Physical and Chemical Changes

Front

What is a physical change?

Back

A physical change is a change in the size, shape, or state of matter without altering its chemical composition.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances, often involving a change at the molecular level.

Front

Give an example of a physical change.

Back

Examples include crumpling paper, melting ice, or dissolving salt in water.

Front

Give an example of a chemical change.

Back

Examples include rusting of iron, burning wood, or souring milk.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

The molecules may change their arrangement or state, but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

The molecules rearrange to form new substances with different chemical properties.

Front

Is dissolving salt in water a physical or chemical change?

Back

It is a physical change because the salt can be recovered by evaporating the water.

Front

What is rusting an example of?

Back

Rusting is an example of a chemical change.

Front

What is the main difference between physical and chemical changes?

Back

Physical changes do not alter the chemical composition, while chemical changes do.

Front

What is an indicator of a chemical change?

Back

Indicators include color change, temperature change, gas production, or formation of a precipitate.