Why is density considered a physical property rather than a chemical property of matter?

Density is considered a physical property rather than a chemical property of matter because it is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume of a substance. Here’s a breakdown of why density is classified this way:

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify why density is categorized as a physical property and not a chemical property.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

• Physical Properties: Characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical identity. Examples include color, melting point, boiling point, and density.
• Chemical Properties: Characteristics that describe a substance's ability to undergo a chemical change, altering its chemical identity. Examples include reactivity with other chemicals, flammability, and acidity.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

• Density Formula: Density is calculated as mass divided by volume ($\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$).
• Observation: Measuring density involves determining mass and volume, neither of which changes the substance's chemical structure or composition.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

• Analysis: Since determining density does not involve altering the chemical structure of a substance, it is a physical property.
• Verification: Observing or measuring density does not result in a chemical reaction or change in chemical identity.

Final Answer

Density is a physical property because it involves measuring mass and volume without altering the substance's chemical identity.