NCERT Solutions for Class 4th The World Around Us Chapter 7 How Things Work — In-text Questions
Book page 104 Updated on2026-09-19
Q1. Have you ever wondered how these things work?
Answer Yes, and it is worth wondering about. Every thing we use works in its own way.
- A pencil writes because its soft dark tip rubs off on the paper.
- A bag carries books because its cloth is strong and it has handles.
- A coin spins because it is round and the same all the way round.
Why it happens: A thing works in a certain way because of its shape and the material it is made of.
Tip: In this chapter, Meera and Dhruv find out how spinning things and floating things work. You can try every activity at home too.
Q2. Do they always work the same way in all situations?
Answer No. The same thing can behave differently in a different situation.
- A coin spins for a long time on a smooth floor. On sand or on a cloth it stops at once.
- A paper boat floats well at first. After some time the paper gets wet and the boat sinks.
- A piece of aluminium foil floats when it is spread out. The same piece sinks when it is pressed into a tight ball.
Why it happens: When we change the shape of a thing, or the place we use it in, the way it works also changes.
Q3. What changes might be needed to make them work even better?
Answer Small changes can make a thing work much better. Here are three from this chapter.
- Push the toothpick right through the centre of the card. The spinner then stands up and spins for longer.
- Make the paper boat wide and flat at the bottom. It then floats without tipping over.
- Press the aluminium foil into a cup shape instead of a ball. It then floats instead of sinking.
Why it happens: Changing the shape changes how a thing balances and how it sits on water.
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