Identifying Physical and Chemical 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 melting ice, boiling water, and breaking glass.

Front

What is a Chemical Change?

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A Chemical Change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. Examples include rusting iron, burning wood, and baking a cake.

Front

Can you give an example of a Physical Change?

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An example of a Physical Change is freezing water to make ice.

Front

Can you give an example of a Chemical Change?

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An example of a Chemical Change is the reaction of vinegar and baking soda, which produces carbon dioxide gas.

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What happens to the substance in a Physical Change?

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In a Physical Change, the substance may change its form or appearance, but its chemical identity remains the same.

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What happens to the substance in a Chemical Change?

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In a Chemical Change, the original substance is transformed into one or more new substances with different properties.

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Is dissolving sugar in water a Physical Change or a Chemical Change?

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Dissolving sugar in water is a Physical Change because the sugar can be recovered by evaporating the water.

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Is burning paper a Physical Change or a Chemical Change?

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Burning paper is a Chemical Change because it produces ash and smoke, which are different substances.

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What are some indicators of a Chemical Change?

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Indicators of a Chemical Change include color change, temperature change, gas production, and the formation of a precipitate.

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What are some indicators of a Physical Change?

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Indicators of a Physical Change include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, and size without new substances being formed.