Separation methods are techniques used to divide mixtures into their useful components. Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9 cover handpicking, threshing, winnowing, sieving, evaporation, sedimentation, decantation, filtration, churning, and magnetic separation.
When rice is cleaned before cooking, stones are removed by hand. When tea is poured through a strainer, tea leaves stay behind. When seawater dries in sunlight, salt remains.
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 explains the science behind these everyday actions. The chapter becomes easier when students learn which property each method uses: size, weight, solubility, density, or magnetism. This article gives class 6 science chapter 9 question answer practice for MCQs, short answers, long answers, application questions, and assertion-reason.
Key Takeaways
| Detail |
Information |
| Chapter |
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 |
| Topic |
Methods of Separation in Everyday Life |
| Syllabus |
CBSE 2026 |
| Question Types |
MCQ, True/False, Short Answer, Long Answer, Match the Column, Application-Based |
| Key Methods |
Handpicking, Threshing, Winnowing, Sieving, Filtration, Evaporation, Sedimentation, Decantation, Churning, Magnetic Separation |
| Best Revision Method |
Learn each method with principle, example, and use case |
Class 6 Science Chapter List
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Methods of Separation in Everyday Life: Topics Covered
Before solving questions, learn why each method is used. Most exam questions ask students to choose the correct method for a mixture.
- Need for separation of substances
- Handpicking
- Threshing
- Winnowing
- Sieving
- Evaporation
- Sedimentation
- Decantation
- Filtration
- Churning
- Magnetic separation
- Everyday uses of separation methods
- Story-based examples from Malli and Valli
- Multi-step separation of mixtures

Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9 with Answers
Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9 should be practised method-wise. First learn the definition, then the principle, and then the real-life example.
These methods of separation in everyday life class 6 questions and answers cover direct recall, application, reasoning, and comparison-based questions.
MCQ Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9
MCQs test whether students can quickly identify the right method. Read the mixture carefully before choosing the answer.
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Question Answer MCQs
Q1. What purpose does handpicking serve in the process of separation?
(i) Filtration
(ii) Sorting
(iii) Evaporation
(iv) Decantation
Ans. (ii) Sorting
Handpicking removes visible components from a mixture by hand. It is based on size, colour, and shape.
Q2. Which substance is commonly separated using churning?
(i) Oil from water
(ii) Sand from water
(iii) Cream from milk
(iv) Oxygen from air
Ans. (iii) Cream from milk
Churning separates butter or cream from curd or milk.
Q3. Which factor is essential in filtration?
(i) Apparatus size
(ii) Presence of air
(iii) Pore size
(iv) Temperature of mixture
Ans. (iii) Pore size
The pores of the filter decide what passes through and what remains behind.
Q4. A mixture of iron nails and sawdust is best separated by:
(i) Sieving
(ii) Winnowing
(iii) Magnetic separation
(iv) Decantation
Ans. (iii) Magnetic separation
Iron is magnetic. Sawdust is non-magnetic.
Q5. Winnowing is used to separate:
(i) Two liquids
(ii) A solid dissolved in liquid
(iii) Lighter and heavier solid components
(iv) Magnetic substances
Ans. (iii) Lighter and heavier solid components
Winnowing uses wind to blow away the lighter component.
Q6. Which method separates tea leaves from prepared tea?
(i) Filtration
(ii) Evaporation
(iii) Churning
(iv) Threshing
Ans. (i) Filtration
A tea strainer acts as a filter. Tea leaves remain as residue.
Q7. Which method is used to obtain salt from seawater?
(i) Handpicking
(ii) Evaporation
(iii) Winnowing
(iv) Sieving
Ans. (ii) Evaporation
Water evaporates due to heat. Salt remains behind.
True or False Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9
True/false questions test concept clarity. Always check whether the method matches the mixture.
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Short Question Answer
Q1. Salt can be separated from salt solution by keeping it under the sun.
Ans. True.
Sunlight causes water to evaporate. Salt remains behind.
Q2. Handpicking should be used only when the unwanted component is less in quantity.
Ans. True.
Handpicking becomes slow when the quantity is large.
Q3. A mixture of puffed rice and rice grains can be separated by threshing.
Ans. False.
Threshing separates grains from stalks. Puffed rice and rice grains can be separated by winnowing.
Q4. A mixture of mustard oil and lemon water can be separated by decantation.
Ans. True.
Oil and water do not mix. Their layers can be separated carefully.
Q5. Sieving is used to separate rice flour from water.
Ans. False.
Sieving separates solid-solid mixtures with different particle sizes. Rice flour and water need filtration or sedimentation.
Q6. Magnetic separation can separate iron powder from sand.
Ans. True.
Iron is attracted to magnets. Sand is not attracted.
Short Answer Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Question Answer
Short answers should define the method and give one example. Keep each answer direct.
Methods of Separation in Everyday Life Class 6 Questions and Answers
Q1. What is handpicking? When is it used?
Ans. Handpicking is a method of separating components by hand.
It is used when impurities are large, visible, and present in small amounts. Example: removing stones from rice.
