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Ever wondered what makes up everything you see, touch, or feel? its all about matter! Everything around us is made up of matter, whether it is the food we eat, the water we drink, the notebook we use to write, or the chair or table we use to sit. Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies volume. The concept of matter provides reasons for everyday phenomena, such as the melting of ice or the spreading of perfume fragrance.
Matter in Our Surroundings is one of the important chapters as it forms the basis of topics that students will learn later in their session. The topics like states of matter, evaporation, condensation, etc. are discussed in this chapter. These topics are well explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1 through a series of solved textbook questions. These NCERT solutions contain step-by-step solutions with detailed explanations to help you understand the fundamental concepts. Some practice questions are added in this article to improve your critical thinking. The approach to attempt the questions is also mentioned to help you improve your accuracy and speed. Students can also access class 9 science chapter 1 notes from our website.
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Students can download the Class 9 science chapter 1 NCERT solutions PDF from the link below and can revise the concepts anytime. You can learn the topics from the matter in our surroundings class 9 notes before solving the questions.
The in-text questions are solved below with detailed explanations
Topic 1.2 - Characteristics of particles of matter (Page 3)
Question 1. Which of the following is matter?
Chair, air, love, smell, hate, almonds, thought, cold, lemon water, the smell of perfume.
Answer:
Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter. It is made up of particles.
In the above question, chair, air, almonds, and lemon water are matters.
And love, smell, hate, thought, cold and smell of perfume are not in the category of matters because they are feelings and emotions of human beings and do not acquire any space.
Question 2. Give reasons for the following observation:
The smell of hot sizzling food reaches you several meters away, but to get the smell of cold food, you have to go close. The smell of hot sizzling food reaches you several meters away
Answer:
The smell of hot sizzling food reaches us from several metres away, as the particles of hot food have more kinetic energy than the cold food.
So, the rate of diffusion is higher in hot food compared to cold food.
Answer:
A diver is able to cut through water in a swimming pool. It shows that the particles of matter (Water) have space between them and have less intermolecular forces of attraction.
Question 4. What are the characteristics of the particles of matter?
Answer:
There are three characteristics of the particles of matter -
Topic 1.3 State of Matter (Page 6)
Question 1. The mass per unit volume of a substance is called density. (density = mass/volume).
Arrange the following in order of increasing density: air, exhaust from chimneys, honey, water, chalk, cotton, and iron
Answer:
Increasing order of the density-
Air < exhaust from chimneys < cotton < water < honey < chalk < iron
Question 2. (a) Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of states of matter.
Answer:
The difference in the characteristics of the three states of matter-
(i) Shape-
(ii) Volume-
(iii) Rigidity/fluidity-
(iv) Intermolecular force and space-
Question 2.(b) Comment upon the following: rigidity, compressibility, fluidity, filling a gas container, shape, kinetic energy and density.
Answer:
Rigidity- The tendency of a substance to maintain its shape when subjected to an external force.
Compressibility - It means the contraction in the volume of a substance under the applied pressure. Liquid and gas are compressible because they have empty space, but solid does not.
Fluidity- The tendency of a particle to flow is known as fluidity. Liquids and gases can flow.
Filling of a gas container- The gases can fill the container with a large amount when we apply external pressure.
Shape- Solids have fixed shapes and boundaries. Liquid and gases have no fixed shape and definite boundaries.
Kinetic energy- The energy possessed by particles due to their motion is known as kinetic energy. Gas has maximum kinetic energy because they have more random motion.
Question 3.(a) Give reasons
Answer:
A gas fills the vessel completely in which it is kept.
The molecules of gas can have the tendency to move in any random direction due to their high kinetic energy.
Question 3. (b) Give reasons
Answer:
A gas exerts pressure on the walls of the container because the molecules of the gas are continuously in random motion because of their high kinetic energy.
So, the molecules of gas are vibrating and hitting the walls of the container, and as a result exert pressure on the walls.
