5.1 Properties
and changes
Properties of matter
Physical Property:
• A characteristic or description of a substance
– Examples: colour, texture, density,
smell, solubility, taste, melting point,
physical state
Two types:
 Qualitative - described using your senses
 Quantitative - A property of a substance that is
measured and HAS a numerical value.
Properties of matter
Chemical Property:
• A characteristic behaviour that
occurs when the substance changes
into something new
– Examples: flammability, corrosion,
bleaching ability
Changes
Physical Change:
• A change that does not produce a
new substance
• Most physical changes can be
reversed
Examples:
– Change of State
– Dissolving sugar in water
Changes
Chemical Change:
• A change that produces a new
substance
• Many chemical changes cannot be
reversed
Examples:
– Forest fire
– Boiling an egg
Five Clues that a Chemical
Change occurred
1. A new colour appears.
Five Clues that a Chemical
Change occurred
2. Heat or light is produced or
absorbed.
Five Clues that a Chemical
Change occurred
3. Bubbles of gas are formed.
Five Clues that a Chemical
Change occurred
4. A solid material (precipitate) forms
in a liquid.
Five Clues that a Chemical
Change occurred
5. The change is generally difficult to
reverse.