What is a physical property?
A physical property is something we can observe or measure about a material without changing what it is. Scientists test properties to decide what a material is good for.
Be a material detective
Q1. Match each property to its meaning by drawing a line.
| Property | Meaning |
|---|---|
| transparent | |
| flexible | |
| absorbent | |
| strong | |
| brittle |
Meanings to choose from: soaks up water • can hold a heavy load • you can see through it • breaks easily • bends without breaking
Q2. Choose three objects around the room. For each, draw it, name the material, and list one or two properties that make it good for its job.
| Object (draw or name) | Material | Property | Why it suits the job |
|---|---|---|---|
Q3. A window is made of glass. Circle the properties that make glass a good choice for a window, and cross out the ones that would be a problem.
transparent absorbent hard floppy waterproof see-through
Q4. What would happen if a drink bottle were made of paper instead of plastic? Use a property word to explain.