. Which of the following are matter?

Chair, air, love, smell, hate, almonds, thought, cold, lemon water, the smell of perfume.

Solution:

The following substances are matter:

Chair

Air

Almonds

Lemon water

The smell of perfume (Smell is considered as a matter due to the presence of some volatile
substances in air that occupy space & have mass.)

2. Give reasons for the following observation:

The smell of hot sizzling food reaches you several meters away, but to get the smell from
cold food, you have to go close.

Solution:

Particles in the air, if fueled with higher temperatures, acquire high kinetic energy, which aids
them to move fast over a stretch. Hence, the smell of hot sizzling food reaches a person even at
a distance of several meters.

3. A diver is able to cut through water in a swimming pool. Which property of matter does this
observation show?

Solution:

The diver is able to easily cut through the water in the swimming pool because of the weak
forces of attraction between water molecules. It is this property of water that attributes to easy
diving.

4. What are the characteristics of the particles of matter?

Solution:

The characteristics of particles of matter are as follows:

(a) Presence of intermolecular spaces between particles

(b) Particles are in constant motion

(c) They attract each other

(d) All matter is composed of very small particles which can exist independently.

Exercise-1.3 Page: 6

1. The mass per unit volume of a substance is called density. (density=mass/volume). Arrange
the following in the order of increasing density – air, exhaust from the chimneys, honey,
water, chalk, cotton and iron.

Solution:

The following substances are arranged in increasing density:

Air

Exhaust from chimney

Cotton

Water

Honey

Chalk

Iron

2. Answer the following.

a) Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of matter.

b) Comment upon the following: rigidity, compressibility, fluidity, filling a gas

container, shape, kinetic energy and density.

Solution:

(a) The difference in the characteristics of the three states of matter.

Characteristics Solid Liquid Gas

Shape Fixed shape No Fixed shape No Fixed shape

Volume Fixed volume Fixed volume No Fixed volume

 Intermolecular force Maximum Less than solids Very less

Intermolecular space Very less More than solids maximum

Rigidity/Fluidity Rigid/cannot flow Can flow/not rigid Can flow/not rigid

Compressibility negligible compressible Highly compressible

(b) (i) Rigidity: It is the property of matter to continue to remain in its shape when treated

with an external force.

(ii) Compressibility: It is the attribute of the particles to contract their intermolecular space
when

exposed to an external force, thereby escalating its density.

(iii) Fluidity: It is the ability of a substance to flow or move about freely.

(iv) Filling the gas container: The particles in a container take their shape as they randomly
vibrate in all possible directions.

(v) Shape: It is the definite structure of an object within an external boundary

(vi) Kinetic energy: Motion allows particles to possess energy which is referred to as
kinetic energy. The increasing order of kinetic energy possessed by various states of matter are:

Solids < Liquids < Gases

Mathematically, it can be expressed as K.E = 1/2 mv2, where ‘m’ is the mass and ‘v’ is the
velocity of the particle.

(vii) Density: It is the mass of a unit volume of a substance. It is expressed as:

d = M/V, where ‘d’ is the density, ‘M’ is the mass and ‘V’ is the volume of the substance

3. Give reasons

a) A gas fills completely the vessel in which it is kept.

b) A gas exerts pressure on the walls of the container.

c) A wooden table should be called a solid.

d) 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.

Solution:

(a) There is a low force of attraction between gas particles. The particles in the filled vessel are
free to move about.

(b) Gaseous particles have the weakest attraction force. They are always moving in a haphazard
manner. When a gas particle collides with the container’s walls, it exerts force and, thus
pressure on the wall.

(c) There is a distinct contour and volume to the hardwood table. The wood particles are tightly
packed. They do not conform to the container’s shape. As a result, the solid features of a
hardwood table are satisfied.

(d) The boundaries between air particles are quite loose. They are a long way apart and have a
lot of space between them. As a result, we may move our hands freely in the air. The particles in
a solid block, on the other hand, are bound together by a strong force of attraction. As a result,
there is either some or no space between them. As a result, we will require a karate expert.

4. Liquids generally have a lower density than solids. But you must have observed that ice
floats on water. Find out why.

Solution:

In general, the volume of a liquid is more than the volume of a solid because liquid particles are
freer to move, resulting in more volume. Ice, on the other hand, has a maximum density of
water at 4 degrees Celsius. Ice is lighter than water and has a lower density. As a result, it floats
on water.

