CBSE Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1 Matter in Our Surroundings Worksheet with Answers
Welcome to this structured worksheet for CBSE Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1, Matter in Our Surroundings. This chapter introduces you to the fundamental concept of matter—what it is, how it behaves, and why everyday phenomena like drying clothes, boiling water, and melting ice happen. The worksheet follows the latest NCERT Class 9 Chemistry syllabus and offers a mix of question types you will encounter in your CBSE board exams and unit tests. Attempt all sections under timed conditions for best results.
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Key takeaways
- ✓Matter is defined as anything with mass that occupies space; light and sound are not matter.
- ✓The three states of matter—solid, liquid, gas—differ in particle arrangement, motion, and compressibility.
- ✓Change of state (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, sublimation) is a physical, reversible process driven by heat energy.
- ✓Evaporation is a surface phenomenon occurring at any temperature, affected by surface area, temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
- ✓Evaporation causes cooling because particles with highest kinetic energy leave the liquid, lowering its average temperature.
- ✓Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a change of state without temperature change.
- ✓Density is mass per unit volume, and different substances have characteristic densities (e.g., gold 19.3 g/cm³, water 1 g/cm³).
Quick Chapter Recap: Matter in Our Surroundings
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It exists in three primary states: solid (fixed shape and volume), liquid (fixed volume but variable shape), and gas (variable shape and volume). The smallest units of matter are particles—atoms or molecules—that are in constant motion and have spaces between them. The kinetic energy of these particles determines the state of matter. When you heat a substance, particles move faster; when you cool it, they slow down. Change of state refers to the transformation of matter from one state to another—melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, sublimation, and deposition—all driven by energy changes. These are physical changes; the substance itself remains the same. Evaporation is particularly important: it is the process where liquid turns to gas at any temperature (not just boiling point), and it causes cooling because high-energy particles escape. Factors like surface area, temperature, humidity, and wind speed affect evaporation rate. Latent heat of fusion and vaporization are the energies required to change state without changing temperature. Understanding matter helps you explain phenomena like why your wet hair dries, why ice cubes shrink in the freezer, and why perfume spreads across a room. This chapter lays the foundation for all physical chemistry in Classes 9 to 12.
- Matter: Anything with mass and volume (e.g., water, air, wood).
- Three states: Solid (tightly packed particles), Liquid (particles slide past each other), Gas (particles far apart and fast-moving).
- Change of state: Physical, reversible, requires or releases heat energy.
- Evaporation: Surface phenomenon, occurs at all temperatures, causes cooling.
- Latent heat: Energy absorbed/released during state change without temperature change.
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
This section tests your conceptual clarity and recall. Each question has four options; only one is correct. Read carefully, eliminate wrong choices, and select the best answer. These MCQs are modeled on CBSE Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1 patterns seen in recent board and school exams. Focus on definitions, properties of states, factors affecting evaporation, and change of state. Each question is worth 1 mark. Attempt all six questions within 10 minutes to build exam speed and confidence in NCERT Class 9 Chemistry fundamentals.
- Q1. Which of the following is matter? (a) Light (b) Sound (c) Air (d) Heat
- Q2. The process in which a solid directly changes to gas is called (a) Evaporation (b) Sublimation (c) Condensation (d) Melting
- Q3. Evaporation causes cooling because (a) Temperature decreases (b) Particles with high kinetic energy escape (c) Humidity increases (d) Wind speed decreases
- Q4. Which state of matter is most compressible? (a) Solid (b) Liquid (c) Gas (d) All equally
- Q5. The temperature at which a liquid boils is called (a) Melting point (b) Freezing point (c) Boiling point (d) Sublimation point
- Q6. On increasing temperature, the rate of evaporation (a) Increases (b) Decreases (c) Remains same (d) First increases then decreases
Section B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words or phrases from the chapter. This section reinforces terminology and definitions central to CBSE Class 9 Chemistry notes. Write concise, precise answers—often a single word or short phrase. Pay attention to spellings (e.g., 'sublimation' not 'sublimination'). Each blank is worth 1 mark. Suggested time: 5 minutes. These questions test your grasp of key terms from the NCERT textbook and your ability to recall facts under exam pressure. Review your Class 9 Chemistry solutions if you find any term unfamiliar before attempting this section.
- Q7. Matter is made up of tiny __________ that are in constant motion.
- Q8. The change of a liquid into vapor at any temperature is called __________.
- Q9. The SI unit of density is __________.
- Q10. The energy required to change 1 kg of solid to liquid at its melting point is called __________.
- Q11. A substance that sublimates is __________.
- Q12. The process of conversion of gas to liquid is called __________.
