PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF

MATTER
The Physical Properties are those that can be observed
and measured without changing the identity of the
substance. Most materials used at home, can be identified
through their physical properties. You can identify these
properties by observing and doing some test and
measurement.

What are those properties that are used to develop and

produce useful materials?
Hardness is the property of an
object that makes it withstand
pressure. Metals, wood and
stones are hard. They are used to
make things that need to be
strong like construction materials
for buildings, bridges, and
houses.
Porosity is the property of a
material that allows water
and gasses to pass through it.
Clothes, sponge, mop rags,
and tissue papers are
examples of porous materials.
Plastic and glass are non-
porous materials.
Elasticity is the ability of
material to return to its
original size and shape
without breaking after it is
stretched, pressed, and
twisted. Rubber is an elastic
material that is used for
making rubber bands, rubber
belts of some machines, rubber
shoes and stretchable bags.
Flexibility is the ability of a
material to be bent without
breaking. Some plastics and
metals exhibit flexibility.
Flexible objects like thin metal
wires and plastic strings can be
used for tying or binding objects
Malleability is the property of a
material that allows it to be
hammered into thin sheets until the
desired shape is obtained.
Gold, silver and copper are malleable
materials that can be formed into
different pieces of jewelry or
ornaments. Iron can be hammered
into thin sheets and can be used as
roofs, gates and body parts of
machines,
Ductility is the property is
the property of a material to
be drawn into thin wires.
They are used in electrical
wirings at home and
filament of bulbs. The wires
in headphones, cell phone
chargers and other electric
cords of appliance are
products of ductile
materials.
Conductivity is the ability
of a material to allow heat
and electricity to pass
through it. Metals are
good conductors of heat
and electricity.
Brittleness is the property of a
material to be easily broken when
dropped or hit by a hard object.
Glass and porcelain are brittle when
dropped or slammed against a hard
surface or object. However they can
still be useful even when they break.
The broken pieces can be arranged as
wall décor or as improvised spikes
on walls to protect one’s home from
trespassers
How do the materials become useful or
harmful?
Materials are said to be useful when they
serve their purpose. These may have
properties such as durability, flexibility,
elasticity, hardness, and resistance to
water, heat, or acid. Most of the useful
materials can be reused and recycled. For
example, a container for solid or liquid.
When it is already empty, it can still be
used for other purposes such as a flower
vase, a coin bank, or a house decor.
Whether a bottle is made of plastic or
glass, it has a property that makes it
Some useful materials may also
bring hazards. For example, a broken
glass jar can cause cuts or injury.
Toxic substances may also be
present in the things you commonly
use such as paints, cleaners, fumes,
gels, or powders. These materials
may bring harm to your health,
environment, and other organisms
when not used properly. That’s why
you should be careful when handling
and using different materials.