Physical Changes versus Chemical Changes and States of Matter

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 ice or breaking a glass.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. Examples include burning wood or rusting iron.

Front

Is burning a log a physical or chemical change?

Back

Burning a log is a chemical change.

Front

What happens during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the atoms in the reactants rearrange to form new substances with different properties.

Front

Can a chemical change be easily reversed?

Back

No, a chemical change cannot be easily reversed. For example, you cannot unburn wood.

Front

What is an example of a physical change?

Back

An example of a physical change is smashing a can.

Front

What is rusting?

Back

Rusting is a chemical change that occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, forming iron oxide.

Front

Is cutting lemons a physical or chemical change?

Back

Cutting lemons is a physical change.

Front

What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?

Back

A physical change does not change the substance's chemical identity, while a chemical change results in new substances being formed.

Front

What are the states of matter?

Back

The states of matter are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, which describe the physical forms in which substances exist.