Question 1.4 - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Define physical property and chemical property. Identify each type of property in the following statements: (a) Yellow-green chlorine gas attacks silvery sodium metal to form white crystals of sodium chloride (table salt). (b) A magnet separates a mixture of black iron shavings and white sand

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

1. Yellow-green chlorine gas attacks silvery sodium metal to form white crystals of sodium chloride – Chemical property
2. A magnet separates a mixture of black iron shavings and white sand – Physical property.

Definition

The property which shows itself without interaction with other compounds is called the physical property. It is measurable. The melting point is a physical property. 

The property which shows when interacting with other compounds is called chemical property. Flammability is a chemical property. 

Property

1. In example 1, a new molecule is formed by the attack of chlorine gas on sodium metal. So it is a chemical property.
2. In example 2, there is a separation of iron shavings from sand by a magnet which is mainly based on the physical property of iron. Iron is attracted by the magnet but not the sand.