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Matter Properties and Changes

Jul 7, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the differences between physical and chemical properties of matter, including definitions, examples, and related concepts like physical and chemical changes.

Physical Properties of Matter

  • Physical properties can be observed without changing the substance’s chemical identity.
  • Physical properties are divided into intensive and extensive properties.
  • Intensive properties do not depend on the amount of the substance (e.g., color, density, boiling point, melting point).
  • Extensive properties depend on the amount of the substance (e.g., mass, volume).

Examples of Intensive and Extensive Properties

  • The color and density of water remain the same regardless of the quantity.
  • Boiling and melting points of water are unchanged even if more water is added.
  • Mass and volume of water increase when more water is added, showing extensive properties.

Chemical Properties of Matter

  • Chemical properties are observed only when the substance’s molecular structure changes.
  • Examples include heat of combustion (energy released when burning with oxygen) and flammability (ability to burn when exposed to flame).

Physical and Chemical Changes

  • Physical change: substance changes state but can revert to original form (e.g., ice melting to water and freezing back to ice).
  • Chemical change: substance changes its atomic structure and cannot return to its original form (e.g., wood burning to ash).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Physical Property — characteristic observed without changing chemical identity.
  • Chemical Property — characteristic observed by changing molecular structure.
  • Intensive Property — does not depend on substance amount (color, density).
  • Extensive Property — depends on substance amount (mass, volume).
  • Physical Change — change in state, reversible.
  • Chemical Change — change in structure, irreversible.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples of intensive and extensive properties in everyday materials.
  • List additional examples of physical and chemical changes.