I Problem: How can physical and chemical properties be distinguished? .
II Hypothesis: They can be distinguished by using our senses in order to differentiate a physical property from a chemical property (using a candle to test our experiments). .
III Background Information: Physical properties are characteristics that distinguish one type of matter from another and can be observed without changing the identity of the substance. Chemical properties are properties that describe how a substance changes into a new substance. .
IV Materials: 3 candles, 3 candle stands, ruler .
V Procedure: .
1. We measured the candles" length with a ruler. .
2. We lit the candles using matches. .
3. We waited and recorded the results. .
VI Observations: .
BEFORE THE LIGHTING .
Physical: .
Long and cylinder shaped .
Colors: pink, pink, and white .
Chemical: .
Flammable.
DURING THE LIGHTING .
Physical: .
Candle wax melted and turned to liquid. Then it dripped down the side. Almost immediately, it froze again. .
Chemical: .
Able to melt and freeze again, almost simultaneously.
AFTER THE LIGHTING.
Physical: .
Burnt smell emanates from the candle wick. .
Chemical: .
Still flammable. .
For more, refer to other page. .
VII Conclusion: .
The basic difference between the two properties is that chemical properties show what happens when a substance undergoes a change to a new substance, while physical properties classify matter using our senses. .
Flammability (the ability to burn) is a chemical property. .
Physical properties are easier to determine than chemical properties, because you have to know how the substance works before you know its chemical properties. On the other hand, physical properties can be determined simply by studying the object. .
Chemical properties describe how a substance changes into a new substance. For example, you know from previous experience that wood has the ability to burn, therefore since wood changes chemically when it burns, one of its chemical properties is its ability to burn.
