The Properties of Matter | Elementary

A property of matter is a characteristic specific to a substance or group of substances.

Shape is how matter appears or the way a substance occupies space (cube, pyramid, sphere, etc.).

Water is a liquid that takes the shape of a glass.

This rock is shaped like a cube.

Size is the height, width and length of a living being or object.

The Eiffel Tower is 324 metres high and 124.90 metres wide.

Absorption is the act of absorbing. In other words, it is a substance’s ability to retain another substance.

A sponge absorbs water.

If a substance is permeable, it can be penetrated by another substance.

Concrete is permeable because it allows water to pass through it.

If a substance is impermeable, it will not let other substances through.

A raincoat keeps water out and keeps a person dry.

If a substance is transparent, it allows light to pass through so a person can see clearly through that substance.

The glass in a window is transparent; it is possible to see through it. A window frame is opaque and does not let light through.

This glass is partially transparent, or translucent; it is impossible to see clearly through it.

Buoyancy is the ability to float on the surface of a liquid, and it depends on the density of the substances in question.

A boat floats on water.

Oil has a lower density than water, so it floats on the water’s surface.