CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 4: Sorting Materials into Groups NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter, 'Sorting Materials into Groups,' for CBSE Class 6 Science, introduces students to the fundamental concept of classifying objects based on their properties. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to exercises that cover material characteristics like hardness, lustre, solubility, and transparency. Students will learn to identify objects made from different materials such as wood, plastic, glass, and steel, and understand why grouping materials is essential for their study. These solutions break down complex ideas into simple steps, helping students grasp the criteria used for sorting and the diverse properties of everyday objects. They are designed to aid in understanding the core principles of material science and prepare students for examinations by reinforcing key concepts through practice questions and answers.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 4

Chapter summary

Chapter 4 of the CBSE Class 6 Science curriculum focuses on 'Sorting Materials into Groups.' This chapter's NCERT Solutions guide students through the process of classifying various objects based on their properties. The exercises cover identifying materials like wood, plastic, and steel, distinguishing between objects that shine and those that don't, and understanding concepts like transparency, opacity, and solubility. The solutions explain the reasoning behind grouping materials, making it easier for students to comprehend the characteristics of different substances and their applications.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify objects that can be made from specific materials like wood.
  • Distinguish between objects that shine (lustrous) and those that do not.
  • Understand the concept of transparency and opacity in materials.
  • Determine the solubility of different substances in water.
  • Differentiate between materials that float and sink in water.
  • Explain the process of sorting materials into groups based on their properties.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Materials
  • Objects
  • Sorting
  • Grouping
  • Properties of Materials
  • Lustre
  • Hardness
  • Solubility
  • Transparency
  • Opacity
  • Floating and Sinking
  • Wood
  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Steel

Important topics

  • Properties of materials (lustre, hardness, solubility, transparency)
  • Sorting objects based on material properties
  • Distinguishing between transparent, translucent, and opaque materials
  • Understanding solubility and miscibility
  • Identifying materials that float or sink

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Name five objects which can be made from wood.
Solution: Wood is a versatile material used to make many common objects. Here are five examples of objects that can be made from wood:
  1. Table
  2. Chair
  3. Bed
  4. Doors
  5. Bullock cart
These items utilize wood's strength and workability.

Question 2

Select those objects from the following which shine: Glass bowl, plastic toy, steel spoon, cotton shirt
Solution: The property of shining is called lustre. Among the given objects, those made of metal typically exhibit lustre.
  • Glass bowl: Glass does not usually have a high shine unless polished, but it can reflect light.
  • Plastic toy: Plastic is generally not lustrous.
  • Steel spoon: Steel is a metal and has a shiny surface, meaning it possesses lustre.
  • Cotton shirt: Cotton is a fabric and does not shine.
Therefore, the objects that shine are the glass bowl (due to reflection) and the steel spoon (due to lustre).

Question 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.

Objects: Book, Glass Tumbler, Chair, Toy, Shoes

Materials: Wood, Paper, Leather, Plastics, Glass

Solution: We need to match each object with a suitable material it could be made from. Some objects might be made from multiple materials, and one material can be used for several objects.
  • Book is typically made from Paper.
  • Glass Tumbler is made from Glass.
  • Chair can be made from Wood or Plastics.
  • Toy can be made from Plastics, Wood, or other materials.
  • Shoes are often made from Leather or Plastics.
Here is a possible matching:

Book - Paper

Glass Tumbler - Glass

Chair - Wood

Toy - Plastics

Shoes - Leather

Question 4

State whether the statements given below are True or False.

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

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

(iii) Chalk dissolves in water.

(iv) A piece of wood floats on water.

(v) Sugar does not dissolve in water.

(vi) Oil mixes with water.

(vii) Sand settles down in water.

(viii) Vinegar dissolves in water.

Solution: Let's evaluate each statement based on the properties of the materials involved:
  1. (i) Stone is transparent, while glass is opaque. False. Stones are generally opaque (light cannot pass through them), while glass is usually transparent (light can pass through it).
  2. (ii) A notebook has lustre while eraser does not. False. A notebook is made of paper, which does not have lustre. An eraser is made of rubber or plastic, which also do not have lustre. Lustre is a property of shiny materials like metals.
  3. (iii) Chalk dissolves in water. False. Chalk is insoluble in water; it does not dissolve but rather forms a suspension or settles down.
  4. (iv) A piece of wood floats on water. True. Wood is less dense than water, so it floats on the surface.
  5. (v) Sugar does not dissolve in water. False. Sugar is soluble in water, meaning it dissolves completely when mixed with water.
  6. (vi) Oil mixes with water. False. Oil and water are immiscible; they do not mix with each other and form separate layers.
  7. (vii) Sand settles down in water. True. Sand is denser than water and insoluble, so it settles at the bottom when mixed with water.
  8. (viii) Vinegar dissolves in water. True. Vinegar is mostly acetic acid and water, and it is soluble in water, meaning it mixes completely.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing transparent and opaque materials.
  • Incorrectly identifying materials based on their appearance (e.g., lustre).
  • Misunderstanding the solubility of substances like chalk or sugar in water.
  • Assuming all objects made of wood will float or sink without considering density.

Revision tips

  • Review the properties of common materials like wood, plastic, glass, and metals.
  • Practice identifying objects based on their ability to shine or reflect light.
  • Understand the difference between soluble and insoluble substances in water.
  • Pay close attention to the true/false statements to reinforce material properties.
  • Use the matching exercise to connect objects with their constituent materials.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following materials is typically used to make doors?

Q2. Which object from the list below is likely to shine?

Q3. Which of these substances will dissolve in water?

Q4. A material that allows light to pass through it is called:

Q5. Which statement about a piece of wood is true?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main concept of CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 4?

Chapter 4, 'Sorting Materials into Groups,' teaches students how to classify different objects and materials based on their observable properties like appearance, hardness, solubility, and transparency.

Why is it important to sort materials into groups?

Sorting materials helps us understand their properties better, making it easier to study them, select appropriate materials for specific purposes, and organize our surroundings.

What does 'lustre' mean in the context of materials?

Lustre refers to the property of a material to shine or reflect light. Metals like steel typically exhibit lustre, while materials like erasers do not.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 6 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's exercises, helping students understand the concepts of material properties and sorting, and preparing them for their exams.

Are all objects made of wood the same in terms of floating or sinking?

Generally, wood floats on water because it is less dense than water. However, the exact behaviour can depend on the type of wood and if it has absorbed water.

What is the difference between soluble and insoluble substances?

Soluble substances dissolve in a solvent (like water), forming a solution. Insoluble substances do not dissolve and remain separate.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

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