Properties of Matter

31 questions

All types31 Multiple choice14 Numeric9 Matching8

During a routine vehicle maintenance check, a technician records four distinct observations about an engine and its fluid systems. Which of the following observations describes a physical change rather than a chemical change?

Diesel fuel burning to form carbon dioxide, water vapor, and exhaust soot

Engine oil decreasing in viscosity and flowing more freely as operating temperature rises

Acidic combustion byproducts reacting with and corroding the steel exhaust manifold

A basic fuel additive neutralizing sulfuric acid present in fuel residues

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Engine oil decreasing in viscosity and flowing more freely as operating temperature rises

Answer

Engine oil decreasing in viscosity and flowing more freely as operating temperature rises

The observation describing engine oil thinning as temperature increases represents a physical change. Viscosity is a physical property governed by intermolecular forces; heating increases molecular motion and reduces resistance to flow without altering the chemical composition of the oil.

Step-by-Step Solution

Distinguish between physical and chemical changes

A physical change alters the form, state, or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical identity. A chemical change produces one or more new substances through bond breaking and formation.

Correct classification requires evaluating whether the molecular structure of the substance is modified.

Evaluate the fluid behavior under temperature change

When engine oil is heated, thermal energy reduces intermolecular attractions, causing the fluid to thin (lower viscosity). The chemical structure of the hydrocarbon base oil remains identical.

Since no new substance is formed and the process is reversible upon cooling, the change in flow properties is purely physical.

Key Concept

Physical versus chemical changes in matter

Estimated Time:45s

Question 22Question →

Match each physical or chemical concept related to matter with its corresponding scientific description.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Density matches 'The measure of mass per unit volume of a substance', Deposition matches 'A physical phase transition where a gas converts directly into a solid', Thermal conductivity matches 'The rate at which heat energy is transferred through a material', and Oxidation matches 'A chemical change in which a substance reacts with oxygen to form a new compound'.

Each concept accurately pairs with its foundational physical or chemical definition: Density is mass per unit volume, deposition is the gas-to-solid phase change, thermal conductivity is the heat transfer capability, and oxidation is a chemical change involving reaction with oxygen.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the definitions of volumetric and mass relationships

Density is identified as the intensive property representing mass per unit volume (

D = \frac{m}{V}

This establishes the direct relationship between matter's mass and the volume it occupies.

Distinguish between phase changes and chemical changes

Deposition is identified as the direct gas-to-solid phase change, while oxidation is identified as a chemical reaction forming new substances.

Phase changes retain chemical identity, whereas oxidation alters the chemical formula and bonds.

Classify transport properties of matter

Thermal conductivity is identified as the property dictating heat flow rate through a substance.

Thermal conductivity describes the physical transport of thermal energy across a temperature gradient.

Key Concept

Physical Properties, Chemical Properties, and State Changes of Matter

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 23Question →

A maintenance technician needs to identify an unknown metal sample by evaluating its characteristics in a testing laboratory. Which of the following procedures tests a chemical property of the metal rather than a physical property?

Heating the metal sample in a furnace to determine the temperature at which it melts

Submerging the metal sample in a graduated cylinder to measure its water displacement volume

Applying a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid to observe whether hydrogen gas is produced

Weighing the metal sample on a spring scale to measure the gravitational force acting upon it

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Applying a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid to observe whether hydrogen gas is produced

Answer

Applying a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid to observe whether hydrogen gas is produced

Applying hydrochloric acid to observe gas production directly tests chemical reactivity, which is a chemical property because the metal undergoes a reaction to form new chemical substances (a metal salt and hydrogen gas).

Step-by-Step Solution

Define the difference between physical and chemical properties

Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the chemical composition of the substance (e.g., melting point, density, mass, volume). Chemical properties describe how a substance interacts with other substances to form entirely new materials (e.g., reactivity with acid, flammability, oxidation).

Establishing the fundamental definitions allows proper classification of each lab procedure.

Evaluate the procedure testing reaction with acid

When acid is placed on the metal, the formation of hydrogen gas demonstrates a chemical reaction (

M + 2HCl \rightarrow MCl_2 + H_2

), altering the chemical bonds and forming new compounds.

