Physical Science · Properties of Matter and Conservation
Virginia SOL PS.3
Virginia SOL PS.3 is part of the Properties of Matter and Conservation strand in Physical Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes. Below is what PS.3 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice PS.3 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL PS.3 means
Investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes.
Practice Physical Science SOL questions
Free Physical Science questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on PS.3 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A diagram of a plant cell shows the following structures: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplasts, and vacuole. In this plant cell, which cellular structure is responsible for storing food, water, and wastes?
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Answer: G — Vacuole
2. The Earth makes a complete rotation once every 24 hours. Which of these would best illustrate rotation?
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Answer: F — A spinning top
3. When animals hibernate, their heart rate and respiration decrease and they lose consciousness. Why do some animals hibernate?
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Answer: B — To conserve energy usage during the winter
4. A wheelbarrow full of concrete mix needs to be moved onto a platform. It can be lifted straight up or pushed up an inclined plane. The advantage of using the inclined plane is that the work can be done —
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Answer: H — using less force
Skills you’ll practice for PS.3
- Identify pure substances based on their chemical and physical properties.
- Describe physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties.
- Explain how compounds form through ionic and covalent bonding.
- Use balanced chemical equations to model the conservation of matter.
Key concepts covered by PS.3
- pure substances
- chemical properties
- physical properties
- physical changes
- chemical changes
- property changes
- compounds
- ionic bonding
- covalent bonding
- balanced chemical equations
- conservation of matter
How to study and practice SOL PS.3
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether PS.3 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL PS.3
What is Virginia SOL PS.3?
SOL PS.3 is a Physical Science Standard of Learning in the Properties of Matter and Conservation strand. It expects students to investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes.
What skills does SOL PS.3 cover?
SOL PS.3 is assessed on 4 skills: identify pure substances based on their chemical and physical properties; describe physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties; explain how compounds form through ionic and covalent bonding; use balanced chemical equations to model the conservation of matter.
What strand of Physical Science is SOL PS.3 in?
SOL PS.3 belongs to the Properties of Matter and Conservation reporting strand of the Physical Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL PS.3?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether PS.3 is already solid, then work the 4 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.