Question 3.(c) Give reasons
Answer:
A wooden table should be called a solid because it has a definite shape, fixed volume and definite boundaries. Also, it cannot flow and is incompressible.
Question 3.(d) Give reasons
Answer:
We can easily move our hand in the air but to do the same through a solid block of wood we need a karate expert because, in air, there is less force of attraction between the particles. So, a very small amount of external force can break it.
But in the case of solids, the force of attraction is very strong and the molecular space is so high. Henc,e a large amount of force is required to break it.
Answer
Ice is solid but its density is lower than that of water due to its network structure and forms a cage-like structure with a lot of vacant space. So that's why ice floats on water.
Topic 1.4 Can matter change its state? (Page-9)
Question 1. Convert the following temperature to Celsius scale:
a. 300 K
b. 573 K.
Answer:
It is known that,
Tk = 273 + Tc
Tk = Temperature in Kelvin and
Tc = temperature in Celsius.
Therefore,
(i) Temperature(C) = 300 - 273 = 27 ºC
(ii) Temperature (C) = 573 - 273 = 300 ºC
Question 2. What is the physical state of water at:
a. 250 ºC
b. 100 ºC
Answer:
The primary state of water is liquid at room temperature. It changes to the gaseous state above 100 ºC. At 100 ºC, water (liquid) can be in equilibrium with the gaseous state.
Hence, (i) At 250 ºCphysical state of water is gas. and,
(ii) At 100 ºC physical state of water can be gas as well as liquid.
Question 3 For any substance, why does the temperature remain constant during the change of state?
Answer:
The temperature of the substance does not change because the heat is used to overcome the forces of attraction.
This heat energy is known as latent heat.
That is why for any substance, the temperature remains constant during the change of state.
Question 4. Suggest a method to liquefy atmospheric gases.
Answer
The atmospheric gases are transferred into a cylinder with a piston attached to it. By cooling and applying external pressure(by pushing the piston) on them. This way gases can be liquified.
Topic 1.5 - Evaporation (Page 10)
Question 1. Why does a desert cooler cool better on a hot dry day?
Answer:
A desert cooler cools better on a hot and dry day. It is because the inner walls of the cooler get sprinkled by the water continuously and due to warm, dry weather, this water gets evaporated.
Evaporation causes cooling of the present air inside of the cooler. This cold air is sent into the room by a fan.
Question 2. How does the water kept in an earthen pot (matka) become cool during summer?
Answer:
The water inside the earthen pot becomes cold during the summer because the earthen pot is porous with a lot of pores. So, water comes out on the surface of the earthen pot, and this water gets evaporated.
And thus the temperature of water present inside the pot is much lower than outside, and hence the water becomes cold.
Question 3. Why does our palm feel cold when we put some acetone or petrol or perfume on it?
Answer:
When we put some acetone, petrol or perfume evaporate in our palm, they come into contact with the air and hence evaporation causes a cooling effect on our palm.
Question 4. Why are we able to sip hot tea or milk faster from a saucer rather than a cup?
Answer:
As we know, the evaporation rate is faster with the increased surface area. Tea in a saucer has a larger surface area than in a cup.
Therefore, the cooling of tea is more rapid in the saucer, and thus, we can sip hot tea or milk faster from a saucer rather than a cup.
Question 5. What type of clothes should we wear in summer?
Answer:
We should wear light coloured cotton clothes because the light colours reflect the solar radiation and cotton clothes have more porosity so that they allow sweat through it to evaporate faster, thereby causing a cooling effect.
The Matter in Our Surroundings Class 9 exercise questions have been covered in these solutions. You can also take help from class 9 science chapter 1 notes.
Question 1 Convert the following temperatures to the Celsius scale.
(a) 293 K
(b) 470 K.
Answer:
It is known that,
Tk = 273 + Tc
Tk = Temperature in Kelvin and
Tc = temperature in Celsius.