Section C: Match the Following
Match the items in Column A with the correct descriptions in Column B. Write the correct pair (e.g., 1-D, 2-A) in your answer sheet. This format appears frequently in CBSE Class 9 Chemistry internal assessments and helps you link concepts with examples or definitions. Each correct match is worth 1 mark. Suggested time: 5 minutes. Carefully read both columns before matching; sometimes similar-sounding terms can confuse you. Cross out options in Column B once matched to avoid duplication. This section strengthens your understanding of NCERT Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1 terminology and real-world applications of matter concepts.
- Column A: (1) Melting, (2) Evaporation, (3) Sublimation, (4) Condensation, (5) Freezing
- Column B: (A) Liquid to gas at any temperature, (B) Solid to liquid, (C) Gas to liquid, (D) Liquid to solid, (E) Solid to gas directly
Section D: Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks Each)
Answer the following questions in 2 to 3 sentences or 30 to 40 words each. These are standard CBSE Class 9 Chemistry 2-mark and 3-mark questions. Write clear, direct answers using correct scientific terminology. Define terms when asked, give reasons when asked why, and provide examples where helpful. Each question is worth 2 or 3 marks as indicated. Suggested time: 20 minutes for all five. Use bullet points if it helps organize your answer, but ensure your language is complete and grammatically correct. These questions test your ability to explain concepts from Matter in Our Surroundings in your own words, a skill crucial for scoring well in board exams. Refer to Class 9 Chemistry solutions and notes for model answers if needed.
- Q13. (2 marks) Define matter. Give two examples of things that are not matter.
- Q14. (3 marks) Why do gases have neither fixed shape nor fixed volume? Explain in terms of particle arrangement.
- Q15. (2 marks) State any two factors that affect the rate of evaporation.
- Q16. (3 marks) Explain why evaporation causes cooling with a suitable example.
- Q17. (2 marks) What is sublimation? Name one substance that undergoes sublimation.
Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (5 Marks Each)
These questions demand deeper understanding, application, and reasoning. Write detailed answers of about 80 to 100 words or in well-organized points. Use diagrams if asked or if they help clarify your explanation. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions test your ability to analyze situations, compare concepts, and apply chapter knowledge to new scenarios. Each question is worth 5 marks. Suggested time: 25 minutes for all three. Structure your answer with an introduction, main body (definitions, explanations, examples), and a brief conclusion if appropriate. These are the types of questions that distinguish high scorers in CBSE exams. Practice writing complete answers for Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1 long-answer questions regularly, and compare your responses with NCERT solutions.
- Q18. (5 marks) Distinguish between evaporation and boiling in five points.
- Q19. (5 marks) Describe an activity to show that particles of matter have spaces between them. Write observation and conclusion.
- Q20. (5 marks) Explain the effect of temperature, surface area, humidity, and wind speed on the rate of evaporation with examples.
Section F: Case-Study Question (4 Marks)
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Case-study questions are a recent addition to the CBSE exam pattern and test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This format appears in board exams and requires careful reading, comprehension, and recall of NCERT Class 9 Chemistry concepts. Each sub-question is worth 1 mark. Suggested time: 8 minutes. Underline keywords in the passage, identify which concepts from Matter in Our Surroundings are being tested, and answer precisely. Do not write more than necessary—brevity and accuracy score marks here. Such questions often link everyday observations (like making tea, drying clothes, or ice melting) to the science you studied in this chapter, helping you appreciate the practical relevance of CBSE Class 9 Chemistry.
- Case Study: Riya was making tea. She noticed steam rising from the kettle when water boiled. She poured hot tea into a cup and observed that after some time, the tea level decreased even though she did not drink any. On a rainy day, she hung wet clothes outside, but they took a very long time to dry. She wondered why.
- (i) What is the process by which water changes to steam inside the kettle?
- (ii) Why did the tea level decrease in the cup over time?
- (iii) Which factor affecting evaporation explains why clothes dried slowly on a rainy day?
- (iv) Name one other factor that could speed up drying of clothes.
Complete Answer Key with Explanations
Below is the complete answer key for all sections. For MCQs, the correct option is given with a brief reason. For fill-in-the-blanks and match-the-following, direct answers are provided. For short and long answers, model responses are given. Use this key to self-assess your performance. Award yourself marks honestly, and identify weak areas for revision. If you scored below 70 percent in any section, revisit that topic in your NCERT Class 9 Chemistry textbook or refer to Class 9 Chemistry notes and solutions. Regular practice with such worksheets is the best way to master Matter in Our Surroundings and build confidence for your CBSE exams. Remember, understanding the 'why' behind each answer is more important than memorizing it. If you need personalized doubt-solving and step-by-step explanations with photo upload, CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24x7 AI tutoring for Classes 6 to 12 at a flat fee of nine hundred ninety-nine rupees per month, with a three-day free trial.