Q2. What is threshing? Give one example.
Ans. Threshing is the process of separating grains from stalks by beating.
Example: Farmers beat wheat stalks to separate wheat grains.
Q3. What is winnowing? Why can it not be done in a closed room?
Ans. Winnowing separates lighter and heavier components using wind.
It cannot be done in a closed room because there is no moving air to blow away the lighter component.
Q4. What is sedimentation? How is it different from decantation?
Ans. Sedimentation is the settling of heavier insoluble particles at the bottom of a liquid.
Decantation is the process of pouring off the clear liquid after sedimentation.
Q5. What is filtration? Name two filter materials.
Ans. Filtration separates insoluble solids from liquids using a filter.
Filter paper, cloth, cotton, sand, and charcoal can be used as filters.
Q6. What is magnetic separation? Give one use.
Ans. Magnetic separation uses a magnet to separate magnetic substances from non-magnetic substances.
Recycling plants use magnets to separate scrap iron from waste.
Q7. What is churning?
Ans. Churning is the rapid spinning or shaking of curd or milk to separate butter.
Butter is lighter and rises to the top.
Long Answer Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Extra Questions and Answers
Long answers test step-by-step explanation. Use method names and properties clearly.
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Extra Questions and Answers
Q1. Describe the process of obtaining salt from seawater. Name the separation method involved.
Ans. Seawater contains salt dissolved in water.
Steps:
- Seawater is collected in large shallow pits.
- The pits are kept under sunlight.
- Heat from the sun causes water to evaporate.
- Salt and other solids remain behind.
- The salt is collected and purified.
The separation method used is evaporation.
This method works because water evaporates, but salt does not.
Q2. Explain how to separate a mixture of potatoes, salt, and sawdust.
Ans. This mixture has three components with different properties.
Steps:
- Remove potatoes by handpicking because they are large and visible.
- Add water to the remaining salt and sawdust.
- Salt dissolves in water, but sawdust does not.
- Filter the mixture. Sawdust remains on the filter.
- Evaporate the salt solution. Salt remains behind.
Methods used are handpicking, filtration, and evaporation.
Q3. How can you separate sand, iron filings, and salt from a mixture?
Ans. First use a magnet to remove iron filings.
Then add water to the remaining mixture. Salt dissolves in water, but sand does not.
Filter the mixture. Sand remains on the filter paper.
Evaporate the filtrate. Water evaporates and salt remains behind.
Methods used are magnetic separation, filtration, and evaporation.
Match the Column Class 6 Science Chapter 9
Match the column questions test method identification. They are useful for quick revision.
Class 6 Chapter 9 Science Question Answer
| Column I |
Column II |
| (i) Gram flour mixed with black gram |
(a) Handpicking |
| (ii) Chalk powder mixed with water |
(b) Magnetic separation |
| (iii) Corn mixed with potatoes |
(c) Decantation |
| (iv) Iron powder mixed with sawdust |
(d) Sieving |
| (v) Oil mixed with water |
(e) Filtration |
Q1. Match the mixtures with the correct separation methods.
Ans.
| Mixture |
Method |
| (i) Gram flour mixed with black gram |
(d) Sieving |
| (ii) Chalk powder mixed with water |
(e) Filtration |
| (iii) Corn mixed with potatoes |
(a) Handpicking |
| (iv) Iron powder mixed with sawdust |
(b) Magnetic separation |
| (v) Oil mixed with water |
(c) Decantation |
Gram flour and black gram differ in size. Chalk powder is insoluble in water. Iron is magnetic. Oil and water form separate layers.
Application-Based Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9
Application questions check whether students can use science in daily life.
Always identify the mixture first. Then choose the method based on property difference.
Everyday Separation Methods Questions Class 6
Q1. While eating vegetable pulao, Malli separates black pepper by hand. Which method is this? Why does it work?
Ans. This is handpicking.
Black pepper looks different from rice and vegetables. It is also present in small quantity.
Q2. White patches form on dark clothes after sweating in summer. Which separation process explains this?
Ans. This is evaporation.
Sweat contains water and dissolved salts. Water evaporates, and salt remains as white patches.
Q3. Valli cannot separate husk from rice in a closed room. How would you help her?
Ans. I would take the mixture outside or use a fan.
Winnowing needs moving air. The lighter husk blows away, while heavier rice grains fall down.
Q4. How does a mask relate to separation methods?
Ans. A mask works like a filter.
Air passes through its tiny pores. Dust and droplets are trapped.
Q5. How is nasal hair related to separation?
Ans. Nasal hair works like a natural filter.
It traps dust particles from the air before they enter the lungs.
Q6. Which method is used when rice is washed and stones are removed by hand?
Ans. Handpicking is used.
Stones are visible and different from rice grains.
Fill in the Blanks Class 6 Science Chapter 9
Fill in the blanks test keywords. Learn spellings of all methods clearly.
Class 6th Science Chapter 9 Question Answer
Q1. The process of settling down of heavier insoluble particles is called ________.
