I need help with my science class. My teacher wants us to come up with property tests for many different substances to indentify them. I need three property tests for: Coal, Rope, Cloth, Plastic, Paper, Bean, Copper Granuals, Sand, Flower Petal and Rubber. Can you help me find property tests for these substances?
Did your teacher specify physical properties or chemical properties? Here are two sites, one that explains and gives examples of physical properties and another that explains and gives examples of chemical properties.
http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/104Aphysprop.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_property
For example, copper granules might be defined with a melting point for the copper as well as a color. Both of these are physical properties. A flower petal will have a color and probably an odor. Both are physical properties.
Of course! I can help you find property tests for the substances you mentioned. When identifying substances, it's important to consider their physical and chemical properties. Here are three property tests for each substance you listed:
1. Coal:
- Streak Test: Rub the coal against a white ceramic tile. If it leaves a black or brown streak, it is likely coal.
- Flame Test: Burn a small piece of coal. If it produces black smoke and a strong, sooty odor, it is likely coal.
- Hardness Test: Coal is relatively soft and can be easily scratched with a fingernail or a knife blade.
2. Rope:
- Strength Test: Measure the amount of weight the rope can hold before breaking. Stronger ropes can typically bear more weight.
- Flexibility Test: Observe how well the rope bends and twists. Flexible ropes will easily conform to different shapes.
- Burning Test: Burn a small portion of the rope. Natural fibers, such as cotton, will burn with a yellow flame and leave behind ash, while synthetic fibers will melt and emit black smoke.
3. Cloth:
- Absorbency Test: Apply a small amount of water to the cloth. If it quickly absorbs the water, it is likely made of natural fibers like cotton or linen.
- Density Test: Weigh a sample of the cloth, then measure its volume. Divide the weight by the volume to calculate its density. Different fabrics have different density values.
- Combustibility Test: Burn a small piece of cloth. Natural fibers burn with a yellow flame, while synthetic fibers melt and emit black smoke.
4. Plastic:
- Density Test: Immerse the plastic in a container of water. If it floats, it is likely a low-density plastic, while those sinking are high-density.
- Solvent Test: Apply a few drops of specific solvents (e.g., acetone, isopropyl alcohol) to a small portion of the plastic, and observe for any changes in appearance or dissolution.
- Burn Test: Burn a small piece of plastic. Different plastics have distinct flame characteristics, such as color, odor, and whether they drip or self-extinguish.
5. Paper:
- Tear Test: Tear the paper and observe the quality of the tear. Strength and resistance can vary depending on the type of paper.
- Water Absorption Test: Apply a small droplet of water to the paper's surface. Absorbent papers will quickly absorb the water.
- Ash Test: Burn a small portion of the paper. If it burns completely, leaving only ash, it is likely made from cellulose fibers.
6. Bean:
- Germination Test: Dampen a few beans and place them between moist paper towels. If they start sprouting within a few days, they are likely viable beans.
- Texture Test: Squeeze the beans to determine their firmness. Different types of beans have varying textures.
- Water Absorption Test: Soak the beans in water for a few hours and observe how much they swell up. Different beans absorb water at different rates.
7. Copper Granules:
- Color Test: Observe the color of the copper granules. Copper typically has a reddish-brown color.
- Magnetic Test: Use a magnet to determine if the granules are attracted to it. Copper is not magnetic.
- Reactivity Test: Add a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to the copper granules. If they react and produce bubbles, it indicates the presence of copper.
8. Sand:
- Grain Size Test: Examine the grain size of the sand particles. Different types of sand may have distinct particle sizes.
- Density Test: Measure a known volume of sand and weigh it. Divide the weight by the volume to calculate the density.
- Water Absorption Test: Mix the sand with water and observe if it absorbs the water or remains dry. Sand is generally non-absorbent.
9. Flower Petal:
- Color Test: Observe the color of the flower petal. Different flowers have distinct colors.
- Fragrance Test: Crush or rub the petal to release its scent. Different flowers emit varying fragrances.
- Solubility Test: Place the petal in water and observe if it dissolves or remains intact. Some petals may dissolve partially or completely.
10. Rubber:
- Elasticity Test: Stretch the rubber and observe if it returns to its original shape when released. Rubber is highly elastic.
- Heat Resistance Test: Apply a heat source to a small portion of the rubber. If it withstands heat without melting or deforming, it is likely rubber.
- Solvent Test: Apply a few drops of different solvents (e.g., benzene, acetone) to a small portion of the rubber, and observe for any changes in appearance or dissolution.
Please note that some tests may require adult supervision and safety precautions, especially those involving burning or hazardous substances.