Physical properties, such as melting point and density, define a substance without altering its composition. Water's melting point (0°C) and gold's density (19.32 g/cm³) exemplify these traits. In contrast, chemical properties, like flammability and reactivity with acid, showcase a substance's tendency to undergo specific reactions, as seen in gasoline's combustibility and sodium's reaction with hydrochloric acid.
Physical Properties:
1. Melting Point:
- Physical Definition: The temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid state.
- Example 1: Water has a melting point of 0 degrees Celsius.
- Example 2: Iron has a melting point of 1,538 degrees Celsius.
2. Density:
- Physical Definition: Mass per unit volume of a substance.
- Example 1: The density of gold is about 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Example 2: Helium is much less dense than air.
Chemical Properties:
1. Flammability:
- Chemical Definition: The ability of a substance to burn or support combustion.
- Example 1: Gasoline is highly flammable.
- Example 2: Hydrogen is a flammable gas.
2. Reactivity with Acid:
- Chemical Definition: The tendency of a substance to undergo chemical reactions with acids.
- Example 1: Sodium reacts vigorously with hydrochloric acid.
- Example 2: Calcium carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce carbon dioxide.