Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

It is called matter to everything that has mass and exists in space. All known bodies constitute matter and, therefore, there is an almost infinite multiplicity of sizes, shapes, textures and colors.

Matter can be presented in three states: solid, liquid or gaseous. The state of matter is defined by the type of union that the atoms or molecules that compose it.

Is named properties of matter to their general or specific characteristics. The general ones are those that are common to all forms of matter. The specific characteristics, on the other hand, differentiate one body from another and are related to the different substances that form bodies. Specific properties are grouped into physical and chemical properties.

Physical properties

The physical properties of matter are observed or measured without requiring any knowledge of the reactivity or chemical behavior of the substance, without altering its composition or its chemical nature.

Changes in the physical properties of a system describe

its transformations and its evolution temporary between instantaneous states. There are some characteristics that cannot be clearly determined if they correspond to properties or no, like color: it can be seen and measured, but what each person perceives is an interpretation particular.

These properties based on real physical events but subject to secondary aspects are calledsupervening. Excluding them, the following list gives some examples of physical properties of matter.

Chemical properties

The chemical properties of matter are those that make the change of composition of matter. Exposure of any matter to a series of reagents or particular conditions can generate a chemical reaction in matter and change its structure.

Some examples of chemical properties of matter are exemplified and explained below:

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