Consider the following statements regarding the presence of air: 1. Air is present in an "empty" open bottle. 2. Water is completely devoid of any dissolved air. 3. Air is present in soil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Air is a mixture of gases that occupies space and is ubiquitous in the environment. It exists not only in the atmosphere but also occupies empty volumes, dissolves in liquids, and fills porous materials. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Air is matter and occupies space. An open bottle that appears "empty" is actually filled with air. This can be demonstrated by inverting the bottle and pushing it into water; water will not enter unless the air is allowed to escape, proving the presence of air inside. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Water naturally contains dissolved air, including oxygen and carbon dioxide. This dissolved oxygen is vital for the respiration of aquatic animals and plants. The presence of dissolved air is evidenced when water is heated; small bubbles appear on the container's surface before boiling starts, representing the air escaping from the solution. - Statement 3 is Correct: Soil is a porous medium consisting of particles packed together. The spaces (pores) between these particles contain air. This soil air is essential for the respiration of plant roots and soil organisms. When water is poured over dry soil, bubbles are observed because the water displaces the air trapped in the soil pores. Key Takeaway: Air is not limited to the atmosphere; it occupies all available open space, exists as dissolved gases in water bodies, and is trapped within the pore spaces of soil.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 2: Air around us

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the presence of air:

Air is present in an "empty" open bottle.
Water is completely devoid of any dissolved air.
Air is present in soil.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Air is a mixture of gases that occupies space and is ubiquitous in the environment. It exists not only in the atmosphere but also occupies empty volumes, dissolves in liquids, and fills porous materials.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Air is matter and occupies space. An open bottle that appears "empty" is actually filled with air. This can be demonstrated by inverting the bottle and pushing it into water; water will not enter unless the air is allowed to escape, proving the presence of air inside.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Water naturally contains dissolved air, including oxygen and carbon dioxide. This dissolved oxygen is vital for the respiration of aquatic animals and plants. The presence of dissolved air is evidenced when water is heated; small bubbles appear on the container's surface before boiling starts, representing the air escaping from the solution.
Statement 3 is Correct: Soil is a porous medium consisting of particles packed together. The spaces (pores) between these particles contain air. This soil air is essential for the respiration of plant roots and soil organisms. When water is poured over dry soil, bubbles are observed because the water displaces the air trapped in the soil pores.

Key Takeaway: Air is not limited to the atmosphere; it occupies all available open space, exists as dissolved gases in water bodies, and is trapped within the pore spaces of soil.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Air around us

Consider the following statements regarding the atmosphere: 1. It is a thin layer of air that surrounds the earth. 2. It extends only up to 10 km above the surface of the earth. 3. The air becomes denser as we move higher in the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the composition of air, consider the following statements: 1. Nitrogen and oxygen together make up approximately 99% of the air. 2. Carbon dioxide constitutes the majority of the remaining 1% of air. 3. The composition of air varies from place to place. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding water vapour in the air: 1. Air contains water vapour only during the rainy season. 2. When air comes in contact with a cool surface, water vapour condenses. 3. The presence of water vapour in air is essential for the water cycle in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the burning of fuel and its by-products, consider the following statements: 1. Burning can occur in the absence of oxygen if nitrogen is present. 2. Burning of fuel produces smoke which contains a few gases and fine dust particles. 3. Smoke produced by burning fuel is generally beneficial to respiratory health. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the "dust particles" in the air: 1. Dust particles are always present in the air. 2. The presence of dust particles in air is constant irrespective of time and place. 3. Breathing through the mouth can allow harmful dust particles to enter the body. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: Air around us

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology chapters

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Air is matter and occupies space. An open bottle that appears "empty" is actually filled with air. This can be demonstrated by inverting the bottle and pushing it into water; water will not enter unless the air is allowed to escape, proving the presence of air inside.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Water naturally contains dissolved air, including oxygen and carbon dioxide. This dissolved oxygen is vital for the respiration of aquatic animals and plants. The presence of dissolved air is evidenced when water is heated; small bubbles appear on the container's surface before boiling starts, representing the air escaping from the solution.
Statement 3 is Correct: Soil is a porous medium consisting of particles packed together. The spaces (pores) between these particles contain air. This soil air is essential for the respiration of plant roots and soil organisms. When water is poured over dry soil, bubbles are observed because the water displaces the air trapped in the soil pores.

Key Takeaway: Air is not limited to the atmosphere; it occupies all available open space, exists as dissolved gases in water bodies, and is trapped within the pore spaces of soil.