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Lesson 1: Observing Properties — Practice Questions

  1. 1. Which of the following is NOT an example of a characteristic property used to identify matter?

    • A. Melting point
    • B. Color
    • C. Volume
    • D. Density
  2. 2. A geologist finds a yellow mineral. To determine if it is gold, she compares several of its properties to the known properties of gold. This process works because...

    • A. all yellow minerals are types of gold.
    • B. gold has a unique set of characteristic properties.
    • C. the size of the mineral is its most important property.
    • D. properties like color are enough for a final identification.
  3. 3. Which statement best defines a characteristic property of a substance?

    • A. A trait that can only be observed during a chemical reaction.
    • B. A physical feature, like its mass or volume, that is easy to measure.
    • C. A unique trait that remains constant regardless of the amount or size of the substance.
    • D. A property that changes depending on the temperature and pressure of the environment.
  4. 4. A scientist has two metal cubes of different sizes. If both cubes are made of pure copper, which property must be the same for both?

    • A. Mass
    • B. Volume
    • C. Density
    • D. Weight
  5. 5. A student is given an unknown liquid and asked to identify it. Which of the following procedures would be most useful in determining the liquid's identity?

    • A. Pouring the liquid into a larger beaker to see if its color changes.
    • B. Measuring the total volume of the liquid in a graduated cylinder.
    • C. Measuring its mass and volume to calculate its density and comparing it to known values.
    • D. Observing the shape the liquid takes when poured onto a flat surface.
  6. 6. A student measures a small piece of silver and finds it has a mass of 21.0 grams and a volume of 2.0 cm³. If the student were to measure a larger piece of pure silver, what would be true?

    • A. Its density would be greater than 10.5 g/cm³.
    • B. Its density would be less than 10.5 g/cm³.
    • C. Its density would be exactly 10.5 g/cm³.
    • D. Its density would depend on its shape.
  7. 7. Which of the following is an example of an extrinsic property of matter?

    • A. Density
    • B. Boiling point
    • C. Volume
    • D. Color
  8. 8. Imagine you are given a large, solid cube of sugar. If you crush the cube into a fine powder, what happens to the density of the sugar substance?

    • A. The density increases because the particles are smaller.
    • B. The density decreases because there is now air between the grains.
    • C. The density of the actual sugar material remains unchanged.
    • D. The density becomes zero.
  9. 9. A scientist has two solid blocks of pure, polished aluminum. Block A is much larger and heavier than Block B. Which property will be identical for both blocks?

    • A. Mass
    • B. Volume
    • C. Weight
    • D. Density
  10. 10. Why is density considered a 'fingerprint' for a pure substance?

    • A. Because it is the easiest property to measure in a lab.
    • B. Because it changes depending on the shape of the substance.
    • C. Because it is a constant value for that substance, regardless of the sample's size or shape.
    • D. Because all substances with the same color will have the same density.