Physical & Chemical Changes

A physical change is a change that affects one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition. Examples include melting, freezing, and breaking.

A chemical change is a change that results in the formation of new chemical substances. Examples include rusting, burning, and bleaching.

A precipitate is a solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture when two liquids react.

The properties of a substance may change (like shape or state), but its chemical identity remains the same.

The properties of a substance change, and new substances with different chemical identities are formed.

Breaking a glass is a physical change.

An example of a chemical change is bleaching your hair.

An example of a physical change is melting ice.

A physical change does not create new substances, while a chemical change does.

Indicators of a chemical change include color change, gas production, and the formation of a precipitate.