Unit 1: Matter

Lesson 1.2
Properties of Matter
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 5

General Properties of Matter 5
Mass 5
Weight 6
Volume 7
Density 7
Specific Gravity 8
Physical Properties of Matter 9
Melting Point 9
Freezing Point 9
Boiling Point 11
Solubility 12
Conductivity, Malleability, and Ductility 13
Chemical Properties of Matter 14
Biodegradability 14
Flammability and Combustibility 15
Reactivity 16
Intensive Versus Extensive Properties of Matter 16

Key Points 18

Check Your Understanding 19

Challenge Yourself 20

Photo Credits 21

Bibliography 21
Unit 1: Matter

Lesson 1.2
Properties of Matter

Introduction
What is the first thing you notice when you hold and read a book? You can say that the
book has a hardcover, but its pages are thin and smooth. The color of its text and
illustrations may vary too. A thick book may be heavy while a thin one is lighter. Bigger
books occupy bigger spaces compared to smaller ones. Though its paper is thin, it does not
melt easily at room temperature. However, it easily catches fire when subjected to flames.
The notable characteristics of the book are known as its properties.

1.2 Properties of Matter 1

Unit 1: Matter

All matter possesses properties or characteristics that make them unique. Properties of
matter may be categorized as physical or chemical, while physical properties may be
further classified as intensive or extensive. Familiarizing with the different properties of
matter is significant in determining its purpose. This lesson tackles the different properties
of matter as well as provides an overview of examples of matter that possess such
properties.

Learning Objectives DepEd Competencies

In this lesson, you should be able to do the
following:
● Enumerate the general properties
● Distinguish between physical and
chemical properties and give
examples
(STEM_GC11MP-Ia-b-3).
● Distinguish between extensive and

of matter. intensive properties and give

examples
● Distinguish between physical and (STEM_GC11MP_1a-b-4).

chemical properties of matter.

● Enumerate physical and chemical
properties of matter.
● Distinguish between extensive
and intensive properties of
matter.
● Enumerate extensive and
intensive properties of matter.

Warm Up
What’s the Matter? 30 minutes
All matter possesses characteristics that set them apart. Some properties of matter can be
easily observed while others are defined by its composition. Using your senses and some
measuring instruments, determine some properties of the given materials below.

1.2 Properties of Matter 2

Unit 1: Matter

Materials
● iron filings
● sulfur powder
● (6) watch glasses
● triple beam balance or digital balance
● teaspoon
● bar magnet
● baking soda
● table salt
● styrofoam beads
● fine sand
● (6) test tubes
● test tube rack
● graduated cylinder
● magnifying glass
● match or torch lighter
● water

Procedure
1. Place a teaspoon of each sample on a watch glass.
2. Measure the mass of each sample using a triple beam balance or a digital scale.
Make sure to subtract the mass of the watch glass from the total mass of the watch
glass that contains the sample.
3. Examine each sample. Take note of its color, odor, and texture.
4. Using a magnifying glass, describe the particle size of each sample.
5. Put a magnet near each sample to observe its magnetic property.
6. Light a matchstick (or torch lighter) near each sample. Observe if the sample easily
catches fire or not.
7. Prepare six test tubes with 5 mL of tap water in each. Place the test tubes in a test
tube rack. Add a pinch of each sample in the test tube with water. Gently swirl each
test tube and observe if the sample dissolved in water.
8. Place each remaining sample in a graduated cylinder to measure its volume.
9. Record all your observations in the table below.

1.2 Properties of Matter 3

Unit 1: Matter

Observation Table
Table 1.2.1. Summary of observable properties of different samples of matter

baking table styrofoam fine iron sulfur

Properties
soda salt beads sand filings

mass

volume

color

odor

texture

particle size

magnetic

solubility

flammability

Guide Questions
1. What are some of the physical properties you were able to take note of in this
activity?
2. Which among the given physical properties are dependent on the amount of matter?
Which ones are independent?
3. Among the given properties you observed, why is flammability not considered as a
physical property?
4. Based on the activity, how will you differentiate physical from chemical properties?

1.2 Properties of Matter 4

Unit 1: Matter

Learn about It!

What properties are common in all forms of

matter?