A change in chemical composition indicates the measurement of a chemical property.

Key Concept

Distinction between physical properties (observable without altering composition) and chemical properties (observable only during a reaction that changes composition)

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 24Question →

A technician observes several maintenance procedures being performed in an electronics repair depot. Which of the following processes represents a chemical change?

Melting solder wire to join two electrical conductors

Tarnishing of silver electrical contacts upon exposure to airborne sulfur

Evaporating isopropyl alcohol solvent from a cleaned circuit board

Bending a copper grounding strap to fit inside an equipment chassis

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Tarnishing of silver electrical contacts upon exposure to airborne sulfur

Answer

Tarnishing of silver electrical contacts upon exposure to airborne sulfur

Tarnishing of silver contacts is a chemical change because silver reacts chemically with sulfur in the environment to produce silver sulfide (

Ag_2S

), creating a new chemical compound with distinct physical and chemical properties.

Step-by-Step Solution

Differentiate between physical and chemical changes in matter

A physical change alters form, shape, or state of matter without changing chemical composition, whereas a chemical change breaks or forms chemical bonds to produce one or more new substances.

Establishing the core scientific criteria allows systematic evaluation of each scenario.

Classify the molecular behavior in each observed procedure

Melting solder and evaporating alcohol are phase changes (solid to liquid, liquid to gas), and bending copper is mechanical deformation—all physical changes. Tarnishing involves silver atoms chemically combining with sulfur to yield silver sulfide (

Ag_2S

), a new substance.

Identifying which process produces a chemically distinct substance isolates the chemical change.

Key Concept

Distinction between physical changes (phase and shape changes) and chemical changes (formation of new chemical substances)

Estimated Time:45s

Question 25Question →

Matter exhibits distinct measurable characteristics that determine how it behaves under mechanical forces, thermal energy, and phase equilibria. Match each physical property of matter on the left with its corresponding scientific description on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Hardness matches with the resistance of a solid substance to surface scratching, localized plastic deformation, or mechanical abrasion; Specific Heat Capacity matches with the quantity of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of one unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius; Elasticity matches with the capacity of a deformed solid material to return to its original shape and size once applied deforming forces are removed; Vapor Pressure matches with the force per unit area exerted by an evaporated gas in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed liquid or solid phase at a given temperature.

Each physical property is correctly paired with its foundational scientific definition: Hardness pertains to surface scratch resistance, Specific Heat Capacity defines the heat required to change temperature per unit mass, Elasticity governs reversible mechanical deformation, and Vapor Pressure quantifies phase equilibrium pressure in a closed container.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the definition of Hardness

Hardness corresponds to resistance to scratching, penetration, or abrasion on a solid surface.

Hardness is evaluated on scales like the Mohs hardness scale by testing which substance can scratch another.

Analyze the definition of Specific Heat Capacity

Specific Heat Capacity corresponds to the amount of heat energy per unit mass needed to raise temperature by

1^\circ\text{C}

Thermal properties govern how substances absorb and transfer heat without undergoing chemical decomposition.

Analyze the definition of Elasticity

Elasticity corresponds to the ability of a material to rebound to its original shape after deforming forces are removed.

Mechanical elasticity is characterized by Hooke's Law within the proportional limit of the material.

Analyze the definition of Vapor Pressure

Vapor Pressure corresponds to the equilibrium pressure created by gas particles above a liquid or solid phase in a closed system.

Volatile substances with weak intermolecular forces display higher vapor pressures at a given temperature.

Key Concept

Physical properties of matter describe observable or measurable characteristics of substances that do not alter their underlying chemical composition.

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 26Question →

An astronaut collects a rock sample on the Moon and measures its physical properties before transporting it back to Earth. If the gravitational pull on the surface of the Moon is approximately one-sixth of Earth's gravity, how do the mass and weight of the rock sample on the Moon compare to its mass and weight on Earth?

The sample has the same weight on the Moon as on Earth, but its mass is one-sixth of its Earth mass.

The sample has the same mass on the Moon as on Earth, but its weight is one-sixth of its Earth weight.

