PROPERTIES AND TRANSFORMATION OF MATTER

Christine Dyan Rioja

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas, Cavite Philippines

ABSTRACT

The experiment about properties and transformation of matter demonstrates how substances
undergo physical or chemical changes. A piece of ice was left inside a 250 mL beaker for ten
minutes. As time passed, the ice melted and turned into a new state of matter, which was liquid.
The transformation that the ice went through was physical change because the transformation
was only from its state, not on its composition. A magnesium ribbon was ignited with the use of a
Bunsen burner. As soon as the magnesium ribbon came in contact with the flame, it immediately
emanated a brightly colored flame. The transformation that magnesium ribbon went through was
chemical change. Magnesium ribbon transformed into a whole new substance and its
composition was also changed.

INTRODUCTION

Matter is anything that has mass and volume. We learn about matter by observing its
properties, the characteristics that give each substance its unique identity. Physical properties are
those that a substance shows by itself, without changing into or interacting with another
substance. Some physical properties are color, melting point, electrical conductivity, and density.
On the other hand, chemical properties are those that a substance shows as it changes into or
interacts with another substance. Some examples of chemical properties are flammability,
corrosiveness, and reactivity with acids.

Matter undergoes two types of changes; physical and chemical change. Knowledge of
the extrinsic and intrinsic properties of matter helps us to determine whether or not a substance
has undergone changes. A physical change occurs when a substance alters its physical form, not
its composition. It may involve change in size, shape or physical state (solid, liquid or gaseous).
In a chemical change, also called a chemical reaction, occurs when a substance is converted into
a whole new different substance. This transformation can be seen in the change of the chemical
as well as the physical properties of the substances involved. Such properties as color, odor,
taste, and solubility are useful in determining if new substances have been formed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A piece of ice was placed into a 250 mL beaker; it was left to stay at room temperature
for ten minutes. On a watch glass, a few drops of ethanol were left to stand for five minutes.
Through the use of a pair of tongs, a piece of magnesium ribbon was held and ignited in a
Bunsen burner. The process was observed. A pinch of naphthalene was placed inside a 250 mL
beaker; it was covered with a watch glass and was heated gently over a low flame. With the use
of a pair of tongs, a small piece of filter paper was held and ignited in a Bunsen burner. The
process was again observed. Inside a test tube, a small piece of mossy zinc was placed together
with a 5 mL diluted HCl.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we are able to distinguish the differences between physical and
chemical change. We are also able to observe how certain substances react to other substances
and how they transform into a whole new property or component.

REFERENCES

(1) Lontok, B.M.; Montessa D.V. A Laboratory Manual in General Chemistry 3rd edition.
(2) Sackheim, G.L. Chemistry for the Health Sciences 8th edition.
(3) Silberberg, M.H. Chemistry 4th edition.