The characteristics that we use to identify matter and distinguish
them from one another are called properties. We group these properties into
two broad categories: Physical properties and
Chemical properties.
Physical properties of matter are
usually those that we can observe with our senses. A substance's physical property
allows us to identify the substance without causing a change in the composition
of the substance. Can you name some physical properties?
Chemical properties of matter are those that relate to how the
substance changes in composition or how it interacts with other substances.
Can you name some chemical properties?
Section
3.4 Properties
and Changes of Pure Substances..p59