Physical and Chemical Changes

Front

What is a physical change?

Back

A physical change is a change that does not form a new substance and is often reversible. Examples include melting, freezing, and cutting.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

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

Front

What happens during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the form of a substance changes, but its chemical composition remains the same.

Front

What happens during a chemical change?

Back

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

Front

Is melting ice a physical or chemical change?

Back

Melting ice is a physical change because it changes from solid to liquid without forming a new substance.

Front

Is rusting of iron a physical or chemical change?

Back

Rusting of iron is a chemical change because it forms a new substance, iron oxide.

Front

What is an example of a reversible physical change?

Back

An example of a reversible physical change is freezing water to make ice and then melting it back to water.

Front

What is an example of an irreversible chemical change?

Back

An example of an irreversible chemical change is baking a cake, where the ingredients undergo a chemical reaction to form a new substance.

Front

What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?

Back

The main difference is that physical changes do not create new substances, while chemical changes do.

Front

What is an example of a physical change involving a change of state?

Back

An example of a physical change involving a change of state is water boiling to become steam.