Therefore,
(i) Temperature (ºC) = (293 - 273) = 20 ºC
(ii) Temperature (ºC) = 470 -273 = 197 ºC
Question 2. Convert the following temperatures to the kelvin scale.
(a) 25 ºC
(b) 373 ºC
Answer:
It is known that,
TK=273+Tc
T K = Temperature in Kelvin and
T C = temperature in Celsius.
Therefore,
(i) Temperature (K) = 273 + 25 = 298 K
(ii) Temperature (K) = 273 + 373 = 646 K
Question 3.(a) Give reason for the following observations.
Answer:
Naphthalene balls disappear with time without leaving any solid because they can sublimate and directly convert into the gaseous state without leaving any solid.
Question 3.(b) Give reason for the following observations.
Answer:
Perfumes contain a volatile solvent which diffuses very quickly and due to this, we can get the smell of perfume sitting several meters away.
Answer:
The general increasing order of forces of attraction in three states of matter is gas < liquid < solid.
Therefore, increasing order for the above-given substance is-
Oxygen < water < sugar
Question 5. What is the physical state of water at-
(a) 25 ºC
(b) 0 ºC
(c) 100 ºC?
Answer:
The primary physical state of water is liquid. It converts into a gaseous state at a temperature above 100 ºC but at this temperature, it (liquid water) is in equilibrium with the gaseous state.
And below 0 oC it changes into solid and also at this temperature it (liquid water) is in equilibrium with the solid state.
Therefore;
(i) At 25 ºC water is in the liquid state
(ii) At 0 ºC it can be liquid or solid and
(iii) At 100 ºC it can be liquid or the gaseous state.
Question 6. (a) Give two reasons to justify-
Answer:
Water at room temperature is a liquid because-
Question 6.(b) Give two reasons to justify-
Answer:
An iron almirah is a solid at room temperature because-
Question 7. Why is ice at 273 K more effective in cooling than water at the same temperature?
Answer:
At 273K, ice can easily absorb more heat energy from the surroundings in the form of latent heat and overcome the fusion to become water.
Water does not absorb this extra heat from the medium.
Thus, the cooling effect of ice is more than water at the same temperature.
Question 8. What produces more severe burns, boiling water or steam?
Answer:
Steam at 100 ºC produces more severe burns.
It is because extra heat is hidden in it, called latent heat, whereas the boiling water doesn't have any hidden heat.
Question 9. Name A,B,C,D,E and F in the following diagram showing change in its state
Answer:
In the above flow chart-
A = fusion/ melting/ liquefication
B = Vaporisation/ evaporation
C = Condensation (transformation of water from a gaseous state to a liquid state)
D = Solidification (the conversion of liquid into solid is known as solidification)
E = F = Sublimation
Direct conversion of solid into gas or gas into solid without attaining the liquid phase is called sublimation.
Matter in our surroundings important questions are discussed below. Learn more from class 9 science chapter 1 notes.
Question 1: Define matter. List the characteristics of particles of matter.
Answer:
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Characteristics of particles of matter are
Question 2: Explain how evaporation causes cooling. Give two examples from daily life.
Answer:
Evaporation causes cooling because particles on the surface of a liquid absorb energy from their surroundings to change into the vapor state. This absorption of heat lowers the temperature of the surroundings.
Examples-
We feel cool when sweat evaporates from our skin.
Water kept in an earthen pot stays cool due to evaporation from the pot’s surface.
Question 3: What is sublimation? Name two substances that undergo sublimation.
Answer:
Sublimation is the process in which a solid directly changes into a gas without becoming a liquid.
Examples- Camphor and ammonium chloride.
To solve the question effectively, one should build a good approach. Follow the points below to make a good strategy.
1. Understand the key concepts
Try to learn the main ideas like the states of matter, properties of solids, liquids and gases. Also, learn the terms like diffusion, evaporation, and factors affecting the change of state.
