Chapter 1, Problem 1.54QP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given property of sodium has to be labelled as a physical property or chemical property.

“When exposed to air, sodium forms a white oxide”.

Concept Introduction:

Physical properties:

The properties which are measured or observed without change in composition of matter are said to be physical properties.  These includes appearance, texture, color, odor, melting point, boiling point, density, solubility, polarity and so on.

Chemical properties:

The properties that are observed when a substance undergoes any chemical reaction are said to be chemical properties.  These include flammability, toxicity, stability, heat of combustion, reactivity, acidity, basicity and so on.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given property of sodium has to be labelled as a physical property or chemical property.

“Density of sodium metal at ${\text{25}}^{\text{°}}\text{C}$ is $\text{0}\text{.97}{\text{g/cm}}^{\text{3}}$”.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).