* Density is dependent on temperature and pressure. Gases are highly compressible, meaning their density changes drastically with changes in pressure and temperature.
* Characteristic properties are intrinsic. They are inherent to the substance itself and do not change based on external conditions. Examples include melting point, boiling point, and specific heat.
To make density a useful property for identifying gases, you need to specify the conditions:
* Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP): This is a common reference point (0°C and 1 atm). Density at STP can be used to help identify gases, but keep in mind it's only useful for comparison under those exact conditions.
In summary:
* Density alone is not a reliable way to identify a gas because it's not a fixed property.
* Density at specific conditions, like STP, can be helpful for comparison, but it's not a definitive characteristic.