Physical or Chemical Change

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 melting, freezing, and dissolving.

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 molecular structure of the substance. Examples include burning, rusting, and cooking.

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 iron rusting when exposed to moisture.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the molecules may change their arrangement or state (like solid to liquid) but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the molecules rearrange to form new substances with different chemical properties.

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 burning wood a physical or chemical change?

Back

Burning wood is a chemical change because it produces ash, smoke, and gases, which are different substances.

Front

What are 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 are indicators of a physical change?

Back

Indicators of a physical change include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, or size without altering the substance's chemical identity.