General Properties of Matter

The basic definition of matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Given this
description, mass and volume are properties that are common to all forms of matter. The
characteristics of matter that are present in all kinds of matter are known as general
properties of matter. When a property is observable only in a particular kind of matter, it is
known as the specific property of matter. The fundamental properties that are used to
describe matter are mass, volume, weight, density, and specific gravity.

Mass
Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object. This describes how much matter
comprises a material. Matter is made up of discrete particles; thus, the amount of particles
present in the material also measures its mass. The more matter is present in an object
means the greater its mass. Mass is usually expressed in grams (g) or kilograms (kg).

Materials that are compact have relatively

greater mass than those with a hollow interior.
For instance, a block of wood has a greater mass
compared to a beach ball even though the latter
one is greater in size. This is because a block of
wood has more particles that are closely packed
compared to a beach ball which has gas particles
that are far apart from one another.

Fig. 1.2.1. A block of wood, though smaller

in size, has a greater mass compared to a
beach ball due to its compact composition.

1.2 Properties of Matter 5

Unit 1: Matter

Weight
Mass and weight are often interchangeable, but these are two different quantities. Since
mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, it remains the same regardless of its
location or the amount of gravity that acts on it. A material’s composition does not change
even if an outside force acts on it; thus, its mass remains unchanged. On the other hand,
weight is the measure of force that acts on an object. It is expressed as the amount of
matter (mass) multiplied by the gravitational force that acts on it. Thus, the greater the
gravitational force that acts on an object, the “heavier” it weighs. In the same manner that a
massive object has more weight. Since weight is a force, it is expressed in newtons (N).

In Fig. 1.2.2, the mass of an astronaut who travels to the moon is the same as his mass on
earth. However, since the earth is about six times more massive than the moon, it has a
greater gravitational force. This makes the astronaut’s weight on the moon only
approximately one-sixth (1/6) of his weight on earth.

Fig. 1.2.2. A comparison of astronaut’s mass and weight on earth and on the moon

1.2 Properties of Matter 6

Unit 1: Matter

Volume
The amount of space occupied by matter is known as volume. This property of matter can
be measured using instruments with graduations or by getting the dimensions of the object
and applying mathematical equations. For instance, the volume of liquids can be measured
by a graduated cylinder. When the liquid is poured inside the cylinder, the graduation mark
that the liquid reached is the measure of its volume. Volumes of liquids are often expressed
in milliliters (mL) or liters (L). For solids with regular shapes, for example, a cube, its
dimensions may be measured and multiplied by one another to get its volume. Volumes of
solids are often expressed in cubic centimeters (cm3) or cubic meters (m3).

Fig. 1.2.3. Pouring a liquid in a graduated cylinder can measure its volume (left), while
measuring and multiplying the dimensions of a cube will determine its volume (right).

Density
All matter has mass and volume. The relationship between mass and volume may be
described by its density. Density is a physical property that expresses the ratio between
mass and volume. Since density is a ratio between mass and volume, it is often expressed in
kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3).

Density also tells how compact an object is. An object with greater mass has more compact
particles than the lighter ones. Therefore, a massive object that occupies less space also
possesses a higher density. On the other hand, a material is said to be less dense when it is
lighter and occupies greater space. Table 1.2.2 shows the density of common substances.

1.2 Properties of Matter 7

Unit 1: Matter

Table 1.2.2. Densities of common substances

Density Liquid Density Gase Density

Solid
(g/cm3) (g/cm3) (g/cm3)

ice 0.920 pure water 1.00 hydrogen 0.00009

feather 0.0025 seawater 1.026 helium 0.000178

aluminum 2.739 blood 1.60 air 0.001293

pure gold 19.32 mercury 13.6 nitrogen 0.001251

stainless 7.8 ethyl alcohol 0.802 carbon 0.00125

steel monoxide

Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is the ratio of a substance’s
density to a standard substance. This is the
reason why it is also known as relative density.
Water at 4oC, which is at its densest, is commonly
used as a standard for comparison of liquids and
solids. On the other hand, air at room
temperature (20oC) is the usual standard for
comparison of gases. However, the temperature
and pressure of both samples and the reference
must be specified too to have an accurate
comparison. Since specific gravity is a ratio
between two densities, it is a dimensionless
quantity wherein no physical dimension is
assigned.

