Changes in Matter

A chemical change is a process where substances combine or break apart to form new substances with different properties.

A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition.

Rusting is a chemical change because it involves the reaction of iron with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust).

Boiling water is a physical change because it changes from liquid to gas (steam) without changing its chemical structure.

Evaporation is a physical change where liquid water turns into vapor without changing its chemical composition.

Breaking a plate is a physical change because the material remains the same, just in smaller pieces.

Melting is a physical change where a solid turns into a liquid when heat is applied, like ice cream melting.

A physical change does not create new substances, while a chemical change results in new substances being formed.

Yes, many physical changes can be reversed, such as freezing water back into ice.

Chemical changes are often not reversible, like burning wood to ash.