GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS
Learner Note: This section is linked to the remainder of the chemistry syllabus,
electricity and magnetism in Grade 10 and electronic properties of matter in Grade 11.
Focus on the content and understanding in this section
SECTION A: TYPICAL EXAM QUESTIONS
Question 1: 5 minutes
(Remember an element cannot be separated by chemical or physical method, chemical
bonds are broken during chemical separation, there are no chemical bonds between
substances that are separated by means of physical separation methods)
Complete the following classification of matter by filling in the missing term
MATTER
Physical separation
Chemical
separation
(different phases)
(Uniform
composition)
Different elements
chemically bonded
Cannot be broken
down to more simple
substances
(6)
Page 1 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
Question 2: 10 minutes (Taken from Nov 2008 Grade 10 Dinaledi P20.)
Examples of some mixtures are given below. Choose a property in which the components of
the mixture differ enough so that you can separate them. Briefly describe the method you
would use. Redraw the following table and complete answers in there.
(Remember, separation methods are chosen as a result of the physical properties of
the components in the mixture ie. difference in boiling point, density, solubility or
magnetic properties. First identify the property of the substance, then choose the
relevant method)
MIXTURE
2.1
SEPARATION
METHOD
PROPERTY
Sodium chloride and silver
chloride crystals
(2)
(1)
filings
(2)
(1)
2.3
Ethanol and water
(2)
(1)
2.4
Silicon oxide and iron
(2)
(1)
2.2
Cobalt metal chips and lead
(12)
Question 3: 10 minutes
(Remember – ask yourself if you can identify different phases in each example)
Classify each of the following examples as homogeneous or heterogeneous mixtures, give a
reason for your answer.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Oxygen in nitrogen (Air)
Salt water (Brine)
Mercury in zinc (Alloy)
Polystyrene
Smoke
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(10)
Page 2 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
Question 4: 10 minutes
(These questions can only be answered once you have identified each substance –
element, compound, metal, non metal, semi metal, solid, liquid or gas. Then identify
whether the characteristic in the question applies)
Underline the correct answer for each of the following questions. Give a reason for your
answer.
4.1
An element that increases its electrical conductivity when its temperature is increased
Sodium;
Silicon;
Magnesium;
Sulphur
(2)
4.2
Choose the substance that does not fit
N2;
Ne; H2;
Na
(2)
Which of the following substances is not a compound?
Br2; HBr; CH3Br;
CBr4
(2)
4.3
4.4
Which of the following substances can be separated by means of physical methods?
Water;
Brine;
Carbon dioxide;
Hydrogen chloride
(2)
4.5
Which of the following substances is not a mixture?
Air;
Brass;
Boron;
tap water
(2)
(10)
Page 3 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
SECTION B: SOLUTIONS AND HINTS
Question 1:
(The basic classification of matter is essential for the study of chemistry. The difference between
chemical and physical separation must be clearly understood. The difference between compounds and
elements must be clear for the correct answering of questions in chemistry)
Learner Note: Memorize the definitions and meaning of the terms used in this section. If not, problems will be
experienced later in the chemistry syllabus
MATTER
Mixtures 
Pure substances

