Chemical vs. Physical Changes

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new substances. Examples include burning, rusting, and spoiling.

Front

What is a physical change?

Back

A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting, freezing, and dissolving.

Front

What happens during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the atoms in the substances rearrange to form new substances.

Front

What happens during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the substance may change its form or appearance, but its chemical identity remains the same.

Front

Can you give an example of a chemical change?

Back

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

Front

Can you give an example of a physical change?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The main difference is that a chemical change creates new substances, while a physical change does not.

Front

Is cooking an egg a chemical or physical change?

Back

Cooking an egg is a chemical change because it changes the structure of the proteins in the egg.

Front

What is an example of a physical change involving states of matter?

Back

An example is water boiling and turning into steam, which is a change in state from liquid to gas.

Front

What is rusting?

Back

Rusting is a chemical change that occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, forming iron oxide.