Chemical vs Physical Changes

A student mixes baking soda and vinegar in a beaker, watching as bubbles rapidly form and fizz over the sides. They record their observations and determine whether a new substance has been created.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

A student heats a small piece of copper wire over a flame until it glows red and then lets it cool back to its original state. They analyze whether the wire’s properties have changed permanently or just temporarily.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

A student dissolves table salt in a cup of water, stirring until the crystals are no longer visible. They consider whether the salt has disappeared or if it can be recovered by evaporation.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

A student burns a wooden splint and observes the formation of ash, smoke, and a strong odor. They decide whether the changes in color, texture, and smell indicate a physical or chemical change.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A student carefully grinds a sugar cube into fine powder using a mortar and pestle. They compare the sugar before and after to determine if its molecular structure has been altered.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

A student places a steel wool pad in a cup of water and leaves it overnight. The next day, they observe reddish-brown spots forming on the steel wool and decide whether a new substance has been created.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A student inflates a balloon by blowing air into it and then releases the air, watching the balloon return to its original shape. They consider whether the air inside has changed chemically or just moved.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A student cracks open an egg, scrambles it in a pan, and watches as the clear liquid turns solid and white. They analyze whether heat caused a reversible or irreversible change in the egg.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

A student drops an antacid tablet into a cup of water and observes bubbles forming and rising to the surface. They determine if the reaction is creating a new substance or simply breaking apart the tablet.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

A student molds a piece of clay into different shapes, flattening and rolling it out repeatedly. They decide whether the clay itself has changed or just its form.

• Chemical Change

• Physical Change