Chemical and Physical Changes

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

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

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 ice or tearing paper.

Front

What happens to matter during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the atoms in the substances rearrange to form new substances.

Front

What happens to matter during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the form of matter may change, but its chemical composition remains the same.

Front

Can a chemical change be reversed?

Back

Most chemical changes cannot be easily reversed. For example, burning wood cannot be undone.

Front

Can a physical change be reversed?

Back

Many physical changes can be reversed. For example, freezing and melting water can be reversed.

Front

What is an example of a chemical change?

Back

An example of a chemical change is wood burning.

Front

What is an example of a physical change?

Back

An example of a physical change is melting butter.

Front

What is matter?

Back

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Examples include basketballs, the sun, and you.

Front

What is a change in state?

Back

A change in state refers to the transformation of a substance from one state of matter to another, such as solid to liquid.