Exercise – 1.4 Page: 9

1. Convert the following temperature to Celsius scale:

a. 300K b. 573K

Solution:

a. 0°C=273K

300K= (300-273)°C = 27°C

b. 573K= (573-273)°C = 300°C

2. What is the physical state of water at:

a. 250°C b. 100°C ?

Solution:

(a) At 250°C – Gaseous state since it is beyond its boiling point.

(b) At 100°C – It is at the transition state as the water is at its boiling point. Hence it would be
present in both liquid and gaseous states.

3. For any substance, why does the temperature remain constant during the change of state?

Solution:

It is due to the latent heat as the heat supplied to increase the temperature of the substance is
used up to transform the state of matter of the substance; hence, the temperature stays
constant.

4. Suggest a method to liquify atmospheric gases.

Solution:

It can be achieved by either increasing the pressure or decreasing the temperature, which
ultimately leads to the reduction of spaces between molecules.

Exercise – 1.5 Page:10

1. Why does a desert cooler cool better on a hot dry day?

Solution:

It is because the temperature is high and less humid on a hot dry day, enabling better
evaporation. High levels of this evaporation provide better cooling effects.

2. How does the water kept in an earthen pot (matka) become cool during summer?

Solution:

An earthen pot is porous in nature. These tiny pores facilitate the penetration of water and
hence their evaporation from the pot surface. The process of evaporation requires energy which
is contributed by water in the pot as a result of which water turns cooler.

3.Why does our palm feel cold when we put on some acetone or petrol, or perfume on it?

Solution:

Acetone, petrol, and perfume are volatile substances that evaporate when they come in contact
with air. Evaporation is facilitated as it uses energy from the palm, hence leaving a cooling effect
on our palms.
4. Why are we able to sip hot tea or milk faster from a saucer rather than a cup?

Solution:

A saucer has a larger surface area than a cup, promoting quicker evaporation. Hence, the tea or
milk in a saucer cools down faster.

5. What type of clothes should we wear in summer?

Solution:

In summer, it is preferred to wear light-coloured cotton clothes because light colour reflects
heat and cotton materials have pores that absorb sweat, facilitating evaporation, and hence
causing a cooling effect on the skin.

Chapter Exercise – Page: 12

1. Convert the following temperature to Celsius scale.

(a) 293K (b) 470K

Solution:

0°C=273K

(a) 293K= (293 – 273)°C = 20°C

(b) 470K= (470 – 273)°C = 197°C

2.Convert the following temperatures to the Kelvin scale.

(a) 25°C (b) 373°C

Solution:

0°C = 273K

(a) 25°C = (25+273)K = 298K

(b) 373°C = (373+273)K = 646K

3. Give reason for the following observations:

(a) Naphthalene balls disappear with time without leaving any solid.

(b) We can get the smell of perfume while sitting several metres away.

Solution:
(a) At room temperature, naphthalene balls undergo sublimation wherein they directly get
converted from a solid to a gaseous state without having to undergo the intermediate state, i.e.,
the liquid state.

(b) Molecules of air move at a higher speed and have large intermolecular spaces. Perfumes
comprise substances that are volatile, which scatter quickly in air, becoming less concentrated
over a distance. Hence, we are able to smell perfume sitting several metres away.

4. Arrange the following in increasing order of forces of attraction between the particles –
water, sugar, oxygen.

Solution:

Oxygen (gas) < water (liquid) < sugar (solid)

5. What is the physical state of water at –

(a) 25°C (b) 0°C (c) 100°C?

Solution:

(a) At 25°C, the water will be in liquid form (normal room temperature)

(b) At 0°C, the water is at its freezing point, hence both solid and liquid phases are observed.

(c) At 100°C, the water is at its boiling point, hence both liquid and gaseous states of water
(water vapour) are observed.

6. Give two reasons to justify –

(a) Water at room temperature is a liquid.

(b) An iron almirah is a solid at room temperature.

Solution:

(a) Water persists as a liquid at room temperature since its melting point is lower than room
temperature and its boiling point (100o C) is higher.

Similarly,

(i). A fixed volume is occupied by a fixed mass of water.

(ii). At room temperature, water does not have a fixed shape and flows to fit the container’s
shape.

As a result, water is a liquid at room temperature.

(b) Because its melting and boiling points are above room temperature, an iron almirah is a solid
at room temperature. In the same way,

(i) An iron almirah is rigid and has a predetermined shape.

(ii) Metals have a relatively high density.

As a result, at room temperature, iron almirah is a solid.

7. Why is ice at 273K more effective in cooling than water at the same temperature?

Solution:

At 273 K, ice will absorb heat energy or latent heat from the medium to overcome fusion and
transform into water. As a result, ice has a greater cooling impact than water at the same
temperature since water does not absorb the excess heat from the medium.

