EXPLAIN Physical Properties of Matter

This demonstration shows why silica (a natural compound, found all around us in nature) was chosen for the space shuttle tile. ​

​Learn about silica and its unique physical properties that allow it to insulate and protect the shuttle from high heat encountered during reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

​Material Marvels with Ainissa Ramirez

Let's complete our notes!

Look for bolded, colored words to fill in the missing information on your notes sheet.
Draw pictures, and complete math calculations.

​Language Target: I complete my notes sheet by writing and drawing.

Physical Properties of Matter

Physical properties of matter are properties that can be measured or observed without matter changing to an entirely different substance.

Multiple Choice

any characteristic of matter that you can observe without changing the identity of the substances that make it up

• chemical property

• nuclear property

• physical property

​Every day we use our five senses to make observations about the physical properties of substances, to include: color, odor, taste, hardness and texture.

In the science classroom, we measure physical properties, such as mass, weight, length and volume.

​​What is the volume of liquid in this graduated cylinder?

Multiple Choice

What is the volume of liquid in this graduated cylinder?​

• 5 mL

• 9 mL

• 10 mL

• 11 mL

​Additional examples of physical properties include:

• states of matter - solid, liquid, gas, and plasma ​

• boiling point or melting point ​

• density - the amount of matter in a given volume ​

• thermal conductivity - ability to conduct heat​

• electrical conductivity - ability to conduct electricity​

• solubility - ability to dissolve in other substances​

• ductility - ability to be drawn into a wire​

• malleability - ability to be shaped or flattened

Match

Match the physical property to its description.

• density

• ductility

• electrical conductivity

• malleability

• solubility

the amount of matter in a given volume

ability to be drawn into a wire​

ability to conduct electricity

ability to be shaped or flattened

ability to dissolve in other substances​

• the amount of matter in a given volume

• ability to be drawn into a wire​

• ability to conduct electricity

• ability to be shaped or flattened

• ability to dissolve in other substances​

When scientists and engineers at NASA were designing the space shuttle, they had to choose materials that would be able to hold up to the extreme heat that the space shuttle would face when reentering the Earth's atmosphere from orbit. ​

​

This heat at reentry is caused by friction. ​

​

They chose to use tiles made of silica, because it has the following physical properties: ​

• a low thermal conductivity, which means a hot spot will stay in place and not spread ​

• a very high melting point

Applications of Physical Properties

​Image Source: https://www.davewilsonphotography.com/galleries/space/

Density is an important physical property of matter as it reflects how tightly packed the particles of matter are. When particles are close together, matter has high density.

​Defining Density

​Connecting Density to everyday life​

​The density of water is 1.0 g/mL.​

An object will float in water if the density is less than the density of water.​

An object will sink in water if the density is greater than the density of water.

Multiple Choice

Why do some substances float on water?

• they are warmer than water
• they are cooler than water
• they are more dense than water
• they are less dense than water

Multiple Choice

What is the formula for density?

• density = mass x volume
• density = mass / volume
• density = mass + volume
• density = mass - volume

Math Response

What is the density of carbon dioxide gas if 0.196 g occupies a volume of 100 mL?

Type answer here

Correct Answer: 0.00196

Deg^°

Rad

1. Have your teacher check your answers to the density/mass/volume word problems.

2. Glue your notes into your notebook.

3. Check to see if you have missing work.

​Next Steps: