Changes in Matter

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What is a chemical change?

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A chemical change is a process where substances combine or break apart to form new substances with different properties.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

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What is a physical change?

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A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition.

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Example of a chemical change: Rusting of a nail.

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Rusting is a chemical change because it involves the reaction of iron with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust).

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

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Example of a physical change: Water boiling.

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Boiling water is a physical change because it changes from liquid to gas (steam) without changing its chemical structure.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

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What happens during evaporation?

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Evaporation is a physical change where liquid water turns into vapor without changing its chemical composition.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

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Is breaking a plate a physical or chemical change?

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Breaking a plate is a physical change because the material remains the same, just in smaller pieces.

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What is melting?

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Melting is a physical change where a solid turns into a liquid when heat is applied, like ice cream melting.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is the difference between a physical and chemical change?

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A physical change does not create new substances, while a chemical change results in new substances being formed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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Can a physical change be reversed?

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Yes, many physical changes can be reversed, such as freezing water back into ice.

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Can a chemical change be reversed?

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Chemical changes are often not reversible, like burning wood to ash.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2