1.3 Physical and Chemical Properties
4 min read•june 24, 2024
Matter has unique traits that define its behavior. , like color and , don't change its makeup. , such as , show how it reacts with other substances.
Some properties depend on quantity, like and . Others, like and , stay the same no matter how much you have. Understanding these helps us predict how matter will act in different situations.
Properties of Matter
Physical vs chemical properties of matter
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- Physical properties describe characteristics observed or measured without changing substance composition
- Color (red, blue, green)
- (water at 0 ℃, iron at 1538 ℃)
- (water at 100 ℃, ethanol at 78.4 ℃)
- (water at 1 g/mL, gold at 19.3 g/mL)
- (talc at 1 on Mohs scale, diamond at 10)
- measures ability to deform under compression without breaking (gold, silver)
- measures ability to conduct heat or electricity (copper, aluminum)
- (solid, liquid, gas, plasma) are determined by physical properties
- Chemical properties describe how substance reacts with others or changes composition
- Flammability measures how easily substance ignites and burns (gasoline, paper)
- with acids or bases (metals react with acids, ammonia reacts with acids)
- measures tendency to lose electrons and increase oxidation state (iron rusts, copper forms patina)
- measures ability to withstand (stainless steel, gold)
- measures how readily substance undergoes combustion reaction (wood, natural gas)
Extensive vs intensive properties
- depend on amount of matter present
- Mass measures quantity of matter (1 kg of water vs 10 kg of water)
- Volume measures space occupied by substance (1 L of water vs 10 L of water)
- measures capacity to do work or transfer heat (1 J vs 10 J)
- measures energy required to raise temperature (4.18 J/g·℃ for water)
- Additive property: total value equals sum of individual parts (mass of mixture equals sum of component masses)
- independent of amount of matter present
- Density relates mass to volume (water at 1 g/mL regardless of quantity)
- Melting point temperature at which solid becomes liquid (ice melts at 0 ℃ for any amount)
- Boiling point temperature at which liquid becomes gas (water boils at 100 ℃ for any volume)
- relates heat capacity to mass (water at 4.18 J/g·℃ for any mass)
- measures how much light bends when passing through substance (1.33 for water regardless of amount)
Periodic Table and Properties
Organization of periodic table
- arranges elements by increasing
- are horizontal rows (period 1 has 2 elements, period 2 has 8 elements)
- are vertical columns (group 1 contains alkali metals, group 18 contains noble gases)
- show how properties vary across and down
- decreases across period (larger positive charge attracts electrons more strongly) and increases down group (additional electron shells)
- increases across period (harder to remove electron from more positive nucleus) and decreases down group (larger atomic radius)
- increases across period (stronger attraction for shared electrons) and decreases down group (larger atomic radius)
- Conductivity relates to position on periodic table
- Metals on left side conduct heat and electricity well (valence electrons delocalized)
- Examples: copper wiring, silver jewelry, gold coins, aluminum foil
- Nonmetals on right side poor conductors (valence electrons tightly bound)
- Examples: carbon (graphite), sulfur, oxygen gas, chlorine gas
- along zigzag line separating metals and nonmetals exhibit intermediate properties
- Examples: silicon in semiconductors, germanium in transistors, arsenic in semiconductors, antimony in flame retardants
- Metals on left side conduct heat and electricity well (valence electrons delocalized)
Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
- influences chemical properties and bonding behavior
- Electron configuration determines reactivity and bonding patterns
- Valence electrons participate in chemical reactions and bonding
- affects physical and chemical properties
- Ionic bonds form between metals and nonmetals, resulting in high melting points and electrical conductivity in solution
- Covalent bonds form between nonmetals, influencing molecular structure and reactivity
- Metallic bonds in pure metals contribute to their conductivity and malleability
Thermodynamics and Chemical Reactions
- governs energy changes in chemical reactions
- Exothermic reactions release heat to surroundings (combustion, neutralization)
- Endothermic reactions absorb heat from surroundings (photosynthesis, melting ice)
- Chemical reactions involve changes in chemical properties
- Reactants transform into products with different compositions and properties
- Reaction rates and equilibrium are influenced by temperature, concentration, and catalysts
Key Terms to Review (54)
Atomic Number: The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element that represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It is a unique identifier for each element and is a crucial concept in understanding the structure and behavior of atoms, as well as their placement in the periodic table.
