Properties of Matter

Examples of Chemical Properties	Examples of Physical Properties
pH Flammability Explosiveness Reactivity	Color Smell Freezing point Magnetism Density Solubility

All matter has physical and chemical properties by which it can be examined and identified. The table shown here contains several examples of both chemical and physical properties. Have you ever used these properties to identify an item?

Similarly, substances can undergo both chemical and physical changes. Think about your favorite meal. As it is prepared, what are the different chemical and physical changes that all of the ingredients undergo before they get to your plate? As you prepare the food you may cut it up, heat it, or mix it up. Chemical changes or processes involve changes to the chemical arrangement of the matter. This may result in a change in physical appearance as well. Chemical bonds are disrupted or changed in chemical processes. These chemical changes are also known as chemical reactions. Physical changes involve changes to the physical arrangement of the matter, not the chemical arrangement. Chemical bonds are not affected in a physical change. Roll over the two images shown below to see some examples of different chemical and physical changes. Can you think of others?

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Making Observations

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

As you complete scientific investigations in science courses and throughout your life, you will be asked to make observations about the data that you collect. Those observations can be qualitative or quantitative in nature. In this interactivity, click on each of the tabs to explore the differences between qualitative and quantitative observations.

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Intensive and Extensive Properties

Examples of Intensive Properties	Examples of Extensive Properties
Color Conductivity Density Melting point Odor	Energy needed to melt Mass Volume Weight

Some observations are considered intensive, while others are considered extensive. Intensive observations will remain the same regardless of how much of the sample is present. Extensive observations will change depending on how much of the sample is present. The table shown here contains several examples of both intensive and extensive properties.

Properties of Matter Review

In this non-graded activity, help Dr. Wilson determine the different properties of matter in her lab. Read each question and provide the best answer or answers. Then, click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the interactivity thumbnail, and then click NEXT to get started.