Physical and Chemical Properties Lab
Problem:
What are the physical and chemical properties of common substances?
Materials:
 Foil Pans
 Wax Paper
 Bunsen burner
 Tongs
Substances:
 Baking Powder
 Powered Sugar
 Baby Powder
 Baking Soda
 Cornstarch
Liquids:
 Vinegar
 Water
 Iodine
Procedure:
Step 1: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Put a small amount of the substance on one area of the waxed paper.
2. Identify the substance's color and texture. RECORD DATA.
Step 2. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Test the substance's reaction to water by adding 3-4 drops of water to the
substance. RECORD DATA.
2. Test the substance's reaction to vinegar by adding 3-4 drops of vinegar to the
substance. RECORD DATA.
3. Test the substance's reaction to iodine by adding 3-4 drops of iodine to the
substance in the spot plate. RECORD DATA.
4. Put a spoonful of the substance in the foil pan. Heat the substance in the foil pan
over a Bunsen burner or other heat source. RECORD DATA.
1. RECORD YOUR DATA IN THIS TABLE. If there is no reaction for a substance in one
of the categories, write “None,” otherwise briefly describe the reaction.
Substance
Physical
Properties
(Colour and
Texture)
Chemical
Property:
Reaction to
Water
Chemical
Property:
Reaction to
Vinegar
Chemical
Property:
Reaction to
Iodine
Chemical
Property:
Reaction to
Heat
Baking
Powder
Powdered
Sugar
Baby Powder
Baking Soda
Cornstarch
2. Pick your favourite substance and write a short paragraph explaining its physical and
chemical characteristics.
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