Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? | Component | Characteristic/Function 1. | Nitrogen | Supports burning 2. | Oxygen | Essential for respiration 3. | Smoke | Contains fine dust particles 4. | Hair in nose | Filters oxygen from air Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only Explanation Air is a mixture of various gases, water vapor, and particulate matter. Each component plays a specific role in the environment and biological processes. Statement-wise Analysis - Pair 1 is Incorrect: Nitrogen does not support burning. It is Oxygen that supports combustion. Nitrogen acts as a diluent, preventing rapid and uncontrollable burning. - Pair 2 is Correct: Oxygen is essential for respiration in most living organisms. It is also the primary supporter of combustion. - Pair 3 is Correct: Smoke is a byproduct of combustion, consisting of a mixture of gases and fine dust particles. It is often harmful to health and the environment. - Pair 4 is Incorrect: The fine hair and mucus present inside the nose act as filters to trap dust particles and impurities, preventing them from entering the respiratory system. They do not filter oxygen from the air. Key Takeaway: Oxygen is the supporter of combustion and essential for respiration, whereas Nitrogen is non-combustible. Nasal hairs serve as a physical barrier against particulate matter.

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

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Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

	Component	Characteristic/Function
1.	Nitrogen	Supports burning
2.	Oxygen	Essential for respiration
3.	Smoke	Contains fine dust particles
4.	Hair in nose	Filters oxygen from air

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2, 3 and 4 only
D1 and 4 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Air is a mixture of various gases, water vapor, and particulate matter. Each component plays a specific role in the environment and biological processes.

Statement-wise Analysis

Pair 1 is Incorrect: Nitrogen does not support burning. It is Oxygen that supports combustion. Nitrogen acts as a diluent, preventing rapid and uncontrollable burning.
Pair 2 is Correct: Oxygen is essential for respiration in most living organisms. It is also the primary supporter of combustion.
Pair 3 is Correct: Smoke is a byproduct of combustion, consisting of a mixture of gases and fine dust particles. It is often harmful to health and the environment.
Pair 4 is Incorrect: The fine hair and mucus present inside the nose act as filters to trap dust particles and impurities, preventing them from entering the respiratory system. They do not filter oxygen from the air.

Key Takeaway: Oxygen is the supporter of combustion and essential for respiration, whereas Nitrogen is non-combustible. Nasal hairs serve as a physical barrier against particulate matter.

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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Air is a mixture of various gases, water vapor, and particulate matter. Each component plays a specific role in the environment and biological processes.

Statement-wise Analysis

Pair 1 is Incorrect: Nitrogen does not support burning. It is Oxygen that supports combustion. Nitrogen acts as a diluent, preventing rapid and uncontrollable burning.
Pair 2 is Correct: Oxygen is essential for respiration in most living organisms. It is also the primary supporter of combustion.
Pair 3 is Correct: Smoke is a byproduct of combustion, consisting of a mixture of gases and fine dust particles. It is often harmful to health and the environment.
Pair 4 is Incorrect: The fine hair and mucus present inside the nose act as filters to trap dust particles and impurities, preventing them from entering the respiratory system. They do not filter oxygen from the air.

Key Takeaway: Oxygen is the supporter of combustion and essential for respiration, whereas Nitrogen is non-combustible. Nasal hairs serve as a physical barrier against particulate matter.