Physical Science / Unit 2: Properties and States of Matter
2.1 Physical and Chemical Properties
Notes
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Properties describe matter.
- A physical property can be observed without changing the identity of the substance: color, density, melting point, boiling point, hardness, conductivity, solubility.
- A chemical property describes how a substance can change into a different substance: flammability, reactivity with acid, ability to rust.
- Example: Iron is shiny and has a density of $7.9 \text{ g/cm}^3$ (physical). Iron rusts in moist air (chemical).
- Chemical properties can only be seen by trying to change the substance.
Practice
Which is a chemical property of wood?
Flammability describes a change into new substances.
Which is a physical property of aluminum?
Conductivity can be observed without changing the metal into something else.
Which statement describes a chemical property?
Flammability involves reacting to form new substances.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 2 test.