Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property: a. Chromium is a steel-gray solid.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between physical and chemical properties. Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the substance's identity, while chemical properties describe a substance's ability to undergo a chemical change.
2. Identify the property being described in the statement. In this case, the statement describes the color and state of chromium.
3. Determine if the property involves a change in the substance's identity. The color and state (steel-gray solid) of chromium can be observed without altering its chemical structure.
4. Conclude that since the property can be observed without changing the substance's identity, it is a physical property.
5. Summarize that the description of chromium as a steel-gray solid is a physical property.

Key Concepts

Physical Property

A physical property is a characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity. Examples include color, density, melting point, and state of matter. In the context of the question, the description of chromium as a 'steel-gray solid' is a physical property, as it pertains to the appearance and state of the element.

Chemical Property

A chemical property refers to a substance's ability to undergo a specific chemical change or reaction. This includes reactivity with other chemicals, flammability, and acidity. Unlike physical properties, chemical properties can only be observed during a chemical reaction, which alters the substance's composition.

Element

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element is defined by its unique number of protons, known as the atomic number. Chromium, as mentioned in the question, is a chemical element with the symbol 'Cr' and is known for its metallic properties, including its solid state and distinctive color.