Chemical vs. Physical Changes

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What is a physical change?

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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

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

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During a physical change, the molecules may change their arrangement or state (like solid to liquid) but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

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During a chemical change, the molecules rearrange to form new substances with different chemical properties.

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What is a reactant?

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A reactant is a substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction and is consumed during the reaction.

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What is a product?

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A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

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Can physical changes be reversed?

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Yes, many physical changes are reversible, such as freezing and melting.

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Are chemical changes reversible?

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Most chemical changes are irreversible, meaning the original substances cannot be easily recovered.

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What is an example of a physical change?

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

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What is an example of a chemical change?

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