Both the mass and the weight of the sample are one-sixth of their respective values on Earth.

Both the mass and the weight of the sample remain identical in both locations.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The sample has the same mass on the Moon as on Earth, but its weight is one-sixth of its Earth weight.

Answer

The sample has the same mass on the Moon as on Earth, but its weight is one-sixth of its Earth weight.

Mass is an intrinsic property of matter that quantifies how much substance an object contains, meaning it remains identical regardless of where the object is located in the universe. In contrast, weight is the gravitational force acting on that mass, expressed as

W = mg

. Because gravity on the surface of the Moon is approximately one-sixth that of Earth, the rock sample weighs one-sixth as much on the Moon while retaining its full mass.

Step-by-Step Solution

Define mass in the context of physical properties of matter.

Mass represents the fundamental quantity of matter contained within an object and is invariant regardless of location or external forces.

Mass does not depend on gravitational acceleration.

Define weight and determine how local gravity affects it.

Weight is the force exerted on an object by gravity, given by the relationship

W = mg

. Since lunar gravity is

\frac{1}{6}

of Earth's gravity, the weight of the rock on the Moon is

\frac{1}{6}

of its weight on Earth.

Weight is a force that varies directly with local gravitational field strength.

Synthesize the behavior of both properties.

The rock maintains an identical mass across both environments, while its weight on the Moon is one-sixth of its weight on Earth.

Combining an invariant scalar mass with a variable gravitational force yields the correct comparison.

Key Concept

Mass versus Weight in Gravitational Fields

Question 27Question →

A machinist measures the mass of an irregular steel fastener to be $84\text{ g}$ . To determine its volume, the fastener is submerged in a graduated cylinder filled with $50\text{ mL}$ of water, causing the water level to rise to $62\text{ mL}$ . What is the density of the steel fastener in $\text{g/cm}^3$ ?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 7

Answer

The density of the steel fastener is

7\text{ g/cm}^3

Density is calculated by dividing mass by volume (

\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}

). The volume of the irregular fastener is found by subtracting the initial water volume from the final water volume (

62\text{ mL} - 50\text{ mL} = 12\text{ cm}^3

). Dividing the mass of

84\text{ g}

by the volume of

12\text{ cm}^3

gives

7\text{ g/cm}^3

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the volume of the fastener using the water displacement method

Displaced volume =

62\text{ mL} - 50\text{ mL} = 12\text{ mL} = 12\text{ cm}^3

The volume of an irregular submerged solid equals the volume of fluid it displaces, where

1\text{ mL} = 1\text{ cm}^3

Calculate density by dividing mass by displaced volume

\text{Density} = \frac{84\text{ g}}{12\text{ cm}^3} = 7\text{ g/cm}^3

Density is defined as mass per unit volume (

\rho = \frac{m}{V}

Key Concept

Density and Water Displacement

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 28Question →

Match each physical or chemical process involving matter on the left with its correct scientific classification and underlying property on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The sublimation of dry ice matches the endothermic phase transition; mercury rising in a thermometer matches the physical change driven by thermal expansion; patina formation on copper matches the chemical oxidation change; and fractional distillation matches the physical separation exploiting boiling points.

Each item is matched by determining whether the process alters the chemical identity of the substance or merely its physical state and dimensions. Sublimation of carbon dioxide is a physical phase change; mercury expansion is physical thermal expansion; fractional distillation uses boiling point differences for physical separation; and patina on copper is chemical oxidation forming new chemical compounds.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the sublimation of dry ice

Dry ice transitions from solid to gaseous carbon dioxide (

CO_2

) without altering molecular composition, which represents a direct solid-to-gas physical phase change.

Phase transitions alter physical state through energy transfer (latent heat) without forming or breaking intramolecular chemical bonds.

Analyze the rise of liquid mercury in a thermometer

Liquid mercury expands predictably when heated, which is an application of thermal expansion (an intensive physical property).

Volume changes resulting from temperature fluctuations do not transform the elemental identity of mercury.

Analyze the development of copper patina

Copper metal reacts chemically with atmospheric gases (oxygen, water vapor, sulfur/carbon compounds) to synthesize copper carbonate or copper sulfate.

