Physical & 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.

Front

Can you give an example of a physical change?

Back

Melting ice is an example of a physical change, as it changes from solid to liquid without changing its chemical structure.

Front

Can you give an example of a chemical change?

Back

Burning wood is an example of a chemical change, as it transforms into ash and gases, creating new substances.

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.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the arrangement of molecules may change, but the molecules themselves remain 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.

Front

Is dissolving sugar in water a physical or chemical change?

Back

Dissolving sugar in water is a physical change because the sugar can be recovered by evaporating the water.

Front

Is rusting of iron a physical or chemical change?

Back

Rusting of iron is a chemical change because it forms a new substance, iron oxide.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass in relation to chemical changes?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.