Fig. 1.2.4. A pycnometer, also known as

specific gravity bottle, is used to
determine the density of liquids.

1.2 Properties of Matter 8

Unit 1: Matter

How can you distinguish physical from chemical

properties of matter?

Physical Properties of Matter

Qualities that are readily observable or measurable without changing the matter’s
composition are known as physical properties. General properties such as mass, volume,
weight, density, and specific gravity are all examples of physical properties.

Physical properties are often used to describe or observe matter. For instance, to describe
the physical appearance of matter, one may take note of how big or small it is (size), how it
feels (texture), or how it appears (shape/form/color). Qualities such as size, texture, shape,
and color are all physical properties of matter. Other examples of physical properties are
melting point, boiling point, freezing point, solubility, and metallic properties.

Melting Point
Solids have a tendency to turn into liquids when subjected to heat. As solids absorb heat
energy, its temperature increases, causing its particles to move faster and dissociate from
one another. This dissociation leads to a phase change known as melting. The temperature
at which a solid matter changes to liquid is known as the melting point.

The melting point of a material varies according to its composition. Materials that are
compact and dense have higher melting points compared to lighter ones. Less compact
materials have lower melting points. Some solids like metals are also capable of absorbing
heat without melting fast. These materials are often used as components for electrical
appliances. Table 1.2.3 summarizes the melting point of common metals and alloys.

Freezing Point
Liquids have a tendency to solidify when cooled. When a liquid is cooled, its particles slow
down as they lose kinetic energy due to a lower temperature. The slow movement of
particles allows them to clump together and form a solid state. The temperature at which a
liquid turns into a solid matter is known as the freezing point.

1.2 Properties of Matter 9

Unit 1: Matter

Table 1.2.3. Melting points of common metals and alloys

Metal Melting Point (oC) Alloy Melting Point (oC)

aluminum 660 brass 1000

cobalt 1495 carbon steel 1540

gold (pure) 1063 manganese bronze 890

platinum 1170 stainless steel 1510

silver (pure) 961 Sterling silver 893

Did You Know?

Tungsten is a metal with the highest melting point which is at
3400oC. This characteristic makes tungsten suitable to use as bulb
filaments.

Fig. 1.2.5. A light bulb with tungsten filament

In theory, the melting point of a solid matter is similar to its freezing point as a liquid. For
instance, the melting and freezing point of pure water at a standard condition is 0oC.
However, for the case of fats and oil, the temperature at which they start to melt is higher
compared to their freezing point. Fats and oils tend to solidify faster at a lower temperature
and take a higher temperature to melt.

1.2 Properties of Matter 10

Unit 1: Matter

Boiling Point
When a liquid is heated, its particles absorb the heat energy. The gain in kinetic energy of
particles allows them to break away from one another and move faster in random
directions. This results in vaporization or the change from a liquid state to a gaseous state
(vapor). A heated liquid reaches a certain temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal
to the pressure of its surrounding liquid. This is known as the boiling point or the
temperature at which liquid vaporizes.

Fig. 1.2.6. The formation of bubbles in a heated liquid indicates that it is starting to boil.

The boiling point of liquids varies depending on the pressure of its surroundings. A liquid
that is heated in a condition with lower atmospheric pressure boils faster compared to a
liquid that is heated in a condition with normal atmospheric pressure. For instance, the
boiling point of water at sea level is 100oC. Take note that the altitude of a certain location
affects its atmospheric pressure. The higher the altitude, the lesser the atmospheric
pressure is. Thus, it will only take 93.4oC for water to boil at an altitude of 6250 feet.

1.2 Properties of Matter 11

Unit 1: Matter

Solubility
When materials are combined together, some of their components mix well while others do
not. Materials that mix well form a homogeneous phase wherein the substance in a lesser
amount (solute) dissolves in another substance of greater amount (solvent). The ability of a
solute to dissolve in a given solvent is known as solubility. Though the solubility of a
substance varies depending on its composition, it is still considered as a physical property
as one can tell whether a material is soluble or not by merely observing its physical
appearance.

Different terms are used to describe the solubility of a certain material. A material is said to
be highly soluble if it dissolves easily in a solvent. For the case of fluids like liquids and
gases, substances are said to be miscible if they mix well together. Some substances that
do not completely mix are said to be partially soluble or partially miscible. On the other
hand, a material that does not dissolve at all in a given solvent is known to be insoluble or
immiscible.