The production of new substances with distinct chemical formulas and properties constitutes a chemical change.

Analyze fractional distillation of crude oil

Crude oil is heated so that hydrocarbons vaporize and condense at their respective characteristic boiling point thresholds.

Boiling point is an intensive physical property used to separate physical mixtures without chemical transformation.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between physical properties and changes (phase transitions, thermal expansion, separation by boiling point) versus chemical changes (oxidation and compound formation).

Question 29Question →

A sample of mineral oil has a density of $0.8\text{ g/cm}^3$ and a volume of $50\text{ cm}^3$ . What is the mass of the oil sample in grams?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 40

Answer

40 g

The mass of a substance is determined by multiplying its density by its volume:

\text{Mass} = \text{Density} \times \text{Volume} = 0.8\text{ g/cm}^3 \times 50\text{ cm}^3 = 40\text{ g}

Step-by-Step Solution

State the formula for calculating mass from density and volume

\text{Mass} = \text{Density} \times \text{Volume}

Density represents mass per unit volume (

\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}

); rearranging this relationship isolates mass.

Substitute the given values into the equation and compute the result

\text{Mass} = 0.8\text{ g/cm}^3 \times 50\text{ cm}^3 = 40\text{ g}

Multiplying the density (

0.8\text{ g/cm}^3

) by the total volume (

50\text{ cm}^3

) yields the total mass in grams.

Key Concept

The relationship between mass, volume, and density as physical properties of matter

Estimated Time:45s

Question 30Question →

A camper uses a small portable propane stove to prepare a meal. Which of the following occurrences during this process is an example of a chemical change?

Liquid propane vaporizing into gas inside the fuel line

Propane gas burning at the burner to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor

Solid ice melting into liquid water in a pot on the stove

Liquid water boiling and evaporating into steam

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Propane gas burning at the burner to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor

Answer

Propane gas burning at the burner to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor

Combustion of propane is a chemical change because propane molecules react chemically with atmospheric oxygen to break and reform chemical bonds, creating entirely new substances: carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Step-by-Step Solution

Distinguish between physical and chemical changes.

A physical change alters only the form or state of a substance without forming new chemical bonds or substances. A chemical change rearranges atoms to create one or more new substances with different properties.

Classification requires identifying whether the molecular composition is preserved or altered.

Evaluate each occurrence in the scenario.

Vaporizing propane, melting ice, and boiling water are all phase transitions (physical changes). Burning propane (combustion) reacts propane with oxygen to produce new substances (carbon dioxide and water).

Only combustion results in the formation of new chemical substances.

Key Concept

Distinction between physical changes (phase changes) and chemical changes (reactions)

Estimated Time:45s

Question 31Question →

A solid rectangular block of an unknown metal has dimensions of $5\text{ cm}$ in length, $4\text{ cm}$ in width, and $2\text{ cm}$ in height. If the total mass of the block is $316\text{ g}$ , what is the density of the metal in $\text{g/cm}^3$ ?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 7.9

Answer

The density of the metal block is

7.9\text{ g/cm}^3

Density measures mass per unit volume (

D = \frac{m}{V}

). The volume of the rectangular prism is calculated by multiplying its dimensions (

5\text{ cm} \times 4\text{ cm} \times 2\text{ cm} = 40\text{ cm}^3

). Dividing the mass (

316\text{ g}

) by this volume (

40\text{ cm}^3

) yields

7.9\text{ g/cm}^3

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the volume of the rectangular metal block from its dimensions.

V = 5\text{ cm} \times 4\text{ cm} \times 2\text{ cm} = 40\text{ cm}^3

To determine density, the total volume must first be calculated from the given geometric measurements.

Divide the mass of the block by its calculated volume.

\text{Density} = \frac{316\text{ g}}{40\text{ cm}^3} = 7.9\text{ g/cm}^3

Density is defined as mass per unit volume (

D = \frac{m}{V}

Key Concept

Density is a characteristic physical property of matter defined as mass divided by volume (

D = \frac{m}{V}

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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Properties of Matter

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