Physical vs. Chemical Changes

Front

What is a physical change?

Back

A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition. Examples include melting, freezing, and dissolving.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. Examples include rusting, burning, and cooking.

Front

Is melting ice a physical or chemical change?

Back

Physical change.

Front

Is burning wood a physical or chemical change?

Back

Chemical change.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

The molecules rearrange but do not change their chemical structure.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

The molecules break apart and form new molecules with different chemical structures.

Front

What is an example of a physical change?

Back

An example of a physical change is ice melting into water.

Front

What is an example of a chemical change?

Back

An example of a chemical change is vinegar reacting with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide.

Front

What does 'qualitative' mean?

Back

Qualitative refers to descriptions or characteristics that can be observed but not measured numerically.

Front

What does 'quantitative' mean?

Back

Quantitative refers to measurements that can be expressed numerically.