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Materials Around Us

NCERT Class 6 · Science Based on NCERT Class 6 Science textbook · Free CBSE study kit

Chapter Notes

**Key Definitions:**

**Material** = any substance used to make objects (paper, wood, metal, plastic, clay, glass, rubber)

**Classification** = grouping objects based on common properties like shape, color, hardness, or material

**Properties of Materials** = characteristics we observe like appearance, hardness, softness, shine, color, texture

**Lustre/Lustrous** = shiny, glossy surface that reflects light (example: copper, gold, polished steel)

**Non-lustrous** = dull surface that does not reflect light (example: paper, wood, cloth, rubber)

**Hard Material** = cannot be easily compressed or scratched (stone, iron, glass)

**Soft Material** = can be easily compressed or bent (rubber, eraser, cloth, foam)

**Key Points to Remember:**

  • Same object can be made from different materials (tumbler: glass, plastic, metal, clay)
  • Same material can make many objects (wood → table, chair, pencil, door)
  • Material selection depends on PURPOSE + PROPERTIES needed
  • Shiny surface doesn't always mean metal (polished plastic can shine too)
  • One object often uses multiple materials (pen: plastic body + metal nib + ink)
  • **Diagrams to Remember:** Objects grouped by properties; appearance of lustrous vs non-lustrous materials

    **Don't Confuse:** Lustrous ≠ always metal (non-metals can be polished); hard ≠ heavy; property ≠ material

    MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

    Q1. What is a material?

    • A. Any substance used to create or make an object ✓
    • B. Only metals used in construction
    • C. Objects we see around us
    • D. Properties of hard objects

    Answer: A — Material is defined as any substance used to create objects, including paper, wood, metal, plastic, clay, and glass.

    Q2. Which of the following is a lustrous material?

    • A. Paper
    • B. Wood
    • C. Copper ✓
    • D. Cloth

    Answer: C — Copper is a metal with a shiny, gleaming surface (lustrous), while paper, wood, and cloth are non-lustrous materials.

    Q3. What does classification mean?

    • A. Making objects from materials
    • B. Arranging objects into groups based on common properties ✓
    • C. Observing the color of objects
    • D. Listing all materials used in the world

    Answer: B — Classification is the method of arranging objects into groups based on common properties like shape, color, or material.

    Q4. Which property would you use to separate a tennis ball from a cricket ball if they are the same size?

    • A. Shape
    • B. Color
    • C. Bouncing ability and material ✓
    • D. Size

    Answer: C — Tennis balls are made with softer rubber that bounces high, while cricket balls are harder and bounce lower, so bouncing ability helps distinguish them.

    Q5. Why would paper NOT be a good material for making a cooking pot?

    • A. It is too shiny
    • B. It burns easily and cannot hold hot water safely ✓
    • C. It is a metal
    • D. It reflects light too well

    Answer: B — Paper is non-heat-resistant, burns easily, and cannot withstand heat or hold hot liquids, making it unsuitable for cooking.

    Q6. Fill in the blank: A material that does not have a shiny surface is called __________.

    • A. Lustrous
    • B. Non-lustrous ✓
    • C. Hard
    • D. Metallic

    Answer: B — Non-lustrous materials like wood, paper, and rubber have dull surfaces that do not reflect light or shine.

    Q7. Which material would be BEST for making a water bottle?

    • A. Paper
    • B. Cloth
    • C. Plastic or glass ✓
    • D. Wood

    Answer: C — Plastic and glass are waterproof and can hold liquids safely, while paper, cloth, and wood absorb water or break down.

    Q8. In the activity with different types of balls, the tennis ball bounced the highest. What does this tell us about the material used?

    • A. Tennis ball material is harder than cricket ball material
    • B. Tennis ball material is softer and more elastic, designed to bounce high for the sport ✓
    • C. Cricket ball is made of heavier material
    • D. Both balls are made of the same material

    Answer: B — Tennis balls are made of softer, elastic rubber that bounces higher; cricket balls are harder for fast bowling, so different materials suit different sports.

    Q9. Which statement is true about metals like gold and copper?

    • A. They are non-lustrous and dull
    • B. They are lustrous and have shiny surfaces ✓
    • C. They are made of paper
    • D. They cannot be polished

    Answer: B — Gold and copper are metals with lustrous (shiny) surfaces that reflect light naturally.

    Q10. A grocer arranges spices in one corner, pulses in another, and grains in another corner. What is this process called?

    • A. Observation
    • B. Classification ✓
    • C. Experimentation
    • D. Comparison

    Answer: B — Grouping items (spices, pulses, grains) into separate sections based on their common type is an example of classification.

    Flashcards

    What is a material?

    Any substance used to create or make an object.

    What does classification mean?

    Arranging objects or materials into groups based on common properties.

    What is a lustrous material?

    A material that has a shiny, gleaming surface and usually reflects light well.

    Give two examples of lustrous materials.

    Copper, gold, iron, aluminium, and zinc are lustrous metals.

    What is a non-lustrous material?

    A material that does not have a shiny surface and looks dull.

    Give two examples of non-lustrous materials.

    Paper, wood, rubber, jute, and cloth are non-lustrous materials.

    Why is a hard material chosen for making cooking utensils?

    Hard materials can withstand heat, pressure, and long-term use without breaking or wearing down easily.

    Why are different materials used for making different sports balls?

    Different sports need different bounce heights and durability, so materials are chosen based on each sport's requirements.

    Can one material be used to make different objects?

    Yes, one material like wood can be used to make furniture, pencils, doors, and many other objects.

    How do we decide which material to use for making an object?

    We choose a material based on its properties and the purpose or function the object must serve.

    Important Board Questions

    What is a material? [1 mark]

    Material is any substance used to create or make an object. Examples: wood, metal, plastic, clay, paper.

    Name three materials that are used to make everyday objects. For each material, write one object made from it. (Example: Wood — table) [2 marks]

    Choose any three materials (paper, plastic, metal, clay, glass, wood, cloth). For each, name one common object made from it found in home, school, or market.

    Explain with a real-life example from your home why different materials are chosen for making different objects. What property of the material decides its use? [3 marks]

    Choose two different objects (e.g., water bottle and notebook). Explain: what material each is made from, what property that material has (waterproof, heat-resistant, flexible, etc.), and why that property makes it perfect for that object's purpose.

    What do you understand by the terms 'lustrous' and 'non-lustrous' materials? Give two examples of each. Draw and label a simple diagram showing the difference in appearance between a lustrous and a non-lustrous material. [5 marks]

    Lustrous = shiny, reflects light (metals like copper, gold); Non-lustrous = dull, no shine (wood, paper, cloth). Draw two simple objects side by side: one shiny (add reflection marks/lines) and one dull. Label each clearly.

    True or False: All shiny materials are metals. Give one reason to support your answer. [2 marks]

    Answer: False. Reason: Non-metals like plastic can be polished or coated to look shiny, but they are not metals. Shiny appearance does not always mean it is metal.

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