Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2012, High School Chemistry

Question 23: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Properties of Matter and Thermochemistry
Standard: 1.1 - Identify and explain physical properties (e.g., density, melting point, boiling point, conductivity, malleability) and chemical properties (e.g., the ability to form new substances). Distinguish between chemical and physical changes.

Several properties for zinc (Zn) are listed below:

brittle at room temperature, but malleable between 100°C and 150°C
bluish-white in color
burns in air at high temperatures, giving off zinc oxide (ZnO) gas
conducts heat and electricity
sinks in water
reacts with acids and bases
exposed surfaces tarnish in moist air

Identify two physical properties of zinc from the list. Explain why the properties you identified are physical properties and not chemical properties.
Identify two chemical properties of zinc from the list. Explain why the properties you identified are chemical properties and not physical properties.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
4	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of physical and chemical properties. The response correctly identifies two physical properties and two chemical properties from the list provided and explains why each property is a physical or chemical property.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of physical and chemical properties.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of physical and chemical properties.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of physical and chemical properties.
0	The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

High School Chemistry

Question 11: Solutions, Equilibrium, and Acid-Base Theory

Question 23: Properties of Matter and Thermochemistry

Question 33: Bonding and Reactions

Question 44: Atomic Structure and Periodicity

Question 45: Bonding and Reactions

Return to the 2012 MCAS Sample Student Work: High School Chemistry

Last Updated: July 6, 2023