How Are Objects Around Us Classified in Chemistry?
Define the Concept of Objects Around Us?
When we look all over we are surrounded by so many different types of objects around us. This can include almost anything like books, pens, pencil, fan, bag, television, etc. all these objects around us were invented or discovered by us to fulfil a particular objective or purpose. All these objects have their properties and we need to know them. These properties differ from each other and their use depends mainly on their properties. We observe objects around us due to the presence of light and it has also its properties. Further, we will see how these objects are classified into groups.
How to Identify Objects Based on Different Classifications?
Generally, we observe objects around us that can be identified based on the different classifications. Let us take a look at them.
Colour
The objects having the same colours can be classified into a single cluster. Both colour and appearance help to classify objects into clusters. For example, red has been associated with the symbol of danger or evil.
Texture
The surface material of every object is different and this leads to the classification of objects based on textures. This object cluster is formed with the surface and material of the object. For example, the material with a rough surface includes the sandpaper, whereas the material with a soft surface is the wool, fur, silk, etc.
Lustre
Objects around us that shine and reflect light are classified into the category of lustre. This shiny property leads to the formation of a cluster. For example, the objects used in the making of ornaments like gold, silver, platinum and others.
Opacity
The objects with a property of transparency are classified into a separate cluster known as opacity. Opacity determines the amount of light that passes through an object. For example, shadows are cast from opaque objects through which the light is not able to pass like metal sheets or woods. While objects through which light passes are either transparent or translucent such as glass, water, fibreglass, etc.
Shape
Objects having a similar shape fall under the category of the same cluster. Different geometrical shapes, different shape clusters. For example, a round shape object will include balls, dish, circle, sphere, etc.
What are the Symmetrical Objects Around Us Like?
The symmetrical objects around us like glass that appears similar from both the right and left side. It generally refers to all those objects that can be split into two identical halves. The objects that cannot be divided into two halves are asymmetrical. A line of symmetry passes through the object mostly through the centre and divides into same halves. For instance, if we fold a paper into a line of symmetry, each part of the paper will overlap the other part.
What Happens If All Objects Around Us Reflect Light in a Regular Way?
If all objects around us regularly reflect light, the light would reflect only one direction by all the objects. There will be a single direction through which we can see the objects, the other directions will not show us the object.
Did You Know?
Objects around us have importance in our daily life and activities surrounding it. With object classification, it will be easier for us to identify them. Moreover, if we know the property of one classified object, it will help us to know the property of the other one belonging to the same group.
FAQs on Objects Around Us in Chemistry: Types and Properties
1. What are objects and materials? Give some examples.
An object is anything that we can see or touch, like a chair, a book, or a ball. A material is the substance that an object is made from. For instance, a chair (the object) can be made of wood, plastic, or metal (the materials). Similarly, a book is made of paper, and a ball can be made of rubber.
2. How are objects around us grouped based on their properties?
Objects are grouped based on their observable properties, which are their special characteristics. This helps in sorting and understanding them better. Key properties used for grouping include:
Appearance: Whether the material is shiny (lustrous) or dull.
Hardness: Whether the material is hard (difficult to compress) or soft (easy to compress).
Solubility: Whether a substance dissolves in water (soluble) or not (insoluble).
Density: Whether an object floats or sinks in water.
Transparency: Whether we can see through the object clearly (transparent), partially (translucent), or not at all (opaque).
3. Why are some materials shiny while others are dull?
The shininess of a material, known as lustre, depends on how its surface reflects light. Materials like metals (gold, steel, copper) have a smooth surface at the atomic level that reflects light directly back, making them appear shiny. On the other hand, materials like wood or chalk have rough, uneven surfaces that scatter light in many directions instead of reflecting it, which makes them look dull or non-lustrous.
4. What is the difference between hard and soft materials?
The main difference lies in how easily they can be compressed or scratched. Hard materials, like iron or stone, are difficult to press or scratch and resist changes to their shape. Soft materials, such as cotton, sponge, or wax, can be easily compressed or scratched. For example, you can easily press a sponge, but you cannot press a block of iron.
5. How can we determine if a material will dissolve in water?
We can determine this by conducting a simple test for solubility. Take a small amount of the material (like salt, sugar, or sand) and stir it into a glass of water. If the material disappears completely and mixes with the water to form a clear solution, it is soluble (e.g., salt). If the material does not disappear and settles at the bottom or floats, it is insoluble (e.g., sand).
6. Why do some objects like a leaf float on water, while a stone sinks?
This happens because of a property called density. Density is about how much "stuff" (mass) is packed into a certain space (volume). An object floats if its density is less than the density of water. A leaf is light for its size, so it is less dense than water and floats. A stone is heavy for its size, making it denser than water, which causes it to sink.
7. What are transparent, translucent, and opaque objects?
These terms describe how much light can pass through an object. They are classified as:
Transparent objects, like glass or clean water, allow light to pass through them completely. You can see clearly through them.
Translucent objects, such as frosted glass or butter paper, allow only some light to pass through. You can see through them, but not clearly.
Opaque objects, like a wooden door or a book, do not allow any light to pass through them at all. You cannot see through them.
8. How does grouping objects based on their properties help us in daily life?
Grouping objects based on properties is extremely useful. For example, we use transparent glass for windows to let light in but opaque wood for doors to ensure privacy. Cooks know that sugar is soluble in water to make sweet drinks, but oil is not. We choose hard materials like steel to build strong bridges and soft materials like cotton for comfortable clothes. This sorting helps us select the right material for the right purpose efficiently and safely.
9. What are the two fundamental properties that all objects around us share?
All objects, regardless of their other properties like colour or shape, share two fundamental properties. Firstly, every object has mass, which is the amount of matter it contains. Secondly, every object occupies space, which means it has volume. These two properties—having mass and occupying space—are the defining characteristics of matter, which is what all physical objects are made of.
