Name __________________________________________ Characteristic Property CLUE Version TOC _____________ READ THIS!
The density of a substance is a characteristic of that substance. Therefore, density is a property that can be used to
help identify a substance. Properties used to help identify substances are called characteristic properties.
Characteristic properties are not affected by the amount or shape of a substance: A bolt made from iron will have
the same characteristic properties as the hull of an iron ship or a piece of iron railing.
Since density is a characteristic property, knowing the density of a substance can be useful. For example,
substances with low densities can be used to make objects that fly. Density can also be used to help identify a
substance.
"Density as a Characteristic Property." Properties of Matter Reading Selection: Density as a Characteristic
Property. Smithsonian, n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2015.
Use this information from our CPO textbook to solve the following mysteries. 1. Colonel Mustard finds a 350.0 g candlestick in the Kitchen. The volume of the candlestick is 129.6 cm3. What is the density and what materials could the candlestick be made out of? What is one additional question you need to ask to get a more definite answer? 2. Professor Plum is found in the Study with the pipe. The pipe has a density of 4.5 g/cm3. What is the pipe likely made out of? 3. If Professor Plum broke the pipe in half what would the density be? Why? 4. Mr. Green is found in the Conservatory with the wrench. The mass is 975.0 g and the volume is 86.3 cm3. What is the density and what is the wrench made of?