Chemistry Writing Prompts

Matter and Materials

Name ______________________________ Period _____ Date _______
Choose five of the following prompts to write about. Your answer must be in
complete sentences and use proper sentence structure. Your answers must
contain the listed terms and use them in the correct context. These
prompts will help you immensely to prepare for the discussion questions on
the test.
1.

A strip of magnesium metal is ignited using a lighter wand. The

result is an intensely glowing white light. As the burning of the
metal subsides, a white powder-like substance now appears
replacing the smooth ribbon of metal. How do you explain what
happened? Be sure to use the following terms: physical
properties, chemical properties, pure substance, reactivity,
chemical change and emission of light.

2.

A small amount of baking soda is place on a template. Several

drops of Vinegar are added to the powder. The resulting reaction
leaves none of the powder like substance. It appears to have
disappeared. How can you explain what took place. Be sure to
use the following terms: physical change, chemical change,
reaction, reactants, products, evidence of reaction, evolving of a
gas, solution, and compound.

3.

A large clump of ice is placed into a saucepan and heated to at

least 1000C. Explain the changes that would take place by using
the following terms: physical change, states of matter, compound,
solid, liquid, vapor and temperature change.

4.

Describe, using complete sentences, a method that could be used

to separate each of the following mixtures.
a. Iron filings and sand
b. Sand and salt
c. The components of ink

5.

After burning for 3 hours, a candle has lost half of its mass.
Explain why this indicates a physical and chemical change.

6.

List and describe the four evidences that a chemical reaction has
taken place. Be sure to include specific examples in your answer.

7.

Explain the following examples in terms of physical or chemical

changes: breaking a pencil in two; water freezing and forming ice;
frying an egg; burning wood; leaves turning color in the fall. Make
sure that your answer contains the terms physical properties,
change in state, and change in composition,

8.

The statue of liberty was originally constructed of brilliant bronze

copper. To look at the Statue now, it has a predominating
greenish color to it. How could you explain what has been
happening. Be sure to use the terms, extensive property, physical
property, reactivity, corrosion, iron, oxygen, reactants, products,
rust, chemical change, acid rain.

9.

A beaker is filled one-third full of sugar. A layer of highly

concentrated sulfuric acid is poured on the top. Over a period of
seconds, you notice a substantial change in the look of the sugar.
It becomes darkened and begins to bubble up and form a stiff
black material which vents a strong vapor. Upon the completion of
the reaction, you take a knife to the substance and notice it
crumbles like a fine powder. How do you explain what happens? Be
sure to use the terms physical properties, chemical properties,
reactivity, reactants, evidence of reaction, evolving of a gas, color
change, density, texture, and chemical change.