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.

Definition of Physical Change

Physical change is the kind of change where the matter switches into another form. In here, the chemical properties do not change. For instance, when you tear a paper, it will only change its shape and size. However, the properties will be the same. Similarly, when water turns into ice or vapour, the chemical properties remain the same, only the physical state changes. Thus, this will help you in understanding the difference between physical and chemical change better. A physical change does not bring any alternation of any kind on the chemical properties. Moreover, the changes are usually reversible and temporary.

Definition of Chemical Change

A chemical change is the exact opposite of physical change. It results in a new product after the reaction. For instance, when you burn a piece of paper or wood, it will change into ash. Thus, there is a change in the composition of the material forming a new product. In other words, chemical changes do alter the properties of a substance throughout the reaction. It is because the atoms plus molecules of the substances start rearranging themselves to form a new product. Moreover, these changes are not easily reversible, in fact, they are irreversible. So, it is a permanent change which alters the melting point, taste, colour and more.

Difference Between Physical And Chemical Change

Physical Change

1- When a substance undergoes a physical change, its composition remains the same despite its molecules being rearranged.

2- Physical change is a temporary change.

3- A Physical change affects only physical properties i.e. shape, size, etc.

4- A physical change involves very little to no absorption of energy.

5- Some examples of physical change are freezing of water, melting of wax, boiling of water, etc.

6- Generally, physical changes do not involve the production of energy.

7- In a physical change, no new substance is formed.

8- Physical change is easily reversible i.e original substance can be recovered.

Chemical Change

1- When a substance undergoes a chemical change, its molecular composition is changed entirely. Thus, chemical changes involve the formation of new substances.

2- A chemical change is a permanent change.

3- Chemical change both physical and chemical properties of the substance including its composition

4- During a chemical reaction, absorption and evolution of energy take place.

5- A few examples of chemical change are digestion of food, burning of coal, rusting, etc.

6- Chemical changes usually involve the production of energy (which can be in the form of heat, light, sound, etc.)

7- A chemical change is always accompanied by one or more new substance(s).

8- Chemical changes are irreversible i.e. original substance cannot be recovered.

More details about Physical Change

In this type of change, the substance will experience a change in its physical properties like shape, size, volume and more. All this happens without a change in molecular composition. Further, these changes are volatile.

The same element or compound will exist prior to or after the change. In other words, the original characteristics of the substance will not change. For instance, water boiling, wax melting, wood chopping, dissolving sugar and more.

More details about Chemical Change

The chemical change is the procedure where atoms of one or more substances rearrange themselves or combine to create a new substance. During this, the chemical properties of the substance will change and transform into a new substance having different chemical composition.

Some of the signs of chemical change in odour and temperature and formation of bubbles. For instance, bleaching a stain or when grapes ferment.

FAQs about Physical Change and Chemical Change

Question 1: Can original matter be recovered in chemical change?

Answer 1: No, one cannot recover the original matter as it changes completely. In other words, its physical properties, as well as chemical properties, get affected.

Question 2: State some examples of physical change.

Answer 2: Some examples of physical change are cutting of wood, freezing water, melting ice cubes, crushing a tomato are physical changes.