A characteristic property is a physical or chemical property that is unique to a particular substance and can be used to identify it. These properties remain the same regardless of the amount of the substance present. Here are three examples of characteristic properties:
- Density: Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. It is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. Each substance has a unique density, which can help in identifying it.
- Melting Point: The melting point is the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid. This property is specific to each substance and can be used to identify it. For example, water has a melting point of 0°C (32°F).
- Boiling Point: The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas. Like the melting point, the boiling point is unique to each substance and can be used for identification. For instance, the boiling point of water is 100°C (212°F).
These characteristic properties are essential in various scientific fields, including chemistry and physics, for identifying and distinguishing different substances.