Physical Properties

Physical Properties

• Physical properties describe characteristics of matter.

• They help us determine the differences between materials.

• They also help us decide what material to use for a specific use.

Example

• For example, two metals may appear the same but only one will conduct electricity.

General Physical Properties

• All matter has general physical properties of:

– Mass - the amount of matter

– Weight - the pull of gravity

– Volume - the amount of space

New Physical Properties

· Other physical properties you need to know include the following:

1. Phase

• Is it a solid, liquid, or gas?

2. Color

• What color is it?

3. Odor

• Does it have a smell or not?

4. Size

• Is it small, medium, or large?

• Compared to what?

5. Shape

• Does it have a regular or irregular shape?

6. Texture

• Does it have a rough or smooth surface?

7. Hardness

• Can it be scratched with a fingernail?

8. Luster

• Does it reflect light?

9. Malleability

• Can it be hammered into a thin sheet?

10. Conductivity

• Can electricity flow through it?

11. Magnetism

• Is it magnetic?

12. Homogeneous or Heterogeneous

• Homo is the same throughout

• Hetero is different throughout

13. Specific gravity

• Will it float in water?

14. Luminance

• Does it give off light?

15. Synthetic

• Is it manmade or natural?

16. Viscosity

· High viscosity is a thick liquid, Low viscosity is a thin liquid