Matter has both physical and chemical properties.  A physical property is a quality or condition of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the composition of the substance. On the other hand, chemical property describes the ability of a substance to undergo a specific chemical change.

 

    In this experiment, Mr. Michael Nguyen’s EP-M4 students investigated the criteria used to distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter. The students carefully examined and recorded the physical properties of various substances such as a magnesium ribbon, iron filings, sulfur powder, sucrose, sand, and many more.  They then caused physical and chemical changes to occur by using a magnet or adding hydrochloric acid, water, or heat.  Students were required to record detailed observations which would help them determine the type of change that occurred.