Properties of Matter
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. To understand matter better, we need to look at its properties. There are two main types of properties: physical properties and chemical properties.
Physical Properties
Physical properties are characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's identity. These include color, odor, density, melting point, and boiling point.
Example: Water is a clear liquid with no color or odor. Its melting point is 0°C (32°F) and its boiling point is 100°C (212°F). These are physical properties because they describe the water without changing it into another substance.
Chemical Properties
Chemical properties describe how a substance can change into a different substance. These properties include reactivity, flammability, and acidity.
Example: Iron is a metal that can rust when exposed to water and oxygen. Rusting is a chemical property because it changes the iron into a different substance, iron oxide. This process cannot be reversed by physical means.
Understanding these properties helps us classify and predict the behavior of different substances. Whether it's identifying a substance by its color or knowing how it will react in a specific environment, properties of matter are key to scientific inquiry.