Consider the following statements regarding the state of water: 1. Water vapour is visible to the naked eye as white smoke. 2. Steam rising from wet clothes during ironing is water vapour. 3. Water vapour is a part of the air. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation The physical states of water, specifically the gaseous state known as water vapour, and its presence as a component of the atmosphere (air). Understanding the distinction between invisible gas and visible condensed droplets is central to this concept. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Water vapour is the gaseous state of water and is invisible to the naked eye. What is often perceived as "white smoke" or "steam" (such as clouds or fog) actually consists of tiny liquid water droplets formed due to the condensation of water vapour. - Statement 2 is Correct. During ironing, the heat from the iron causes the liquid water present in wet clothes to undergo a phase change into a gas. This gaseous form is water vapour. While the term "steam" is often used colloquially to describe the visible mist, scientifically, steam refers to water in the vapour phase generated by boiling or evaporation. - Statement 3 is Correct. Air is a mixture of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon. Water vapour is a variable but essential component of air, playing a crucial role in the water cycle and weather phenomena (humidity). Key Takeaway Water vapour is the invisible gaseous state of water and a constituent of air. Visible "white smoke" or mist is not vapour itself, but rather condensed liquid droplets (aerosols).

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

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Consider the following statements regarding the state of water:

Water vapour is visible to the naked eye as white smoke.
Steam rising from wet clothes during ironing is water vapour.
Water vapour is a part of the air.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The physical states of water, specifically the gaseous state known as water vapour, and its presence as a component of the atmosphere (air). Understanding the distinction between invisible gas and visible condensed droplets is central to this concept.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Water vapour is the gaseous state of water and is invisible to the naked eye. What is often perceived as "white smoke" or "steam" (such as clouds or fog) actually consists of tiny liquid water droplets formed due to the condensation of water vapour.
Statement 2 is Correct. During ironing, the heat from the iron causes the liquid water present in wet clothes to undergo a phase change into a gas. This gaseous form is water vapour. While the term "steam" is often used colloquially to describe the visible mist, scientifically, steam refers to water in the vapour phase generated by boiling or evaporation.
Statement 3 is Correct. Air is a mixture of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon. Water vapour is a variable but essential component of air, playing a crucial role in the water cycle and weather phenomena (humidity).

Key Takeaway

Water vapour is the invisible gaseous state of water and a constituent of air. Visible "white smoke" or mist is not vapour itself, but rather condensed liquid droplets (aerosols).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

With reference to the process of evaporation in the water cycle, consider the following statements: 1. Evaporation of water can take place even in the shade. 2. Water vapour formed during evaporation carries dissolved salts with it into the atmosphere. 3. Warm air can provide the necessary heat for evaporation to occur in shaded areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which process explains the drying of a wet surface even in the absence of direct sunlight?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the loss of water by plants: 1. Plants release water into the air through the process of condensation. 2. Plants release a significant amount of water into the air. 3. Transpiration plays a role in adding water vapour to the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the sources of water vapour in the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Water vapour is added to the air exclusively by the evaporation of water from oceans and lakes. 2. Evaporation from water bodies is a major source of water vapour in the air. 3. Transpiration by plants does not contribute to the water vapour in the air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the rate of evaporation: 1. Evaporation is generally a slow process. 2. Evaporation occurs at the same rate in sunlight and in the shade. 3. Heating water on a burner increases the rate of evaporation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Water vapour is the gaseous state of water and is invisible to the naked eye. What is often perceived as "white smoke" or "steam" (such as clouds or fog) actually consists of tiny liquid water droplets formed due to the condensation of water vapour.
Statement 2 is Correct. During ironing, the heat from the iron causes the liquid water present in wet clothes to undergo a phase change into a gas. This gaseous form is water vapour. While the term "steam" is often used colloquially to describe the visible mist, scientifically, steam refers to water in the vapour phase generated by boiling or evaporation.
Statement 3 is Correct. Air is a mixture of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and argon. Water vapour is a variable but essential component of air, playing a crucial role in the water cycle and weather phenomena (humidity).

Key Takeaway

Water vapour is the invisible gaseous state of water and a constituent of air. Visible "white smoke" or mist is not vapour itself, but rather condensed liquid droplets (aerosols).