Identify each of the following as a physical or chemical property:
c. Gold is a good conductor of electricity.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between physical and chemical properties: A physical property is a characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity (e.g., color, melting point, conductivity). A chemical property describes a substance's ability to undergo a chemical change or reaction (e.g., flammability, reactivity).
2. Analyze the statement: 'Gold is a good conductor of electricity.' This describes a characteristic of gold that can be observed without altering its chemical composition.
3. Recognize that electrical conductivity is a measurable property related to the physical state and structure of the material, not its chemical reactivity.
4. Conclude that the property described in the statement is a physical property because it does not involve a chemical change or reaction.
5. Classify the property as a physical property and note that it is related to gold's ability to allow the flow of electric current due to its metallic structure.

Key Concepts

Physical Property

A physical property is a characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity. Examples include color, melting point, boiling point, and conductivity. These properties help in identifying and describing materials based on their physical state and behavior.

Chemical Property

A chemical property refers to a substance's ability to undergo a specific chemical change or reaction. This includes properties like reactivity with acids, flammability, and oxidation states. Unlike physical properties, observing a chemical property typically involves altering the substance's chemical structure.

Conductivity

Conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current. It is a physical property that varies among different materials; metals like gold are known for their high conductivity due to the presence of free-moving electrons. This property is crucial in applications such as electronics and electrical engineering.