a
mixture by wind or blowing air.
(c) Hand-picking: The process by which undesirable components are just picked
up by hand.
(d) Sieving: The process by which separate solid constituents of a mixture which
differ in their sizes.
(e) Magnetic separation: Process by which magnet is moved over such a mixture,
the magnetic material sticks to it and is removed.
(ii) Separation of water soluble solids:
(a) Evaporation: Process by which the conversion of liquid state into gaseous
state on heating.
(b) Condensation: Process by which conversion of gaseous state into liquid state
on cooling.
(iii) Separation of insoluble solids from Liquids:
(a) Sedimentation: It allows heavier matter to settle down. Example: sand, water.
(b) Decantation: The methods of separating insoluble solids from liquids.
(c) Loading: The methods by which finer particles are made to settle faster by
dissolving a small quantity of alum.
(d) Filtration: The liquid that collects in the beaker is called filtrate.
(iv) Separation of Immiscible Liquids:
(a) Funnel: The method of separting mixture of oil and water.
 (b) Centrifugation: The method in which mixture containing suspended particles
is rotated at a high speed in a centrifuge and heavier particles settle down. It is
used for separating cream from milk.
(c) Churning: The method which is used for separating lighter particles of solid
suspended in a liquid. Example: butter from curd.
• Husk and stones could be separated from grains by handpicking.
• Husk is separated from heavier seeds of grain by winnowing.
• A saturated solution is one in which no more of that substance can be dissolved.
• More of a substance can be dissolved in a solution by heating it.
• Water dissolves different amount of soluble substances in it.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 5 Separation of
Substances

1. Why do we need to separate different components of a mixture? Give two examples.

Solution:
When two or more substances are mixed together they form a mixture. Components of a mixture
should be separated because some components may not be useful or may spoil the useful
component of the mixture.
Examples:
Tea leaves are separated from the liquid with a strainer, while preparing tea
Removal of stone pieces from wheat, rice or pulses by hand
2. What is winnowing? Where is it used?
Solution:
The method of separating the components from a mixture is known as winnowing. In this method,
heavier and lighter components of a mixture are separated by wind or by blowing air. This method is
used by farmers to separate lighter husk particles from heavier seeds of grain.
3. How will you separate husk or dirt particles from a given sample of pulses before cooking?
Solution:
Husk and dirt particles are separated from pulses by winnowing.
4. What is sieving? Where is it used?
Solution:
Sieving is a method in which fine particles are sieved through holes of the sieve while the bigger
impurities remain on the sieve. Sieving is used in a flour mill to separate impurities like husk and
stones from wheat before grinding it. It is also used at construction sites to separate pebbles and
stones from sand.
5. How will you separate sand and water from their mixture?
Solution:
Sand and water are separated from their mixture by the following steps:
a) The mixture is allowed to stand without any disturbances
b) Now sand settles down
c) Slowly pour the water into another container to obtain sand in the bottom
6. Is it possible to separate sugar mixed with wheat flour? If yes, how will you do it?
Solution:
Yes it is possible to separate sugar mixed with wheat flour by the following method
a) Mix sugar and wheat flour in water
b) Stir the solution to allow sugar to dissolve
c) Now filter the mixture
d) Filtrate contains sugar solution and residue will be wheat flour.
7. How would you obtain clear water from a sample of muddy water?
Solution:
The following process should be carried out to obtain clear water from muddy water
i) Allow muddy water to stand
ii) Mud gets settled down in the water
ii) Slowly pour water to another container
8. Fill up the blanks
(a) The method of separating seeds of paddy from its stalks is called ___________.
(b) When milk, cooled after boiling, is poured onto a piece of cloth the cream (malai) is left
behind on it. This process of separating cream from milk is an example of ___________.
(c) Salt is obtained from seawater by the process of ___________.
(d) Impurities settled at the bottom when muddy water was kept overnight in a bucket. The
clear water was then poured off from the top. The process of separation used in this example
is called ___________.
Solution:
(a) The method of separating seeds of paddy from its stalks is called threshing.
(b) When milk cooled after boiling is poured onto a piece of cloth, the cream (malai) is left behind on
it. This process of separating cream from milk is an example of filtration.
(c) Salt is obtained from seawater by the process of evaporation.
(d) Impurities settled at the bottom when muddy water was kept overnight in a bucket. The clear
water was then poured off from the top. The process of separation used in this example is
called decantation.
9. True or false?
(a) A mixture of milk and water can be separated by filtration.
(b) A mixture of powdered salt and sugar can be separated by the process of winnowing
(c) Separation of sugar from tea can be done with filtration.
(d) Grain and husk can be separated with the process of decantation.
Solution:
a) False
b) False
c) False
d) False
10. Lemonade is prepared by mixing lemon juice and sugar in water. You wish to add ice to
cool it. Should you add ice to the lemonade before or after dissolving sugar? In which case
would it be possible to dissolve more sugar?
Solution:
Ice should be added to lemonade after dissolving sugar. It is possible to add more sugar before
adding ice.
 CHAPTER – 6
Changes Around Us
• Some changes can be reversed and some cannot be reversed.
• A change may occur by heating a substance or by mixing it with some other.
• Types of changes:
(a) Reversible change: A change in which the initial substance can be obtained back by
reversing the action. Example: folding of paper, dissolving sugar in water, etc.
(b) Non-irreversible change: Change in which the initial substance cannot be obtained
back by reversing the action. Example: burign of paper, grinding grains etc.
(c) Physical change: Changes in the form of substance but not in chemical identity. No
new substance formed. Changes is sometimes reversible. Example: breaking a log of
wood.
(d) Chemical changes: Changes in which substance is transformed into new substance.
Initial substance is lost. Change is always irreversible. Example: burning a log of
wood.
• Ways by which changes occur:
(a) Boiling and Condensation:
(i) Boiling: The rapid vaporization of a liquid when it is heated to its boiling point.
(ii) Condensation: The change of water vapor into liquid water on cooling.
(b) Heating of metal: Process in which a metal is heated to a certain temperature and
the cooled in a particular manner to alter its internal structure for obtaining desired
degree of physical and mechanical properties such as brittleness, hardness, and
softness.
(c) Freezing and Melting:
(i) Freezing: The process in which a liquid turns into solid when its temperature
is lowered.
(ii) Melting: The process in which a solid converts to a liquid by applying heat.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 6 Changes Around us

1. To walk through a waterlogged area, you usually shorten the length of your dress by
folding it. Can this change be reversed?
Solution:
Yes, the process can be reversed.
2. You accidentally dropped your favorite toy and broke it. This is a change you did not want.
Can this change be reversed?
Solution:
No, this change cannot be reversed
3. Some changes are listed in the following table. For each change, write in the blank column,
whether the change can be reversed or not.

