4. Air, a Gas:  Investigation 16

What are some properties of air? (3)

5. Complete the Properties of Air chart

All Class 10 Mins
What additional properties of air can we add to the list?
Properties of Air
Properties Evidence or Reasoning Particle Explanation
Air is invisible. I can see through it. Air particles are too tiny and too spread apart to see.
Air has weight. I saw the filled balloons tip the balance in the last science class. Air is matter and each air particle has a tiny bit of weight.
Air takes up space. Air made the plunger of the syringe move. Air is matter and each air particle takes up a tiny bit of space
Air has no odor or taste. Personal observations.
Air is compressible. I squeezed the syringes from 12ml to 6ml and when I stopped squeezing, the plunger returned to 12ml. Air particles have a lot a space between them so they can be squeezed together.
Air expands when it is warmed. I saw the bubble form when the bottle was placed in warm water, even when the plastic bottle was held upside down. When temperature increased, air particles move faster, collide harder, spread apart, so the air takes up more space.
Air contracts when it is cooled. I saw the bubble shrink when the plastic bottle was placed in cool water. When temperature decreased, particles slow down, get closer together, and the air takes up less space.

Review these key ideas from today's investigation:

  • Air particle size does not change with a change in temperature.
  • Air particle spacing increases as temperature increases and decreases when air is cooled.
  • Air particles are quite evenly distributed inside the bottle.