Experiment 1

What's the Matter

Introduction to the Physical Properties of Matter

Objective: The objective of this lab is to identify different classes of matter based on physical properties. This lab introduces the key ingredients of concrete. It provides a deeper understanding of the physical properties of concrete.

Scientific Principles:

Matter is divided into the four basic states of solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Matter is classified based on composition. Homogeneous matter is matter that appears the same throughout a mixture. Heterogeneous matter is matter that has differing appearances throughout the mixture. The concept map below shows the relationship between some of the primary classes of matter.

Matter is identified by its characteristic physical properties. Physical properties are those that can be determined without altering the composition of the substance, such as, color, odor, density, strength, elasticity, magnetism, and solubility. Chemical properties are descriptions of the substance and its reactions with other substances to create new substances with new properties. These chemical properties are identified through chemical reactions. Evidence of a chemical reaction possibly occurring can be seen through a color change, temperature change, evolution of a gas, and the formation of a new substance. This lab will only focus on the physical properties of matter.

Time: 45-50 minutes

Materials and Supplies:

General Safety Guidelines:

  • Wear safety goggles.
  • Some of the materials may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves.


    1. Examine each sample. Record color, odor, and relative particle size in the data table. Use a magnifying glass if necessary.
    2. With a magnet, test each sample for magnetic properties. Record whether the sample is magnetic or not.
    3. Test the solubility in water of each sample by adding 5 mL of water to a small test tube. Add some of the sample to the water. Flick the test tube with your finger to help mix the sample in the water. (Note: If mixing does not occur, use a wooden splint.) Record observations.

    Data and Calculations:

    Fill in the data table based on your observations.

    SampleColorOdorParticle SizeMagneticSolubilityState of MatterClass of Matter
    1. a. How do you determine which sample is the most soluble?

      b. List the samples from highest to lowest solubility.

    2. Which of the samples would be classified as a mixture?

    3. What physical properties of matter were tested in this lab?

    4. What physical properties of concrete would be important to consider when making a structure?


    Notes for Teacher:

    Answers to Questions:

    1. a. The sample that has the highest mass dissolved per volume of water is the most soluble.
      b. Answers will vary.
    2. This is dependent upon the samples used. However, mixtures are usually obvious from appearance except solutions.
    3. color, odor, size, magnetism, solubility
    4. Size of particles and solubility of substances used to make it. The physical properties help determine the purity of concrete's ingredients which greatly affect the produced concrete's characteristics.

    Next Topic: Experiment 2
    Concrete Table of Contents
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