NCERT Solutions for Class 4th The World Around Us Chapter 7 Things that spin — Activity 1

Book page 105 Updated on2026-09-19

Q1.
Do you think all objects can spin? Make a list of a few objects that can spin.
Answer

No, all objects cannot spin. Only some things spin properly.

Coin Bangle Pencil Piece of stone Wooden spinner (top) Eraser
Set-up: spin each of these six things on a smooth, flat floor and watch it.

Things that can spin:

  • a coin
  • a bangle
  • a wooden top (lattu)
  • a plate or a small lid
  • a marble
  • a cardboard spinner with a toothpick

Things that do not spin properly: an eraser, a book, a brick, a matchbox.

Why it happens: A thing spins well when it is round and looks the same from all sides. A thing with flat sides and corners tips over instead of spinning.
Q2.
Collect the objects mentioned in the table given below. Spin and observe them. Then, complete the table.
ObjectsI observeI wonderI think
CoinAs it slows down, it begins to shakeWhy does it start to shake as it slows down? 
BangleAs time passes, the sound…  
Pencil   
Piece of Stone   
Wooden Spinner (Top)   
Eraser   
The table as it is printed in the book, with the first two lines partly filled in.
Answer

Spin each object on a smooth, flat floor. Watch it carefully, then write down what you saw. Here is the table with every box filled in.

Coin Bangle Pencil Piece of stone Wooden spinner (top) Eraser
Set-up: spin each of these six things on a smooth, flat floor and watch it.
ObjectsI observeI wonderI think
CoinAs it slows down, it begins to shakeWhy does it start to shake as it slows down?It cannot stay standing when it turns slowly, so it begins to fall
BangleAs time passes, the sound… becomes faster and louder, and then stopsWhy does the sound become faster at the end?The bangle lies flatter and flatter, so it taps the floor more often
PencilIt turns lying down on the table and stops very soonWhy does it not stand up like the coin?A pencil is long and thin, so it can only roll or turn flat
Piece of StoneIt moves a little and stops at onceWhy does it not spin at all?Its sides are bumpy and not the same all round
Wooden Spinner (Top)It stands upright and spins for a long timeWhy does it keep standing while it spins?Its tip is pointed and it is the same on all sides
EraserIt does not spin properly; it slides and stopsWhy will it not spin?It has flat sides and corners, so it cannot turn smoothly
Why it happens: A thing spins well when it is the same on all sides and rests on a small point. The coin, the bangle and the top are like this; the pencil, the stone and the eraser are not.
Try this: Spin a coin on a table and then on a woollen cloth. It spins for much longer on the smooth table.
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