Chemical and Physical Changes

Front

What is a physical change?

Back

A physical change is a change that does not alter the chemical composition of a substance. Examples include melting, freezing, and boiling.

Front

What is a chemical change?

Back

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. The atoms in the reactants rearrange to form products with different characteristics.

Front

Is melting ice a chemical or physical change?

Back

Melting ice is a physical change.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

The molecules may change their state (solid, liquid, gas) but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

Can a physical change be undone?

Back

Yes, physical changes can often be reversed, such as freezing water back into ice.

Front

Can a chemical change be undone?

Back

No, chemical changes usually cannot be reversed, as new substances are formed.

Front

What is an example of a physical change?

Back

An example of a physical change is boiling water.

Front

What is an example of a chemical change?

Back

An example of a chemical change is rust forming on iron.

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 happens to the properties of a substance during a chemical change?

Back

The properties of the substance change because new substances with different characteristics are formed.