Physical property — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A characteristic measured or observed without changing chemical identity. (Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems)
- A characteristic you can observe or measure without changing what the substance is, like color, density, or melting point. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
Where it is taught
- Physical Properties & Physical Changes — Matter, Mixtures & Water Properties, Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems, Grade 6
- Physical vs. Chemical Properties — Properties of Matter, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
In use
Density is worth a closer look, because it's a physical property you'll calculate often.
Physical vs. Chemical Properties
Questions using physical property
Problem 1
Which statement correctly uses physical property in Physical Properties & Physical Changes?
- The largest sample must have the greatest density.
- Every change that is hard to reverse must be chemical.
- physical property: A characteristic measured or observed without changing chemical identity.
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation
physical property: A characteristic measured or observed without changing chemical identity.
A characteristic measured or observed without changing chemical identity. 48 ÷ 24 = 2 g/cm³. Reshaping changes outline while the modeled material and measured mass/volume remain. It is described as physical because no new substance is formed in this model, not simply because the shape might be restored.
Problem 2
Which of these is a chemical property, not a physical property?
- color
- flammability
- hardness
- density
Answer and explanation
flammability
Flammability describes how a substance reacts (burns), which is a chemical property.
Taught alongside
- density
- evidence
- system boundary
- uncertainty
- chemical property
- physical change
- chemical change
- model
- assumption