Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property:a. Chromium is a steel-gray solid.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between physical and chemical properties: Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the substance's identity, while chemical properties describe a substance's ability to undergo a chemical change.
2. Identify the property being described: The statement mentions that chromium is a 'steel-gray solid.'
3. Determine if the property involves a change in the substance's identity: The color and state (solid) of chromium are being described without any mention of a change in its chemical composition.
4. Recognize that color and state are characteristics that can be observed without altering the substance itself.
5. Conclude that the description of chromium as a 'steel-gray solid' is a physical property, as it involves observable characteristics without a chemical change.

Key Concepts

Physical Properties

Physical properties are characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity. These include attributes such as color, density, melting point, and state of matter. For example, the steel-gray color of chromium is a physical property, as it can be observed directly without altering the substance itself.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties describe how a substance interacts with other substances and how it changes during chemical reactions. These properties are not observable without changing the substance's chemical structure. For instance, chromium's ability to oxidize or react with acids would be considered a chemical property, as it involves a transformation of the material.

Distinction Between Physical and Chemical Properties

Understanding the distinction between physical and chemical properties is crucial in chemistry. Physical properties can be measured or observed without changing the substance, while chemical properties require a reaction to be observed. This distinction helps in classifying materials and predicting their behavior in different conditions, which is essential for both theoretical and practical applications in chemistry.