Physical and chemical changes
From Chemistry Resource
The changes matter undergoes are classified as either physical changes or chemical changes.
Physical changes
A process in which a substance changes its physical form or appearance but not its basic composition is called a physical change.
Examples
- cutting a piece of paper
- ice melting
- boiling water
- drawing copper into a fine wire
- separating out water from seawater
- separating out oxygen gas from air
Chemical changes
Chemical changes are always changes in the composition and form of a substance. In a chemical change, matter is transformed completely into different materials and new substances are formed. The type of chemical changes that a substance can undergo are determined by its chemical properties.
Examples
- iron turning into rust in moist air
- extracting sulfur from car battery acid
- overtime, a battery loses its charge
- digesting food
Content suitability
BCIT courses: CHEM 0011
