Physical and chemical properties
From Chemistry Resource
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.
Contents
Physical 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?
Examples
- physical state (solid, liquid or gas at certain temperatures and pressures)
- colour
- odour
- solubility in water (the ability of substance to dissolve in water)
- density
- melting point
- boiling point
- hardness
- ductility
- conductivity
Chemical 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?
Examples
- paper burns
- iron rusts
- gold does not rust
- wood rots
- nitrogen does not burn
- silver does not react with water
- sodium reacts with water
Tendency of a substance's chemical property
- react
- tarnish
- corrode
- explode
Content suitability
BCIT courses: CHEM 0011
