Which statement correctly describes physical properties?

The correct statement regarding physical properties is that they are characteristics that can be observed without changing the matter's composition. This means that physical properties, such as color, odor, melting point, boiling point, and density, can be identified simply by observing the substance in its current state without altering it chemically.

For example, when you observe the color of a liquid, you are noting a physical property. If you were to heat that liquid, it might change state, but the intrinsic characteristics of that substance would not be affected until a chemical reaction occurs.

The other statements don't accurately characterize physical properties. Observing them during chemical reactions is not accurate since physical properties are often noted in stable states rather than amid chemical changes. Additionally, while some physical properties, such as mass and volume, are indeed dependent on the amount of material present, many are intrinsic to the substance itself regardless of quantity, like density. Lastly, physical properties do not affect the chemical makeup of substances; they merely describe the existing state of matter without introducing any changes to its chemical identity.