Sl No Change Can be reversed Yes/No

1 The sawing of a piece of wood

2 The melting of ice candy

3 Dissolving sugar in water

4 The cooking of food

5 The ripening of a mango

6 Souring of milk
Solution :

Sl No Change Can be reversed Yes/No

1 The sawing of a piece of wood No

2 The melting of ice candy Yes

3 Dissolving sugar in water Yes

4 The cooking of food No

5 The ripening of a mango No

 6 Souring of milk No
4. A drawing sheet changes when you draw a picture on it. Can you reverse this change?
Solution:
This change can be reversed if a pencil is used to draw the picture. If a pen, paint, oil /water colours
are used to draw the picture, change cannot be reversed.
5. Give examples to explain the difference between changes that can or cannot be reversed.
Solution:
Changes that can be reversed
i) Opening and closing the door
ii) Filling glass with water
Changes that cannot be reversed
i) Conversion of milk into curd
ii) Ripening of fruit
6. A thick coating of a paste of Plaster of Paris (POP) is applied over the bandage on a
fractured bone. It becomes hard on drying to keep the fractured bone immobilized. Can the
change in POP be reversed?
Solution:
No, the change cannot be reversed
7. A bag of cement lying in the open gets wet due to rain during the night. The next day the
sun shines brightly. Do you think the changes, which have occurred in the cement, could be
reversed?
Solution: No, the change cannot be reversed
 CHAPTER – 7
GETTING TO KNOW PLANTS

• Plants are usually grouped into herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers based on their height,
stems and branches.
• Classification of Plants on the of Growth Habit:
(a) Herbs: Have soft, green and week stems. Example: rice, wheat, maize, sunflower,
mint, etc.
(b) Shrubs: They are bushy and have hard stems that do not bend easily. These are plants
with the stem branching out near the base. Example: lemon, china rose, jasmine,
Nerium, etc.
(c) Trees: These are big plants which have a tall and strong stem (trunk). Stems have
branches in the upper part, much above the ground. Live for many years. Example:
mango, neem, banyan, coconut, etc.
(d) Climbers: Have weak stems and cannot stand erect. They take support of other trees
and climb on them. Example: pea, grape, vine, etc.
(e) Creepers: Plants which creep on the ground and spread out. Example: pumpkin and
watermelon.
• Classification of plants on the basis of their Life Cycle:
(a) Annuals: Plants whose life cycle is completed in the one season. These are generally
herbs. Example: wheat and mustard.
(b) Biennials: Plants whose life cycle requires two seasons for completion. They are
generally herbs and rarely shrubs. Example: carrot, radish and potato.
(c) Perennials: Plants whose life cycle runs for more than two seasons example: guava,
babul and palm trees.
• Parts of a Plants:
(a) Root system: It is the underground portion of the plant.
(i) Tap Root: It is the main primary root arises from lower end of the stem. A
number of tiny braches called secondary roots. Example: mustard, neem, rose,
etc.
 (ii) Fibrous Root: A bunch of roots arises from the bae of stem. Example: wheat,
maize, etc.
Functions of root system:
(i) Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
(ii) Roots help the plant to stand erect.
(iii) Roots check soil erosion.
(iv) Roots store food.
(v) Prop roots offer extra support.
(b) Shoot system: The part of the plant which grows above the soil. It includes stems,
branches, leaves, flowers and fruits.
(i) Stem: Gives riese to a number of branches that bear leaves. The stem bears
leaves, flowers and fruits.
(ii) Leaf: Leaf arises from the leaf base. A leaf usually has a petiole and a lamina.
Parts of leaf:
(a) Petiole: Stalk of the leaf with which it joined to the stem.
(b) Leaf lamina: The flat green portion of the leaf.
(c) Veins: These are the network of small, narrow, tube-like structures on both
sides of the midrib present in the middle of leaf.
(iii) Flower: It is the reproductive organ of the plant.
• Function of Stem:
(i) It provides support to plant.
(ii) It bears important plant parts.
(iii) It helps in transportation of water and food.
(iv) Underground stems store food.
(v) Thick and fleshy stems make food.
(vi) Stem modified into tendrils give extra support for plants.
• Function of Leaf:
(i) Transpiration: Process of losign water by the leaves of a plant.
(ii) Preparation of food by the process of photosynthesis.
• Function of Flowers:
(i) Help in reproduction.
(ii) These become fruits that store food and seeds.
 (iii) Modified flowers like cauliflower, broccoli are rich sources of vitamins.
• Parts of Flower:
(i) Pedicel: Stalk of the flower through which the flower is joined to the branch. It has
joined to the branch.
(ii) Sepal: Small green leaf-like structures on the thalamus. They protect the flower.
(iii) Petals: Brightly colored leaf-like structures present inside the sepals. Petals
attract the insects and help in the process of reproduction.
(iv) Stamens: These are long, thin and needle-like structures. These are male organs
of the flower. It consists of two parts: Anther, Filament.
(a) Anther: The swollen tip of each stamen that encloses in it a small powdery
substance called pollen grains.
(b) Filament: Long stalk-like structure that joins the anther with thalamus.
(v) Carpel: It is a flask-shaped organ in the centre of flower. It is the female organ of
the flower. It consist three parts: Style, Stigma and Ovary.
(a) Style: Long thin tube-like structure which is swollen at the base.
(b) Stigma: Small, round and sticky part of the carpel at the top of the style the
traps the pollen grains.
(c) Ovary: Swollen part of carpel that contains ovules.
• The pattern of veins on the leaf is called venation. It can be reticulate or parallel.
• Leaves give out water vapour through the process of transpiration.
• Green leaves make their food by the process of photosynthesis using carbon dioxide and
water in the presence of sunlight.
• Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil and anchor the plant firmly in the soil.
• Roots are mainly of two types: tap root and fibrous roots.
• Plants having leaves with reticulate venation have tap roots while plants having leaves
with parallel venation have fibrous roots.
• The stem conducts water from roots to the leaves (and other parts) and food from leaves
to other parts of the plant.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 7 Getting to Know Plants

1. Correct the following statements and rewrite them in your notebook.

(a) Stem absorbs water and minerals from the soil.
(b) Leaves hold the plant upright.
(c) Roots conduct water to the leaves.
(d) The number of petals and stamens in a flower is always equal.
(e) If the sepals of a flower are joined together, its petals are also joined together.
(f) If the petals of a flower are joined together, then the pistil is joined to the petal.
Solution:
a) Roots absorbs water and minerals from the soil.
b) Stem holds the plant upright.
c) Stems conduct water to the leaves.
d) The number of petals and stamens in a flower may not be always equal.
e) If the sepals of a flower are joined together, its petals are separate.
f) If the petals of a flower are joined together, then the pistil may or may not be joined to the petal.
2. Draw (a) a leaf, (b) a taproot and (c) a flower, you have studied for Table 7.3
Solution:
a)

b)
c)

3. Can you find a plant in your house or in your neighborhood, which has a long but weak
stem? Write its name. In which category will you place it?
Solution:
Yes, lauki (gourd) plant needs support. It is a climber.
4. What is the function of a stem?
Solution:
Following are the functions of a stem

• Stem holds the plant upright.