8. What produces more severe burns, boiling water or steam?

Solution:

Steam produces severe burns. It is because it is an exothermic reaction that releases a high
amount of heat which it had consumed during vaporization.

9. Name A, B, C, D, E and F in the following diagram showing a change in its state.

Solution:

Interconversion of three states of matter: Using temperature or pressure, any state of matter
can be turned into another.

(A) Solid to Liquid → Melting (or) fusion (or) liquefaction

(B) Liquid to Gas → Evaporation (or) vaporization

(C) Gas to liquid → Condensation

(D) Liquid to Solid → Solidification

(E) Solid to Gas → Sublimation

(F) Gas to Solid → solidification

Also Access

NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1

CBSE Notes for Class 9 Science Chapter 1

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1 – Matter in Our Surroundings

Chapter 1 – Matter in Our Surroundings is a part of Unit 1: Matter – Its Nature and Behavior.
According to the past trends and previous years’ question papers, this particular unit carries 23
marks out of 100. Therefore, it is important to ensure that this chapter is studied thoroughly.

The topics and subtopics from NCERT Solutions Class 9 Science Chapter 1 Matter in Our
Surroundings are given below:

1. Physical Nature of Matter

 Matter Is Made Up of Particles

 How Small Are These Particles of Matter?

2. Characteristics of Particles of Matter

 Particles of Matter Have Space between Them

 Particles of Matter Are Continuously Moving

 Particles of Matter Attract Each Other

3. States of Matter

 The Solid State

 The Liquid State

 The Gaseous State

4. Can Matter Change Its State?

 Effect of Change of Temperature

 Effect of Change of Pressure

5. Evaporation

 Factors Affecting Evaporation

 How Does Evaporation Cause Cooling?

Students can utilise the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chemistry Chapter 1 for any quick
references to comprehend complex topics.

Matter is one of the fundamental constituents that make up everything in the universe – from
minute sand particles on Earth to the enigmatic black holes at the centre of many galaxies.
Matter has a role to play in everything we see around us, interacting to form new materials,
some familiar and others exotic.

Explore how matter works and discover its molecular components. Also, learn how the term
matter was coined and its significance in various fields of science. Find more important NCERT
Solutions For Class 9 Science to aid your studies.

Exercises with Question count covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Chapter 1: Matter in Our
Surroundings

Exercise 1.1 & 1.2, Page number 3 – Solutions of 4 Questions

Exercise 1.3, Page number 6 – Solutions of 4 Questions
Exercise 1.4, Page number 9 – Solutions of 4 Questions
Exercise 1.5, Page number 10 – Solutions of 5 Questions
Chapter Exercise, Page number 12 – Solutions of 9 Questions

Key Features of NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1 – Matter in Our Surroundings

1. Content elaborated in detail, ensuring all concepts are explained

2. Solutions have been written in an easy-to-understand language

3. Crafted by qualified teachers and industry experts

4. Includes questions from the latest prescribed syllabus

5. Comprehensive analysis of previous year exam questions

6. Explore additional learning tools such as sample papers and previous year question
papers
Disclaimer:

Dropped Topics – Box item titled ‘Plasma and Bose–Einstein Condensate’.

Frequently Asked Questions on NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1

Q1

Explain the different characteristics of the state of matter covered in Chapter 1 of NCERT
Solutions for Class 9 Science.

The different characteristics of the state of matter are based on six parameters –
1. Shape
2. Volume
3. Rigidity or Fluidity
4. Intermolecular force
5. Intermolecular space
6. Compressibility
These concepts are briefly explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1,
curated by the experts at BYJU’S. The solutions are elaborated in a simple language to make it
easier for the students while learning.

Q2

How many questions are present in each exercise of NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science
Chapter 1?

The number of questions present in each exercise of NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science
Chapter 1 is –
Exercise 1.1 & 1.2 – 4 Questions
Exercise 1.3 – 4 Questions
Exercise 1.4 – 4 Questions
Exercise 1.5 – 5 Questions
Chapter Exercise – 9 Questions

Q3

Is the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1 sufficient for the exam preparation?

The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 1 are designed by the faculty at BYJU’S to help
students ace the exam without fear. The fundamental concepts are explained in the most
systematic way to improve students’ confidence. Each and every minute detail is covered in the
NCERT Solutions to help students with their exam preparation. The solutions are available in
both online and offline modes, which can be used by the students based on their requirements.