CBSE Class 9 Science Chapter 2: Is Matter Around Us Pure NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This section provides comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science, Chapter 2, focusing on 'Is Matter Around Us Pure'. It clarifies the distinction between pure substances and mixtures, detailing elements and compounds as types of pure substances. The solutions meticulously explain homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, offering clear examples for each. Furthermore, it elaborates on the differences between solutions, colloids (sols), and suspensions, highlighting their properties like particle size, uniformity of composition, and the Tyndall effect. These solutions are designed to help students grasp fundamental concepts of matter and its classification, aiding in effective exam preparation and revision.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

Chapter 2 of the NCERT Class 9 Science textbook delves into the purity of matter. These solutions explain the definition of a pure substance, differentiating it from mixtures. Key concepts covered include the characteristics of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, with illustrative examples. The chapter also differentiates between solutions, sols, and suspensions based on their properties and behavior, providing a solid foundation for understanding the composition of matter.

Learning outcomes

  • Define and identify pure substances.
  • Differentiate between elements and compounds.
  • Distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
  • Provide examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
  • Explain the differences between solutions, sols, and suspensions.
  • Identify the Tyndall effect in different types of mixtures.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Pure Substances
  • Elements
  • Compounds
  • Mixtures
  • Homogeneous Mixtures
  • Heterogeneous Mixtures
  • Solutions
  • Sols
  • Suspensions
  • Tyndall Effect
  • Particle Size
  • Composition Uniformity

Important topics

  • Pure Substances vs. Mixtures
  • Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Mixtures
  • Solutions, Sols, and Suspensions
  • Properties of Mixtures (Tyndall Effect)

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1 (Page 15)

What is meant by a pure substance?
Solution: A pure substance is defined as a material that is composed of only one type of particle. This means that all the constituent particles within the substance possess the same chemical nature. Pure substances can be further categorized into two main types: elements and compounds.

Question 2 (Page 15)

List the points of differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
Solution:

Here are the key differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures:

  • Homogeneous Mixture: This type of mixture has a uniform composition throughout its entire volume. The components are evenly distributed, and you cannot distinguish between them visually. Examples include salt dissolved in water, sugar dissolved in water, copper sulphate dissolved in water, alloys like brass, and air.
  • Heterogeneous Mixture: This type of mixture has a non-uniform composition. The components are not evenly distributed, and different parts of the mixture may have different properties or compositions. Examples include a mixture of sodium chloride and iron filings, salt and sulphur mixed together, oil and water, chalk powder in water, and wheat flour in water.

Question 1 (Page 18)

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures with examples.
Solution:

The primary distinction between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures lies in the uniformity of their composition:

Homogeneous Mixtures: These mixtures exhibit a uniform composition and properties throughout. The components are completely blended, making them indistinguishable even under a microscope. Examples include:

  • Mixtures of salt in water, sugar in water, or copper sulphate in water.
  • Iodine dissolved in alcohol.
  • Alloys, which are solid solutions of metals or metals and non-metals (e.g., brass, steel).
  • Air, which is a uniform mixture of gases.

Heterogeneous Mixtures: These mixtures have a non-uniform composition, meaning the composition and properties vary from one part of the mixture to another. The components are often visibly distinct. Examples include:

  • Mixtures of sodium chloride and iron filings, where the iron filings can be separated magnetically.
  • Mixtures of salt and sulphur, where both components retain their individual properties.
  • Oil and water, which do not mix and form distinct layers.
  • Chalk powder or wheat flour suspended in water, where the particles are visible and eventually settle.
  • Milk and water, where the fat globules in milk are not uniformly distributed at a molecular level.

Question 2 (Page 18)

How are sol, solution and suspension different from each other?
Solution:

Sol, solution, and suspension are all types of mixtures, but they differ significantly in their composition, particle size, and properties:

Solution: A solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute particles are dissolved completely and spread uniformly throughout the solvent. The particle size is extremely small (typically less than 1 nanometer), making them invisible to the naked eye and unable to scatter light. Therefore, solutions do not exhibit the Tyndall effect. Examples include salt in water, sugar in water, and alloys.

Sol: A sol is a type of heterogeneous mixture where the solute particles are dispersed throughout the solvent but are larger than those in a true solution (typically between 1 nanometer and 1 micrometer). These particles are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye but are large enough to scatter light, causing the mixture to exhibit the Tyndall effect. Examples include milk of magnesia, mud, and milk itself.

Suspension: A suspension is also a heterogeneous mixture characterized by larger dispersed particles (typically greater than 1 micrometer). These particles are often visible to the naked eye and remain suspended in the medium. They tend to settle down over time if left undisturbed. Suspensions also exhibit the Tyndall effect because the larger particles scatter light. Examples include chalk powder in water and wheat flour in water.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing pure substances with homogeneous mixtures.
  • Difficulty in distinguishing between sols and suspensions.
  • Inability to provide appropriate examples for mixture types.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the key differences between pure substances and mixtures.
  • Memorize the examples provided for homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
  • Understand the properties that differentiate solutions, sols, and suspensions, especially the Tyndall effect.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What defines a pure substance?

Q2. Which of the following is an example of a homogeneous mixture?

Q3. What is a characteristic of a heterogeneous mixture?

Q4. Which type of mixture shows the Tyndall effect?

Q5. Which of these is NOT a type of pure substance?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between a pure substance and a mixture?

A pure substance consists of only one type of particle with a fixed composition, whereas a mixture is composed of two or more substances that are not chemically combined and can have variable compositions.

Can you give an example of a homogeneous mixture?

Yes, air is a common example of a homogeneous mixture, as its components are uniformly distributed. Other examples include saltwater and sugar dissolved in water.

What distinguishes a heterogeneous mixture from a homogeneous one?

A heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition, meaning its components are not evenly distributed and may be visible. A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout.

How are solutions, sols, and suspensions different?

Solutions are homogeneous with very small solute particles that don't scatter light. Sols are heterogeneous where solute particles are larger than in solutions but too small to be seen with the naked eye, and they scatter light (Tyndall effect). Suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures with large, visible solute particles that settle down and scatter light.

What is the Tyndall effect and in which types of mixtures is it observed?

The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by particles in a medium. It is observed in heterogeneous mixtures like sols and suspensions, but not in true solutions.

Are elements and compounds considered pure substances?

Yes, both elements and compounds are classified as pure substances because they consist of only one type of particle with a definite chemical composition.

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