Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

Physical Properties

These are characteristics you can observe or measure without changing the substance's identity.

• Extensive Properties: Depend on the amount of matter present (e.g., mass, volume, length).

• Intensive Properties: Do NOT depend on the amount (e.g., density, boiling point, color, malleability).

• Examples:

  • State of Matter: Solid, liquid, gas.

  • Solubility: How well it dissolves in a solvent.

  • Conductivity: Ability to transfer heat or electricity.

Chemical Properties

These describe a substance's ability to undergo a specific chemical change to become something new. You can only observe these during a chemical reaction.

• Flammability: How easily a substance ignites or burns.

• Reactivity: How it responds to water, acids, or oxygen (e.g., rusting/oxidation).

• Toxicity: The potential for a substance to damage an organism.

• Acidity/Alkalinity (pH): How acidic or basic a substance is.

Key Difference Summary