CBSE Class 3 Mathematics Chapter 8: Who is Heavier? NCERT Solutions
This chapter, 'Who is Heavier?', from the CBSE Class 3 Mathematics curriculum, introduces young learners to the fundamental concept of weight and comparison. Through engaging questions and practical scenarios, students explore the difference between the appearance of objects and their actual weight. The solutions clarify that equal weights can occupy different volumes and require different amounts of space. Key activities involve comparing the weight of common items like groundnuts and jaggery, guessing which items need larger bags for the same weight (like popcorn vs. sugar), and understanding how to balance objects on a see-saw. These solutions build a foundational understanding of measurement and comparison, crucial for future mathematical concepts, and serve as an excellent tool for exam revision.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 3 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 8, 'Who is Heavier?', for Class 3 Mathematics NCERT Solutions, introduces the concept of weight comparison. It helps students understand that visual appearance (size or number of items) doesn't always indicate weight. The solutions cover comparing weights of different objects, understanding volume versus weight, and practical applications like using a see-saw for balancing. This chapter builds foundational skills in measurement and comparison.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of weight and comparison.
- Differentiate between appearance and actual weight.
- Compare the weights of different objects.
- Relate weight to the volume or space occupied by an object.
- Apply the concept of balancing to real-life scenarios like a see-saw.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Weight Comparison
- Heavier and Lighter
- Balancing
- Volume vs. Weight
- Measurement Concepts
- Observation Skills
Important topics
- Understanding 'Heavier' and 'Lighter'
- Comparing weights of different objects
- Relating visual appearance to actual weight
- Practical application of weight concepts
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
No, the groundnuts do not weigh more than the jaggery. Although they might appear to be more in number, both the groundnuts and the jaggery weigh exactly the same, which is 1 kilogram. The difference in appearance is due to the shape and size of individual items, not their total weight.
Question 2
Let's think about why different items might need different bag sizes for the same weight:
- 1 kg popcorn or 1 kg sugar: We need a bigger bag for 1 kg of popcorn. Popcorn is very light and fluffy, and a large volume of popcorn is needed to make up 1 kg. Sugar is denser and takes up less space for the same weight.
- 1 kg peas or 1 kg potatoes: We generally need a bigger bag for 1 kg of peas. Peas are typically smaller and lighter individually than potatoes. Therefore, you would need many more peas to reach 1 kg compared to potatoes, and they would occupy more volume.
Going to the market and checking will help you see this difference in volume for yourself!
Page No 115:
Question 1

To balance the pumpkin on a see-saw, the total weight of the mangoes must be equal to the weight of the pumpkin. Based on typical sizes, approximately 20 big mangoes would be needed to balance one pumpkin. This is an estimation, and the exact number can vary depending on the size and weight of both the mangoes and the pumpkin.
Question 2
This question requires you to think about your own weight. If we assume a child's weight is roughly equivalent to 6 pumpkins, then about 6 pumpkins would be needed to balance you on a see-saw. This is an estimate, and the actual number depends on your weight and the weight of the pumpkins.
Question 3
- Almost the same as you
- More than you
- Less than you
This is a question that requires you to observe your friends and make an educated guess based on their size and build. Here are some examples of how you might answer, but you should think about your own classmates:
- Almost the same as you: You might name a classmate who looks about the same size and build as you.
- More than you: You might name a classmate who appears taller or larger than you.
- Less than you: You might name a classmate who appears smaller or shorter than you.
It's important to remember that these are just guesses based on appearance. Actual weight can only be known by using a weighing scale.
Common mistakes
- Assuming more items or larger items always weigh more.
- Confusing volume/space occupied with actual weight.
- Difficulty in estimating weights without direct comparison.
Revision tips
- Focus on the difference between how things look and how much they weigh.
- Practice comparing weights of everyday objects at home.
- Visualize how different items would balance on a see-saw.
- Understand that 1 kg of different items can take up different amounts of space.
Practice MCQs
Q1. If 1 kg of groundnuts and 1 kg of jaggery are weighed, which one weighs more?
Explanation: Both groundnuts and jaggery weigh 1 kg, so they are equal in weight, even if they look different.
Q2. Which item would likely need a bigger bag for 1 kg?
Explanation: Popcorn is much lighter and takes up more space for the same weight compared to sugar, so it needs a bigger bag.
Q3. On a see-saw, if a pumpkin balances 20 big mangoes, what does this tell us about their weights?
Explanation: For the see-saw to balance, the weight on both sides must be equal. Therefore, the pumpkin's weight is equal to the combined weight of 20 big mangoes.
Q4. Which of these concepts is primarily explored in Chapter 8?
Explanation: The chapter 'Who is Heavier?' directly deals with comparing the weights of different objects and understanding the concept of heaviness.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concept taught in CBSE Class 3 Maths Chapter 8?
The main concept is understanding and comparing the weight of different objects, learning that appearance doesn't always indicate weight, and exploring the idea of balancing.
Do the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 8 explain why 1 kg of popcorn needs a bigger bag than 1 kg of sugar?
Yes, the solutions explain that although the weight is the same (1 kg), popcorn is less dense and takes up more space (volume) than sugar, thus requiring a larger bag.
Are the answers in the Chapter 8 solutions fixed or can they vary?
For questions involving personal observation or estimation (like classmates' weights or balancing on a see-saw), the answers may vary. The solutions provide reference points and encourage students to observe and record their own findings.
How do these solutions help in exam preparation?
These solutions clarify the concepts of weight comparison and balancing, helping students understand the 'why' behind the answers, which is crucial for answering conceptual questions in exams.
What kind of activities are included in Chapter 8?
The chapter includes activities like comparing the weight of groundnuts and jaggery, guessing which items need bigger bags for the same weight, and estimating how many objects balance another on a see-saw.
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