Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

Characteristics that help us to distinguish one type of matter from another are referred to as properties. Matter exhibits two types of properties: physical and chemical.

Physical properties of matter can be measured and observed without changing the composition or identity of the matter. Odor, taste, color, appearance, hardness, density, melting and boiling points, and electrical conductivity, are all examples of physical properties.

Some of these physical properties can be observed without changing the physical state of the matter. So, when we say that helium gas is lighter than air, we are referring to a physical property. Similarly, the smell of gasoline is also a physical property.

Other physical properties can only be observed when matter undergoes physical changes. For example, pure gold in its solid-state is made up of tightly packed gold atoms. But when it is melted at a high temperature, it changes its state from a solid to a liquid. However, this liquid is still composed of gold atoms, so this is a physical change.

Similarly, when liquid water freezes to solid ice, the chemical composition of both the water and ice remains the same. Thus, physical changes only alter the