Q. 3.78 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify each of the following as a physical or chemical property: (3.2)

a.$A$ candle is 10 in. high and 2 in. in diameter.

b. A candle burns.

c. The wax of a candle softens on a hot day.

d. A candle is blue.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(part a) The substance that can be measured without affecting the candle's physical properties.

(part b) As a candle burns, it changes into a different substance. As a result, it is classified as a chemical property.

(part c) Melting takes place as a result of heating. As a result, it is considered a physical property.

(part d) The candle's colour is a physical property.

Step 1: Given information (Part a)

The given sentences are: a.

Physical property of candle.

Step 2: Explanation (Part a)

It is a physical property of the candle because its dimensions are a characteristic of the substance that we can measure without affecting its identity.

Step 3: Given information (Part b)

The given sentences are: b.

Candle burns convert into new substances

Step 4: Explanation (Part b)

When a candle burns, it transforms into a different substance. Simple physical methods will not allow us to obtain that substance again. As a result, it is a chemical property.

Step 5: Given information (Part c)

The given sentences are: c.

Candle softens are physical property.

Step 6: Explanation (Part c)

A candle's wax softens on a hot day and hardens again when it cools. Melting occurs as a result of heating. As a result, it is a physical property.

Step 7: Given information (Part d)

The given sentences are: d.

Color of the candle is physical property

Step 8: Explanation (Part d)

The color of the candle is a physical property because we can observe it without affecting its identity.