- Section A Answers: Q1-(c) Air, Q2-(b) Sublimation, Q3-(b) Particles with high kinetic energy escape, Q4-(c) Gas, Q5-(c) Boiling point, Q6-(a) Increases
- Section B Answers: Q7-particles (or atoms/molecules), Q8-evaporation, Q9-kg/m³, Q10-latent heat of fusion, Q11-dry ice / naphthalene / camphor / iodine, Q12-condensation
- Section C Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-E, 4-C, 5-D
- Section D: See detailed model answers in next bullets.
- Q13: Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Examples of things that are NOT matter: light and sound (they have no mass).
- Q14: Gas particles are far apart and move very fast in random directions. There are large spaces between particles. Hence gases have no fixed shape (they take the shape of the container) and no fixed volume (they expand to fill the container).
- Q15: Any two: (i) Temperature—higher temperature increases evaporation. (ii) Surface area—larger surface area increases evaporation. (iii) Humidity—lower humidity increases evaporation. (iv) Wind speed—higher wind speed increases evaporation.
- Q16: Evaporation causes cooling because during evaporation, particles with the highest kinetic energy leave the liquid surface. This lowers the average kinetic energy of the remaining liquid, thereby reducing its temperature. Example: When we sprinkle water on the ground in summer, it evaporates and absorbs heat from the ground, cooling it.
- Q17: Sublimation is the process in which a solid changes directly into gas without passing through the liquid state. Example: Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) or naphthalene balls.
- Q18: (i) Evaporation occurs at all temperatures; boiling occurs at a fixed temperature (boiling point). (ii) Evaporation is a surface phenomenon; boiling occurs throughout the liquid. (iii) Evaporation is a slow process; boiling is fast. (iv) No bubbles form in evaporation; bubbles form in boiling. (v) Evaporation causes cooling; boiling requires constant heating.
- Q19: Activity: Take two beakers with 50 mL water each. Dissolve 2 spoons of salt in one beaker and 2 spoons of sugar in the other. Stir until dissolved. Observation: Salt and sugar crystals disappear completely. Conclusion: Particles of salt and sugar occupy the spaces between water particles, proving that particles of matter have spaces between them.
- Q20: (i) Temperature: Higher temperature increases kinetic energy of particles, so more particles escape—rate of evaporation increases. Example: Hot water evaporates faster than cold water. (ii) Surface area: Larger surface area exposes more particles to air—rate increases. Example: Water in a plate evaporates faster than in a bottle. (iii) Humidity: High humidity means air already contains water vapor, so fewer particles can escape—rate decreases. Example: Clothes dry slowly on rainy days. (iv) Wind speed: Wind removes water vapor from the surface, making room for more particles to evaporate—rate increases. Example: Clothes dry faster on a windy day.
How to Use This Worksheet Effectively
Treat this worksheet as a timed mini-test. First, read the chapter from your NCERT Class 9 Chemistry textbook and make short notes. Then attempt this worksheet in one sitting under exam conditions: 90 minutes, no textbook, no phone. Use a pencil so you can erase and redo if practicing multiple times. After completing, check your answers against the answer key and mark yourself strictly—don't give half-marks generously. Calculate your percentage. If you score above 80 percent, you have a strong grasp of Matter in Our Surroundings. If you score between 60 and 80 percent, revisit weak areas and attempt similar questions from CBSE Class 9 Chemistry solutions guides. Below sixty percent means you need to reread the chapter and clarify doubts. Worksheets like this one are excellent for revision one week before your exams. They help you identify gaps, practice time management, and build confidence. Parents: encourage your child to attempt such worksheets regularly, and review incorrect answers together to reinforce learning. For students who need extra support or instant doubt resolution—especially when parents are busy or local tutors are unavailable—CBSETUTOR.ai provides a round-the-clock AI tutor. You can upload a photo of any question from this worksheet, and the AI explains the solution step-by-step in simple language. All subjects for Classes 6 to 12 are covered at a single, affordable price of nine hundred ninety-nine rupees per month, with a three-day free trial to try it risk-free.
- Step 1: Read NCERT Chapter 1 thoroughly and make notes.
- Step 2: Attempt this worksheet in 90 minutes without help.
- Step 3: Check answers using the answer key; calculate your score.
- Step 4: Identify weak topics (e.g., evaporation factors, latent heat) and revise them.
- Step 5: Reattempt incorrect questions after a day or two to test retention.
- Step 6: Practice similar worksheets or previous year CBSE questions for further mastery.
