Physical and 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. Examples include changes in state, shape, or size.

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 the breaking and forming of bonds.

Front

Give an example of a physical change.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of a chemical change.

Back

An example of a chemical change is rust forming on iron.

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?

Back

During a chemical change, the molecules undergo a transformation that alters their chemical structure, resulting in new substances.

Front

How can you identify a physical change?

Back

A physical change can often be identified by changes in state, shape, or size, and it is usually reversible.

Front

How can you identify a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change can be identified by the production of gas, color change, temperature change, or the formation of a precipitate.

Front

Is boiling water a physical or chemical change?

Back

Boiling water is a physical change because it involves a change in state from liquid to gas without altering the chemical composition of water.

Front

Is burning wood a physical or chemical change?

Back

Burning wood is a chemical change because it results in the formation of new substances, such as ash and gases.