Constant Properties of Matter

In class, we are discussing some of the properties of matter that stay constant. The things we are discussing are how to find temperature, density, how density and buoyancy are related, and
how are constant properties useful to figure out certain substances.

Density simply means how compact particles are in a substance (mass per unit of volume). The higher the density, the more chance it has to sink. For example, water will float on oil. It does this because there is more mass in oil, so the water floats on top of the oil.

Buoyancy means an objects ability to float. This relates with density because the smaller the density number, the more buoyant an object will be.

If you know these properties of certain substances or objects, you can identify them due to their constant properties (density, boiling point, buoyancy, etc.)

Included in the post are some online activities that will increase your child's understanding of these key topics we are addressing in class.

1. Sink or Float: Discover why some things float and others sink.
2. Melting Point and Boiling Point: Test different materials and find their melting point and boiling points.
3. What's the Substance?: The student is given two different substances with information about their substances (ex. density, boiling point, freezing point, etc.). They must figure out what is in the mystery beaker by testing the boiling point, density, etc.