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Properties and Transformation of Matter

ABSTRACT

Matter undergoes changes all the time. It mainly has two properties. They are described as physical or chemical properties. This experiment demonstrated that there are some elements and compounds that undergo physical and chemical changes. Ice, which is solid, can melt into water when put in room temperature but it can be frozen again. Ethanol evaporated when left on a watch glass. Paper and magnesium ribbon can be burned with flame and etc. Chemical changes only happen when the molecular composition changes.

INTRODUCTION

Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. It has 3 phases; Solid, liquid and gas. Matter has properties that can show the characteristics that describe them. The properties can be either physical or chemical. Physical properties can be observed by an object’s measurements, texture, odor, boiling point, density and etc. Physical change occurs when changes are done without really changing the molecular composition of an element or compound.

Elements with chemical properties, however, have tendencies or potentials to undergo a chemical change. Chemical change is when an element or compound’s molecular composition changes when reacted with something.

Objectives:

1. To demonstrate the differences in the properties of elements, compounds and mixtures.2. To demonstrate some methods of separating components of mixtures.

METHODOLOGY

A piece of ice was placed in a 250mL beaker. It was allowed to stay at room temperature for ten minutes. A few drops of ethanol were allowed to stand on a watch glass for 5 minutes. A piece of magnesium ribbon was held using a pair of thongs and was ignited with a Bunsen burner. The reaction was observed. A pinch of naphthalene was placed in a 250mL beaker. The beaker was covered with a watch glass and was heated on low flame. A piece of paper was held over a Bunsen burner using a pair of tongs. Lastly, a small piece of mossy zinc was placed in a test tube and 5mL of diluted HCl was added.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Process Observations Property Physical/Chemical

TransformationPhysical/Chemical

Before

After

Evaporation of alcohol

Clear, colorless liquid

Evaporated/disappeared Physical

Melting of Clear, colorles Turned to liquid Physical

2

ice solidIgnition of

Magnesium Ribbon

Solid, black sheet

Changed color into white and turned into a powdered form

Chemical

Sublimation of

Nephtalene

White crystal solid

Turned to oil substance Physical

Burning of paper

Solid, white thin sheet

Turned to ash Chemical

Reaction of Zinc Metal with HCl

Solid, black powder

Changed color to white Physical

What distinguishes between physical and chemical properties?

Physical properties are those that can be observed without changing the identity of the substance. The general properties of matter such as color, density, and hardness, are examples of these. Chemical properties are properties that determine how a substance changes into a completely different substance. Flammability and corrosion/oxidation resistance are examples of these.

What distinguishes physical change and chemical change?

Physical change is a change which does not produce a new kind of substance but simply results in another form of substance. A change that involves the transformation of materials into another kind of substance is called chemical change

CONCLUSION

We therefore conclude that the loss or gain of heat results in the change of state in matter.

REFERENCES

Ophardt, C. E, (2003) Study of Matter Virtual Chembook. Retreived from http://www.elmhurst.edu