Physical And Chemical Change
The two ways in which matter can be altered are through physical and chemical changes. Both of these changes are results of a reaction however they’re outcomes are very different.
Physical changes can be seen through physical reactions. Reactions usually include changes of state and energy, such as ice melting, breaking a twig, or popping a balloon. In these changes, the molecules in the substance have been separated however no new substance is formed. Common physical changes include texture, colour, and shape, which are usually visible to the naked eye. These changes occur when the physical properties of a substance are altered without changing the chemical composition of that substance. This means that when a substance goes through a physical change, the substance remains the same and does not become a new substance. If you were to cut a piece of wood in half, the wood would be broken but it would still be wood. This is the difference between chemical and physical changes. Chemical changes occur when a substance undergoes a chemical reaction, which alters in chemical composition. When these reactions occur, a change in energy takes place, allowing the atoms to rearrange themselves, creating a new substance, which is irreversible. Chemical changes are decided upon the capability of the reactants breaking and forming new bonds with each other to create a new chemical composition. When reactants form new bonds, energy is produced, causing a change in temperature. This a common sign of a chemical change, along with change in odor, colour, formation of a precipitate and formation of gas or bubbles. An example of a chemical change is the combustion of wood (fire). This reaction alters the composition of the wood, therefore making it a chemical change.
Although both physical and chemical changes alter a substance, they are different in the way they change. The two changes occur all around us, without notice, but are essential to everyday life.
Physical changes can be seen through physical reactions. Reactions usually include changes of state and energy, such as ice melting, breaking a twig, or popping a balloon. In these changes, the molecules in the substance have been separated however no new substance is formed. Common physical changes include texture, colour, and shape, which are usually visible to the naked eye. These changes occur when the physical properties of a substance are altered without changing the chemical composition of that substance. This means that when a substance goes through a physical change, the substance remains the same and does not become a new substance. If you were to cut a piece of wood in half, the wood would be broken but it would still be wood. This is the difference between chemical and physical changes. Chemical changes occur when a substance undergoes a chemical reaction, which alters in chemical composition. When these reactions occur, a change in energy takes place, allowing the atoms to rearrange themselves, creating a new substance, which is irreversible. Chemical changes are decided upon the capability of the reactants breaking and forming new bonds with each other to create a new chemical composition. When reactants form new bonds, energy is produced, causing a change in temperature. This a common sign of a chemical change, along with change in odor, colour, formation of a precipitate and formation of gas or bubbles. An example of a chemical change is the combustion of wood (fire). This reaction alters the composition of the wood, therefore making it a chemical change.
Although both physical and chemical changes alter a substance, they are different in the way they change. The two changes occur all around us, without notice, but are essential to everyday life.