• Stems conduct water to the leaves.
• Stems conduct food from leaves to other parts of the plant.
5. Which of the following leaves have reticulate venation?
Wheat, tulsi, maize, grass, coriander (dhania), China rose
Solution:
Tulsi, China rose and coriander have reticulate venation.
6. If a plant has fibrous root, what type of venation do its leaves have?
Solution:
If a plant has fibrous root, its leaves have parallel venation.
7. If a plant has leaves with reticulate venation, what kind of roots will it have?
Solution:
If a plant has leaves with reticulate venation, it will have tap root.
8. Is it possible for you to find out whether a plant has taproot or fibrous roots by looking at
the impression of its leaf on a sheet of paper?
Solution:
Yes it is possible to find whether a plant has taproot or fibrous roots by looking at the impression of
its leaf on a sheet of paper.
9. What are the parts of a flower?
Solution:
a) Sepals
b) Petals
c) Stamens
d) Pistil
10. From the following plants, which of them have flowers?
Grass, maize, wheat, chilli, tomato, tulsi, peepal, shisham, banyan, mango, jamun, guava,
pomegranate, papaya, banana, lemon, sugarcane, potato, groundnut
Solution:
The plants which have flowers are grass, maize, wheat, chilli, tomato, tulsi, peepal, shisham, banyan
(flowers lie inside its fruits), mango, jamun, guava, Pomegranate, papaya, banana, lemon,
sugarcane, potato, groundnut
11. Name the part of plant which produces food. Name the process.
Solution:
Leaves produce food through a process called as Photosynthesis.
12. In which part of a flower, you will find the ovary?
Solution:
Ovary is found in the lowermost and swollen part of the pistil.
13. Name two plants in which one has joined sepals and the other has separate sepals.
Solution:
Plants with joined sepals- Datura and cotton
Plants with separate sepals- Rose and Lotus
 CHAPTER – 8
Body Movements
• Locomotion: Movement of organisms from place to place.
• Locomotion in human body:
(i) Human skeleton: It forms a framework that gives shape and support to the body.
It consists of 206 bones. It protects internal organs.
(a) Skull: It protect the brain. It is rigid box made up of plates of bone firmly
joined together.
(b) Rib cage: It is flexible case of ribs. Each rib curves round the side of the chest
from the backbone and is joined in front to a plate of bone called sternum. Ribs
are conneceted to one another by the muscles. Two lower most pairs of ribs
are called ‘floating ribs’.
(c) Backbone: It is also called the spine or vertebral column. It is a chain of small
bones called vertebrae. It protect the spinal cord, which carries maessages
between the brain and body. It also support the skull, ribs and limbs.
(d) Limbs: It is made up of long bones with joints that allows them to move. They
are mainly for support.
(i) Arms: fore-arms is made up of two bones and hands have several small
bones. Shoulder bones have a pair of collar bones in front and a pair of
shoulder blades.
(ii) Legs: Lower leg is made up of two bones and feet have several small
bones. Hip bones or gridles bear weight of body and are attached to
thigh bones.
(ii) Joints: The point where two bones meet. Allow movement to take place. Bones are
held together by ligaments.
(a) Movable Joints: It allows movement between bones and have cartilage
between them. Type of movable joints are:
(i) Hinge Joints: It allow movement only in one plane backwards and
forwards. Example: elbow joints, knee joints and joint between
phalanges of fingers and toes.
 (ii) Ball and Socket Joints: It permit a circular movement. Example: the
shoulder.
(iii) Gliding Joints: It allow bones to slide a little. Example: bones inside
wrists and feet.
(iv) Pivotal Joints: Joint where the neck joins the head. It allows head to
move backward and forward and turn to right and left.
(b) Immovable or Fixed Joints: The bones cannot move at these joints. Example:
bones in skull, joint between upper jaw and rest of skull.
• Locomotion in other animals:
(i) Fish: Locomotion achieved by lateral contractions of the muscular body with a
final thrust by the tail. Fish swim by forming loops alternately on two sides of the
body.
(ii) Birds: When the large flight muscles contract, they pull the wings down.
(iii) Snails: The muscular foot helps in locomotion.
(iv) Earthworms: Move by stretching out body in front and keeping the hind end fixed
to the ground.
• The bones are moved by alternate contractions and relaxations of two sets of muscles.
• The bone joints are of various kinds depending on the nature of joints and direction of
movement they allow.
• Strong muscles and light bones work together to help the birds fly. They fly by flapping
their wings.
• Snakes slither on the ground by looping sideways. A large number of bones and
associated muscles push the body forward.
• The body and legs of cockroaches have hard coverings forming an outer skeleton. The
muscles of the breast connected with three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings help the
cockroach to walk and fly.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 8 Body Movements

1. Fill in the blanks:

(a) Joints of the bones help in the ——————— of the body.
(b) A combination of bones and cartilages forms the _______ of the body.
(c) The bones at the elbow are joined by a ______________________ joint.
(d) The contraction of the _____________ pulls the bones during movement.
Solution:
(a) Joints of the bones help in the movement of the body.
(b) A combination of bones and cartilages forms the skeleton of the body.
(c) The bones at the elbow are joined by a hinge joint.
(d) The contraction of the muscles pulls the bones during movement.
2. Indicate true (T) and false (F) among the following sentences.
(a) The movement and locomotion of all animals is exactly the same. ( )
(b) The cartilages are harder than bones. ( )
(c) The finger bones do not have joints. ( )
(d) The fore arm has two bones. ( )
(e) Cockroaches have an outer skeleton. ( )
Solution:
a) False
b) False
c) False
d) True
e) True
3. Match the items in Column I with one or more items of Column II.
Solution:

Column I Column II

Upper jaw Have fins on the body

Fish Has an outer skelton

Ribs Can fly in the air

 Snail is an immovable joint

Cockroach Protect the heart

Shows very slow movement

Have a streamlined body

Solution:

Column I Column II

Upper jaw is an immovable joint

Fish Have fins on the body, Have a streamlined body

Ribs Protect the heart

Snail Has an outer skeleton and

Shows very slow movement

Cockroach Has an outer skeleton and

Can fly in the air
4. Answer the following:
(a) What is a ball and socket joint?
(b) Which of the skull bones are movable?
(c) Why can our elbow not move backwards?
Solution:
a) The rounded end of one bone fits into the cavity (hollow space) of the other bone. Such a joint
allows movements in all directions, which is called ball and socket joint.
b) Lower jaw
c) Our elbow cannot move backwards because it has hinge joints which only allow back and forth
movement.
 CHAPTER – 9
THE LIVING ORGANISMS AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS

