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. It involves a chemical reaction and changes the composition of the original substance. 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 molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the molecules may change their arrangement or state (solid, liquid, gas) but remain the same substance.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the molecules break apart and rearrange to form 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 is an indicator 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 is an indicator of a physical change?

Back

Indicators of a physical change include changes in state, shape, or size without a change in chemical composition.