In the process of attempting to characterize a substance, a...

In the process of attempting to characterize a substance, a chemist makes the following observations: The substance is a silvery white, lustrous metal. It melts at $649^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ and boils at $1105^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. Its density at $20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ is $1.738 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}$. The substance burns in air, producing an intense white light. It reacts with chlorine to give a brittle white solid. The substance can be pounded into thin sheets or drawn into wires. It is a good conductor of electricity. Which of these characteristics are physical properties, and which are chemical properties?

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Key Concepts

Physical Properties

Physical properties are characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the chemical composition of a substance. These include attributes such as color, luster, melting point, boiling point, density, malleability, and electrical conductivity. In the given question, aspects like the metal's silvery white appearance, its melting and boiling points, density, ability to be formed into thin sheets or wires, and conductivity are all examples of physical properties.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties describe a substance's potential to transform into different substances through chemical reactions, indicating how it interacts with other chemicals. These properties include reactivity with substances like air or chlorine. In the problem, the substance's behavior when it burns in air (producing an intense white light) and its reaction with chlorine to form a brittle white solid are chemical properties, as these involve changes to its chemical structure.

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