Atomic number (Z): The atomic number (Z) is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table.
Atomic Radius: The atomic radius is the distance from the center of an atom to its outermost shell or the edge of its electron cloud. This fundamental property of atoms is closely related to their physical and chemical behavior, as it influences the interactions between atoms and their reactivity.
Atomic Structure: Atomic structure refers to the internal composition and organization of atoms, the fundamental building blocks of matter. It describes the arrangement and interactions of the subatomic particles that make up an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how these elements determine the chemical properties and behavior of the atom.
Boiling point: The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid's vapor pressure equals the external pressure surrounding the liquid. At this temperature, the liquid transitions to a gas phase.
Boiling Point: The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the pressure surrounding the liquid, and bubbles of vapor form inside the liquid. It is the point at which the liquid phase transitions to the gas phase.
Chemical Bonding: Chemical bonding is the force that holds atoms together in a molecule or compound. It is the fundamental process that determines the stability and properties of chemical substances.
Chemical Properties: Chemical properties are the inherent characteristics of a substance that describe how it will react or change during a chemical process. These properties are distinct from physical properties, which describe the appearance and behavior of a substance without altering its chemical composition.
Chemical property: A chemical property is a characteristic of a substance that is observed during a chemical reaction. It describes the ability of a substance to undergo specific chemical changes.
Chemical Reactions: A chemical reaction is a process that involves the rearrangement of atoms or molecules to form new substances with different properties. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.
Chemical thermodynamics: Chemical thermodynamics studies the interrelation of heat and work with chemical reactions or physical changes. It applies principles of thermodynamics to predict the direction and extent of chemical processes.
Combustibility: Combustibility refers to the ability of a substance to ignite and burn when exposed to a source of heat or energy. It is a fundamental property that determines how easily a material can undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, releasing heat and light in the process of combustion.
Conductivity: Conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to allow the flow of electric charge or the movement of ions through it. It is a fundamental property that is closely related to the concept of electrical resistance and is an important consideration in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Corrosion Resistance: Corrosion resistance is the ability of a material to withstand the deterioration caused by chemical reactions with its surrounding environment. It is an important property that determines the longevity and performance of materials, especially in applications where they are exposed to corrosive conditions.
Critical mass: Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. It is essential for the functionality of nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
Density: Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. It is typically expressed in units such as grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
Density: Density is a physical property that describes the mass per unit volume of a substance. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry and physics that helps characterize the structure and composition of materials.
Electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons within a chemical bond. It is a dimensionless quantity usually assigned values on the Pauling scale.
Electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. It is a fundamental property that influences the nature and strength of chemical bonds, as well as the physical and chemical properties of substances.
Energy: Energy is the capacity to do work or cause change. It is the fundamental currency that drives all physical and chemical processes, enabling the transformation of matter and the maintenance of life. Energy can take many forms, such as heat, light, electricity, or chemical potential, and it is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of systems at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
Extensive Properties: Extensive properties are physical or chemical properties of a substance that depend on the amount of the substance present. These properties vary with the size or quantity of the system and are additive, meaning the total value of the property is the sum of the values of the individual parts.
Extensive property: An extensive property is a physical quantity whose value depends on the amount of matter in a sample. Examples include mass, volume, and total charge.
Flammability: Flammability refers to the ease with which a substance can be ignited and sustain a fire. It is a critical physical and chemical property that determines the fire hazard associated with a material or substance.
Groups: Groups are vertical columns in the periodic table, also known as families. Elements within a group share similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons.
Groups: Groups are the vertical columns in the periodic table of elements, which organize elements with similar chemical properties and behaviors. They are a fundamental organizing principle that allows for the predictable classification of elements based on their electronic configuration and reactivity.
Hardness: Hardness is a physical property that describes the resistance of a material to permanent indentation or scratching. It is an important characteristic in the context of physical and chemical properties, as it provides insight into the structural integrity and durability of a substance.
Heat Capacity: Heat capacity is a measure of the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree. It is a fundamental property that describes how much heat a material can absorb or release without undergoing a phase change.
Heat capacity (C): Heat capacity (C) is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is an extensive property dependent on the quantity of the substance.
