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Materials Around Us

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

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter introduces students to the concept that everything around us is made up of materials. It explains how objects can be grouped or classified based on common properties such as shape, colour, hardness, lustre, transparency, solubility, mass, and volume. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that materials have different properties, and we choose a material to make an object based on its properties and the purpose for which the object is to be used.
Key Concepts (14)
Material
Any substance that is used to create an object is referred to as material.
e.g. Paper, wood, cloth, glass, metal, plastic, clay are all materials used to make objects like notebooks, chairs, and tumblers.
Classification
The method of arranging objects into groups based on a common property is called classification.
e.g. A grocer keeps all types of spices in one corner and pulses in another corner.
Lustrous
Materials that typically have shiny surfaces are said to have a lustrous appearance. Such materials with lustre are usually metals.
e.g. Iron, copper, zinc, aluminium, gold are lustrous materials.
Non-lustrous
Non-lustrous materials are those that do not have a shiny surface.
e.g. Paper, wood, rubber, jute are non-lustrous materials.
Hard
Materials which are difficult to compress or scratch are hard.
e.g. Stone, iron, brick are hard materials.
Soft
Materials which can be compressed or scratched easily are soft.
e.g. Eraser, sponge, candle are soft materials.
Transparent
Materials through which things can be seen clearly are called transparent.
e.g. Glass, water, air, cellophane paper are transparent materials.
Translucent
Materials through which objects can be seen, but not clearly, are known as translucent.
e.g. Butter paper and frosted glass are translucent materials.
Opaque
Materials through which you are not able to see at all are called opaque.
e.g. Wood, cardboard, metals are opaque materials.
Soluble
Materials that completely disappear when mixed in water are said to be soluble in water.
e.g. Sugar and salt are soluble in water.
Insoluble
Materials that do not mix with water and do not disappear even after stirring for a long time are insoluble in water.
e.g. Chalk powder, sand, sawdust are insoluble in water.
Mass
The quantity of matter present in an object is called its mass. It is measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
e.g. A cricket ball has more mass than a table tennis ball.
Volume
The space occupied by matter is its volume. It is measured in litres (L) and millilitres (mL).
e.g. A 500 mL water bottle contains 500 millilitres of water.
Matter
Anything that occupies space and has mass is called matter.
e.g. Water, sand, pebbles, a cup, air — all are examples of matter.
How It Works
Identifying materials around us
  1. Look at any object around you, such as a notebook, pen, or tumbler.
  2. Think about what substance it is made from — paper, plastic, metal, clay, etc.
  3. Write the name of the object and the material(s) it is made up of in a table.
💡 An object can be made from a single material or a combination of different materials. For example, a pen may be made of plastic, metal, and ink.
Grouping objects based on common properties
  1. Look at a collection of objects (e.g., those in Fig. 6.1).
  2. Choose a common property such as shape, colour, hardness, softness, shine, dullness, or the material they are made of.
  3. Arrange the objects into groups based on that property.
  4. Discuss with friends whether they used similar or different properties.
💡 Objects can be grouped in many different ways. There is no single correct way — the grouping depends on the property you choose.
Choosing a material for an object based on its purpose
  1. Identify the purpose of the object (e.g., a tumbler must hold water).
  2. Think about the properties a material must have to fulfil that purpose (e.g., it must be waterproof, not dissolve in water, and be rigid enough to hold shape).
  3. Select a material that has those properties (e.g., glass, plastic, metal for a tumbler).
  4. Avoid materials that would not work (e.g., cloth cannot hold water, paper cannot be used for cooking utensils).
💡 The material chosen must match the purpose. A cricket ball cannot be used to play tennis because it is made of different materials and bounces differently.
Testing solubility in water
  1. Take five glass tumblers and fill each two-thirds with water.
  2. Add a teaspoonful of sugar to the first, salt to the second, chalk powder to the third, sand to the fourth, and sawdust to the fifth.
  3. Stir each tumbler well with a spoon.
  4. Wait for a few minutes and observe what happens.
  5. Record whether the material disappears (soluble) or remains (insoluble).
💡 Some materials like sugar and salt dissolve completely (soluble), while others like chalk powder, sand, and sawdust do not dissolve (insoluble).
Measuring mass using a balance
  1. Take three identical paper cups or bowls.
  2. Fill one half with water (A), one with sand (B), and one with pebbles (C).
  3. Predict which cup will be heavier and which lighter.
  4. Weigh each cup using a balance and record the readings.
  5. Compare the data to infer which is heavier or lighter.
💡 The object with more mass is heavier. Mass is measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
Understanding volume through water levels
  1. Take two identical glass tumblers.
  2. Pour water from a drinking water bottle into the first tumbler until it is half-filled.
  3. Pour water from another bottle into the second tumbler until it is almost completely filled.
  4. Observe that the water levels are different even though the tumblers have the same capacity.
  5. Conclude that the amount of water (volume) in each tumbler is different.
💡 Volume is the space occupied by matter. It is measured in litres (L) and millilitres (mL).
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ All shiny materials are metals
✗ All materials that shine are metals.
→ Some non-metals can be made shiny by polishing or coating them with plastic, wax, or other materials. The chapter explicitly says 'All that glitters is not gold' — not all shiny materials are metals.
✓ Materials that typically have shiny surfaces are said to be lustrous, and such materials are usually metals. However, some non-metals can also appear shiny after polishing or coating.
⚠ Hard and soft are absolute properties
✗ Rubber is a soft material.
→ Hardness and softness are relative. Rubber is harder than sponge but softer than iron. The chapter states these properties are relative in nature.
✓ Hardness and softness are relative. For example, rubber is harder than sponge but softer than iron.
⚠ Transparent means you can see through it completely
✗ Transparent materials allow you to see through them.
→ That is partially correct but incomplete. The chapter defines transparent as materials through which things can be seen clearly. Translucent materials also allow you to see, but not clearly.
✓ Transparent materials allow things to be seen clearly through them (e.g., glass, water). Translucent materials allow light to pass but objects are not seen clearly (e.g., butter paper, frosted glass).
⚠ All solids are hard
✗ All solid materials are hard.
→ Many solids are soft, such as an eraser, sponge, or candle. Hardness is a property that varies among solids.
✓ Materials can be hard (difficult to compress or scratch) or soft (easily compressed or scratched). Examples of soft solids include eraser, sponge, and candle.
⚠ Mass and weight are the same
✗ Mass and weight are the same thing.
→ The chapter clarifies that weight is sometimes used in common language for mass, but they are different. Mass is the quantity of matter, while weight depends on gravity. You will learn more in higher classes.
✓ Mass is the quantity of matter in an object, measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg). Weight is different and will be studied in higher classes.
Compare & Contrast
Visibility through the material
Transparent
Translucent
Transparent materials allow objects to be seen clearly (e.g., glass), while translucent materials allow objects to be seen but not clearly (e.g., butter paper).
Behaviour when mixed in water
Soluble
Insoluble
Soluble materials completely disappear when mixed in water (e.g., sugar, salt), while insoluble materials do not mix and remain visible even after stirring (e.g., sand, chalk powder).
Appearance or shine
Lustrous
Non-lustrous
Lustrous materials have a shiny surface and are usually metals (e.g., iron, gold), while non-lustrous materials do not have a shiny surface (e.g., paper, wood, rubber).
Ease of compression or scratching
Hard
Soft
Hard materials are difficult to compress or scratch (e.g., stone, iron), while soft materials can be easily compressed or scratched (e.g., eraser, sponge). These properties are relative.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Very Short Answer (1 mark), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks) — total approximately 10 marks
Most asked: Classification of materials based on properties (lustre, hardness, transparency, solubility) · Definition and examples of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials · Soluble and insoluble substances in water · Definition of matter, mass, and volume
Don't skip: Classify given materials as transparent, translucent, or opaque with reasons.; Distinguish between soluble and insoluble substances with examples.; Define matter and explain its two essential properties (mass and volume).; Explain why a particular material is chosen to make a specific object (e.g., why is a tumbler not made of cloth?).
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Any substance used to create an object is called a material.
  2. The method of arranging objects into groups based on a common property is called classification.
  3. Lustrous materials have a shiny surface and are usually metals like iron, copper, and gold.
  4. Non-lustrous materials like paper, wood, and rubber do not have a shiny surface.
  5. Hard materials are difficult to compress or scratch; soft materials are easily compressed or scratched.
  6. Transparent materials allow clear vision through them (e.g., glass, water).
  7. Translucent materials allow vision but not clearly (e.g., butter paper, frosted glass).
  8. Opaque materials do not allow any vision through them (e.g., wood, cardboard).
  9. Soluble materials completely dissolve in water (e.g., sugar, salt).
  10. Insoluble materials do not dissolve in water (e.g., sand, chalk powder).
  11. Anything that occupies space and has mass is called matter.
  12. Mass is the quantity of matter in an object, measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
  13. Volume is the space occupied by matter, measured in litres (L) and millilitres (mL).
  14. We choose a material to make an object based on its properties and the purpose for which the object is to be used.
  15. Not all shiny materials are metals — some are made shiny by polishing or coating.

