PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Chapter 3 - 2

IDENTIFYING PHYSICAL PROPERTIES A physical property of matter can be observed or measured without changing the substance into a new substance. Examples: color, texture, odor, magnetic or electrical conductivity, strength, and flexibility.

Examples of Physical Properties Thermal conductivity: rate it transfers heat. Ductility: ability to be pulled into a wire. State: the physical form. Malleability: can be pounded or rolled into shapes. Solubility: will it dissolve into another substance. Density: mass per unit of volume.

DENSITY Density is the amount of matter in a given volume. It is useful for identifying substances. Density can tell you if an object will sink or float. Liquids with different densities can form layers.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Chemical properties describe a substance based on its ability to change into a new substance with different properties. Examples include flammability, reactivity with acid, and reactivity with oxygen.

PHYSICAL CHANGES A change that affects the physical properties of a substance is a physical change. No new substances are formed.

REVERSIBILITY Because physical changes do not change the identity of a substance, they are sometimes easy to undo. Examples: cutting paper, boiling water, and melting gold.

THE END Chapter 3 - 2