Intensive Properties: Intensive properties are physical or chemical characteristics of a substance that do not depend on the amount or size of the sample. They are intrinsic properties that remain constant regardless of the quantity of the material. Intensive properties are crucial in understanding the behavior and composition of substances in the context of physical and chemical properties.
Intensive property: An intensive property is a physical property of a system that does not depend on the system's size or amount of material. Examples include temperature, pressure, and density.
Ionization energy: Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion. It is a key property that influences an element's reactivity and chemical behavior.
Ionization Energy: Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom or molecule, forming a positively charged ion. This property is fundamental in understanding the periodic trends and chemical reactivity of elements, as it reflects the strength of the attraction between the nucleus and the outermost electrons.
Malleability: Malleability is a physical property that describes a material's ability to be hammered, rolled, or pressed into thin sheets or shapes without breaking or cracking. It is the measure of a material's ability to be deformed plastically under compressive stress without fracturing.
Mass: Mass is a fundamental property of matter that quantifies the amount of material in an object. It is a measure of the object's resistance to changes in its motion and is a key factor in determining the gravitational force acting on an object.
Mass-volume percent: Mass-volume percent is a way to express the concentration of a solution. It is defined as the mass of solute (in grams) divided by the volume of solution (in milliliters), multiplied by 100.
Melting point: The melting point is the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid under standard atmospheric pressure. It is a specific physical property characteristic of each substance.
Melting Point: The melting point is the temperature at which a solid substance transitions into a liquid state. It is a fundamental physical property that reflects the strength of intermolecular forces within a material and the energy required to overcome these forces and disrupt the ordered solid structure.
Metalloids: Metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They are found along the staircase line on the Periodic Table.
Metalloids: Metalloids are a group of elements that exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They have characteristics that are a blend of metallic and nonmetallic traits, making them unique in their behavior and placement on the periodic table.
Oxidation Potential: Oxidation potential, also known as redox potential, is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and undergo reduction. It is a fundamental concept in electrochemistry and is closely related to the reactivity and stability of chemical compounds.
Periodic Table: The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements organized by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It serves as a fundamental tool in chemistry, providing a systematic way to classify and understand the behavior of elements based on their position within the table.
Periodic Trends: Periodic trends are the patterns and behaviors observed in the properties of elements as they are arranged in the periodic table according to their atomic number and electron configuration. These trends are crucial in understanding the physical and chemical properties of elements, as well as their behavior in chemical reactions and interactions with other substances.
Periods: Periods are the horizontal rows in the periodic table. They indicate the number of electron shells an atom possesses.
Periods: Periods, in the context of chemistry, refer to the horizontal rows in the periodic table of elements. These rows group elements with similar physical and chemical properties, and the position of an element within a period provides important information about its atomic structure and behavior.
Physical change: A physical change is a change in the form or state of matter that does not alter the chemical composition of the substance. Examples include changes in state, such as melting, freezing, and boiling.
Physical Properties: Physical properties are the characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the chemical composition of the material. These properties describe the physical state, appearance, and behavior of a substance under various conditions.
Physical property: A physical property is a characteristic of matter that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical composition. Examples include color, density, and melting point.
Reactivity: Reactivity refers to the tendency of a substance or element to undergo chemical reactions. It describes the ease with which a material can participate in chemical processes, forming new compounds or breaking down existing ones. Reactivity is a fundamental concept in chemistry that is closely tied to the physical and chemical properties of substances, as well as their periodic behavior.
Refractive Index: Refractive index is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced when it passes through a material. It is a fundamental property of a substance that describes how light bends, or refracts, when it moves from one medium to another with a different optical density.
Specific Heat Capacity: Specific heat capacity is a measure of the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree. It quantifies a material's ability to store thermal energy and is an important property in understanding energy transfers and thermodynamic processes.
Specific heat capacity (c): Specific heat capacity ($c$) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is a property that varies between different materials.
States of Matter: The states of matter refer to the different physical forms that a substance can take, including solid, liquid, and gas. These states are determined by the arrangement and motion of the particles that make up the substance, which are influenced by factors such as temperature and pressure.
Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy. It describes the fundamental physical laws governing the transformation of energy and the flow of heat, which are essential to understanding the behavior of chemical systems and processes.
Volume: Volume is a physical property that describes the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by a substance or object. It is a fundamental concept in chemistry and physics, as it is essential for understanding the behavior and properties of matter.