Chemical vs. Physical Changes

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What is a chemical change?

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A process where substances combine or break apart to form new substances with different properties.

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What is a physical change?

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A change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition.

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What is evidence of a chemical change?

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Signs include gas production, color change, temperature change, and formation of a new substance.

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What happens to the substances in a chemical change?

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The original substances are transformed into new substances.

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What is an example of a physical change?

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Melting ice or boiling water.

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What is an example of a chemical change?

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Rust forming on metal or baking a cake.

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Are chemical changes reversible?

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Most chemical changes are irreversible, meaning the original substances cannot be easily recovered.

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Are physical changes reversible?

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Many physical changes are reversible, such as freezing and melting.

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What is a reactant?

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A substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction and is consumed during the reaction.

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What is a product?

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A substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.