Physics Wallah

NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Solutions by PW: Methods of Separation in Everyday Life

Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Methods of Separation in Everyday Life help you understand how different mixtures can be separated using handpicking, winnowing, sieving, filtration, decantation, evaporation, churning, and magnetic separation through everyday examples.
authorImageAnanya Gupta5 Sept, 2026
NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Curiosity Chapter 9

From removing stones from grains to filtering water, separation methods are part of many everyday activities. Methods of Separation in Everyday Life explains why different mixtures require different methods depending on properties such as particle size, weight, solubility, and whether substances mix with each other.

The PW Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Solutions help you work through selected textbook questions and understand where different separation techniques are used. The questions below include examples involving rice, husk, oil and water, salt, flour, sawdust, and other familiar materials.

Methods of Separation in Everyday Life Solutions

Here are selected questions from the chapter. You can attempt them first and then use the given answers to check your understanding.

Question 1: A small amount of puffed rice is mixed with chana dal. Can you think of separating the mixture by any method other than handpicking?

Answer: Yes. The mixture can be separated by winnowing.

Question 2: Valli is unable to separate husk from rice in a closed room. How can you help her?

Answer: A fan can be used to blow air over the mixture. The lighter husk will be carried away by the moving air, helping separate it from the heavier rice grains.

Question 3: Have you ever observed white patches on dark-coloured clothes during hot summers? How are these patches formed?

Answer: These patches form when water from sweat evaporates and leaves salt behind on the clothes.

Question 4: Which method of separation would you use to separate oil and water?

Answer: Decantation can be used to separate oil and water because they form separate layers when left undisturbed.

Question 5: State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F). Also, correct the false statements.

(i) Salt can be separated from salt solution by keeping it under the Sun.

Answer: True. Water evaporates, leaving the salt behind.

(ii) Handpicking should be used only when the quantity of one component is less.

Answer: True. It is easier to handpick when the component to be removed is present in a small quantity.

(iii) A mixture of puffed rice and rice grains can be separated by threshing.

Answer: False. Threshing is used to separate grains from stalks. The given mixture can be separated using handpicking or winnowing.

(iv) A mixture of mustard oil and lemon water can be separated by decantation.

Answer: True. The oil and water form separate layers that can be decanted.

(v) Sieving is used to separate a mixture of rice flour and water.

Answer: False. Filtration is used to separate rice flour from water.

Question 6: Match the mixtures in Column I with their method of separation in Column II.

Answer:

Mixture

Method of Separation

Gram flour mixed with black gram

Sieving

Chalk powder mixed with water

Filtration

Corn mixed with potatoes

Handpicking

Iron powder mixed with sawdust

Magnetic separation

Oil mixed with water

Decantation

Question 7: In what situations would you use decantation instead of filtration to separate solids from liquids?

Answer: Decantation can be used when insoluble solid particles are heavier and settle at the bottom of a vessel. The liquid can then be poured off while leaving the solid residue behind.

Filtration, on the other hand, is used when insoluble particles do not settle down and remain spread throughout the liquid.

Question 8: Can you relate the presence of nasal hair to any separation process?

Answer: Nasal hair acts like a natural filter. It traps dust, pollen, and other particles from the air you breathe. This is similar to filtration, where unwanted solid particles are separated from another substance.

Class 6 Chapter 9 Solutions PDF

The Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Solutions PDF covers textbook questions from Methods of Separation in Everyday Life. It includes solutions based on handpicking, winnowing, sieving, churning, filtration, decantation, evaporation, condensation, and magnetic separation.

You can use the selected solutions above for focused practice and refer to the complete PDF for the remaining questions and activities.

PW Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Solutions PDF

Study without using the internet

Practise Class 6 Science with Complete PW Resources

After completing the Chapter 9 exercises, you can use these PW resources to continue your preparation:

The PW Class 6 Science Chapter 9 NCERT Solutions help you understand not only the names of different separation methods but also how to choose the right method for a particular mixture. Working through everyday examples can make it easier to connect these techniques with their practical uses.

Also Check

Class 6 Science NCERT Solutions Class 6 Science NCERT Solutions
Chapter 1: The Wonderful World of Science Chapter 7: Temperature and its Measurement
Chapter 2: Diversity in the Living World Chapter 8: A Journey through States of Water
Chapter 3: Mindful Eating: A Path to a Healthy Body  
Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets Chapter 10: Living Creatures: Exploring their Characteristics
Chapter 5: Measurement of Length and Motion Chapter 11: Nature’s Treasures
Chapter 6: Materials Around Us Chapter 12: Beyond Earth

NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Curiosity Chapter 9 FAQs

1. How do we decide which method should be used to separate a mixture?

The choice depends on differences between the components, such as their size, weight, solubility, or physical state. Students should first identify these differences and then select a method that can use them for separation.

2. What is the difference between sedimentation and decantation?

During sedimentation, heavier insoluble particles are allowed to settle at the bottom of a liquid. Decantation follows this by carefully pouring the clearer liquid into another container without disturbing the settled material.

3. Why are winnowing and sieving used for different mixtures?

Winnowing separates components mainly on the basis of differences in weight with the help of moving air. Sieving separates solid particles according to differences in their size.

4. Can more than one separation method be used for a mixture?

Yes. A mixture containing several components may require more than one technique. Each step can remove a particular component based on one of its properties, after which another method may be used for further separation.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.