Is Density A Chemical Property

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Learning to tell the difference betwixt physical and chemical backdrop is a cornerstone of all bones chemistry courses. Some properties, nevertheless, are frequently difficult for showtime students to place in 1 category or the other. Density is one of those properties. With simply a trivial description, students tin can proceeds the confidence to tackle not only density merely other tricky cases every bit well.

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Concrete Properties
Chemical Properties
Determining Density
Source of Possible Confusion

1 Physical Backdrop

Concrete properties are those that do not change the chemical composition of the substance being described. In other words, measuring a physical belongings does not cause a chemical reaction. Length, mass, index of refraction and melting point are all examples of concrete properties because none of these involves a chemical reaction. Measuring melting point involves irresolute the stage of a substance, but it does non change it into another substance. (In other words, melting ice however leaves y'all with H2O.)

2 Chemical Properties

Chemical properties are the opposite of concrete backdrop. Measuring a chemical property involves a chemical reaction. Rate of oxidation, flammability and acidity (pH) are examples of chemical properties considering measuring each of these properties involves a chemical reaction. To determine the charge per unit of oxidation, for example, the substance must oxidize.

three Determining Density

Density is defined equally mass per unit volume. In other words, information technology's how much the mass is bars or spread out in a substance. Information technology helps demonstrate whether atoms are packed closely together or spread so far autonomously they don't fifty-fifty interact with each other (as is the case for an platonic gas). To measure out density, simply measure out the mass on a balance, summate book from measured lengths and divide the ii. This process involves no chemic change; therefore, density is a physical belongings. Another way to measure out density is by using its displacement of liquid. Every bit a consequence of Archimedes' principle, the book of the liquid subsequently the object of interest is submerged minus its original book volition requite the volume of the object. Mass is over again measured on a balance, and density is calculated. This process still involves no chemical change in the substance, and so density is a concrete property.

4 Source of Possible Defoliation

Every substance has its ain density; this property changes when the chemic substance changes. Don't confuse this with the definition of a chemical modify, which is that the measurement itself alters the chemic nature of the substance. In the first case, you are simply identifying a chemic based on its backdrop (either concrete or chemical). In the 2nd instance, a chemic reaction is taking place.

About the Author

Allison Boley writes both fiction and nonfiction, having placed equally a semifinalist in the international Scriptapalooza Semi-Annual Television Writing Contest. Boley graduated summa cum laude from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University, where she is concurrently pursuing her doctorate in physics.