Fig. 1.2.7. A spoonful of sugar is soluble in water (left), however, stirring it thoroughly will
increase its rate of solubility. On the other hand, the metal spoon is insoluble in water as it
does not dissolve while being used to stir the solution (right).

1.2 Properties of Matter 12

Unit 1: Matter

Conductivity, Malleability, and Ductility

Metallic properties are qualities that are observed specifically in metals. These properties
set metals apart from other materials. Some metallic properties are conductivity,
malleability, and ductility.

The ability of a material to allow heat or electric charges to pass through easily is known as
conductivity. Aluminum is often used as a base material for cooking pots and pans due to
its high thermal conductivity. On the other hand, electrical wires are usually made up of
copper as it conducts electricity fast.

aluminum pots copper wires

Fig. 1.2.8. Metals are good thermal and electrical conductors.

Metal can be flattened into thin sheets

due to its malleability. Aside from
malleability, metal can be easily drawn
into wires due to its ductility. This
property makes metal a good material for
electrical wirings and components.

Fig. 1.2.9. Gold is a good material for crafting

jewelry due to its malleability and ductility.

1.2 Properties of Matter 13

Unit 1: Matter

How can physical properties of matter distinguish

one substance from another?

Chemical Properties of Matter

The characteristics that can only be seen when the chemical identity of a material is altered
are known as chemical properties. These properties only become evident when a material
undergoes a chemical change. The chemical properties of a certain material highly depend
on its composition. Some examples of chemical properties are biodegradability,
combustibility, flammability, and reactivity.

Biodegradability
The capacity of a material to decompose through the actions of microorganisms is known as
biodegradability. This property may only be observed when a material undergoes
decomposition. Organic materials or carbon-based materials that usually come from living
organisms are said to have a higher biodegradability compared to the synthetic ones.
Table 1.2.4 summarizes the approximate time for common materials to decompose in
marine and terrestrial environments.

Table 1.2.4. Approximate time for common materials to decompose in marine and
terrestrial environments

Time to Decompose
Materials
Marine Environment Terrestrial Environment

paper towel 2 to 4 weeks 1 to 2 weeks

apple core 2 months 4 to 6 weeks

tin cans 50 to 100 years

aluminum cans 200 years 80 to 100 years

plastic bags 500 years to forever

1.2 Properties of Matter 14

Unit 1: Matter

Flammability and Combustibility

The terms “flammable” and “combustible” are often used to describe the ability of a material
to burn. These properties may only be observed when materials are subjected to
combustion or a chemical reaction between a substance (fuel) and oxygen which results in
the generation of heat and light in the form of flame. However, the main difference between
the two properties is the ease and rate of how an object burns.

Combustibility refers to the ability of a material to combust or burn. When a material is

exposed to a proper amount of heat, which is enough for it to ignite and react with oxygen
in the atmosphere, combustion happens. The combustibility of a certain material depends
on its composition. Highly volatile materials or materials that easily evaporate or sublime
are often highly combustible. On the other hand, flammability is the ability of a
combustible material to catch flame easily. However, it is important to note that not all
combustible materials are flammable. For instance, a block of wood may only burn when
exposed to a specific amount of heat and oxygen, but putting a flame near it will not
necessarily make it burn instantly.

Fig. 1.2.10. The tip of a matchstick is usually made up of a flammable compound which
consists of sulfur and phosphorus. This allows the matchstick to easily ignite and burn.

1.2 Properties of Matter 15

Unit 1: Matter

Reactivity
The tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction is known as reactivity. The
reactivity of a substance highly depends on its chemical structure. The most reactive
element is fluorine as it easily combines with another element to form a compound. On the
other hand, elements that are known to have no to little reactivity are called noble gases.
These gases seldom react with another element to form compounds. The least reactive
known element is helium as it forms no compound.

Fig. 1.2.11. Platinum is one of the least reactive metals. It does not easily oxidize in air and is
not easily affected by acids.

How can chemical properties of matter distinguish

one substance from another?

Intensive versus Extensive Properties of Matter

Physical properties of matter may be further classified as intensive or extensive. This
classification is based on whether a physical property depends on the amount of matter.
Some physical properties remain the same even if the amount of matter changes, while
others are dependent on the amount of matter.

