Most of the substances that we see around have certain characteristics and properties by which they can be classified or identified. As such, substances are usually classified based on their chemical and physical properties. While chemical and physical properties are very important in studying substances, students should clearly understand the concept and also learn what is the difference between chemical and physical properties.
That being said, when we talk about chemical property it basically refers to the property of a substance that can be observed or measured when the substance undergoes a chemical change. Chemical property can only be observed by performing a chemical reaction. When a chemical change happens the molecular structure of a substance changes.
Anything that can be measured without changing the identity or chemical composition of substance is known as the physical property of a substance. A physical change involves formation of a new arrangement of matter but the structure of the atoms and molecules remain the same.
Difference Between Chemical and Physical Properties
Chemical properties are totally different from physical properties in a lot of way. Here we will look at some important differences between chemical and physical properties.
Difference Between Chemical and Physical Properties
ChemicalPhysical
Chemical properties are properties that can be observed or measured when a substance undergoes a chemical change.Physical properties are properties that can be observed without bringing a chemical change.
A chemical reaction needs to be conducted to show the property.No chemical reaction is needed here.
Chemical properties are connected to chemical bonds of a substance.Physical properties do not have such relationship.
It can be used to predict how substances react.It is mostly used in identifying or describing the substance.
Chemical properties of a substance can include buoyancy, viscosity
Compressibility, radioactivity, toxicity, flammability, heat of combustion, reactivity between chemicals, etc.
Examples of physical properties include:
Molecular weight, boiling point, melting point, freezing point, volume, mass, length, density texture, colour, odour, shape, solubility, etc.
Explanation:
