Chemical & Physical Changes

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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. Examples include changes in size, shape, or state of matter.

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What is a chemical change?

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A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. It involves a chemical reaction and changes the composition of the original substance.

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What happens when you cut your hair?

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Cutting your hair is a physical change because it alters the length and appearance of the hair but does not change its chemical structure.

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What happens when metal rusts?

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Rusting of metal is a chemical change because it involves a reaction with oxygen and moisture, resulting in the formation of a new substance, iron oxide.

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What happens when you cut paper?

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Cutting paper is a physical change because it changes the size and shape of the paper but does not change its chemical properties.

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What happens when a popsicle melts?

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Melting of a popsicle is a physical change because it changes from solid to liquid state without altering its chemical composition.

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What happens when you break a window?

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Breaking a window is a physical change because it changes the shape and structure of the glass but does not change its chemical properties.

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What are examples of physical changes?

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Examples of physical changes include melting ice, boiling water, dissolving sugar in water, and chopping vegetables.

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What are examples of chemical changes?

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Examples of chemical changes include burning wood, baking a cake, rusting iron, and souring milk.

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How can you tell if a chemical change has occurred?

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