Properties of Matter

Grade 5 · Science · Study Guide

Discover the physical and chemical properties that describe all matter, from density to solubility.

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space (volume). Scientists use properties to identify and classify matter. Properties fall into two main categories: physical properties and chemical properties.

Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the substance into something new. Examples include color, texture, hardness, mass, volume, density, melting point, boiling point, and solubility. Density is one of the most useful physical properties — it is the amount of mass in a given volume (Density = Mass ÷ Volume). An object floats in a liquid if its density is less than the liquid's density.

Chemical properties describe how a substance reacts with other substances to form new ones. Flammability (ability to burn), reactivity with acid, and the tendency to rust are all chemical properties. You can only observe a chemical property by causing a chemical change.

Matter exists in three main states: solid, liquid, and gas. In a solid, particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place. In a liquid, particles are close together but can flow past each other. In a gas, particles are spread far apart and move freely. Adding energy (heat) causes matter to change state: melting (solid→liquid), evaporation (liquid→gas), and sublimation (solid→gas).

Key terms

Matter
Anything that has mass and takes up space (volume).
Physical Property
A characteristic that can be observed or measured without changing the substance into a new one.
Chemical Property
A characteristic that describes how a substance reacts chemically with other substances.
Density
The amount of mass in a given volume; calculated as mass divided by volume (D = M/V).
Solubility
A physical property describing how well a substance dissolves in a given solvent (e.g., water).
State of Matter
The physical form matter takes: solid (fixed shape/volume), liquid (fixed volume), or gas (no fixed shape or volume).

Flashcards

Density Formula
D = M ÷ V (Density = Mass ÷ Volume). Measured in g/cm³ or g/mL for solids and liquids.
Floating and Sinking
An object floats if its density < liquid density. An object sinks if its density > liquid density.
Flammability
A chemical property; describes whether a substance can burn (react with oxygen to release energy).
Malleability
A physical property of metals; the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.
States of Matter Particle Arrangement
Solid: tightly packed, fixed positions; Liquid: close but mobile; Gas: far apart, move freely and rapidly.
Melting vs Boiling Point
Melting point: temperature at which solid becomes liquid. Boiling point: temperature at which liquid becomes gas.

Questions

  1. A student measures the mass and volume of a rock and calculates its density. Which type of property is density?

    1. Chemical property
    2. Physical property
    3. Atomic property
    4. Thermal property
    Show answer

    Answer: Physical property

    Density is a physical property because measuring it (finding mass and volume) does not change the substance — the rock is still the same rock afterward.

  2. An object will sink in water if its density is less than the density of water.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    An object floats when its density is LESS than the density of the liquid. If its density is greater, it sinks. Water has a density of 1 g/cm³; objects denser than 1 g/cm³ sink.

  3. The formula for density is mass divided by ________.

    Show answer

    Answer: volume

    Density = Mass ÷ Volume. This tells you how much mass is packed into each unit of volume. A high density means a lot of mass in a small space.

  4. Which of the following is a CHEMICAL property of iron?

    1. Iron is shiny and silver-colored
    2. Iron has a density of about 7.87 g/cm³
    3. Iron rusts when exposed to oxygen and water
    4. Iron melts at 1,538°C
    Show answer

    Answer: Iron rusts when exposed to oxygen and water

    Rusting is a chemical property because it involves iron chemically reacting with oxygen and water to form a new substance (iron oxide/rust). Color, density, and melting point are physical properties.

  5. In a solid, particles are tightly packed together and vibrate in fixed positions.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    In a solid, particles are tightly packed in a regular arrangement and only vibrate in place. This gives solids a definite shape and volume.

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