Chemical vs Physical Change

Is water melting a physical or chemical change?

• Physical

• Chemical

Answer explanation

Water melting is a physical change because it involves a change in state from solid (ice) to liquid (water) without altering its chemical composition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Is digesting your food a physical or chemical change?

• Physical

• Chemical

Answer explanation

Digesting food is a chemical change because it involves breaking down food into simpler substances through chemical reactions, altering its chemical structure, unlike physical changes that do not change the substance's composition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Is a burning candle wick a physical or chemical change?

• Physical

• Chemical

Answer explanation

A burning candle involves the wax reacting with oxygen to produce heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water. This transformation indicates a chemical change, as new substances are formed, making 'Chemical' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Which of the following is NOT an example of a physical change?

• crumpled paper

• pencil sharpening

• shrunken clothing

• rust

Answer explanation

Rust is a chemical change, as it involves a reaction with oxygen to form a new substance. In contrast, crumpled paper, pencil sharpening, and shrunken clothing are all physical changes that do not alter the substance's chemical identity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Freezing Juice?

• Physical Change

• Chemical Change

Answer explanation

Freezing juice is a physical change because it involves a change in state from liquid to solid without altering the chemical composition of the juice.

Tags

NGSS.4-PS3-2

A change where one or more new substances are created.

• Physical Change 

• Chemical Change 

Answer explanation

A chemical change involves the transformation of substances, resulting in the formation of one or more new substances. This distinguishes it from a physical change, which does not create new substances.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

An unexpected change in color is a physical change.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Change in color can indicate a chemical change, as it often involves a reaction that alters the substance's composition. Therefore, the statement is false.

Fizzing, foaming, and burning are all examples of

• Chemical change

• Physical change

Answer explanation

Fizzing, foaming, and burning indicate a chemical change, as they involve reactions that alter the substances' chemical composition, unlike physical changes which do not affect the substance's identity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

When you break a cracker into pieces it is a...

• Chemical change

• Physical change

Answer explanation

When you break a cracker into pieces, its physical structure changes, but its chemical composition remains the same. This is why it is classified as a physical change.

Which of the following is NOT an example of chemical change?

• sour milk

• burning wood

• breaking a pencil

• rust

Answer explanation

Breaking a pencil is a physical change, as it alters the pencil's shape but not its chemical composition. In contrast, sour milk, burning wood, and rusting involve chemical changes that transform substances.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5