NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science, Chapter 5 - Separation of Substances

The chapter Separation of Substances Class 6 NCERT tells us the need and methods to separate substances without changing their original properties. It deals with the processes of separation like churning, decantation, filtration, etc. the chapter begins by explaining the need to separate substances. With the help of activities and diagrams, methods of separation of substances like handpicking, threshing, winnowing, sedimentation etc. are described.

The next section deals with the use of more than one method of separation. Terms like condensation and saturation are used here. The chapter ends with a summary of the important points covered. A list of new terms makes learning improvised and retention better.

To know more about NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter Separation of Substances, let’s look at what all you will learn in this chapter: 

5.1 Methods of Separation

In Class 6 Science Chapter 5, you will learn-

Section 5.1 – There is only one section in this chapter. It starts with elaborating on the need to separate substances. We separate substances in order to eliminate non-useful components, and remove impurities or harmful components, for example, removing stones from raw rice, separate tea leaves to remove impurities, or churning out butter from milk to get a new food item. Further, the chapter teaches about the different methods of separating substances, for instance, handpicking, threshing, winnowing, sieving, sedimentation, decantation, filtration, and evaporation. A quick glimpse at definitions of these terms are as follows:

• Handpicking– Simply means to separate substances by picking them by hands.
• Threshing– The process that is used to separate the grain from stalks etc. is threshing. In this process, the stalks are beaten to free the grain seeds.
• Winnowing– This method of separating components of a mixture is called winnowing. Winnowing is used to separate heavier and lighter components of a mixture by wind or by blowing air.
• Sieving– It allows the fine flour particles to pass through the holes of the sieve while the bigger impurities remain on the sieve. Sieving is used when components of a mixture have different sizes.
• Sedimentation– When the heavier component in a mixture settles after water is added to it, the process is called sedimentation.
• Decantation– When the water (along with the dust) is removed, the process is called decantation.
• Filtration– The process in which solid particles in a liquid or gaseous fluid are removed by the use of a filter medium that permits the fluid to pass through but retains the solid particles.
• Evaporation– The process of conversion of water into its vapour is called evaporation. It takes place continuously wherever water is present.

You can learn and understand each one of these processes better by performing the activities mentioned throughout the chapter.

The next part explains the use of more than one method of separation simultaneously, for example, sedimentation and decantation, or evaporation and condensation. This is required where one method is not sufficient in separating substances present in a mixture. The chapter ends with telling about the saturation level of water, i.e., how much of a substance can be dissolved in water before it stops dissolving. Tables, diagrams and activities throughout the chapter make learning more retentive and fun.

To know more about the NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 5, explore Separation of Substances Class 6 PDF.