Physical & Chemical
Properties
What is a property?
 Property: a
characteristic of a
substance that can
be observed
Physical Property
Physical property: a property
that can be observed without
changing the identity of the
substance.
Physical Property
Examples:
• color
• ductility
• shape
•solubility
• size
• melting point
• luster
• boiling point
• malleability
• density
Malleability
Definition:
 The ability to be
pounded into
thin sheets.
Example:
 Aluminum can
be pounded flat
to make
aluminum foil.
Ductile
Definition:
 The ability to be
drawn into
wires.
Example:
 Copper is used
to make wires.
Thermal Conductivity
Definition:
 The ability or
inability to
transfer thermal
(heat) energy to
something else.
Example:
 Iron skillets
transfer heat
from a stove to
the food being
cooked.
Solubility
Definition:
 The ability of a
substance to
dissolve into
another
substance.
Example:
 Sugar dissolves
in coffee.
Density
Definition:
 Mass per unit
volume
Example:
 Lead is used in
fishing weights
because lead is
more dense
than water.
Luster
Definition:
 State of being
shiny by
reflecting light,
glitter, sheen,
gloss, sparkle
Example:
 Titanium crystal
has luster.
State (Phase)
Definition:
 The form in
which matter
exists: solid,
liquid, gas,
plasma.
Example:
 Solid  ice
 Liquid  water
 Gas  Helium
 Plasma 
lightning
Melting/Boiling Point
Definition:
 Temperature
when a
substance
changes
state/phase.
Example:
 Ice melts at 0o C
 Water boils at
100o C.
Chemical Property
Chemical property: a property
that can be only observed by
changing the identity of the
substance.
Chemical Property
Examples:
• Flammability
• Ability to rust
• Reactivity to vinegar (acid)
Flammability
Definition:
 The ability to
burn.
Example:
 Wood is
flammable.
Rust
Definition:
 Corrosion of a
metal through
oxidation
Example:
 Iron can rust.