Physical vs. Chemical Changes

Physical vs. Chemical Changes

Characteristics of physical changes

Matter remains the same kind of matter.

No new substances are formed.

Possible indicators of physical changes

• Size changes

• Shape changes

• Phase changes (solid to liquid, etc.)

Multiple Select

What would be examples of physical changes?

• cutting paper to make snowflakes

• water freezing into ice

• toasting a marshmallow

• combining baking soda and vinegar

Characteristics of chemical changes

• Matter changes into a different kind of matter.

• New substances are formed as a result of the change.

Possible indicators of chemical changes

• size changes

• shape changes

• phase changes

• color changes

• heat produced or reduced

• bubbling or fizzing (gases being released)

• odor changes as atoms link up differently forming new substances

Multiple Select

What are examples of chemical changes?

• cutting paper into snowflakes

• water freezing to make ice

• toasting a marshmallow

• combining vinegar and baking soda