• The surroundings where plants and animals live, is called their habitat.
• Several kinds of plants and animals may share the same habitat.
• The presence of specific features and habits, which enable a plant or an animal to live in a
particular habitat, is called adaptation.
• There are many types of habitats, however, these may be broadly grouped as terrestrial
(on the land) and aquatic (in water).
• There is a wide variety of organisms present in different habitats.
• Plants, animals and microorganisms together constitute biotic components.
• Rocks, soil, air, water, light and temperature are some of the abiotic components of our
surroundings.
• Characterisitcs of living things:
(i) They need food to grow and for the processes.
(ii) The young ones grow into adults.
(iii) They respire. Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants
take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen.
(iv) They respond to changes in the surrounding (stimull).
(v) They all get rid of wastes produced in the body (excretion).
(vi) They reproduce their own kind.
(vii) They show movement.
• Habitat: The surroundigs whwere organisms live. It has two components biotic (living
things like plants and animals) and biotic (non-living things like rocks, soil, air and
water).
Type of Habitat:
(a) Terrestrial Habitat: Plants and animals live on land. Example: forest, grasslands,
deserts, coastal and mountain ranges.
(b) Aquatic Habitat: Plants and animals live in water. Example: ponds, swamps, lakes,
rivers and oceans.
 Adaptations: Presence of specific features or certain habits which enable an organism to
live in its surrounding.
Terrestrial:
(a) Deserts: Small animals stay in borrows deep in sand during day, and come out at
night. In plants, leaves are either absent or very smell as spines; stem has a thick waxy
coating; roots go deep into the soil.
(b) Mountains: Animals have thick skin or fur; mountain goat has strong hooves. Trees
are cone shaped having sloping branches; leaves are needle like.
(c) Grasslands: Animals are light brown in colour; Lion: Long clause in front legs that
can be withdrawn inside the toes; eyes in front of face. Deer: Srong teeth, long ears,
eyes on the sides of head.
Aquatic:
(a) Ponds:
• Plants with roots fixed in soil: Stems are long, hollow and light; leaves float on water.
• Plants with roots submerge: Leaves are narrow and thin ribbon-like.
(b) Oceans:
• Animals have streamlined body; gills to respire (dolphins and whales have
blowholes).
• Animals like squids and octopus do no have streamlined body and stay deep in
water.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 9 The Living Organisms
Characteristics and Habitats

1. What is a habitat?
Solution:
The place where organisms live is called habitat. Habitat means a dwelling place (a home). The
habitat provides food, water, air, shelter and other needs to organisms.
2. How are cactus adapted to survive in a desert?
Solution:
Adaptation of cactus are as follows

• Leaf is replaced by spine to reduce transpiration

• Stems carry out photosynthesis
• A thick waxy layer surrounds leaf to retain water
• Roots of cactus are deeply rooted inside soil to absorb water
3. Fill up the blanks
(a) The presence of specific features, which enable a plant or an animal to live in a particular
habitat, is called ————.
(b) The habitats of the plants and animals that live on land are called ———— habitat.
(c) The habitats of plants and animals that live in water are called ————habitat.
(d) Soil, water and air are the ———— factors of a habitat.
(e) Changes in our surroundings that make us respond to them, are called ———— .
Solution:
(a) The presence of specific features, which enable a plant or an animal to live in a particular habitat,
is called adaptation.
(b) The habitats of the plants and animals that live on land are called terrestrial habitat.
(c) The habitats of plants and animals that live in water are called aquatic habitat.
(d) Soil, water and air are the abiotic factors of a habitat.
(e) Changes in our surroundings that make us respond to them, are called stimuli.
4. Which of the things in the following list are nonliving?
Plough, Mushroom, Sewing machine, Radio, Boat, Water hyacinth, Earthworm
Solution:
Plough, Sewing machine, Radio and Boat are nonliving things
5. Give an example of a non-living thing, which shows any two characteristics of living
things.
Solution:
Example: car
Features

• It can move like living beings

• It needs energy to do work
6. Which of the non-living things listed below, were once part of a living thing?
Butter, Leather, Soil, Wool, Electric bulb, Cooking oil, Salt, Apple, Rubber
Solution:
Butter, Leather, Wool, Cooking oil, Apple and Rubber were once part of a living thing.
7. List the common characteristics of the living things.
Solution:
Common characteristics of living things are as follows
i) Respiration
ii) Food intake
iii) Respond to stimuli
iv) Excretion
v) Movement
vi) Reproduction
vii) Grow and Die
8. Explain, why speed is important for survival in the grasslands for animals that live there.
(Hint: There are few trees or places for animals to hide in grasslands habitats.)
Solution:
Speed is important for survival in the grasslands for animals to avoid predation from their predators.
For example Tiger eats deer, to survive deer has to run faster than the tiger.
 CHAPTER – 10
MOTION AND MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCES

• Different modes of transport are used to go from one place to another.

• In ancient times, people used length of a foot, the width of a finger, the distance of a step
as units of measurement. This caused confusion and a need to develop a uniform system
of measurement arose.
• Now, we use International System of Unit ( SI unit). This is accepted all over the world.
• Metre is the unit of length in SI unit.
• Motion in a straight line is called rectilinear motion.
• In circular motion an object moves such that its distance from a fixed point remains the
same.
• Motion that repeats itself after some period of time, is called periodic motion.
• Measurement: The comparison of an unkown quantity with some known quantity of the
same kind. Measurement of an object consists of :
The unit of measurement.
The number of units the object measures.
• Conventional Methods of Measurement: Conventsinal measurements have only been
approximate measurement. Differ from person to person. Lack precision.
(i) Handspan: Length between the tip of thumb and little finger.
(ii) Cubit: Length between the tip of middle finger and elbo.
(iii) Arm length: Length from shoulder to the tip of middle finger.
(iv) Footstep: It is the distance covered by a step.
• Standard units of Measurement: It is a unit to measure any quantity completely and
uniformly. Standard units for measuring, length-metre, mass-kilogram, time-second.
• Motion: When the position of a body does not change with the passage of time, the body
is said to be at rest. When the position of a body changes with the passage of time, the
body is said to be in motion.
Types of motion:
(a) Linear motion: Linear motion are further classified into two:
 (i) Rectilinear Motion: Object moves from one position to another along a
straight line. Example: group of ants moving in a line.
(ii) Curvilinear Motion: Object moving alogn a curved lines. Example: a car
moving along a curved road.
(b) Random Motion: When object moves from one position to another and changes
direction in an irregular manner. Example: butterfly, flies randomly in garden.
(c) Circular Motion: Object moves in a circular manner in relation to its own axis or
around a fixed centre. Object remains at the same distance from a fixed point which is
the centre of the path of the motion. Two types of circular motion:
(i) Revolution: Object moves as a whole around a fixed centre. Example: earth
revolving around the sun in a definite orbit.
(ii) Rotation: Object moves in a circular path in relation to its own fixed axis.
Example: blades of a moving fan, windmill, etc.
(d) Vibratory Motion: Object moves to and fro very fast. Example: strings of a guitar
when plucked.
(e) Periodic Motion: Object oscillates to and fro along the same path again and again and
with the same speed. Time taken by an object to complete one oscillation is same, no
matter how many oscillations the object takes. Example: heartbeat, pendulum of a
clock.
(f) Non-periodic Motion: Object do not repeat motion at regular intervals of time.
(g) Uniform Motion: When the body covers equal distance in equal time interval.
(h) Non-uniform Motion: Motion in which the body covers unequal distance in equal
inter of time
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 10 Motion and
Measurement of Distances