Physical separation
Heterogeneous
mixtures 
(different phases)
Homogeneous
mixtures 
(Uniform
composition)
Compounds 
Different elements
chemically bonded
Chemical
separation
Elements 
Cannot be broken
down to more simple
substances
Page 4 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
Question 2:
(Know the basic physical properties of common substances. These include colour, magnetic properties,
solubility. Know the difference between homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures. Know basic
separation methods – evaporation, distillation, fractional distillation, separating funnel, decanting, and
chromatography)
Learner Note: Practise a wide variety of examples of mixtures and learn to differentiate between the phases. It
is a common mistake to refer to smoke particles as a gas.
MIXTURE
2.1 Sodium chloride and
silver chloride crystals
2.2 Cobalt metal chips and
SEPARATION METHOD
PROPERTY
Dissolve the mixture in water and filter the
silver chloride off. 
Solubility 
A magnet will pick up the cobalt but not the
lead. 
Magnetism 
lead filings
2.3
Ethanol and water
Heat mixture in distillation flask. The alcohol
o
will boil off at 78 C and leave the water to boil
o
later at 100 C. 
Boiling point 
2.4
Silicon oxide and iron
Add water to the mixture.  Shake it well. It
should settle in such a way that the silicon
oxide settles above the iron. 
Density 
Magnetism
If separation by magnet also correct. Iron
attracted to magnet and silicon oxide not.
Question 3:
(Remember – The composition of a homogeneous mixture is the same throughout (same phase), it is
called a solution. Heterogeneous mixtures are not the same throughout – has different phases)
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Mixture is the same throughout – both gases  , therefore homogeneous mixture 
Salt dissolves in water, salt and water cannot be distinguished from one another  , therefore it is a
Homogeneous mixture
Mercury cannot be distinguished from the zinc, the same throughout , homogeneous mixture 
Gas trapped in solid can be distinguished, not in the same phase , heterogeneous mixture 
Solid particles in gas  heterogeneous mixture 
Page 5 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
Question 4:
(These questions can only be answered once you have mastered the basic concepts in this chapter.
Learn the definitions and characteristics of metals, non metals, semi metals and know the position of
these on the periodic table)
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Silicon,  semi metals become more conductive when heated.  Metals (sodium and magnesium)
become less conductive when heated, non metals (sulphur) are insulators
Na , the only solid and metal  – all others are non-metals and gases
Br2 , compounds have chemical bonds between different elements 
Brine , only mixture.  All others are compounds which cannot be separated by physical methods.
Boron , it is an element 
SECTION C: ADDITIONAL CONTENT NOTES
A mixture is when two or more substances are mixed. The ratios in which the substances are
mixed are irrelevant. There are no chemical bonds between the substances and it can be
separated with physical methods like sifting, filtering a magnet etc.
A homogeneous mixture is when the substances are in the same phase.
A heterogeneous mixture is when the substances in the mixture are in different phases.
A pure substance is a single substance; it can be a single element or a single compound.
An element is the simplest type of pure substance. It can not be broken down in smaller of
simpler types or substances.
A compound is a pure substance that consists of two or more elements that are chemically
bonded.
A molecule consists of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded. The atoms may be of
the same element ie. Br2 or different elements ie. H2O
Metals
Metals are good conductors of heat and electric current because of the sea of delocalised
electrons. When the temperature of a metal increases its resistance decreases.
Metals are usually shiny, malleable (can be pounded into shape), ductile (can be drawn into
long threads),
solids at room temperature (Mercury is the only exception), they have high melting and boiling
points, some are magnetic – iron, cobalt and nickel.
Non-metals
Non-metals are dull, good insulators (they do not conduct electricity or heat – thermal
conduction), many are gasses at room temperature, they have low melting and boiling points
and are non-magnetic.
Page 6 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
Semi- metals
Semi-metals have metal and non-metal properties, they are solids at room temperature,
neither malleable nor ductile, they give greater resistance than metals to conduct electricity
and heat (thermal conduction) at room temperature. When heated their conductivity
increases. When semi-metals react with metals they act as non-metals, when semi-metals
react with non-metals they act as metals.
Metals are found on the left hand side of the Periodic Table. Non metals are found on the
right side of the Periodic Table. The semi-metals are found between the metals and the nonmetals.
Separating Techniques
Methods that can be used to separate homogeneous solutions or mixtures:




Evaporation – as the solvent evaporates, the solute that was dissolved in the solution
is left behind e.g. if sugar has been dissolved in water, as then water evaporates, the
sugar will be left behind in the container.
Distillation – is a method where the solvent can be separated from the solute in order
to retain the solvent e.g. to recover the distilled water from the mixture of sugar and
water.
Fractional distillation – this method is based on the separation of a mixture of liquids
by using their boiling points.
Chromatography – this method uses the separation of different colours based on the
speed that the colours will separate out based on their attraction to the absorbing
material used.
Methods that can be used to separate heterogeneous solutions or mixtures:



Filtration – the removal of insoluble substances or suspensions from the mixture.
Separating funnel – is a funnel with a tap that closes. It is used to separate immiscible
mixtures by letting the liquid at the bottom flow out, and then closing the tap close to
the floating liquid. Then you open the valve and let the last bit of the solution and a little
of the top layer flow into a new flask before you close the tap again and throw away as
you cannot use it. Then you let the top layer flow into a clean flask.
Decanting – is the separation of water and an insoluble solid by allowing the solid to
settle at the bottom of the flask and then pouring the water off.
Page 7 of 8
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SENIOR SECONDARY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 10 Session 8
(LEARNER SET)
SECTION D: HOMEWORK
Learner Note: Focus on the time allocation for the questions, do not exceed the time. The mark allocation –
one mark per fact, be specific when answering questions, no marks are given to vague answers.
Question 1: 3 minutes
Complete the following by filling in the missing word(s) or underlining the correct statement
Metals are (elastic, brittle), they are said to be _______________ because they can be
flattened into sheets and _______________ as they can be drawn into wires. Non-metals are
______________ as they cannot be bent and break easily. Semi-metals are
________________ conductors of heat and electricity at room temperature, non-metals are
_______________ as they do not conduct heat or electricity.
(6)
Question 2: 20 minutes
Simon mixes sulphur powder, copper turnings and iron fillings together in a beaker. He
is given a magnet and some carbon disulphide (a solvent that dissolves sulphur).
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Identify whether each of the substances is an element or compound
(3)
Will Simon use physical or chemical methods to separate the substances? Explain.
(3)
Identify characteristics of each substance that will help Simon to separate the
substances from one another
(6)
Suggest a basic method for the separation of the substances.
(3)
He then heats some sulphur and iron filings together – this makes a new substance
Iron sulphide
2.5
2.6
Is this a mixture or compound?
Can this new substance be separated by using physical methods? Explain.
(1)
(3)
(25)
The SSIP is supported by
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