Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering physical and chemical properties and changes of matter.

Solid

A state of matter exemplified by ice.

Liquid

A state of matter exemplified by water.

Gas

A state of matter exemplified by steam.

Boiling Point of Water

The temperature of $100^\text{o}\text{C}$ ($212^\text{o}\text{F}$) at which liquid water turns into gas bubbles when heated.

Buoyancy and Density

The property demonstrated when a heavy iron anchor sinks in water while a lightweight cork floats on top.

Melting

The physical change observed when an ice cube turns into liquid water on a warm room temperature counter.

Dissolving

The process seen when a spoonful of white sugar completely disappears into warm tea.

Magnetic Attraction

The physical property demonstrated when a steel paperclip is pulled toward a refrigerator magnet.

Malleability

The ability of a material like aluminum foil to be crumpled up or flattened into a thin sheet without breaking.

Luster

The property of a freshly polished gold ring reflecting light and looking very shiny.

Electrical Conductivity

The ability of a material like copper wire to safely carry electricity from a battery to light up a small bulb.

Flammability

The chemical property observed when a dry wooden log catches fire and burns to ashes in a campfire.

Rusting

The chemical process where an iron nail turns reddish-brown and crumbly after being left outside in the rain.

Chemical Reactivity (Baking Soda and Vinegar)

The reaction demonstrated when a scoop of baking soda fizzes and bubbles aggressively when vinegar is poured on it.

Toxicity

A hazardous chemical property indicated by a skull-and-crossbones label warning that a cleaner is poisonous if swallowed.

Tarnishing

The process where a shiny silver spoon turns dark grey or black after being exposed to air for a long time.

Sodium Water Reactivity

The chemical property of pure sodium metal sparking and exploding the moment it touches liquid water.

Explosiveness

The property demonstrated by fireworks exploding into colorful lights and loud bangs when ignited by a fuse.

Decomposition

The process of an apple turning brown, mushy, and smelly after being left on the counter for weeks.

Ductility

The physical property of a thin gold wire being stretched into an extremely fine thread without snapping.

Viscosity

The property characterized by thick honey pouring very slowly out of a jar compared to water.

Hardness

The physical property demonstrated when a diamond easily scratches a smooth glass surface without getting damaged.

Salt-Air Oxidation

The rapid rusting process that occurs when an iron fence oxidizes upon exposure to salty sea air.

Acid Reactivity

The chemical property demonstrated when a drop of hydrochloric acid causes limestone rock to bubble and erode instantly.

Curdling

The process of milk turning sour and forming thick lumps after sitting out in heat.