Chemical Properties and Changes
U2A2ChemicalPropertyChange
The Chemistry of Cookies
To better understand the world around us, it is important to recognize the variety of chemical properties and changes all around us. Some chemical changes are good, some are harmful to the environment and some are neutral; the ultimate goal is to recognize those that are harmful, such that we can better problem solve the sustainability issues facing our planet.
Let’s review a more simplistic example of identifying chemical properties and changes. Have you ever wondered how science, chemistry, and cookies are related?
Watch the video "Chemistry of Cookies" to learn how a baker is truly a scientist!
- While watching, consider what evidence of Chemical Properties (definition:A description of what a substance does when it reacts to form a new substance.) and Chemical Changes (definition:A change in a substance that involves the formation of a new substance that is different from the original.) is shown, to produce a yummy and delicious chocolate chip cookie treat.
- While watching the video, use the Two-Column Graphic Organizer to format your ideas and questions.
- When you have completed the Two-Column Graphic Organizer, SAVE the document so that you can reference it later.
- When saving documents ensure you have named the file with a meaningful title so you can refer back to it easily.
Recall that scientists use the following types of observational data to draw conclusions about their investigations:
- Physical Properties
- Physical Changes
- Chemical Properties
- Chemical Changes
- Create your own graphic organizer to summarize the information you have learned about Physical and Chemical properties & changes.
- Your graphic organizer should include:
- Definition or explanation of each type of observation.
- Examples that help illustrate information.
- Similarities of and differences between each type of observation.
- Click here for examples of different graphic organizer formatting and choose one that works for you - there are some good online mindmapping tools.
- When you have completed the Graphic Organizer, SAVE the document and submit to your teacher for review and descriptive feedback.
- When saving documents ensure you have named the file with a meaningful title so you can refer back to it easily.
There are many differences between physical and chemical changes and it is important to understand them to be able to understand these concepts clearly. The comparisons and differences between physical and chemical changes are given below along with their examples. To understand physical and chemical properties and changes better, it is important to know what they are. Visit physical and chemical changes to know more about them in detail. In this article, the differences between physical changes and chemical changes are provided in a tabular format.
Table of Contents
| Physical Change | Chemical Change |
| When a substance undergoes a physical change, its composition remains the same despite its molecules being rearranged. | When a substance undergoes a chemical change, its molecular composition is changed entirely. Thus, chemical changes involve the formation of new substances. |
| Physical change is a temporary change. | A chemical change is a permanent change. |
| A Physical change affects only physical properties i.e. shape, size, etc. | Chemical change both physical and chemical properties of the substance including its composition |
| A physical change involves very little to no absorption of energy. | During a chemical reaction, absorption and evolution of energy take place. |
| Some examples of physical change are freezing of water, melting of wax, boiling of water, etc. | A few examples of chemical change are digestion of food, burning of coal, rusting, etc. |
| Generally, physical changes do not involve the production of energy. | Chemical changes usually involve the production of energy (which can be in the form of heat, light, sound, etc.) |
| In a physical change, no new substance is formed. | A chemical change is always accompanied by one or more new substance(s). |
| Physical change is easily reversible i.e original substance can be recovered. | Chemical changes are irreversible i.e. original substance cannot be recovered. |
Thus, it can be understood that the primary difference between physical and chemical changes is that physical changes are reversible whereas chemical changes are usually not. To learn more about how physical and chemical changes are different, register with BYJU’S now!
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
The appearance or form of matter changes during a physical change, but the type of matter in the substance does not. A chemical change, on the other contrary, results in the creation of at least one new substance with new properties. It’s essential to recognise the difference between chemical and physical changes. Several changes are obvious, but there are some fundamental concepts to be aware of. Physical changes usually refer to changes in the physical state of stuff. When two or more molecules interact, chemical changes occur on a molecular level. Examples of chemical changes would be burning, cooking, rusting, and rotting. Check for indications that a chemical change has taken place. The following are indications of a chemical change:How can you tell the difference between physical and chemical changes?
Why is it important to know the difference
between physical and chemical changes?
What are the examples of physical and chemical changes?
Examples of physical changes could be boiling, melting, freezing, and shredding.
Most physical changes can be reversed if sufficient energy is provided. A
chemical change can only be reversed through another chemical reaction. How to tell whether it’s a physical or chemical change?
What are three forces that can cause a physical change?
Forces such as motion, temperature, and pressure can create physical changes. Oxygen in the air reacts with sugar, and the chemical bonds are destroyed.