1. Give two examples each, of modes of transport used on land, water and air.
Solution:
Land- Train, Bus
Water- Ship, Boat
Air- Helicopter, Aeroplane
2. Fill in the blanks:
(i) One metre is ______________ cm.
(ii) Five kilometre is ______________ m.
(iii) Motion of a child on a swing is ______________.
(iv) Motion of the needle of a sewing machine is ______________.
(v) Motion of wheel of a bicycle is______________.
Solution:
(i) One metre is 100 cm.
(ii) Five kilometre is 5000 m.
(iii) Motion of a child on a swing is periodic.
(iv) Motion of the needle of a sewing machine is periodic.
(v) Motion of the wheel of a bicycle is circular.
3. Why can a pace or a footstep not be used as a standard unit of length?
Solution:
Pace or a footstep cannot be used as a standard unit of length because it varies from person to
person.
4. Arrange the following lengths in their increasing magnitude: 1 metre, 1 centimetre, 1
kilometre, 1 millimetre.
Solution:
1 millimetre, 1 centimetre, 1 metre, 1 kilometre
5. The height of a person is 1.65 m. Express it into cm and mm.
Solution:
1.65= 165 cm = 1650 mm
6. The distance between Radha’s home and her school is 3250 m. Express this distance into
km.
Solution:
1km = 1000 m
Hence 3250 m = 3.25 kms
7. While measuring the length of a knitting needle, the reading of the scale at one end is 3.0
cm and at the other end is 33.1 cm. What is the length of the needle?
Solution:
Length of needle = 33.1 – 3 = 30.1 cm
8. Write the similarities and differences between the motion of a bicycle and a ceiling fan that
has been switched on.
Solution:
Similarities – The blades of a fan and the wheels of a bicycle shows circular motion
Differences- Bicycle move in rectilinear motion, but the fan does not move in rectilinear motion.
9. Why would you not like to use a measuring tape made of an elastic material like rubber to
measure distance? What would be some of the problems you would meet in telling someone
about a distance you measured with such a tape?
Solution:
An elastic measuring tape will not give accurate measurement as it stretches in length and reduces
in size when stretched. When we express measurement taken with elastic tape, we have to tell
whether the tape was stretched. If yes, how much. Hence it is very difficult to tell the measurement
taken from an elastic tape.
10. Give two examples of periodic motion.
Solution:
a) A needle of a sewing machine
b) Pendulum
 CHAPTER – 11
LIGHT, SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS

• Light: Light is the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
• Light is classified into two:
(i) Emission of light: Classifying objects on the basis of emission of light.
(a) Luminous Objects: Objects that emit their own light. Example: sun, electric torch,
firefly, etc.
(b) Non-luminous Objects: Objects that do not emit their own light but are visible due
to light falling on them. Example: moon, chair, table, etc.
• Transparent: Objects or materials through which light can pass totally.
Example: glass, water, air, etc.
• Translucent: Objects that allow light to pass through them partially. Example:
butter paper, tissue paper, etc.
• Opaque: Objects that do not allow light to pass through them. Example: book,
brick, etc.
Shadow: Region without light that forms behing an object kept in the path of
light. Opaque object cast a dark shadow. Translucent objects produce a weak
shadow. Transparent objects do not cast a shadow at all.
Types of shadow:
Due to smaller light source: Only one dark shadow is formed and this is known
as umbra.
Due to larger light source: Two shadows are formed-a dark one in the centre
and a light one on the outside. Dark shadow is called umbra and the faint or
lighter shadow is called penumbra.
Eclipse: A shadow formed in space that makes the sun or the moon invisible for
some time.
Solar eclipse: The moon comes between the sun and the earth, so that the earth
(in the shadow) darkens during the day.
 Lunar eclipse: The moon and the sun are in a straight line such that the earth is
in the between the sun and the moon, the shadow of the earth falls on moon and
the moon cannot be seen.
(ii) Reflection of light: The process of sending back the light rays whichafall on the
surface of an object. Silver metal is one of the best reflector of light.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 11 Light, Shadows
and Reflections

1. Rearrange the boxes given below to make a sentence that helps us understand opaque
objects.

Solution:
The given boxes can be rearranged to form ‘Opaque Objects Make Shadows’ as shown below

2. Classify the objects or materials given below as opaque, transparent or translucent and
luminous or non-luminous:
Air, water, a piece of rock, a sheet of aluminum, a mirror, a wooden board, a sheet of
polythene, a CD, smoke, a sheet of plane glass, fog, a piece of red hot iron, an umbrella, a
lighted fluorescent tube, a wall, a sheet of carbon paper, the flame of a gas burner, a sheet of
cardboard, a lighted torch, a sheet of cellophane, a wire mesh, kerosene stove, sun, firefly,
the moon.
Solution:
Opaque: A piece of rock, a sheet of aluminium, a mirror, a wooden board, a CD, an umbrella, a
wall, a sheet of carbon paper, a sheet of cardboard.
Transparent: Air, water, a sheet of plane glass.
Translucent: A sheet of polythene, smoke, fog, a sheet of cellophane, a wire mesh.
Luminous: A piece of red hot iron, a lighted fluorescent tube, the flame of a gas burner, a lighted
torch, sun, firefly, kerosene stove.
Non – luminous: Air, water, a piece of rock, a sheet of aluminium, a mirror, a wooden board, a
sheet of polythene, a CD, smoke, a sheet of plane glass, fog, an umbrella, a wall, a sheet of carbon
paper, a sheet of cardboard, a sheet of cellophane, a wire mesh, moon.
3. Can you think of creating a shape that would give a circular shadow if held in one way and
a rectangular shadow if held in another way?
Solution:
Yes,
4. In a completely dark room, if you hold up a mirror in front of you, will you see a reflection
of yourself in the mirror?
Solution:
No, in a dark room, a mirror reflection of the image will not be shown as the light will not fall on the
mirror to reflect the image due to darkness.
 CHAPTER – 12
ELECTRICITY AND CIRCUITS

• Electiricity: It is a flow of electic current.

• Electric Current: The Electic current flows around by Electric Circuit.
• Electric Circuit: In a closed electric circuit, the electric current passes from one terminal of
the electric cell to the other terminal.
• Circuit Diagram: It is a symbolic representation of the electric circuit.
• Component of Electricity:
(i) Connecting wires: Help to conduct the electric current and complete the circuit.
(ii) Bulb: Lights up when an electric current flows through it. An electric bulb has a
filament that is connected to its terminals. An electric bulb glows when electric
current passes through it.
(iii) Switch: Switch is a simple device that is used to either break the electric circuit or to
complete it. When a switch is on, a gap in the circuit is bridge by a conducting material
through which the current flows.
(iv) Electric cell: An electric cell has two terminals; one is called positive (+ ve) while the
other is negative (– ve).
• Connecting wires, bulb, switch and electric cell is used in Torch, Battery, LED (Light Emitting
Diode), etc.
• Electric current is carried by Conductor.
• Conductor: Materials that allow electic current to pass through them. All metals are good
conductors of electricity. Carbon is the only non-metal which is a good conductor of
electricity.
• Electric current is stopped by Insulators.
• Insulators: Materials which do not allow electric current to pass through them. Example:
plastic, rubber, wood, glass, polythene, PVC, etc.
NCERT Solutions Class 6 Science Chapter 12 Electricity and Circuits

1. Fill in the blanks :

(a) A device that is used to break an electric circuit is called _______________.
(b) An electric cell has _______________ terminals.
Solution:
(a) A device that is used to break an electric circuit is called switch.
(b) An electric cell has two terminals.
2. Mark ‘True’ or ‘False’ for following statements:
(a) Electric current can flow through metals.
(b) Instead of metal wires, a jute string can be used to make a circuit.
(c) Electric current can pass through a sheet of thermo Col.
Solution:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) False
3. Explain why the bulb would not glow in the arrangement shown in Fig. 12.13.

