Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and MeasurementProblem 19
Chapter 1, Problem 19

In the process of attempting to characterize a substance, a chemist makes the following observations: The substance is a silvery white, lustrous metal. It melts at 649 °C and boils at 1105 °C. Its density at 20 °C is 1.738 g/cm3. The substance burns in air, producing an intense white light. It reacts with chlorine to give a brittle white solid. The substance can be pounded into thin sheets or drawn into wires. It is a good conductor of electricity. Which of these characteristics are physical properties, and which are chemical properties?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the definition of physical properties: characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's identity.
Identify the definition of chemical properties: characteristics that describe a substance's ability to change into a different substance.
List the observed characteristics of the substance: silvery white, lustrous metal; melting point of 649 °C; boiling point of 1105 °C; density of 1.738 g/cm^3 at 20 °C; burns in air producing intense white light; reacts with chlorine to form a brittle white solid; can be pounded into thin sheets or drawn into wires; good conductor of electricity.
Determine which characteristics are physical properties: color (silvery white), luster (lustrous), melting point, boiling point, density, malleability (can be pounded into thin sheets), ductility (can be drawn into wires), and electrical conductivity.
Determine which characteristics are chemical properties: burns in air producing intense white light, reacts with chlorine to form a brittle white solid.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Physical Properties

Physical properties are characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity. Examples include color, melting point, boiling point, density, and conductivity. These properties describe the state and appearance of the substance and can often be determined through physical changes, such as melting or boiling.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:54
Physical Properties

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties describe how a substance interacts with other substances, leading to a change in its chemical composition. These properties are observed during chemical reactions and include reactivity with air, the ability to burn, and reactions with other elements, such as chlorine. Understanding chemical properties is essential for predicting how a substance will behave in different chemical environments.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:37
Chemical Properties

Distinguishing Between Physical and Chemical Properties

Distinguishing between physical and chemical properties is crucial for characterizing substances accurately. Physical properties can be measured without altering the substance, while chemical properties require a reaction that changes the substance's identity. This distinction helps chemists understand the behavior of materials and predict their reactions in various conditions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:54
Physical Properties
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Give the chemical symbol or name for each of the following elements, as appropriate: (f) As (g) Xe (h) Kr (i) Te (j) Ge.

Textbook Question
A solid white substance A is heated strongly in the absence ofair. It decomposes to form a new white substance B and a gas C.The gas has exactly the same properties as the product obtainedwhen carbon is burned in an excess of oxygen. Basedon these observations, can we determine whether solids Aand B and gas C are elements or compounds?
116
views
Textbook Question

Zirconia, an oxide of zirconium, is often used as an affordable diamond substitute. Just like diamond, it is a colorless crystal which sparkles under sunlight. Which of the following physical properties do you think would help in differentiating between diamond and Zirconia—melting point, density, or physical state?

137
views
1
rank
Textbook Question

The radius of an atom of tungsten (W) is about 2.10 A . (a) Express this distance in nanometers (nm). Express this distance in picometers (pm).

5
views
Textbook Question

The radius of an atom of tungsten (W) is about 2.10 Å. (b) How many tungsten atoms would have to be lined up to create a wire of 2.0 mm?

4
views
Textbook Question

(a) Read the following description of the element zinc and indicate which are physical properties and which are chemical properties. Zinc melts at 420 °C. When zinc granules are added to dilute sulfuric acid, hydrogen is given off and the metal dissolves. Zinc has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 2.5 and a density of 7.13 g/cm3 at 25 °C. It reacts slowly with oxygen gas at elevated temperatures to form zinc oxide, ZnO.

23
views
1
rank