Ans. Sedimentation
Q2. Separating lighter husk from heavier grains by wind is called ________.
Ans. Winnowing
Q3. ________ separates a dissolved solid by converting liquid into vapour.
Ans. Evaporation
Q4. Separating grains from stalks by beating is called ________.
Ans. Threshing
Q5. ________ substances can be separated from non-magnetic substances using a magnet.
Ans. Magnetic
Q6. The liquid that passes through a filter is called ________.
Ans. Filtrate
Q7. Churning is used to separate ________ from curd.
Ans. Butter
Methods of Separation Comparison Questions Class 6
Comparison questions are common because many methods look similar.
Understand the exact difference between sedimentation, decantation, filtration, and evaporation.
Sedimentation and Filtration Questions Class 6
Q1. When should decantation be used instead of filtration?
Ans. Decantation is used when heavier solid particles settle quickly at the bottom.
It does not need filter paper or cloth.
Filtration is used when particles are fine and do not settle easily.
Q2. What is the difference between sedimentation and filtration when separating mud from muddy water?
Ans. In sedimentation, mud settles at the bottom due to gravity.
In filtration, muddy water passes through a filter. The filter traps the mud.
Sedimentation is slower. Filtration gives cleaner water.
Evaporation and Filtration Questions Class 6
Q1. Why can filtration not separate dissolved salt from water? Which method is correct?
Ans. Dissolved salt particles pass through filter pores with water.
Filtration separates insoluble solids only.
Evaporation is the correct method. Water evaporates and salt remains behind.
Handpicking and Sieving Questions Class 6
Q1. What is the difference between handpicking and sieving?
Ans. Handpicking separates visible impurities by hand.
Sieving separates solid particles of different sizes using a sieve.
Handpicking is useful for small quantities. Sieving is useful when many particles differ in size.
Class 6 Science Chapter 9 Assertion Reason Questions
Assertion-reason questions check both concept and explanation.
Read assertion and reason separately before choosing the answer.
Directions:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Q1. Assertion (A): Winnowing cannot be done properly in a closed room. Reason (R): Winnowing requires wind or flowing air to blow away the lighter component.
Ans. (a)
Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Q2. Assertion (A): Filtration can separate salt from saltwater. Reason (R): Salt particles are very small and pass through filter paper with water.
Ans. (d)
A is false, but R is true.
Filtration cannot separate dissolved salt from water.
Q3. Assertion (A): A magnet can separate iron nails from sawdust. Reason (R): Iron is magnetic, while sawdust is non-magnetic.
Ans. (a)
Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Q4. Assertion (A): Threshing and winnowing are often done together. Reason (R): Threshing separates grains from stalks, and winnowing removes lighter husk from grains.
Ans. (a)
Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.
Story-Based Application Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 9
The chapter uses everyday journeys and observations. These questions test the same ideas through real situations.
Methods of Separation Class 6 Extra Questions
Q1. Malli and Valli see farmers handpicking stones from grains. Why do farmers use handpicking instead of winnowing?
Ans. Stones are heavy and visible.
Winnowing separates lighter and heavier components using air. Stones are not blown away by air.
So, farmers remove stones by handpicking.
Q2. Why does a farmer stand on a raised platform while winnowing?
Ans. A raised platform gives the mixture more time to fall.
Wind can blow the lighter husk farther away.
The heavier grains fall straight down.
Q3. Name the machine that performs threshing and winnowing together.
Ans. A thresher machine performs both threshing and winnowing.
It separates grains from stalks and removes husk.
Q4. Which method is used to obtain salt from seawater? Why are pits kept shallow?
Ans. Evaporation is used to obtain salt from seawater.
Shallow pits expose more water surface to sunlight and air. This makes evaporation faster.
Q5. Why is a tea strainer better than decantation for separating tea leaves?
Ans. Tea leaves do not always settle at the bottom.
A tea strainer traps the tea leaves and lets liquid tea pass through.
This makes filtration better than decantation.
Q6. Malli and Valli recover iron nails from sawdust using a magnet. Which method is this?
Ans. This is magnetic separation.
Iron nails are magnetic and get attracted to the magnet. Sawdust is non-magnetic.
Important Definitions Class 6 Science Chapter 9
| Term |
Definition |
| Mixture |
A combination of two or more substances separable by physical methods |
| Handpicking |
Separating visible components by hand |
| Threshing |
Separating grains from stalks by beating |
| Winnowing |
Separating lighter and heavier solids using wind |
| Sieving |
Separating particles of different sizes using a sieve |
| Evaporation |
Changing liquid into vapour to separate a dissolved solid |
| Sedimentation |
Settling of heavier insoluble particles at the bottom |
| Decantation |
Pouring off clear liquid after sedimentation |
| Filtration |
Separating insoluble solid from liquid using a filter |
| Churning |
Separating butter from curd by rapid spinning |
| Magnetic separation |
Separating magnetic substances using a magnet |
| Residue |
Solid left on filter paper after filtration |
| Filtrate |
Liquid that passes through the filter |