Properties of Matter
Everything around us is made of matter, and we can describe and classify matter by its observable properties such as hardness, flexibility, transparency, and solubility.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space; it includes solids, liquids, and gases
Physical properties describe what a material looks or feels like without changing it (e.g. colour, texture, hardness)
Materials can be compared by properties such as flexibility, transparency, magnetism, and solubility
Scientists choose materials for specific purposes based on their properties (e.g. glass is used for windows because it is transparent)
Key Vocabulary
Matter
Anything that has mass and takes up space — all materials are made of matter
Property
A characteristic used to describe or identify a material (e.g. hard, flexible, transparent)
Transparency
The ability to allow light to pass through so objects can be seen clearly
Solubility
The ability of a substance to dissolve in a liquid (e.g. salt is soluble in water)
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which property describes how easily a material bends without breaking?
Question 2
Why is glass used for windows?
Question 3
A student dissolves sugar in water. This shows that sugar is:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space; it includes solids, liquids, and gases
- ●Physical properties describe what a material looks or feels like without changing it (e.g. colour, texture, hardness)
- ●Materials can be compared by properties such as flexibility, transparency, magnetism, and solubility
- ●Scientists choose materials for specific purposes based on their properties (e.g. glass is used for windows because it is transparent)