Solution:
The bulb would not glow in the arrangement because circuit is not complete due to presence of
insulator in the centre.
4. Complete the drawing shown in Fig 12.14 to indicate where the free ends of the two wires
should be joined to make the bulb glow.
Solution:

5. What is the purpose of using an electric switch? Name some electrical gadgets that have
switches built into them.
Solution:
The purpose of an electric switch is to complete or break the circuit. Electrical gadgets that have
switches built into them are fan, refrigerator, television, microwave oven, electric cookers.
6. Would the bulb glow after completing the circuit shown in Fig. 12.14 if instead of safety pin
we use an eraser?
Solution:
No, the bulb will not glow as eraser is an insulator.
7. Would the bulb glow in the circuit shown in Fig. 12.15?

Solution:
No, the bulb will not glow.
8. Using the “conduction tester” on an object it was found that the bulb begins to glow. Is
that object a conductor or an insulator? Explain.
Solution:
The object is a conductor because the bulb glows only when the conductor is used but not when the
insulator is used.
9. Why should an electrician use rubber gloves while repairing an electric switch at your
home? Explain.
Solution:
An electrician uses rubber gloves while repairing an electric switch at your home because rubber
gloves are insulators. This protects him from avoiding electric shocks.
10. The handles of the tools like screwdrivers and pliers used by electricians for repair work
usually have plastic or rubber covers on them. Can you explain why?
Solution:
Tools like screwdrivers and pliers are used by electricians for repair work because plastic is an
insulator and plastic handles protect the electrician from electric shocks.
 CHAPTER – 13
FUN WITH MAGNETS.
• Magnets: Materials that attract iron. Natural magnet is called Iodestone or magnetite.
• Magnetite is a natural magnet.
• Magnet attracts materials like iron, nickel, cobalt. These are called magnetic materials.
• Materials that are not attracted towards magnet are called non-magnetic.
• A freely suspended magnet always aligns in N-S direction.
• Classification of substances based on attraction to magnets:
Magnetic Substances: Materials which get attracted towards magnets. Example: copper,
iron, nickel, etc.
Non-magnetic Substances: Materials which do not get attracted towards magnets.
Example: wood, paper, plastic and most metals.
• Methods to make Magnet:
(i) Single Touch Method: A piece of iron or steel can be magnetized by strocking it
several times with a magent in one direction.
(ii) Double Touch Method: Opposite poles of two bar magnets are brought together
in the middle and then moved from the middle in the opposite directions to each
other.
(iii) Using Electric Current: The bar to be magnetized is placed inside the coils of a
conductor and current is passed through these coils of wire.
• Properties of Magnet:
(i) A magnet has two poles – north pole and south pole.
(ii) Similar poles repel each other.
(iii) Opposite poles attract each other.
(iv) Magnetic poles always exist in pairs.
• Applications of Magnet:
Compass needle: It points north-south because the earth is also a giant magnet. The
compass lines up with the earth’s magnetic field.
Used in factories for lifting heavy masses of iron like scrap iron.
Used by surgeons in hospitals to remove steel splinters from the wounds.
Used in the construction of telephones, electric bells, etc.
Used to separate iron and steel from non-magnetic materials.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 13 Fun with Magnets

1. Fill in the blanks in the following

(i) Artificial magnets are made in different shapes such as __________, __________ and
____________.
(ii) The Materials which are attracted towards a magnet are called________.
(iii) Paper is not a ______ material.
(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction by suspending a piece of ___________.
(v) A magnet always has __________ poles.
Solution:
(i) Artificial magnets are made in different shapes such as bar magnet, horse shoe and cylindrical.
(ii) The Materials which are attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic.
(iii) Paper is not a magnetic material.
(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction by suspending a piece of magnet.
(v) A magnet always has two poles.
2. State whether the following statements are true or false:
(i) A cylindrical magnet has only one pole.
(ii) Artificial magnets were discovered in Greece.
(iii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each other.
(iv) Maximum iron filings stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them.
(v) Bar magnets always point towards North-South direction.
(vi) A compass can be used to find East-West direction at any place.
(vii) Rubber is a magnetic material.
Solution:
i) False
ii) False
iii) True
iv) False
v) True (Freely suspended bad magnet)
vi) True
vii) False
3. It was observed that a pencil sharpener gets attracted by both the poles of a magnet
although its body is made of plastic. Name a material that might have been used to make
some part of it.
Solution:
Iron might have been used to make some part of it.
4. Column I shows different positions in which one pole of a magnet is placed near that of the
other. Column II indicates the resulting action between them for each situation. Fill in the
blanks.

Column – I Column – II

N-N _______

N-___ Attraction

S-N _____

___-S Repulsion
Solution:

Column – I Column – II

N-N Repulsion

N- S Attraction

S-N Attraction

S– S Repulsion
5. Write any two properties of a magnet.
Solution:
Properties of a magnet are as follows

• It attracts objects made of Nickel, Cobalt and Iron.

• Like poles of two magnets repel each other and opposite poles attracts each other.
6. Where are poles of a bar magnet located?
Solution:
On two ends of a bar magnet.
7. A bar magnet has no markings to indicate its poles. How would you find out near which
end is its north pole is located?
Solution:
A bar magnet is hanged in the air and the end pointing to the north is the north pole of the magnet.
8. You are given an iron strip. How will you make it into a magnet?
Solution:
Take a bar magnet and keep in contact with one of its poles with one edge of the bar of iron.

• Without lifting the bar magnet, move it along the length of the iron bar till you reach the other
end.
• Lift the magnet and bring the pole (the same pole you started with) to the same point of the
iron bar from which we began.
• Move the magnet again along the iron bar in the same direction as you did before.
• Repeat this process for about 30-40 times.
9. How is a compass used to find directions?
Solution:
A compass always shows north and south direction, by keeping this as a reference we can always
find east and west directions also.
10. A magnet was brought from different directions towards a toy boat that has been floating
in water in a tub. Affect observed in each case is stated in Column I. Possible reasons for the
observed effects are mentioned in Column II. Match the statements given in Column I with
those in Column II.

