Grade 7

Grade 7Matter and its propertiesProperties of matter


Physical properties


Matter surrounds us everywhere. Everything you see, touch or feel is made of matter. In Grade 7 Chemistry, one of the major topics we study is "Properties of Matter". Of these, "Physical Properties" are fundamental. They allow us to identify, describe and distinguish between different types of matter without changing the chemical identity of the object. Understanding physical properties gives us information about the characteristics and classification of matter in our world.

What are physical properties?

Physical properties define characteristics that can be seen or measured without causing any change in the matter. These include properties such as colour, odour, density, melting point, boiling point, and state of matter (solid, liquid, gas). These properties are important because they help us identify and classify different types of materials.

Examples of physical properties

Let us understand some common physical properties with real life examples:

1. Colour

Colour is one of the most obvious physical properties. It is the way we visually perceive different substances. For example, gold appears yellow and shiny, while silver is bright and white. Plants are usually green because of chlorophyll. The colour of a substance can often give us an initial clue to its identity.

This red circle can visually represent an object with a color property.

2. Smell

Smell is another physical property that is important in identifying substances. Think of the pungent smell of vinegar or the fresh scent of orange peel. The presence of certain molecules in the air that interact with our olfactory system helps us perceive these odors.

3. Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume. It is a measure of how dense a substance is. For example, lead is very dense, which means it feels heavy for its size, while Styrofoam is less dense, which feels light and airy. Density can be calculated using the formula:

Density = Mass / Volume

4. Melting point

The melting point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid. It is a characteristic property for identifying substances. For example, ice melts at 0°C to become water, while the melting point of gold is about 1,064°C.

5. Boiling point

The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas. For example, water boils at 100°C at sea level. The boiling point can vary depending on the atmospheric pressure.

6. State of matter

The state of matter is a property that indicates whether a substance is solid, liquid, or gas at a given temperature and pressure. Ice is the solid state of water, water itself is a liquid, and steam is the gaseous state. Let's explain this concept with a diagram.

In this diagram, the rectangle represents a solid, the circle represents a liquid, and the intersected lines represent a gas.

7. Rigidity

Hardness is a measure of how resistant a material is to shape change when a force is applied. Diamonds are known for their hardness and are considered the hardest natural material.

8. Glitter

Luster describes how a substance reflects light. Metals such as gold and silver have lustre, while non-metals such as sulfur have a dull lustre.

9. Solubility

Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance, usually a liquid. Salt dissolving in water is a classic example demonstrating solubility. Sugar also dissolves in water, which emphasizes the importance of this property in everyday life.

Why it is important to understand physical properties

Understanding physical properties serves several purposes:

  • They help in the classification and identification of unknown substances.
  • Provide scientists and engineers with critical information to understand how materials will behave in particular environments or applications.
  • Innovation and materials play a key role in development, as each property determines how the material can be used.

Closing thoughts

The physical properties of matter, as seen, describe various aspects of matter that do not change its basic identity. As students of chemistry, recognizing these properties enables a deeper understanding of the world of matter and its underlying nature. From everyday items like water and salt to precious metals like gold, these properties provide clues about characteristics and potential uses. Science continues to use these properties as a springboard for innovation and discovery in advancing technology and improving our understanding of the world around us.


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