Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement

Problem 20b

Chapter 1, Problem 20b

(b) Which properties of zinc can you describe from the photo? Are these physical or chemical properties?

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Identify the properties of zinc that can be observed from the photo, such as color, luster, and texture.

Determine if these properties are physical or chemical. Physical properties are those that can be observed without changing the substance's chemical identity, such as color, density, and state of matter.

Consider if any chemical properties are visible, which would involve the substance's ability to undergo a chemical change, such as reactivity with acids or oxygen.

Classify the observed properties: for example, color and luster are physical properties because they do not involve a change in the chemical composition of zinc.

Summarize the properties identified and their classification as either physical or chemical, based on the observations from the photo.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Physical Properties

Physical properties are characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity. Examples include color, melting point, boiling point, density, and conductivity. These properties help in identifying and describing materials based on their appearance and behavior under various conditions.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties refer to a substance's ability to undergo chemical changes and transform into different substances. These properties include reactivity with acids, bases, or other chemicals, flammability, and oxidation states. Understanding chemical properties is essential for predicting how a substance will interact in chemical reactions.

Zinc Characteristics

Zinc is a transition metal known for its lustrous appearance, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. It exhibits both physical properties, such as a shiny, silver-gray color and a relatively low melting point, and chemical properties, such as reactivity with acids to produce hydrogen gas. Analyzing zinc's properties helps in applications ranging from galvanization to alloy production.

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Textbook Question

The radius of an atom of tungsten (W) is about 2.10 A . (a) Express this distance in nanometers (nm). Express this distance in picometers (pm).

The radius of an atom of tungsten (W) is about 2.10 Å. (b) How many tungsten atoms would have to be lined up to create a wire of 2.0 mm?

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Textbook Question

(a) Read the following description of the element zinc and indicate which are physical properties and which are chemical properties. Zinc melts at 420 °C. When zinc granules are added to dilute sulfuric acid, hydrogen is given off and the metal dissolves. Zinc has a hardness on the Mohs scale of 2.5 and a density of 7.13 g/cm³ at 25 °C. It reacts slowly with oxygen gas at elevated temperatures to form zinc oxide, ZnO.

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Textbook Question

Label each of the following as either a physical process or a chemical process: (a) crushing a metal can (b) production of urine in the kidneys

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Textbook Question

Label each of the following as either a physical process or a chemical process: (c) melting a piece of chocolate (d) burning fossil fuel (e) discharging a battery.

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Textbook Question

A match is lit and held under a cold piece of metal. The following observations are made: (a) The match burns. (b) The metal gets warmer. (c) Water condenses on the metal. (d) Soot (carbon) is deposited on the metal. Which of these occurrences are due to physical changes, and which are due to chemical changes?

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