Chemical vs Physical Changes

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 changes in shape, size, or state (like melting or freezing).

Front

What is a Chemical Change?

Back

A Chemical Change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. It involves a chemical reaction and changes the chemical composition of the substance. Examples include rusting, burning, and digestion.

Front

Is melting ice a Physical Change or a Chemical Change?

Back

Melting ice is a Physical Change because it changes from solid to liquid without changing its chemical composition.

Front

Is burning wood a Physical Change or a Chemical Change?

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Burning wood is a Chemical Change because it transforms the wood into ash and gases, creating new substances.

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 the same.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a Chemical Change?

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During a Chemical Change, the molecules break apart and rearrange to form new substances with different chemical properties.

Front

Give an example of a Physical Change.

Back

An example of a Physical Change is slicing an apple. The apple's chemical composition remains the same.

Front

Give an example of a Chemical Change.

Back

An example of a Chemical Change is rusting iron. The iron reacts with oxygen to form rust, a new substance.

Front

What is an indicator of a Chemical Change?

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Indicators of a Chemical Change include color change, temperature change, gas production, and the formation of a precipitate.

Front

What is an indicator of a Physical Change?

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Indicators of a Physical Change include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, or size without a change in chemical composition.