Physical & Chemical Changes & States of Matter Flashcard

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 breaking.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a process that involves the transformation of one or more substances into different substances, resulting in a change in the way atoms are bonded to each other.

Front

What is the main difference between physical and chemical changes?

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Physical changes do not change the chemical composition of a substance, while chemical changes result in the formation of new substances.

Front

What happens to molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the arrangement and movement of molecules may change, but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to molecules during a chemical change?

Back

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

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What is an example of a physical change?

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An example of a physical change is ice melting into water.

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What is an example of a chemical change?

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An example of a chemical change is burning wood, which produces ash and smoke.

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What is a change in state?

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A change in state refers to the transition of a substance from one state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) to another, such as melting or boiling.

Front

What is the role of heat in physical changes?

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Heat can cause physical changes by providing energy that allows molecules to move more freely, leading to changes in state.

Front

What is the role of heat in chemical changes?

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Heat can provide the energy needed to break bonds in reactants, allowing for the formation of new products in a chemical change.