Chapter 15: Air around us
These NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 15 notes explain the importance of air for the survival of plants, animals, and human beings. The chapter introduces students to air as an invisible but essential mixture of gases present all around us.
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 15 – Air Around Us helps students understand the composition of air, including oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. It also explains the presence of air in water and soil and the important role played by wind in nature.
This chapter builds awareness about environment, atmosphere, and life-supporting systems, which are crucial topics in basic science.
1. Importance of air
- Air is essential for breathing in all living beings
- Air is necessary for burning of fuels
- Plants and animals cannot survive without air
- Air is present everywhere around us
- We cannot see air, but we can feel its effects
2. Composition of air
- Air is a mixture of gases
- Nitrogen forms about 78% of air
- Oxygen forms about 21% of air
- Air also contains carbon dioxide and water vapour
- Dust and smoke are also present in air
3. Oxygen
- Oxygen is necessary for breathing
- Oxygen supports burning of substances
- Living beings use oxygen to release energy from food
- Lack of oxygen causes breathing problems
- Fire goes out if oxygen supply is cut
4. Nitrogen
- Nitrogen is the largest component of air
- Plants need nitrogen for growth
- Nitrogen helps in making proteins
- Nitrogen improves soil fertility
- Nitrogen enters plants through soil bacteria
5. Carbon dioxide
- Carbon dioxide is used by plants in photosynthesis
- It helps plants make food
- Carbon dioxide is released during breathing
- It is also released during burning
- Balance of carbon dioxide is important for life
6. Air in water and soil
- Water contains dissolved air
- Aquatic animals use oxygen dissolved in water
- Air is present in soil between soil particles
- Plant roots need air for respiration
- Soil organisms like earthworms need air
7. Role of wind
- Wind helps in movement of clouds
- Wind helps in bringing rain
- Wind helps in dispersal of seeds
- Wind helps in pollination of plants
- Wind is moving air with force
8. Uses of air
- Air helps in flying of kites and aeroplanes
- Air is used to run windmills
- Air helps in sailing of boats
- Air is used in winnowing grains
- Air is useful in many daily activities
9. Importance of this chapter
- Explains why air is necessary for life
- Helps understand composition of air
- Builds base for environment studies
- Important for learning about atmosphere
- Useful for NCERT, BPSC, and UPSC foundation
10. Important keywords and definitions
- Air: Mixture of gases present around the Earth
- Oxygen: Gas needed for breathing and burning
- Nitrogen: Major gas in air needed for plant growth
- Carbon dioxide: Gas used by plants in photosynthesis
- Wind: Moving air
- Photosynthesis: Process by which plants make food using sunlight and carbon dioxide
Understanding NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 15 is important to learn why air is essential for breathing, burning, and plant life. The chapter connects scientific concepts with daily life experiences like wind, rain, and respiration.
The ideas discussed in Air Around Us form the foundation for learning about atmosphere, environment, and climate-related topics.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 16 – Garbage In, Garbage Out to understand waste management and environmental cleanliness.
FAQs
Q1. Why is air important according to NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 15?
Air is important for breathing, burning, and survival of plants and animals.
Q2. What is the composition of air?
Air is mainly made of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapour, dust, and smoke.
Q3. Why is oxygen important?
Oxygen is needed for breathing and burning and helps release energy from food.
Q4. How do aquatic animals use air?
Aquatic animals use oxygen dissolved in water.
Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains basic concepts of air and atmosphere, useful for school exams and BPSC foundation.