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Home > News & Articles > Properties of Matter: Definition, Physical Properties, Chemical Properties and Thermal Properties
Updated on 17th September, 2023 , 5 min read
Matter, in its various forms, is the fundamental substance that makes up the universe. Everything we see, touch, or interact with is composed of matter. Understanding the properties of matter is crucial in numerous scientific disciplines, from chemistry and physics to materials science and engineering. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of matter, its properties, and how they can be categorized.
Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies space. It is a broad term that encompasses all substances, whether they are solid, liquid, gas, or even plasma. Matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms, which are further composed of subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles interact with each other through various forces, giving rise to the properties of matter we observe in the macroscopic world.
Properties of matter are characteristics or attributes that help us distinguish one substance from another and describe how matter behaves under different conditions. These properties can be broadly categorized into three main types: physical properties, chemical properties, and thermal properties.
Physical properties are those characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the fundamental composition of the substance. Some common physical properties include:
Chemical properties describe how a substance interacts with other substances and undergoes chemical changes. These properties are typically observed when substances react with each other. Common chemical properties include:
Thermal properties are related to how matter responds to changes in temperature. These properties include:
The table below shows the difference between Chemical and Physical Properties:
Chemical Properties | |
Physical properties are those properties which describe or measure the physical state of matter. | Chemical properties are those properties which describe or measure the chemical changes of matter. |
For measuring physical properties, there is no need to change the composition of a matter. | For measuring chemical properties, we need to change the composition of a matter. |
Physical properties are related to the quantity of a substance and not with the chemical bonding. | Chemical properties are related to the quality of a substance and chemical bonding. |
It depends on the amount of the substance. | It does not depend on the amount of a substance. |
Examples of physical properties include mass, colour, shape, size, volume, etc. | Examples of chemical properties include oxidation number, reactivity, etc. |
The characteristics of matter, encompassing both its physical and chemical attributes, can be categorized into two main types: extensive properties and intensive properties.
Note: Mass and volume both are extensive properties but their ratio called density is an example of intensive property.
Density= Mass/Volume
Matter can undergo two fundamental types of changes: chemical and physical changes.
Understanding the properties of matter is essential in various scientific fields and everyday life. Here are some key takeaways:
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By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min readThe three states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. These states depend on the arrangement and movement of particles.
A physical property is a characteristic that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's composition. A chemical property describes how a substance interacts with other substances to form new substances.
Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. It is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume: Density = Mass/Volume.
Extensive properties depend on the amount of matter present (e.g., mass, volume), while intensive properties are independent of the amount (e.g., density, color).
Increasing temperature can change the state of matter. For example, heating a solid can turn it into a liquid, and further heating can turn it into a gas.
A physical change only alters the physical properties of matter (e.g., changing from a solid to a liquid), while a chemical change results in the formation of new substances with different properties.
Examples include reactivity with acids, flammability, and the ability to rust.
Elements consist of only one type of atom, compounds are made of two or more elements chemically bonded, and mixtures are combinations of substances that can be physically separated.
This law states that in a closed system, the total mass of substances remains constant during a chemical reaction. Mass is neither created nor destroyed.
Examples of physical properties include color, density, melting point, boiling point, hardness, and conductivity.
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