Class 9 · Science

Matter in Our Surroundings

Everything around us that has mass and occupies space is matter. This chapter looks at the particle nature of matter, the three states — solid, liquid and gas — and how temperature and pressure change one state into another, along with evaporation and its cooling effect.

Solutions

Q1. Question 1 — Condensation

Why do water droplets appear on the outside of a glass containing ice-cold water?

The air around us always contains some water vapour. When this air touches the cold outer surface of the glass, it loses energy and cools down. On cooling, the water vapour changes into tiny liquid droplets — this change of state from gas to liquid is called condensation. These droplets collect on the outside of the glass, which is why the glass looks wet.

Final Answer: Water vapour in the air condenses into droplets on cooling against the cold glass surface.

Common Mistake: Thinking the water has leaked out through the glass — glass is not porous.

Exam Tip: Use the word 'condensation' and mention water vapour present in the air.

Q2. Question 2 — Temperature and Change of State

Convert 300 K into degrees Celsius, and explain why the temperature does not rise while ice is melting.

Conversion: °C = K − 273 = 300 − 273 = 27 °C During melting, the heat supplied is not used to raise the temperature. Instead it is used to overcome the forces of attraction between the particles of the solid so that they can move more freely. This hidden heat is called the latent heat of fusion, and because all the energy goes into the change of state, the thermometer reading stays at 0 °C until the whole of the ice has melted.

Formula: K = °C + 273; latent heat of fusion of ice = 3.34 × 10⁵ J/kg

Final Answer: 300 K = 27 °C; the temperature stays constant because the heat supplied is used as latent heat of fusion.

Common Mistake: Saying the ice stops absorbing heat while melting — it absorbs a lot of heat, just without a temperature change.

Exam Tip: Always name the quantity: 'latent heat of fusion' is the phrase the examiner looks for.

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