Column I Column II

Boat gets attracted towards the magnet Boat is fitted with a magnet with a north
pole towards its head

Boat is not affected by the magnet Boat is fitted with a magnet with a south
pole towards its head

Boat moved towards the magnet when the north pole is Boat has a small magnet fixed along its
brought near its head length

Boat moves away from the magnet when the north pole Boat is made up of magnetic material
is brought near its head

Boat floats without changing its direction Boat is made up of non-magnetic material
Solution:

Column I Column II

Boat gets attracted towards the magnet Boat is made up of magnetic material

Boat is not affected by the magnet Boat is made up of non-magnetic material

Boat moved towards the magnet when the north pole is Boat is fitted with a magnet with the south pole
brought near its head towards its head

Boat moves away from the magnet when the north pole is Boat is fitted with a magnet with a north pole
brought near its head towards its head

Boat floats without changing its direction Boat has a small magnet fixed along its length
 CHAPTER – 14
WATER
• Water is essential for life.
• Water which is fit for human consumption is known as Fresh water or Potable water.
• Only 2.6% of total water is fresh water.
• Only 0.01% of the total water reaches humans and animals.
• Water Cycle: The cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's
oceans, atmosphere, and land, involving precipitation as rain and snow, drainage in
streams and rivers, and return to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration.
• Water Conservation: It is the wise and judicious use of water.
• Ways of conserving water:
(i) Get all leaking taps repaired.
(ii) Use a bucket for taking bath instead of a shower.
(iii) Collect rainwater and use it for gardening and recharging ground water.
(iv) Wash your cycles, cars, etc. with a bucket of water instead of pipes.
(v) Instead of washing the floor use a mop.
• Importance of Water:
(i) Digestion of food takes place in the stomach when food is mixed with water.
(ii) Important medium for the transportation of food, oxygen and carbon dioxide in
the body.
(iii) Water is used to produce electricity.
(iv) Water is essential for the germination of seeds.
(v) Water helps in maintaining the body temperature.
• Excess of water: When it rains or snow, some of the water is retained by soil. Its caused
flood. It effects by damage property and endanger the lives of humans and animals. Rapid
run-off causes soil erosion.
• Lack of water: It is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs
within a region. It cause drought like condition. It effect by acute water crisis, crop failure,
loss of life in all forms due to starvation.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Method of collecting rainwater and storing it for use during
scarcity. It can be used for several purposes including drinking, washing, gardening,
flushing, etc.
• Water vapour gets added to air by evaporation and transpiration.
• The water vapour in the air condenses to form tiny droplets of water, which appear as
clouds. Many tiny water droplets come together and fall down as rain, snow or hail.
• Rain, hail and snow replenish water in rivers, lakes, ponds, wells and soil.
• Excessive rains may cause floods while lack of it for long periods may cause droughts.
• The amount of usable water on earth is limited so it needs to be used carefully.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 14 Water

1. Fill up the blanks in the following:

(a) The process of changing of water into its vapour is called _________________.
(b) The process of changing water vapour into water is called _________________.
(c) No rainfall for a year or more may lead to _________________ in that region.
(d) Excessive rains may cause _________________.
Solution:
(a) The process of changing of water into its vapour is called evaporation.
(b) The process of changing water vapour into water is called condensation.
(c) No rainfall for a year or more may lead to drought in that region.
(d) Excessive rains may cause floods.
2. State for each of the following whether it is due to evaporation or condensation:
(a) Water drops appear on the outer surface of a glass containing cold water.
(b) Steam rising from wet clothes while they are ironed.
(c) Fog appearing on a cold winter morning.
(d) Blackboard dries up after wiping it.
(e) Steam rising from a hot girdle when water is sprinkled on it.
Solution:
(a) Condensation
(b) Evaporation
(c) Condensation
(d) Evaporation
(e) Evaporation
3. Which of the following statements are “true” ?
(a) Water vapour is present in air only during the monsoon. ( )
(b) Water evaporates into air from oceans, rivers and lakes but not from the soil.( )
(c) The process of water changing into its vapour, is called evaporation.( )
(d) The evaporation of water takes place only in sunlight.( )
(e) Water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water in the upper layers of air where it is
cooler.( )
Solution:
a) False
b) False
c) True
d) False
e) True
4. Suppose you want to dry your school uniform quickly. Would spreading it near an anghiti
or heater help? If yes, how?
Solution:
Spreading uniform near an anghiti or heater will help because it increases the rate of evaporation
due to heat.
5. Take out a cooled bottle of water from refrigerator and keep it on a table. After some time
you notice a droplets of water around it. Why?
Solution:
Because the surface of the air around the bottle cool down and air condenses around the bottle.
6. To clean their spectacles, people often breathe out on glasses to make them wet. Explain
why the glasses become wet.
Solution:
The air we breathe out contains water vapour which condenses on the surface of the spectacles. So,
the glass becomes wet and with the help of a small amount of water molecules, it becomes easier to
clean the spectacles.
7. How are clouds formed?
Solution:
The process of condensation plays an important role in bringing water back to the surface of the
earth. As we go higher from the surface of the earth, it gets cooler. When the air moves up, it gets
cooler and cooler. At sufficient heights, the air becomes so cool that the water vapour present in it
condenses to form tiny drops of water called droplets. It is these tiny droplets that remain floating in
the air and appear to us like clouds.
8. When does a drought occur?
Solution:
If it does not rain for two or more years, water is lost from the soil due to evaporation and
transpiration. Since it is not being brought back by rain, the soil becomes dry. The level of water in
ponds and wells of the region goes down and some of them may even dry up. The ground water
may also become scarce. This may lead to drought.
 CHAPTER – 15
Air Around Us
• Air: The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen
and nitrogen.
• The blanket of air that surround the earth is called atmosphere.
• Air is found everywhere. We cannot see air, but we can feel it.
• Air in motion is called wind.
• Air occupies space.
• Air is present in water and soil.
• Air is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapour and a few other gases.
Some dust particles may also be present in it.
• Atmosphere is essential for life on earth.
• Aquatic animals use dissolved air in water for respiration.
• Plants and animals depend on each other for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from
air.
• Constituent of Air:
Nitrogen: Plants need nitrogen to grow.
Oxygen: Used by all living things to respire and help to burn things.
Carbon dioxide: Plants and animals consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide during
respiration. It is used by green plants for photosynthesis. It is released on burning.
Water Vapour: Formed due to evaporation of water. Amount of water vapour present in
the air is called humidity. Varies from place to place and also in the same place during day
and night.
Dust and Smoke: Smoke contains a few gases and fine dust particles. It is very harmful.
Presence of dust particles in air varies from time to time and from place to place.
• Importance of Air:
(i) Air aids burning.
(ii) Air is needed for breathing.
(iii) Plants need air to make food.
(iv) Birds fly in air. Aeroplanes also go up in the air because of air pressure.
(v) Moving air is called wind. The wind makes the windmill rotate.
(vi) Air help in quick evaporation of sweat that helps in keeping us cool.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 15 Air Around us

