In your lab group, you are investigating the properties of matter. Your teacher gives you several unknown substances to identify. Select ALL of the PHYSICAL properties that might help you differentiate between the unknowns.

Question

Responses

Answer 1

To differentiate between unknown substances based on their physical properties, consider the following:

1. Color: The color of a substance can provide initial clues about its identity.

2. Odor: The smell of a substance can help identify it, especially if it's a characteristic feature of certain chemicals.

3. Density: Measuring the mass and volume can help determine the density of a substance, which can be a distinguishing property.

4. Melting Point: The temperature at which a substance changes from solid to liquid can help identify it, as different substances have specific melting points.

5. Boiling Point: The temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to gas can also be a key identifying factor.

6. Solubility: Observing how well a substance dissolves in various solvents (like water or alcohol) can provide information about its chemical nature.

7. Conductivity: Testing whether a substance conducts electricity can help distinguish between metals, ionic compounds, and non-metals.

8. State of Matter: Identifying whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature is a basic but useful property.

9. Hardness: The hardness of a substance, measured by tests such as the Mohs hardness scale, can help in identification, particularly with minerals.

10. Luster: Observing the shine of a substance can differentiate between metals and non-metals.

11. Mass and Volume: The mass and volume can be measured directly to help calculate density, and also provide basic information about the substance.

Using a combination of these physical properties will provide a clearer picture for identifying the unknown substances in your lab group.