Chemical Properties of Matter

Matter is defined as something that has mass and occupies volume. Just like an individual is characterized with his height, skin color, body buildup, etc., matter is characterized by its physical and chemical properties. In chemistry, the chemical properties of matter are defined as the characteristics, by which the matter changes into other forms with respect to its composition. More information on 'what are chemical properties of matter' and their explanation with examples is highlighted in the following paragraphs.

What are the Chemical Properties of Matter?

While undergoing change in composition, the chemical properties of matter can be observed virtually. The ability of hydrogen gas to explode is an example of chemical property, which exists even if it is not ignited. Both the chemical and physical properties of matter are studied in detail for identification purposes. With the help of these attributes, a type of matter can be distinguished from the rest of the others.

Chemical properties of matter are not visible, but can be identified by our senses. In comparison to these, some physical properties of matter are visible. While describing the physical properties of gold, you will come across it as a bright yellow colored, solid metal that can be flattened into a sheet or drawn into a wire form. Nevertheless, the melting point, boiling point, specific heat, heat of vaporization, density and other physical properties of gold are not visible, but can be determined after conducting laboratory experiments.

Chemical Properties of Matter with Examples

Speaking more about the chemical properties of matter, nearly all metals react with acid to form other substances. Thus, chemical properties are useful to find out whether a substance will react to air, acid, base, water, other chemicals or not. In addition, chemical property is useful to find changes in the substance after being exposed to heat and flame. Refer to the following information on chemical properties of matter along with examples.

Flammability
If you take the example of wood, it is flammable and burns easily to produce ash and smoke as by-products. But, not all types of matter have the ability to burn like wood. Take the examples of gold and silver; they melt after exposure to increased temperature range, but do not produce flame. Likewise, you will find both flammable and non-flammable matter types.

Electrolysis
If you go through water chemical properties, you will find electrolysis in the list. If an electric current is passed through liquid water under controlled conditions, the water molecule breaks up into its component elements, namely, hydrogen and oxygen gases. This changing of substance composition with the help of electricity is called electrolysis.

Reactivity
Reactivity is the chemical property of matter, by which it reacts with another substance to form an entirely different substance. Say for instance; iron reacts with oxygen (oxidation reaction) when exposed to atmospheric air and forms brownish colored rust. If a substance (e.g. gold) does not react with another (e.g. oxygen), it means that gold is chemically an inert matter.

Dissolvability
The ability to dissolve in a solvent is one of the chemical properties of matter. For better understanding, you can take sodium as an example. This matter can be dissolved in liquid ammonia (solvent), resulting in formation of a deep blue colored mixture. This change in color indicates chemical change of the matter, sodium.

With these chemical properties of matter along with examples, I hope you have understood about this chemistry topic on matter properties. Other chemical properties are electronegativity, rate of combustion, oxidation states, toxicity, etc. Each of the chemical substance has its own set of physical and chemical characteristics. By analyzing the chemical properties of elements, the uses and applications of the elements can be predicted easily.