Important Tips for Scoring Full Marks in Matter in Our Surroundings
First, memorize all definitions exactly as given in the NCERT textbook—examiners expect precise language. Second, understand the reason behind every phenomenon; for example, do not just memorize that evaporation causes cooling—know why (high-energy particles leave). Third, practice drawing neat, labeled diagrams for activities (e.g., showing diffusion or state change). Fourth, when asked to 'explain', always give reasons and examples; one-line answers fetch fewer marks. Fifth, revise numerical problems on density if your teacher has covered them. Sixth, during exams, read questions carefully—if asked for three points, give exactly three, not two or five. Seventh, use scientific terms correctly: say 'particles' not 'pieces', 'kinetic energy' not 'movement energy'. Eighth, manage time: do not spend ten minutes on a two-mark question. Ninth, in case-study questions, underline keywords in the passage that hint at the concept being tested. Tenth, review past CBSE board papers for Chapter 1—question patterns repeat. Finally, stay calm and confident; Matter in Our Surroundings is a scoring chapter if you have clarity of concepts and practice enough. If your school is in a metro city like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, you might have access to coaching centers, but if you live in a smaller town or your schedule is packed, online AI tutoring platforms like CBSETUTOR.ai level the playing field by giving you instant, unlimited access to a personal tutor anytime you need help—all for nine hundred ninety-nine rupees a month.
- Learn definitions verbatim from NCERT; use the same terminology in answers.
- Understand the 'why' and 'how', not just the 'what'.
- Practice diagram-based questions: particle arrangement, activity setups.
- Write structured answers: point 1, point 2, point 3—clear and organized.
- Revise numerical problems (density, latent heat calculations) if applicable.
- In exams, read instructions carefully (e.g., 'any two reasons' means exactly two).
- Revise previous years' CBSE board questions for Chapter 1 trends.
- Stay calm, manage time, and double-check answers if time permits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to prepare CBSE Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1 Matter in Our Surroundings?+
Read the NCERT textbook carefully, underline key definitions, and make short notes. Practice all in-text and end-of-chapter questions. Solve worksheets like this one under timed conditions. Revise daily for fifteen minutes rather than cramming before exams. Focus on understanding concepts like evaporation, change of state, and particle theory rather than rote learning.
How many marks is Chapter 1 worth in the CBSE Class 9 annual exam?+
Chapter 1 typically carries six to eight marks in the final theory paper, including MCQs, short-answer questions, and one long-answer or case-study question. Internal assessments and periodic tests may allocate more. Check your school's marking scheme, but this chapter is high-scoring if you understand it well.
What is the difference between evaporation and boiling?+
Evaporation happens at any temperature and is a surface phenomenon; only particles at the surface escape. Boiling occurs at a fixed temperature (boiling point) throughout the liquid, with bubbles forming. Evaporation is slow and causes cooling; boiling is rapid and requires continuous heat supply. Both convert liquid to gas.
Why does evaporation cause cooling?+
During evaporation, particles with the highest kinetic energy leave the liquid surface. This reduces the average kinetic energy of the remaining liquid, which we measure as temperature. Hence the liquid becomes cooler. Examples: sweating cools our body, water sprinkled on floors cools the room, wet clothes feel cold.
What are some real-life examples of sublimation?+
Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) sublimates into gas at room temperature without melting. Naphthalene balls (mothballs) placed in cupboards slowly disappear by sublimation. Camphor used in religious rituals sublimates. Iodine crystals also sublimate when heated gently. Frost forming on grass in winter is reverse sublimation (deposition).
Is light considered matter? Why or why not?+
No, light is not matter because it has no mass and does not occupy space. Matter must have both mass and volume. Light is a form of energy (electromagnetic radiation). Similarly, sound, heat, and radio waves are not matter. Examples of matter: air, water, wood, metals.
How can I score full marks in the long-answer questions for this chapter?+
Write in points for clarity. Define terms at the start. Give reasons and examples for every statement. Use correct scientific terminology (e.g., 'kinetic energy', 'particles', 'latent heat'). Draw labeled diagrams if asked. Cover all parts of the question. Write five to six points for a five-mark question. Practice model answers from NCERT solutions.
What is latent heat of fusion and vaporization?+
Latent heat of fusion is the energy required to change one kilogram of solid to liquid at its melting point without changing temperature (for ice, it is 334,000 J/kg). Latent heat of vaporization is the energy required to change one kilogram of liquid to gas at its boiling point (for water, it is 2,260,000 J/kg). This hidden heat does not raise temperature but breaks bonds.
How does humidity affect the rate of evaporation?+
High humidity means the air already contains a lot of water vapor. When air is saturated, fewer water molecules can escape from the liquid surface, so the rate of evaporation decreases. That is why clothes take longer to dry on rainy or humid days. Low humidity means dry air, which allows faster evaporation.
Can I use CBSETUTOR.ai to get help with NCERT Class 9 Chemistry Chapter 1 doubts?+
Yes. CBSETUTOR.ai is an AI-powered tutor available twenty-four hours a day. You can upload a photo of any question from this worksheet or your textbook, and the AI will provide a step-by-step solution with explanations. It covers all subjects for Classes 6 to 12 at a flat rate of nine hundred ninety-nine rupees per month. A three-day free trial is available, so you can try it risk-free before subscribing.
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