5.6A – Classifying Matter

What is the physical property that determines whether an object will sink or float in water?

• Magnetism

• Relative density

• Volume

• Conductivity

Answer explanation

Relative density, or specific gravity, determines whether an object sinks or floats in water. If an object's density is less than that of water, it will float; if greater, it will sink.

Tags

NGSS.3-PS2-1

Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity?

• Plastic

• Rubber

• Copper

• Glass

Answer explanation

Copper is a good conductor of electricity due to its high electrical conductivity, allowing electric current to flow easily. In contrast, plastic, rubber, and glass are insulators and do not conduct electricity well.

Which physical property determines if an object is attracted to a magnet?

• Density

• Volume

• Mass

• Magnetism

Answer explanation

The property that determines if an object is attracted to a magnet is magnetism. Only materials with magnetic properties, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, will be attracted to a magnet, unlike density, volume, or mass.

Which of the following substances is soluble in water?

• Sand

• Oil

• Sugar

• Wood

Answer explanation

Sugar is soluble in water due to its polar nature, allowing it to interact with water molecules. In contrast, sand, oil, and wood do not dissolve in water.

Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Plasma

Answer explanation

A liquid has a definite volume, meaning it occupies a fixed amount of space, but it takes the shape of its container, unlike solids which have a fixed shape and gases which have neither fixed shape nor volume.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which two physical properties are best used to classify materials as metals or nonmetals? (Select two correct answers.)

• A. Magnetism

• B. Solubility

• C. Conductivity

• D. Volume

Answer explanation

Metals are typically good conductors of electricity and heat, while nonmetals are not. Magnetism can also help differentiate them, as some metals are magnetic, whereas nonmetals generally are not.

Which statement correctly describes the difference between a conductor and an insulator?

• A. A conductor allows energy to pass through, while an insulator does not.

• B. An insulator produces energy, while a conductor does not.

• C. A conductor floats in water, while an insulator sinks.

• D. Conductors always have greater mass than insulators.

Answer explanation

A conductor allows energy, such as electricity or heat, to flow through it easily, while an insulator resists this flow. Therefore, option A correctly describes this fundamental difference.

A student tests different objects in water. Some float, and some sink. What property is the student testing?

• Mass

• Conductivity

• Relative density

• Magnetism

Answer explanation

The student is testing relative density, which determines whether an object will float or sink in water based on its density compared to water. Objects that are less dense than water float, while those that are denser sink.

A student places different objects on a balance scale to compare their mass. Which physical property is the student measuring?

• Density

• Solubility

• Mass

• Volume

Answer explanation

The student is measuring mass, which is the amount of matter in an object. A balance scale compares the mass of different objects directly, making 'Mass' the correct choice.

A student heats a solid piece of butter until it turns into liquid butter. What physical property of the butter changed?

• Conductivity

• Mass

• State of matter

• Solubility

Answer explanation

The butter changed from a solid to a liquid, which is a change in its state of matter. This transformation indicates a physical change, while properties like mass, conductivity, and solubility remain unchanged.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4