Physical Properties
Physical properties are characteristics that can be observed using the
senses.
*While observing these characteristics the original substance is
unchanged.
Some Physical Properties are:
 state of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
 appearance (color, shape, etc.)
 size (length, volume, mass, density)
 sound (loud, buzzing, etc.)
 texture (smooth, sticky, slippery, etc.)
 smell / odor (strong, mild, chemical-like, fresh, etc.)
 taste (sweet, bitter, salty, etc.)
Evidence of a Physical Change
(Physical changes can be reversed fairly easily)
(a new substance has not been formed)
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a change in size (length, volume, mass, density)
a change in shape
a change in state of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
a predictable color change
Chemical Properties
Chemical properties are characteristics that describe how a
substance behaves in a chemical reaction.
*While observing these characteristics the original substance is
changed into something new.
*These are hidden characteristics or abilities only discovered through
a chemical reaction
Some Chemical Properties are:
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ability to burn
being non-flammable
ability to rust, or tarnish
ability to rot
changing the color of an indicator
Evidence of a Chemical Reaction (Change)
(Chemical changes cannot be reversed easily)
(a new substance has been formed)
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something is burning or cooking
unexpected color change
different smell or odor
different texture
precipitate is formed (unexpected solid is formed)
light is given off
unexpected temperature change
(hotter or colder) that was not due to external conditions)
8/2006