STAAR Questions: Physical Properties of Matter

The table lists some properties of four different samples of matter. Which two samples could be glass and saltwater?

• Samples 1 and 2

• Samples 3 and 4

• Samples 1 and 3

• Samples 2 and 3

A student puts four objects in a bucket filled with water. The objects are listed below. Which two objects are most likely less dense than the water?

• Wood block and metal paper clip

• Plastic ball and glass marble

• Metal paper clip and glass marble

• Wood block and plastic ball

Why does the plastic keep the electricity from starting a fire?

• Plastic is a good insulator.

• Plastic can melt when heated.

• Plastic is softer than wire.

• Plastic conducts electricity.

Which of these is not soluble in water?

• Oil

• Salt

• Honey

• Sugar

Based on the table, which material would be best to use to insulate electrical wires?

• A. Wood

• B. Plastic

• C. Copper

• D. Steel

A student classifies the objects shown based on their physical properties. Which property cannot be used to classify these objects into more than one group?

• A) Magnetism

• B) Mass

• C) Electrical conductivity

• D) Solubility in water

A student reads the label on the bottle of salad dressing shown below. Why would the student shake the salad dressing well before using it?

• A) Vinegar and oil have different densities.

• B) Vinegar and oil easily form a solution.

• C) Vinegar and oil both contain water.

• D) Vinegar and oil are both liquids.

Which statement identifies a property that could be used to classify these objects into two different groups?

• Density can be used to separate objects that sink in water from objects that do not.

• Magnetism can be used to separate objects that are attracted by a magnet from objects that are not.

• Solubility can be used to separate objects that dissolve in water from objects that do not.

• Physical state can be used to separate objects that are solids from objects that are not.

A teacher wears protective gloves to lift a metal pan filled with boiling water from a hot plate. Why are the protective gloves necessary?

• The metal pan creates thermal energy.

• The metal pan insulates thermal energy.

• The metal pan conducts thermal energy.

• The metal pan reduces thermal energy.

Based on these observations, which container most likely holds only gas?

• F Container 1

• G Container 2

• H Container 3

• J Container 4