Physical and 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 but does not change 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 making or breaking of bonds between atoms. Examples include burning, rusting, and cooking.

Front

Is melting ice a physical or chemical change?

Back

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

Front

What happens to the particles during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the particles may move closer together or further apart, but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to the particles during a chemical change?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of a physical change.

Back

An example of a physical change is tearing a piece of paper.

Front

Give an example of a chemical change.

Back

An example of a chemical change is baking a cake.

Front

What is an indicator of a chemical change?

Back

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

Front

Can physical changes be reversed?

Back

Many physical changes can be reversed, such as freezing and melting, but some may not be easily reversible.

Front

Can chemical changes be reversed?

Back

Chemical changes are usually not reversible by simple physical means, as they create new substances.