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Physical Properties of Matter — Reading Comprehension

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MS-PS1-1

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This comprehensive reading passage introduces grades 6-8 students to the concept of physical properties of matter, perfectly aligned with NGSS standard MS-PS1-1. Students will learn how scientists use observable and measurable characteristics such as density, color, odor, melting point, boiling point, solubility, conductivity, and magnetism to identify and classify substances without changing their identity. The passage provides clear explanations, real-world examples, and explores the mechanisms behind why these properties are significant in scientific investigations and technology. Activities include a glossary, a multiple-choice quiz, open-ended writing prompts, and engaging graphic organizers to reinforce understanding. Audio integration supports diverse learning needs. This resource is ideal for students, teachers, and parents seeking a deep, standards-based understanding of the physical properties of matter.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Physical-properties-of-matter-2 — Different physical properties of matter

Physical properties of matter are essential for scientists to understand and identify materials in the natural and technological world. Each material has unique characteristics that can be observed or measured without altering what the substance is. These physical properties include density, color, odor, melting point, boiling point, solubility, conductivity, and magnetism. These properties allow scientists to classify unknown substances and select materials for specific uses in engineering, health, and environmental science.

Observing and Measuring Physical Properties
Scientists often begin with observable properties such as color or odor. For example, copper is reddish-brown and has no noticeable odor, while sulfur is yellow and smells like rotten eggs. However, some properties require measurement. Density is a quantitative property calculated as mass divided by volume (density = mass/volume). For instance, lead has a density of about 11.3 g/cm³, which is much higher than aluminum's 2.7 g/cm³. This difference can help identify metals even when they look similar. Melting point and boiling point are temperatures at which substances change state. Water melts at 0°C and boils at 100°C, but iron melts at 1538°C. These measurements are critical for processes like metalworking or food science.

Using Physical Properties in Science and Technology
The solubility of a substance—its ability to dissolve in a liquid—helps chemists separate mixtures and design medicines. For example, salt is highly soluble in water, but oil is not. Conductivity describes how well a material allows electricity or heat to pass through. Metals like copper are excellent conductors and are used in wires, while rubber is an insulator. Magnetism is another property: iron and nickel are magnetic, but aluminum and plastic are not. Scientists can identify an unknown metal by testing its density and magnetism together. If a gray metal is dense and attracted to a magnet, it is likely iron or steel, but if it is not magnetic, it might be lead or silver.

Interacting Properties and Real-World Applications
Many real-world problems require understanding how physical properties interact. For example, when building a bridge, engineers choose materials with the right density, strength, and conductivity. In environmental science, researchers test water samples for color, odor, and solubility of pollutants. The interactions among these properties help ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Sometimes, properties can be misleading: two objects may have the same color but very different densities. That is why scientists often use several properties together to classify materials accurately.

In summary, physical properties are crucial for identifying, classifying, and using materials in science and technology. By understanding how these properties work and interact, scientists can solve problems, design new products, and protect our environment. The study of physical properties connects directly to broader scientific principles such as conservation of matter and the structure of materials.

Interesting Fact: The most dense naturally occurring element is osmium, which is about twice as dense as lead and sinks rapidly in water!

Which of the following is a physical property that can be measured directly?

DensityReactivity with acidAbility to rustCombustion

What is the definition of melting point?

The temperature at which a solid turns to a liquidThe temperature at which a liquid turns to a solidThe temperature at which a liquid turns to a gasThe amount of mass in a given volume

Which property would you test to find out if a metal is iron or lead?

Magnetism and densityColor and odorBoiling pointSolubility in water

What does solubility describe?

How well a substance dissolves in a liquidHow a material reacts with airHow much mass a material hasHow a material looks under a microscope

In the passage, which property is used to make electrical wires?

ConductivityOdorColorMelting point

What does the word 'insulator' mean as used in the passage?

A material that does not conduct electricity or heat wellA material that dissolves easilyA material that is attracted to a magnetA material that changes color

Why do scientists use more than one physical property to identify a substance?

Because some properties alone can be misleadingBecause all substances smell the sameBecause properties never changeBecause substances have only one property

If an unknown metal is gray, dense, and attracted to a magnet, what is it likely to be?

Iron or steelLead or silverCopperAluminum

True or False: Physical properties can be observed without changing the substance's identity.

TrueFalse

True or False: Color alone is always enough to identify a material.

FalseTrue