You have learned how to classify matter according to its state as either a solid, liquid, or gas. Then you learned how to classify it according to its composition, as either a pure substance (element or compound) or a mixture (heterogeneous or homogeneous).
How else can we describe characteristics of matter? Look at these examples:
Table Salt (NaCl)
Ice (H2O)
When classifying these examples according to state of matter, you would say they are both solids. When classifying them according to composition, you would say they are both pure substances; more specifically, you would say they are both compounds.
But they are certainly not identical, so there must be ways that we can describe their distinguishing features.
In this lesson, you will learn how to describe matter based on its properties and the changes it undergoes.
Question
What are some features of table salt that distinguish it from ice?
Table salt is made up of small white crystals, while ice is colorless. Also, table salt remains solid at room temperature, while ice will melt into a liquid at room temperature.
