Comparing Physical Properties of Matter

Which of the following is a physical property that can be measured using a balance?

• Mass

• Magnetism

• Solubility

• Volume

What is the physical state of water at room temperature?

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Plasma

Which of the following materials is most likely to conduct electricity?

• Plastic

• Wood

• Copper

• Rubber

If an object sinks in water, what can you infer about its relative density compared to water?

• It is less dense than water

• It is more dense than water

• It has the same density as water

• It is not affected by water

Which of the following is an example of a material that is an insulator of thermal energy?

• Metal spoon

• Glass cup

• Wooden stick

• Aluminum foil

You have a mixture of sand and salt. Which property would you use to separate the salt from the sand using water?

• Magnetism

• Solubility

• Mass

• Volume

A student has four objects: a plastic ball, a metal key, a wooden block, and a rubber eraser. Which property would best help the student determine which object is magnetic?

• Mass

• Magnetism

• Volume

• Solubility

If you want to compare the volume of two irregularly shaped rocks, which method would you most likely use?

• Use a ruler to measure length

• Use a balance to measure mass

• Use water displacement in a graduated cylinder

• Use a thermometer

Tags

CCSS.3.MD.A.2

A student observes that a metal spoon feels colder than a wooden spoon when both are left in the same room. Using your knowledge of physical properties, explain why this happens.

• Metal is a better conductor of thermal energy than wood

• Metal is heavier than wood

• Metal is more magnetic than wood

• Metal dissolves in air

You are given two unknown substances. One floats in water and dissolves easily, while the other sinks and does not dissolve. Using at least two physical properties, explain how you can compare and contrast these substances.

• By comparing their color and shape

• By comparing their relative density and solubility in water

• By comparing their taste and smell

• By comparing their magnetism and temperature