Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter

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 evaporating.

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 burning, rusting, and digestion.

Front

What is an example of a physical change?

Back

Water evaporating from salt water is an example of a physical change.

Front

What is an example of a chemical change?

Back

Wood burning is an example of a chemical change.

Front

What is a precipitate?

Back

A precipitate is a solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction.

Front

What observation indicates a chemical change has occurred?

Back

The formation of a new substance indicates that a chemical change has occurred.

Front

What happens during digestion that is a physical change?

Back

Chewing in the mouth breaks food into small pieces, which is a physical change.

Front

What is the role of zinc in a chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid?

Back

Zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride, demonstrating a chemical change.

Front

What is the difference between a physical and chemical change?

Back

A physical change does not change the substance's chemical identity, while a chemical change results in the formation of new substances.

Front

What is an example of a chemical reaction?

Back

The reaction of vinegar and baking soda producing carbon dioxide gas is an example of a chemical reaction.