Physical and Chemical Changes

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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 melting ice, boiling water, and breaking glass.

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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. Examples include rusting iron, burning wood, and baking a cake.

Front

Is melting ice a physical or chemical change?

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Melting ice is a physical change.

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Is burning wood a physical or chemical change?

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Burning wood is a chemical change.

Front

What happens to the substance in a physical change?

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In a physical change, the substance retains its chemical identity, and no new substances are formed.

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What happens to the substance in a chemical change?

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In a chemical change, the original substance is transformed into one or more new substances with different properties.

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Can physical changes be reversed?

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Many physical changes can be reversed, such as freezing and melting water.

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Can chemical changes be reversed?

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Chemical changes are usually not reversible by simple physical means, as new substances are formed.

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What is an example of a physical change?

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An example of a physical change is dissolving sugar in water.

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What is an example of a chemical change?

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An example of a chemical change is the reaction between vinegar and baking soda.