Physical vs. Chemical 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.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances, involving a rearrangement of atoms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Front

Give an example of a physical change.

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

Give an example of a chemical change.

Back

An example of a chemical change is iron rusting.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Front

What are some indicators of a chemical change?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

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

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Front

Is breaking a glass a physical or chemical change?

Back

Breaking a glass is a physical change because it alters the form of the glass without changing its chemical composition.

Front

What is the difference between a reversible and irreversible physical change?

Back

A reversible physical change can be undone (e.g., melting and freezing), while an irreversible physical change cannot be undone (e.g., breaking a glass).

Front

What is a precipitate?

Back

A precipitate is a solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2