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.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Materials Around Us

Q1. Assertion (A):

Iron and copper are lustrous materials.

Reason (R):

Lustrous materials are those that have shiny surfaces and are always metals.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — The assertion is true—iron and copper do have shiny surfaces. The reason is also true—they are metals. However, the reason is not the complete explanation because some non-metals can also be made shiny by polishing or coating. Not all shiny things are metals.

Q2. Assertion (A):

A tumbler cannot be made of paper because paper is not a suitable material for it.

Reason (R):

Paper absorbs water and cannot hold it without leaking.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true. Paper is indeed unsuitable for making a tumbler because it absorbs water, and the reason correctly explains why the assertion is true. A tumbler's purpose is to hold water, so water-resistance is essential.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Different sports balls are made of different materials.

Reason (R):

Different materials have different bouncing properties that are suitable for different sports.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — The assertion is true—tennis balls, cricket balls, and hand exercise balls are made of different materials. The reason is also true and directly explains the assertion—each sport requires different bouncing properties, so different materials are chosen for each ball.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Materials Around Us

Case Study:

Rajesh went to his grandmother's house in the village. He noticed that she had a clay pot in her kitchen. His grandmother used this clay pot to store water for drinking. When Rajesh asked why she doesn't use a plastic bottle like he does at home, his grandmother said, 'Clay keeps the water cool, and the pot doesn't break easily if it falls. Plus, it has been used in our family for many years!' Rajesh realized that different materials are chosen based on their properties and the purpose they serve.

Q1. What material is Rajesh's grandmother's water storage pot made of?

  • A. Plastic
  • B. Clay ✓
  • C. Metal
  • D. Glass

Answer: B

Q2. Why did Rajesh's grandmother choose clay for storing water instead of plastic?

  • A. Because clay is cheaper than plastic
  • B. Because clay keeps water cool and is durable ✓
  • C. Because plastic was not invented when she was young
  • D. Because clay is lighter in weight

Answer: B

Q3. What does this story teach us about choosing materials for objects?

  • A. All materials are the same
  • B. We should always use the newest materials available
  • C. Materials should be chosen based on their properties and the purpose of the object ✓
  • D. Only old materials are good for use

Answer: C

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