Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
There are two classes of properties:
Physical properties
Chemical properties
Physical properties: matter can exist in three different states.
Solid state - rigid, possesses a definite shape.
Liquid state - possesses the property of flowing to take the shape of its container.
Gaseous state - takes both the shape and volume of its container. Gases are readily compressible and capable of infinite expansion.
Note: Physical properties can be observed and measured without changing the identity of the substance. Name some examples of physical properties.
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Chemical properties: cannot be observed and measured only by changing the identity of the substance.
Note: Chemical properties describe a substance's ability to undergo chemical change.
Examples: Flammability - the ability to burn. This property helps to distinguish substances that burn such as iron and table salt. Name other examples of chemical properties.