6.1.1

Difference btwn Physical & Chemical Changes

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Differences between Physical & Chemical Changes

Physical changes form no new substance and are often reversible, whereas chemical changes form new substances and are usually not reversible.

Illustrative background for Changes in matterIllustrative background for Changes in matter ?? "content

Changes in matter

  • Everything around us can undergo a change.
  • This can be as simple as melting ice or as complex as a fire.
  • There are two main types of changes:
    • Physical changes
    • Chemical changes
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Physical changes

  • A physical change is a change in the form or appearance.
  • The substance's chemical identity does not change – It is still the same substance.
    • Molecules stay the same, only the arrangement changes.
  • Changes are often reversible.
  • Examples:
    • Ice melting into water​
    • Water boiling to steam
    • Sugar dissolving in water
Illustrative background for Chemical changesIllustrative background for Chemical changes ?? "content

Chemical changes

  • A chemical change is a process where a new substance is formed.
  • The substance's chemical identity changes.
    • The atoms and molecules rearrange to form something new.
  • Chemical changes are usually not reversible.
  • Examples:
    • Burning wood to ashes: Ash cannot be turned back into wood.
    • Iron rusting: It is difficult to reverse the rusting process.
    • Baking a cake: The ingredients make a completely new substance.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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