1. Classifying Matter: Physical and Chemical Properties
By Liz LaRosa 5th Grade Science
2009

2. Matter Anything that has mass and volume
Mass- amount of matter an object contains
Measured in grams
Volume- amount of space object occupies
Measured in mL or cm3

3. Matter Sort
Sort the items on your table into groups. Make sure you sort using only one trait at a time.
How did you sort?
These “traits” or “characteristics” you used to sort the matter are called properties of matter.
Some are more helpful then others.

4. Properties of Matter Physical Properties
Any property that can be observed without changing the object/substance
Anything that can be measured
Which traits did you use to classify by that were physical?
More Examples:
Mass, volume, density
Color, texture, shape
Boiling point, freezing point

5. Density
If its matter (have mass and take up space), then it has a density
Density is the ratio of mass to volume
How tightly packed matter is
mass / volume
Volume= 5 mL
Volume= 5 mL A
Volume= 1 mL B C
20/5 = 4 g/mL
2/5= 0.4 g/mL
2/1 = 2g/mL

6. Properties of Matter Chemical Properties
A property of matter that can only be observed by altering the composition of the substance
Have to “test” for it and risk changing the objects identitiy
Which traits did you use to classify by that were physical?
Examples:
Flammability
Reactivity

7. Flammability A material’s ability to burn in the presence of oxygen
Chemical property
Can only test for it
Testing risks changing its identity and chemical makeup

8. Reactivity
Describes a substance’s ability to participate in chemical reactions
How readily (easily) a substance combines chemically with other substances.
Chemical property
Can only test for it
Testing risks changing its identity and chemical makeup
Can means many things
Ex:
React with acids
React with lithium
React with water
Etc.

9. Characteristic Properties
Aid most in identifying and classifying the substance
Can be physical or chemical
Are always there no matter the size or condition of the sample
Examples of characteristic properties:
Density
Solubility (ability to dissolve in certain liquids)
Reactivity
flammability

10. Demonstration There are 3 clear liquids:
Methanol
Acetic Acid
Water
What properties do they have that are NOT helpful in identifying each?
Color
Liquid at room temperature
Volume
Viscosity
What properties were most helpful?
Flammability (Methanol)
Reacts with Sodium Bicarbonate (Acetic Acid)