Key terms physical change chemical change reactants products effervescence law of conservation of mass
In this chapter, you will learn to: / distinguish between physical and chemical changes / investigate whether mass is changed or unchanged when chemical and physical changes take place
/ describe a chemical reaction / observe and record changes that occur during chemical reactions
/ verify the law of conservation of mass.
Physical and chemical change Matter can undergo physical and chemical changes.
• In a physical change, matter changes shape or state but no new substance is formed. Changing states, such as melting or boiling, are all examples of physical changes.
• In a chemical change, a new substance is formed. All chemical reactions are examples of a chemical change.
The table below shows the differences between physical and chemical changes: Physical changes
No new substance is formed Easy to reverse
Example: Ice melting to water, which can be reversed by freezing.
Chemical changes
A new substance is formed Not easy to reverse
Example: An iron nail rusting to form a new substance called iron oxide.
:Fig. 15.1 Ice melting is a physical change
:Fig. 15.2 A nail rusting is a chemical change Elements of Science 147