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Science (Change in Matter)
What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change? Provide an example of each.
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1 Reply
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A physical change and a chemical change are two different types of transformations that can occur in matter. Here’s an explanation of each with an example:
Physical Change: A physical change refers to a transformation in a substance where its physical properties are altered, but its chemical composition remains the same. In other words, the substance changes its appearance or state, but the arrangement of its atoms or molecules remains unchanged.
Example: Melting ice cubes into liquid water is a physical change. The ice cubes are solid and have a definite shape and volume. When heat is applied, they melt and become liquid water, which has no specific shape but still occupies the same volume. Although the appearance and physical state have changed, the chemical composition of water (H2O) remains the same.
Chemical Change: A chemical change, also known as a chemical reaction, occurs when the atoms or molecules of a substance rearrange to form a new substance with different chemical properties. In a chemical change, the original substance is transformed into one or more different substances with distinct compositions and properties.
Example: Burning wood is a chemical change. When wood burns, it reacts with oxygen in the air, undergoing a chemical reaction called combustion. The complex organic compounds in wood break down into simpler molecules like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ash. The composition of the original wood is altered, and the resulting products have different chemical properties compared to the initial substance.
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