Chemical & Physical 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. Examples include melting ice or cutting paper.

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 wood or rusting iron.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a physical change?

Back

During a physical change, the molecules may change their arrangement or state (solid, liquid, gas) but their chemical structure remains the same.

Front

What happens to the molecules during a chemical change?

Back

During a chemical change, the molecules rearrange to form new substances with different chemical properties.

Front

Is cutting your hair a physical or chemical change?

Back

Cutting your hair is a physical change because it alters the shape and size of the hair but does not change its chemical composition.

Front

What is an example of a chemical reaction that causes a change in odor?

Back

An example of a chemical reaction that causes a change in odor is the spoiling of food, which produces different smells due to the breakdown of substances.

Front

What kind of change is burning wood?

Back

Burning wood is a chemical change because it transforms the wood into ash and gases, creating new substances.

Front

What is an example of a physical change?

Back

An example of a physical change is freezing water to make ice, where the state changes from liquid to solid without changing its chemical composition.

Front

Is spoiling food a physical or chemical change?

Back

Spoiling food is a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction that alters the food's composition and properties.

Front

What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?

Back

A physical change affects the form of a substance but not its chemical composition, while a chemical change results in the formation of new substances.