Physical and 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 breaking.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. It involves a chemical reaction and the rearrangement of atoms. Examples include rusting, burning, and digestion.

Front

Is burning wood a chemical or physical change?

Back

Burning wood is a chemical change.

Front

Is glass breaking a chemical or physical change?

Back

Glass breaking is a physical change.

Front

Is a rusting bicycle a chemical or physical change?

Back

A rusting bicycle 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 happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the arrangement of molecules may change, but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the bonds between atoms are broken and new bonds are formed, resulting in the creation of new substances.

Front

Can physical changes be reversed?

Back

Many physical changes can be reversed, such as freezing and melting, but some may not be easily reversible, like breaking glass.

Front

Can chemical changes be reversed?

Back

Chemical changes are often not easily reversible. For example, burning wood cannot be reversed to obtain the original wood.