PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Scientists describe, compare, and classify substances by their physical properties. These properties include color, texture, hardness, density, and whether or not a substance is attracted by a magnet.

A characteristic of a substance that you can observe without changing it into a different substance is called a physical property. Let’s get physical!

Color Color is a physical property that you can observe by looking at a substance.

Malleability Can the object be pounded or rolled into thin sheets without shattering?

Luster How does an object reflect light?

Examples: Shiny – a new penny Dull – an old penny Earthy – rock, dirt Waxy – candle, crayon Metallic – chair legs, trash can

Conductivity Does the object conduct electricity or heat?

Ability to conduct heat or electricity Copper and iron conduct heat well, but plastic and rubber do not. What do you know about substances that easily conduct heat and electricity?

Magnetic Is the object attracted to a magnet?

Magnetic or Not? Iron, cobalt, and nickel are substances attracted by a magnet. Steel is a mixture of metals made with iron, so paper clips and staples are attracted to magnets. Glass, plastic, wood, and rubber are some examples of substances not attracted to magnets.

Hardness Scientists often describe minerals by their hardness. Talc is a very soft mineral. You can easily scratch it with your fingernail. Diamond is the hardest mineral. You can’t scratch it with a steel blade or piece of glass.

Texture How does the surface of the object look or feel?

Ways we talk about texture… pillow cactus bowling ball soft sharp smooth

Relative Density – Does it Float or Sink? Does the object float on water or sink in water?

Density The density of a substance is the mass of that substance in a certain volume or how closely packed the atoms are.

Flexibility Does the object bend easily? F l e x i b l e

Are glass and concrete flexible? Flexibility - Metals such as copper, gold, and silver are so flexible, they can be bent and hammered flat without breaking. Are glass and concrete flexible?

Talking about flexibility… none poor good excellent

Solid, liquid, or gas When you describe something as a solid, liquid, or gas, you are describing a physical property. The temperature at which a substance changes into a solid, liquid, or gas is also a physical property.

In your journal, write down three ways you can use physical properties to describe aluminum foil

Lesson Review… Which of these is the name for a characteristic of a substance that you can observe without changing it into a different substance? Chemical property Physical property Mechanical property Electrical circuit