Changes in Matter

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What is a physical change?

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A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition. Examples include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, or size.

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What is a chemical change?

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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

Give an example of a physical change.

Back

An example of a physical change is a glass falling and shattering on the floor.

Front

Give an example of a chemical change.

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An example of a chemical change is the Statue of Liberty turning green over time due to oxidation.

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What are physical properties?

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Physical properties are characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical identity. Examples include color, odor, melting point, and density.

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What are chemical properties?

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Chemical properties are characteristics that describe a substance's ability to undergo changes that transform it into different substances. Examples include reactivity with acids, flammability, and oxidation states.

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What happens during a physical change?

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

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What happens during a chemical change?

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During a chemical change, the original substances are transformed into one or more new substances with different properties.

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Is squeezing an orange to make juice a chemical or physical change?

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Squeezing an orange to make juice is an example of a physical change.

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

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The main difference is that a physical change does not alter the chemical composition of a substance, while a chemical change results in the formation of new substances.