Physical and Chemical Changes

Front

What is a physical change?

Back

A physical change is a change in which the form or appearance of a substance changes, but its chemical composition remains the same. Examples include melting ice or tearing paper.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. Examples include rusting iron or burning wood.

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 baking a cake, where ingredients react to form a new product.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the molecules may change their arrangement or state, but their chemical structure remains unchanged.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the molecules rearrange to form new substances with different properties.

Front

Is dissolving sugar in water a physical or chemical change?

Back

Dissolving sugar in water is a physical change because the sugar can be recovered by evaporating the water.

Front

Is burning wood a physical or chemical change?

Back

Burning wood is a chemical change because it produces ash, smoke, and gases, which are different substances.

Front

What is an indicator of a chemical change?

Back

An indicator of a chemical change can include color change, temperature change, gas production, or the formation of a precipitate.

Front

What is an indicator of a physical change?

Back

An indicator of a physical change can include changes in state, such as melting, freezing, or dissolving.