Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is an example of a physical property?

1. Electrical conductivity

2. Flammability

3. Color

4. Taste

The correct answer is: Electrical conductivity

An example of a physical property is a characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical composition. Electrical conductivity, the ability to conduct electricity, is a physical property because it can be determined without altering the substance. Flammability, the ability to catch fire, is a chemical property because it describes how the substance reacts when exposed to certain conditions. Color can also be considered a physical property, as it is an observable characteristic of a substance. Taste, however, is not a physical property because it requires the substance to be ingested and chemically interact with taste receptors in order to be determined.