Question

What is the difference between physical and chemical classification of matter ?

Answer 1

Physical Property
◼ It can be defined as an observable property that can describe a substance without changing its identity.

Here, the chemical identity of the substance does not change.

A physical change may involve a change in the arrangement of matter in a sample, however, not in the structure of its molecules.
Chemical Property
◼ It can be defined as the property of a substance that can be observed or measured when the substance undergoes a chemical change.

Here, the chemical identity of the substance is changed, resulting in the formation of a new substance.

A chemical change involves a change in the molecular structure.
Examples
Physical Property
◼ Color, texture, density, odor, polarity, infra-red spectrum, opacity, viscosity, solubility, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, ductility, malleability, etc.
Chemical Property
◼ Enthalpy of formation, flammability, chemical stability, electromotive force, heat of combustion, toxicity, reactivity with other chemicals, coordination number, etc.
Both the physical and chemical properties are important as they enable us to know or study the nature of a particular substance. Furthermore, the substance can be modeled and its behavior under various conditions can be understood, studied, and used in further applications.