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 ice, boiling water, and dissolving sugar in water.

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 iron, burning wood, and baking a cake.

Front

Can you give an example of a physical change?

Back

An example of a physical change is freezing water to make ice.

Front

Can you give an example of a chemical change?

Back

An example of a chemical change is the reaction of vinegar and baking soda, which produces carbon dioxide gas.

Front

What happens to the substance in a physical change?

Back

In a physical change, the substance may change its state or appearance, but its chemical identity remains the same.

Front

What happens to the substance in a chemical change?

Back

In a chemical change, the substance transforms into one or more new substances with different properties.

Front

Is melting ice a physical or chemical change?

Back

Melting ice is a physical change.

Front

Is burning wood a physical or chemical change?

Back

Burning wood is a chemical change.

Front

What are some indicators of a chemical change?

Back

Indicators of a chemical change include color change, temperature change, gas production, and the formation of a precipitate.

Front

What are some indicators of a physical change?

Back

Indicators of a physical change include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, or size without a change in chemical composition.