Physical vs chemical change quick check
A physical change involves a change in the form or appearance of a substance, without changing its chemical composition. Examples of physical changes include melting, freezing, boiling, and dissolving.
A chemical change, on the other hand, involves a change in the chemical composition and properties of a substance. Examples of chemical changes include burning, rusting, fermentation, and digestion.
It is important to note that physical and chemical changes can occur together, and it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the two. However, the key difference lies in whether the change affects the substance's composition or just its physical appearance.
Physical Change:
1. Definition: A physical change is any change in matter that does not result in the formation of a new substance.
2. Characteristics: In a physical change, the appearance or form of the substance may change, but its chemical composition remains the same.
3. Examples: Melting ice, boiling water, dissolving sugar in water, cutting a piece of paper, breaking a glass.
Chemical Change:
1. Definition: A chemical change is a process that results in the formation of one or more new substances with different chemical properties.
2. Characteristics: In a chemical change, the chemical composition of the substance is altered, and new substances are formed.
3. Examples: Burning wood, rusting of iron, baking a cake, digesting food, fermenting grapes to make wine.
Remember, physical changes involve a change in form or appearance, while chemical changes involve a change in chemical composition leading to the formation of new substances.