Physical Properties of Water
Recommended for grades 9–16.
Introduction
Physical properties of a substance are characteristics that can be observed without altering the identity of the substance. Color, density, hardness, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, and electrical conductivity are examples of physical properties.
Objectives
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe and data-collection software—experience that will be helpful later as you investigate a physical property of water. You will measure temperature continuously before, during, and after warming a Temperature Probe in your hand. You will then gain experience selecting data ranges, determining statistics, and determining linear fits of selected data using data-collection software.
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to learn more about physical properties of substances and the physical properties of water in particular before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with a physical property of water.
Sensors and Equipment
This investigation requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for the Preliminary Activity
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the Preliminary Activity does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.