Properties of Matter

Each state has properties, but what does that mean? A property describes how an object looks, feels, or acts. Properties can be observed through the senses.

SIZEHow big or small something is.

Words used to describe size include:

Big, small, large, tiny,

flat, wide, skinny, fat

SHAPEThe form of an object.

Words used to describe shape include:

circle, square, rectangular, cylinder, sphere, triangular, pyramid, round

COLORHas to do with the appearance of

an object when light is reflected off of it.

Words used to describe color include:

Red, green, pink,

magenta, rosy, dark,

light, multi-colored

TEXTUREHow an object feels.

Words used to describe texture include:

Rough, gritty, soft,

fluffy, smooth, hard,

sticky, bendable

MATERIALWhat an object is made of.

Words used to describe material include:

wood, metal, brick,

felt, cotton, glass,

rocks, plastic

Tools Used to Measure or Observe

Properties of Matter

HAND LENSUsed to produce a larger image of

an object.

RULERSUsed to measure the length of an

object.

THERMOMETERSUsed to measure the temperature

of an object.

BALANCES(SCALES)

Used to measure the weight or mass of an object.

GRADUATED CYLINDERSUsed to measure the volume of a

liquid.