Chemical and Physical Changes

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What is a physical change?

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A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition. Examples include melting, freezing, and shredding.

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, rusting, and combining substances.

Front

What happens to ice when it melts?

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When ice melts, it undergoes a physical change from solid to liquid without changing its chemical structure.

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What happens when paper is shredded?

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Shredding paper is a physical change because the paper's chemical composition remains the same, even though its shape and size change.

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What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

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The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products.

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What occurs when wood is burned?

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When wood burns, it undergoes a chemical change, combining with oxygen to produce ashes, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

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What is an example of a chemical change?

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An example of a chemical change is the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, which produces carbon dioxide gas.

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What is rust?

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

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Can physical changes be reversed?

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Many physical changes can be reversed, such as freezing and melting, but some may not be easily reversible.

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Can chemical changes be reversed?

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Chemical changes are usually not reversible by simple physical means, as they result in the formation of new substances.