Heavy and Light

NCERT anchor: NCERT Joyful Mathematics Class 1 — Chapter 10: Fun with Measurement (comparing weights)

• Compare two objects and say which is heavier or lighter.
• Use a simple balance (like a see-saw) to compare weight.
• Put three objects in order from lightest to heaviest.

1. Comparing two weights

Hold one object in each hand. The one that pulls your hand down more is heavier; the one that feels light is lighter.

2. Using a balance

On a simple two-pan balance, the pan that goes down holds the heavier object; the pan that stays up holds the lighter object.

3. Size does not always mean weight

A big balloon can be lighter than a small stone. We must actually feel or weigh the object, not just look at its size.

4. Ordering by weight

To arrange from lightest to heaviest, compare objects two at a time using a balance or by holding them.

Weighing fruits at the sabzi stall

Step 1 — Put a watermelon on one pan of the balance and a grape on the other pan.
Step 2 — Watch which pan goes down.
Step 3 — The pan with the watermelon goes down.
Step 4 — The pan that goes down holds the heavier object.
Answer: The watermelon is heavier than the grape; the grape is lighter.

• Which is heavier: a stone or a feather?
• Which is lighter: a bag of rice or a single grape?
• Which is heavier: an iron rod or a sheet of paper?
• Stretch: Arrange a feather, a book, and a brick from lightest to heaviest.

Revision tip: Hold two objects at home, one in each hand, and guess which is heavier — then check with a kitchen scale if there is one.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Heavy and Light.