Define density, and explain why it is considered a physical property rather than a chemical property of matter.

Understanding physical properties is key to the study of any form of matter. These properties are characteristics that can be observed or quantified without any change to the substance's chemical identity. When we talk about matter's traits such as color, texture, phase (solid, liquid, or gas) at room temperature, melting and boiling points, and density, we're describing its physical properties.

For instance, when you measure the boiling point of water, you're noting the temperature at which it transitions from a liquid to a gas. This temperature is a physical property because the water remains chemically the same - H₂O - despite the physical change. Density, as noted in the exercise, fits perfectly into this category since it represents the mass of a substance within a particular volume and doesn't entail any chemical alteration.

Unlike physical properties, chemical properties describe a substance's potential to undergo a chemical change or reaction by transforming into a different substance. These properties are not just about observing; they involve the intrinsic abilities that are often not visible or tangible until a chemical reaction occurs.

An example of a chemical property is iron's tendency to rust when exposed to oxygen over time; this is known as oxidation, a process that results in a new substance - iron oxide. So when distinguishing from physical properties, remember, if the property you’re measuring involves a chemical reaction that changes the substance's structure into a new product, you're definitely encountering a chemical property.

Matter is essentially everything around us. It makes up the stars in the sky, the books in your hand, and even the air you breathe. By definition, matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. Atoms and molecules are the building blocks of matter, and their arrangements and motions dictate the form that matter takes.

• Solids have a fixed shape and volume due to their atoms being tightly packed.
• Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container because the atoms are close together but can slide past each other.
• Gases have neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume because their atoms are far apart and move freely.

Matter can exhibit various physical and chemical properties, which helps scientists understand and predict how it will behave under different conditions.

Mass and volume are fundamental properties of matter that are intimately connected to the concept of density. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter an object contains, and it remains constant regardless of the object's location in the universe. On the other hand, volume is the amount of space something takes up.

When we talk about mass, we're often referring to how much 'stuff' is there, and it's usually measured in kilograms or grams. Volume, on the other hand, refers to the three-dimensional space occupied by a liquid, solid, or gas, often measured in liters or cubic meters. These two properties are what we use to determine an object's density, represented by the aforementioned formula: \(\rho = \frac{m}{V}\). Understanding mass and volume is crucial not just in a laboratory setting but also in everyday life, from cooking to fuel efficiency in vehicles.