2. Use diagrams for clarity
It is advisable to practice drawing diagrams such as the states of matter chart, change of state by heating or cooling and cooling curve of water. This will add up to the beauty of your answer.
3. Focus on definitions and differences
Know how to define terms (e.g., sublimation, latent heat) and write clear differences (like between boiling and evaporation).
4. Solve questions
Attempt all questions from the book including in-text questions. Learn to write answers in simple, clear sentences based on textbook explanations. The class 9 science chapter 1 NCERT solutions PDF will help you revise the topics.
5. Revise examples and activities
Go through NCERT activities and real-life examples (e.g., camphor sublimation, perfume diffusion) as they often form the basis for application questions.
After studying, close the book and try recalling answers or concepts. You can also take help from Matter in our surroundings class 9 notes.
The topics covered in the textbook are given below. Learn the concepts through the NCERT solutions for class 9 chapter 1.
1.1 Physical Nature of Matter
1.1.1 Matter Is Made up of Particles
1.1.2 How Small Are These Particles of Matter?
1.2 Characteristics of Particles of Matter
1.2.1 Particles of Matter Have Space Between Them
1.2.2 Particles of Matter Are Continuously Moving
1.3 States of Matter
1.3.1 The Solid State
1.3.2 The Liquid State
1.3.3 The Gaseous State
1.4 Can Matter Change Its State?
1.4.1 Effect of Change of Temperature
1.4.2 Effect of Change of Pressure
1.5.1 Factors Affecting Evaporation
1.5.2 How Does Evaporation Cause Cooling?
Here are some formulas from this chapter. Matter in our surroundings important questions are often related to these topics.
Density(ρ)= MassVolume =mv
While the SI unit of density is kg/m3, we prefer to use g/cm3 for solids, g/ml for liquids, and g/L for gases out of convenience
Specific gravity = density of substance/density of water
Molar mass = Mass of 1 mole of substance
The unit of molar mass is gram/mole.
Kelvin (K) = Celsius (°C) + 273.15
Celsius (°C) = (Fahrenheit (°F) - 32) × 5/9
Example:
Question: If you find a shiny rock, a carbon allotrope with a volume of 0.042 cm3 and a mass of 0.14 g, is it graphite or diamond? The density of graphite is 2.266 g/cm3 and the density of diamond is 3.51g/cm3
Solution:
Given,
Volume of the shiny rock =0.042 cm³
Mass of the shiny rock = 0.14 g
Density of graphite = 2.266 g/cm3
Density of diamond = 3.51g/cm3
Use the density equation to solve for m, for the mass of graphite and for the mass of a diamond.
ρ = m/V
m = ρV
m = 2.266 g/cm³ x 0.042 cm³ = 0.0951g for graphite
m = 3.51g/cm3 x 0.042 cm³ = 0.1474 g for diamond
The mass of the shiny rock you found is identical to the mass of a diamond.
Matter in our surroundings class 9 exercise questions contains all the above topics.
To download the E-Book click on the link given below
The links below will give you access to the chapter-wise class 9 NCERT solutions.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Chapter 1 Matter in Our Surroundings |
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Chapter 2 Is Matter Around Us Pure |
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Chapter 5 The Fundamental Unit of Life |
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Chapter 8 Force and Laws of Motion |
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Chapter 12 Improvement in Food Resources |
Students can also access the NCERT solutions for other subjects as well. Click on the link below
Follow the links below to get the syllabus and prescribed books. Learn more from the Matter in our surroundings class 9 science NCERT notes.
A state of matter can be changed by:
Boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas at atmospheric pressure. The boiling point of water is 100°C (or 373.15 K).
The particles of matter have the following characteristics:
Melting point is the temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid at atmospheric pressure. The melting point of ice is 0°C (or 273.15 K).
Wind blows away the water vapor formed due to evaporation that allows more water to escape from the clothes. This speeds up the evaporation process, so clothes dry faster.
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