Physical & Chemical Properties

odour

A physical property of a substance describes its appearance and can be used to identify it. Some physical properties can be observed with our senses.

Physical PropertiesA physical property of a substance describes its appearance and can be used to identify it. Some physical properties can be observed with our senses.

lustre clarity taste statecolour texture

odour

Physical Properties

lustre clarity taste statecolour textureThese are qualitative physical properties.

Smooth

Rough

Sweet

Earthy

Spoiled

Stale

Shinny

Matte

Sour

Sweet

Bitter

Tarte

Solid

Liquid

Gas

Translucent:

Clarity

Opaque:

Transparent:You can see what is on the other side of the substance 100%

You can somewhat see what is on the other side of the substance but the image is distorted. Ex: Rice paper, Water & Frosted Glass

You can not see what is on the other side of the substance at all.

Ex: Clear Glass

Ex: concrete walls

BRITTLENESSBreak-ability or flexibility

Ex. Glass – brittleClay - flexible

MALLEABILITYThe ability of a substance to be hammeredinto a thinner sheet or moulded

Ex. Silver is malleable

DUCTILITYThe ability of a substance to be drawn(pulled) into a finer strand

Ex. Copper

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

The ability of a substance toallow an electric current topass through it

Ex. Copper wires have highconductivity, plastic does not

Physical PropertiesOther physical properties require simple tests or measurements.

The resistanceof a substanceto scratching.

hardness melting point

boiling point solubility

The ability todissolve in a

solvent.

Physical PropertiesOther physical properties require simple tests or measurements.

The resistanceof a substanceto scratching.

hardness melting point

boiling point solubility

The ability todissolve in a

solvent.

viscosity

How easily aliquid flows.

density

The ratio ofmass : volume.

The density of helium is low.

The density of steel is high.

Chemical propertiesA chemical property of a substance describes its behaviour as it becomes a new substance.

combustibilityThe ability ofa substance to

burn.

corrosionThe reactionof metal with

oxygen.

Chemical propertiesA chemical property of a substance describes its behaviour as it becomes a new substance.

combustibility

The ability of a substance to

burn.

corrosionThe reaction of metal with

oxygen.

reaction to acid

http://www.uni-regensburg.de/Fakultaeten/nat_Fak_IV/Organische_Chemie/Didaktik/Keusch/D-Video-e.htm