1. Describing Matter

2. Matter can be described by using either physical or chemical properties.
We can make observations that physically describe matter two different ways:

3. 1 – Qualitative observations: these types of observations are subjective. They describe the “quality” of a substance by using describing words and no numbers or measurements.

4. 2 – Quantitative observations: these types of observations are objective. They involve describing the “quantity” of a substance. They are things that can be measured.

5. Physical Qualitative Properties
Physical State: solid, liquid, gas.
Colour: green, red, blue, brown etc.
Odour: odourless, flowery, spicey, nauseating, etc.
Clarity: clear, cloudy, opaque, etc.
Luster: shiney, dull.

6. 6. Brittleness: can it break apart or shatter easily
6. Brittleness: can it break apart or shatter easily? Brittle or flexible.
Texture: fine, coarse, smooth, waxy, etc.
Mallebility: can it be bent or folded into different shapes? Malleable or non malleable.
Ductility: can it be stretched out into a long wire? Ductile or non-ductile.
Hardness: can a solid be scratched or dented?

7. Physical Quantitative Properties
Viscosity: can the substance flow? Viscous or non viscous.
Density: What is the substance’s density? Can it float?
Solubility: Can the substance dissolve in a particular solvent? How much is needed before it will no longer dissolve?

8. Boiling Point: at what temperature will a substance boil?
Melting Point: at what temperature will a substance turn to liquid?
Electrical Conductivity: will the substance conduct electricity?

9. Questions
What property of matter best describes each of the following statements?
Copper metal can be bent into different shapes
A steal blade can scratch glass
Alcohol boils at 60 degrees Celcius
A flashlight can be shone through milk.
A nickel coin is shiny.
Aluminium is lighter than gold.

10. Physical Observations
2. Make a chart listing physical properties that you can observe qualitatively and quantitatively by using your senses or doing some simple tests.
Physical Observations
Using senses
Doing Tests ?