1.2 Properties of Matter 16

Unit 1: Matter

How will you differentiate intensive from extensive

properties of matter?

Intensive properties are physical properties that do not depend on the amount of matter.
For instance, the color of an object does not depend on its amount. The color of sugar
crystals remains white whether it is equivalent to one jar or one spoon only. Other examples
of intensive properties are density, boiling point, melting point, and freezing point.

Fig. 1.2.12. Sugar remains white regardless of its amount or size.

Extensive properties are physical properties that depend on the amount of matter. These
characteristics change when the amount of matter is decreased or increased. Mass and
volume are extensive properties of matter.

Remember
Physical properties of matter may be observed without changing the
material’s chemical identity. Physical properties of matter may be
categorized based on its dependence on the amount of matter
being observed.

1.2 Properties of Matter 17

Unit 1: Matter

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● The characteristics of matter that are present in all kinds of matter are known as
general properties of matter.
● Qualities that are readily observable or measurable without changing the matter’s
composition are known as physical properties. Physical properties of matter may be
further classified as intensive or extensive. This classification is based on whether a
physical property depends on the amount of matter.
○ Intensive properties are physical properties that do not depend on the
amount of matter.
○ Extensive properties are physical properties that depend on the amount of
matter.
● The characteristics that can only be seen when the chemical identity of a material is
altered are known as chemical properties.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

1.2 Properties of Matter 18

Unit 1: Matter

Check Your Understanding

A. Match each description to the correct property of matter.

_______ 1. the amount of matter in an object A. biodegradability

_______ 2. the space occupied by matter B. boiling point

_______ 3. the ratio between mass and volume C. combustibility

_______ 4. the ability to catch flame easily D. conductivity

_______ 5. the ability to let heat or electricity pass through a E. density

material

_______ 6. the capacity of metals to be drawn into wires F. ductility

_______ 7. the temperature at which a solid turns to liquid G. flammability

_______ 8. the temperature at which a liquid vaporizes H. freezing point

_______ 9. the ability of a material to decompose I. mass

_______ 10. the tendency of a substance to undergo a J. melting point

chemical reaction
K. reactivity

L. volume

B. Tell whether the statement is true or false.

__________ 1. General properties of matter are characteristics that are specific to a

certain kind of material.

__________ 2. Chemical properties may only be observed when a material

undergoes a chemical change.

__________ 3. Combustibility is a property that is readily observable even without

changing the chemical identity of the material being observed.

1.2 Properties of Matter 19

Unit 1: Matter

__________ 4. Physical properties may be further classified as intensive or

extensive.

__________ 5. Extensive properties are dependent on the amount of matter being

observed.

C. Look at the given illustration below. Provide three physical

properties that can be observed based on the given illustration.
Then, classify these properties as intensive or extensive.

Challenge Yourself

A. Answer the given question:

1. What physical properties should you consider in choosing materials for building a
flotation device in times of flooding?

B. Answer the following questions:

2. Density is the ratio between mass and volume. If mass and volume are both
extensive physical properties of matter, how come density is an intensive property
of matter?

1.2 Properties of Matter 20

Unit 1: Matter

3. How do combustible materials differ from flammable ones?

4. How does temperature affect the rate of solubility of a solute?

C. Answer the given question:

5. How would you test the reactivity of metals? Cite a simple experiment that you can
design to test the reactivity of metals.

Photo Credits
SaltinWaterSolutionLiquid, by Chris 73 is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.

Platinum-nugget, by Alchemist-hp is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Bibliography
Chang, Raymond, and Kenneth A. Goldsby. General Chemistry: the Essential Concepts. New
York: McGraw-Hill, 2014.

Handwerker, Mark J. Science Essentials. San Francisco, CA.: Jossey-Bass, 2005.

Hawe, Alan, Dan Davies, Kendra McMahon Kendra, Lee Towler, Chris Collier, and Tonie
Scott. Science 5–11: A Guide for Teachers. 2nd ed. New York, NY: David Fulton
Publishers, 2009.

Petrucci, Ralph H. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Toronto, Ont.:
Pearson Canada, 2011.

Silberberg, Martin S. Principles of General Chemistry. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013.

1.2 Properties of Matter 21