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Physical and Chemical Change

  • In a chemical change we form an entirely new substance.

  • In a physical change, we don't form a new substance.

  • Physical changes also occur when matter changes states.

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Vocabulary

  • Catalys

    A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.

  • Chemical Change

  •  type of change in which a new substance is formed. For example: burning something.

  • Physical Change

    A type of change in which a new substance is NOT formed. For example: water boiling.

  • Oxidizer

    A chemical that provides a lot of oxygen to help things burn.

  • Carbon Dioxide

    A gas without any color or smell that is commonly found in soda. It is also called CO2 and comes out the back of a car or bus that is running.

  • Hydrogen

    A gas less dense than air that has no color or smell. It is extremely flammable meaning it can burn.

  • States of Matter

    The main forms matter can exist in: Solid, Liquid and Gas (also plasma but that is less common on earth).

Discussion Question

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    How are chemical changes different from physical changes

    • Chemical changes happen when substances change to form new ones, while physical changes do not form any new substances.

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    Is toasting a piece of bread an example of a physical or chemical change?

    • Heating bread in a toaster is a chemical change. The surface of the bread burns, forming a new substance.

    When the banana, berries, water and hot dog are blended, does a physical or chemical change occur?

  • Why?

    • Blending the banana, berries, water and hot dog chops them up into tiny pieces, but doesn’t create a new substance. Therefore, it is an example of a physical change.

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    Is water evaporating an example of a physical or chemical change?

    • Evaporation means to turn a liquid into a gas. Water in gas form is not a new substance (it is still water) so that makes it a physical change.

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