Question

The fact that solutions of potassium chromate are bright yellow is an example of a ______ property.

Short answer

The fact that solutions of potassium chromate are bright yellow is an example of a \(physical\) property.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the statement

The statement describes that solutions of potassium chromate have a bright yellow color. We need to identify if this property is related to the physical or chemical properties of potassium chromate.

Identify physical properties

Physical properties are properties that can be observed or measured without changing the composition of the substance. Examples of physical properties include color, odor, density, melting point, and boiling point.

Identify chemical properties

Chemical properties are properties that describe the substance's ability to react with other substances or to change its composition through a chemical reaction. Examples of chemical properties include reactivity, flammability, and stability.

Determine the best fit

Since the statement discusses the color of the potassium chromate solution, it is referring to a physical property because it is related to an observable characteristic and does not involve any change in the substance's composition.

Fill in the blank

The fact that solutions of potassium chromate are bright yellow is an example of a physical property.

Key concepts

Potassium Chromate

Potassium chromate is a chemical compound with the formula \( K_2CrO_4 \). It is composed of potassium (K), chromium (Cr), and oxygen (O). This compound is known for forming bright yellow crystals and is primarily used in laboratories for teaching and research.

Here are some essential facts about potassium chromate:

• Appearance: Yellow crystalline solid.
• Solubility: It is soluble in water, allowing it to form an aqueous solution that is also yellow.
• Uses: Often used as an indicator in titrations and as a mordant for dyeing fabrics.

Due to its bright yellow color, potassium chromate solutions are easy to recognize, making it a valuable compound in various analytical applications. However, caution should be taken when handling it, as it can be toxic.

Observable Characteristics

Observable characteristics refer to the aspects of a substance that can be assessed using our senses or measured without altering the substance's chemical structure. These characteristics are crucial because they allow us to identify and differentiate between substances.

For potassium chromate:

• Color: The bright yellow color is a distinctive feature that is easy to observe and recognize.
• State: It is a solid at room temperature, often observed as crystalline.
• Smell: Like many inorganic compounds, it has little to no odor, making it primarily identified by color and form.

Observable characteristics are physical properties because they involve no change to the substance’s composition when assessing them. They help in identifying substances like potassium chromate and understanding their applications based on appearance alone.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties describe a substance's potential to undergo chemical changes or reactions. Unlike observable characteristics, chemical properties are not visible but become evident during a chemical reaction. They reveal a substance's behavior with other materials.

For potassium chromate, some chemical properties include:

• Reactivity: It can react with various substances, including acids, leading to the formation of different chromium-containing compounds.
• Oxidizing agent: Potassium chromate can act as an oxidizing agent in chemical reactions, meaning it can accept electrons from other substances.
• Decomposition: Upon heating, it can decompose, releasing chromium trioxide \( (CrO_3) \), a hazardous compound.

Understanding the chemical properties of potassium chromate helps in anticipating its behavior during chemical processes and in ensuring safe handling practices.