The Physical Properties of

Matter

What is a physical property of matter?

• A property that can be observed or measured without changing the identity of that matter

• Ex: Color, odor, shape, size, etc.

Thermal Conductivity

Definition:

The ability to transfer thermal energy (heat) to something else

Example:

Coffee in a special cup to prevent heat transfer to our hands

State

Definition:

The form in which matter exists: solid, liquid, gas, or plasma

Example:

Ice = Solid Water = Liquid Helium = Gas Lightning = Plasma

Malleability

Definition:

The ability to be pounded into thin sheets

Example:

Aluminum can be pounded flat to make aluminum foil

Ductility

Definition:

The ability to be drawn into thin wires

Example:

Copper is used to make wires

Example:

Sugar dissolves in coffee

Kool Aid

Solubility

Definition:

The ability for one substance to dissolve into another substance

Density

Definition:

Mass per unit volume

Example:

Lead is used for fishing weights because it is more dense than water

More information about density...

Density = The amount of matter in a given space or volume

Density = m Mass

v Volume

More information about density...

Most substances have a unique density:

Water = 1.00 g/mL

Gold = 19.32 g/cm3

(See page 13 in your book for a bigger list)

Density < 1 - The object will float in water Density > 1 – The object will sink in water

The Magic Triangle

Answers are expressed in g/cm3

or g/mL