1. What is the composition of air?

Solution:
Air comprises of water vapour, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, dust and smoke.
2. Which gas in the atmosphere is essential for respiration?
Solution:
Oxygen in the atmosphere is essential for respiration.
3. How will you prove that air supports burning?
Solution:
Place two candles of the same length on a table. Light both the candles. Cover one of the candles
with an inverted glass tumbler. We observe that the candle covered with a glass tumbler got
extinguished after some time, whereas the other candle continued burning. The candle gets
extinguished because the component inside of the glass tumbler, which supports burning, is limited.
Most of the component is used up by the burning candle. However, the other candle is getting
continued supply of air. This component of air, which supports burning, is known as oxygen.
4. How will you show that air is dissolved in water?
Solution:
Take some water in a container. Heat it slowly on a tripod stand. Before water begins to boil, look at
the inner surface of the container. We observe tiny bubbles inside.
These bubbles come from the air dissolved in water. When you heat the water, to begin with, the air
dissolved in it escapes. This experiment concludes air is present in the water.
5. Why does a lump of cotton wool shrink in water?
Solution:
The lump of cotton wool shrink in water because the air inside the cotton lumps are replaced by
water which makes the layer stick together.
6. The layer of air around the earth is known as ___________.
Solution:
The layer of air around the earth is known as the atmosphere.
7. The component of air used by green plants to make their food, is ___________.
Solution:
The component of air used by green plants to make their food is carbon dioxide.
8. List five activities that are possible due to the presence of air.
Solution:
Activities that are possible due to air are:
 1. Photosynthesis
2. Cloud formation
3. Respiration
4. Transpiration
5. Winnowing

9. How do plants and animals help each other in the exchange of gases in the atmosphere?
Solution:
During the process of respiration, animals and plants consume oxygen from the air and release
carbon dioxide gas in the air. But green plants also release oxygen gas by utilizing carbon dioxide
during the process of photosynthesis. Hence, in this way, plants and animals help each other in the
exchange of gases in the atmosphere.
 CHAPTER – 16
GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT
• Waste: A material that has no longer any value to the person who is responsible for it.
• Source of Waste:
(i) Domestic Wastes: garbage, rubbish, excreta, ashes, sullage are domestic wastes.
(ii) Industrial wastes: wastes produced by industries. The common industrial wstes are
smoke, plastic, objects, glass, fly ash, etc.
(iii) Agricultural wastes: common agricultural wastes are rice husk, dried stems and
straw, weeds and cattle waste.
(iv) Commercial wastes: wastes generated from commercial establishments such as
shops, malls, stores restarurants, hotels, motels, printing press, auto-repair shops,
medical facilities.
• Type of wastes:
(i) Biodegradable wastes: Wastes which can be broken down through the action of
microorganisms into their simple constituents. Example: plant products, organic
wastes, domestic refuse and animal wastes.
(ii) Non-biodegradable wastes: Wastes which cannot be disintegrated by action of
microorganisms and remains unaffected from decomposition. Example: plastics, glass,
metal, scraps, etc.
(iii) Plastics: Many things are made up of plastics like bags, shoes, bottles, pipes, pens, etc.
it cannot be converted into less harmful substances by composting.
• Ill effect of Plastics:
(a) Burning emits poisonous gases which cause health problems.
(b) Foods thrown in plastic bags are eaten by stray animals which can lead to death.
(c) Carelessly thrown plastic bags choke sewer system.
(d) Food stored in bad quality plastics can be harmful.
• Management of Plastics:
(a) Do not throw plastics here and there after use.
(b) Do not burn pastic bags and other plastic items.
(c) Use paper or cloth bags in place of plastic bags.
(d) Educate friends and family members about the proper disposal of plastics.
• Management and Disposal of Waste:
 (a) 3R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. It means the reduce waste production, reuse of materials
and recycle and reprocessing of waste materials for making new products
(b) Landfills or Composting: Converting plant and animal waste including that from
kitchen, into manure, is called composting. Low lying open areas to deposite
biodegradable waste.
(c) Vermi-composting: Method of preparing compost with the help of red worms. Excreta of
the worms make the compost very rich in nutrients.
• Landfill is an area where the garbage collected from a city or town is dumped. The area is
later converted into a park.
• Paper can be recycled to get useful products.
• Plastics cannot be converted into less harmful substances by the process of composting.
• We need to generate less waste and find ways of dealing with the increasing amount of
garbage in our surroundings.
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 16 Garbage in, Garbage
out
Exercise Questions
1. (a) Which kind of garbage is not converted into compost by the red worms?
(b) Have you seen any other organism besides red worms, in your pit? If yes, try to find out
their names. Draw pictures of these.
Solution:
a) Pieces of cloth, polythene bags, broken glass, aluminium wrappers, nails and broken toys are not
converted into compost by the red worms.
b) Earthworms, small insects like ant, millipedes are found in pits.
2. Discuss:
(a) Is garbage disposal the responsibility only of the government?
(b) Is it possible to reduce the problems relating to disposal of garbage?
Solution:
a) No, not just the government, but everybody is responsible for garbage disposal. We should
bifurcate wet and dry waste, recycle the non-biodegradable substances and we should also reduce
the accumulation of garbage in our house and streets.
b) Yes, it is possible to reduce the problems of garbage by scientific disposal of garbage, we can do
it by bifurcation of different waste and also by recycling the waste materials.
3. (a) What do you do with the leftover food at home?
(b) If you and your friends are given the choice of eating in a plastic plate or a banana leaf
platter at a party, which one would you prefer and why?
Solution:
(a) Leftover food can be collected and used to form compost. Compost produces nutrients
necessary for the growth and development of plants.
(b) We would prefer to eat food on a banana leaf plate because it acts as a harmless substance
which helps to form manure by the process of composting, whereas plastic plates cannot be
converted into harmless substances by composting. Plastic plates are not degradable, hence can
persist in the environment and cause many problems.
4. (a) Collect pieces of different kinds of paper. Find out which of these can be recycled.
(b) With the help of a lens look at the pieces of paper, you collected for the above question.
Do you see any difference in the material of recycled paper and a new sheet of paper?
Solution:
(a) Papers such as newspapers, notebooks, magazines can be recycled easily. However, shiny and
coated papers cannot be easily recycled
(b) Recycled paper is usually thick or rough when compared to a new sheet of paper.
5. (a)Collect different kinds of packaging material. What was the purpose for which each one
was used? Discuss in groups.
(b) Give an example in which packaging could have been reduced?
(c) Write a story on how packaging increases the amount of garbage.
Solution:
(a) Different kinds of packaging materials used commonly are:
Cardboard – used as shoe, soap, bulb and other boxes.
Plastic Bags – Toys covers, sarees bags, shopping bags, etc.
Wooden Boxes – Fruit baskets and boxes for hardware.
Jute Bags – School bags, shopping bags, vegetable bags, etc.
(b) By reusing the packaging material, we can reduce the accumulation of garbage.
(c) The basic purpose of packaging is to protect the product from tampering and to maintain its
freshness and purity. However, most of the packaging material is used to beautify the boxes and
make them look attractive on the shelves. Unfortunately, a large volume of packaging material goes
waste and is thrown into the dustbin.
For example, in most of the places, the dustbins are full of chips and biscuit wrappers.
It unnecessarily increases the amount of garbage. It also increases the cost of the product due to
unnecessary packaging. We should seriously consider how to reduce unnecessary packaging.
6. Do you think it is better to use compost instead of chemical fertilizers? Why?
Solution:
Yes, it is better to use compost instead of chemical fertilizers for the following reasons:
• It is easy to prepare compost
• Compost is environment friendly as it does not cause any health issues in humans and
animals
• Compost will not cause pollution
• Compost increases soil fertility.
• Compost is biodegradable