Physical or Chemical Change

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What is a chemical change?

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A process where substances combine or break apart to form new substances, often accompanied by energy changes.

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What is a physical change?

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A change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition.

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Example of a chemical change: Burning wood. What happens?

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The wood reacts with oxygen to produce ash, smoke, and gases, forming new substances.

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Example of a physical change: Broken glass. What happens?

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The glass is shattered into pieces, but its chemical composition remains the same.

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What happens during a chemical change?

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Atoms rearrange to form new substances, and energy may be released or absorbed.

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What happens during a physical change?

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The form or appearance of a substance changes, but its identity remains unchanged.

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Example of a chemical change: Burning coal. What happens?

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Coal reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and other substances, changing its chemical structure.

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Example of a chemical change: Mixing baking soda and vinegar. What happens?

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A reaction occurs producing carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate, forming new substances.

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Example of a chemical change: Acid in stomach. What happens?

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The acid breaks down food into simpler substances, changing its chemical structure.

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What is an indicator of a chemical change?

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Signs include color change, temperature change, gas production, or formation of a precipitate.