In the context of chemistry, properties of substances can be classified into two main categories: chemical properties and physical properties. Here’s how the properties you've listed fit into those categories:
Chemical Properties
These properties describe a substance's ability to undergo chemical changes or reactions, often resulting in the formation of new substances. The following are chemical properties from your list:
- Flammability - Indicates whether a substance can ignite and burn.
- Ability to Oxidize - Refers to a substance's capacity to react with oxygen or other agents that cause oxidation.
- Radioactivity - Involves the ability of a substance to emit radiation due to nuclear decay, indicating a change at the atomic level.
- Toxicity - Reflects the capacity of a substance to cause harm to organisms or the environment through chemical toxicity.
Physical Properties
These properties can be observed or measured without changing the composition of the substance. The following are physical properties from your list:
- Mass - The amount of matter in a substance.
- Malleability - The ability of a substance (usually metals) to be deformed or shaped without breaking.
- Density - The mass per unit volume of a substance.
- Color - The visual appearance of a substance based on the light it reflects.
- Conductivity - The ability of a substance to conduct electricity or heat.
- Luster - The way a surface reflects light, often referring to the shine of a material.
Summary
To recap:
- Chemical Properties: Flammability, Ability to oxidize, Radioactivity, Toxicity
- Physical Properties: Mass, Malleability, Density, Color, Conductivity, Luster
Understanding the distinction between these two types of properties is crucial for studying and describing substances in chemistry.
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