Physical & Chemical Properties

PHYSICAL &
CHEMICAL

PROPERTIES
OF MATTER

Created by
Joey Nunn and David Pauli, 2007

Low energy
Atoms close together-highly attracted
Definite shape and volume

​​Solid

Some energy
Atoms loosely packed, some attraction between molecules
No definite shape, Definite volume

Liquid

High energy
Atoms spread out, little attraction between molecules
no definite shape nor volume

​​Gas

Highest energy
Atoms/molecules are charged
- fire, lightning, neon signs, the sun

​​Plasma

​REVIEW

​REVIEW

Physical Properties

A property that can be
observed or measured
without changing the
identity of the matter.
These are often used to
identify and classify matter.

Examples of Physical

Properties

• Odor

• Volume

• Color

• Texture

• Hardness

• Flexibility

• Shine

• Temperature

Thermal Conductivity

The ability to transfer
thermal energy from
one area to another.

Example: Plastic
foam is a poor
conductor of heat, so
hot chocolate in this
type of cup will not
burn your hand.

Malleability

The ability to be
pounded into thin
sheets

Example: Aluminum
can be rolled and
pounded into sheets
to make foil, cans,
and other products.

Ductility

The ability to be
drawn or pulled into a
wire

Example: Copper is
often used to make
wire.

Solubility

The ability to dissolve
in another substance

Example: Sugar
dissolves in water

Density

The amount of matter
occupying a given
volume

Example: Lead is
used to make sinkers
for fishing line
because lead is more
dense than water

Match

Match the following

• Thermal Conductivity

• Malleability

• Ductility

• Solubility

• Density

ability to transfer thermal energy

ability to be pounded into thin sheets

ability to be drawn / pulled into a wire

ability to dissolve in another substance

amount of matter occupying given volume

• ability to transfer thermal energy

• ability to be pounded into thin sheets

• ability to be drawn / pulled into a wire

• ability to dissolve in another substance

• amount of matter occupying given volume

Categorize

Options (8)

Place the examples in the correct categories

Density

Solubility

Malleability

Ductility

Chemical Properties

A property of matter that

describes a substance
based on its ability to
change into a NEW
substance with different
properties. These
properties are not as
easy to observe as
physical properties.

Flammability

The ability to burn

Example: Burning a
piece of wood
creates new
substances like ash
and smoke. These
substances have
different properties.

Reactivity

Two substances get
together and something
happens

• Reactivity with oxygen

• Reactivity with acid

• Reactivity with water

Reaction of Sulfuric Acid and Sugar

​

​*Look for BUBBLES, COLOR, ODOR changes

​Decomposition

​a process of breaking down or simplifying any physical or chemical matter

What are some

physical and

chemical properties

of this old car?

​Can be observed and measured WITHOUT changing substances identity

Ability to undergo a chemical change, produces different matter

Open Ended

What's the difference between physical and chemical properties?

Physical Change

A change that affects one or more physical
properties- DOES NOT change the basic properties of matter

Example: Breaking a pencil or a piece of
chalk.

Physical Change Examples

Freezing water

Melting butter

Cutting hair

Dissolving sugar

Mixing oil & vinegar

Bending metal

Can most of these changes be undone?

Chemical Change

A change that occurs
when one or more
substances are
changed into entirely
new substances with
different properties.
Clues include
production of sound,
light, color, or odor
and/or fizzing,
foaming, or creation
of heat.

Example: Baking a cake

Chemical Change Examples

Soured milk

Effervescent tablets

Rusting metal

Hot gases

Can most of these changes be undone?

Multiple Choice

Is burning wood a chemical or physical change?

• chemical
• physical

Multiple Choice

Is glass breaking a chemical or physical change?

• chemical
• physical

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a chemical change?

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a physical change?

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of physical property?

• color

• flammability

• reactivity

• toxicity

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of chemical property?

• color

• flammability

• shape

• size

Multiple Choice

Is Gatorade powder dissolving in water physical or chemical change?

• Physical 
• Chemical

Multiple Choice

Baking cupcakes

• Physical Change
• Chemical Change