Difference Between Physical And Chemical Change

Physical and chemical changes are two different aspects of changes that are happening on the earth. When any object’s physical composition changes then we call that physical change and when any object’s chemical composition changes we call that chemical change. But physical change and chemical change are not limited to that. So it is important to understand about different properties of physical and chemical changes.

In this article, we will explore the difference between Physical and Chemical change, along with their examples, and real-life applications.

Change in which the chemical composition of the matter does not change but leads to change in the state of matter only is termed as physical change. The molecular composition of the matter remains the same and no new product formation takes place in physical change. There is no change in energy during physical change.

• Physical change is temporary and reversible as the reaction can be reversed to get back to the original state of matter.
• The energy required to bring a physical change is equal in magnitude to the energy required to reverse the physical change.
• Physical change follows conservation of mass, and the mass of products is equal to the sum of reactants.
• The physical and chemical properties of the products are the same as the original matter.

• Evaporation of water as water can be obtained again from steam by condensation
• Drying of clothes as they can be again made wet with water
• Freezing of water to ice as the change can be reversed on melting
• Dissolving salt in water as both salt and water can be separated by evaporation and crystallization

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• Physical Changes at Puberty

Those changes which lead to a change in the chemical composition of the matter are termed chemical changes. This change leads to the formation of new products with different chemical compositions.

• The molecular composition of matter is changed, and new product formation takes place in chemical change.
• The chemical and physical properties of the products formed are different from the original reactants.
• A chemical change may be accompanied by the release or absorption of energy.
• Chemical change in which energy is absorbed is called endothermic reaction while the reaction in which energy is released is called exothermic reaction.
• The mass of products may or may not be the same as the mass of reactants due to the loss of some mass as energy.
• Chemical change is permanent and cannot be reversed through simple physical processes. The irreversible nature of chemical change is due to the breakage and formation of new bonds that take place during a chemical change.

• Burning of paper
• Burning of coal
• Reaction of sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide
• Curdling of milk
• Breaking down of food to glucose

Articles Related to Chemical Change:

• Chemical Changes: Definition, Types
• Examples of Chemical Change
• Real Life Application of Chemical Changes

The difference between Physical and Chemical change in tabular form is given below:

Physical and Chemical changes are two ways matter can change. Physical changes affect how something looks or its state (solid, liquid, gas) without changing what it is made of. These changes are usually reversible and don’t create new substances. For example, ice melting into water, water boiling into steam, or paper being torn are physical changes. Chemical changes create new substances with different makeups.

This involves breaking and forming chemical bonds and cannot be undone. These changes often involve energy changes, like heat or light being released. Examples include iron rusting, wood burning, or baking a cake.

What is a physical change?

A physical change involves altering the appearance or state of a substance without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting ice or dissolving sugar in water.

What are 5 examples of physical and chemical change?

Examples of Physical Changes are:

• Melting Ice
• Boiling Water
• Ripping Paper
• Crushing a Can
• Dissolving Salt in Water

Examples of Chemical Changes are:

• Rusting of Iron
• Burning Wood
• Cooking an Egg
• Digestion of Food
• Photosynthesis

What is the difference between physical and chemical change?

The key difference between physical and chemical changes lies in whether the change affects the chemical composition of the substance. In physical changes, only the physical state or appearance changes, while in chemical changes, the substances involved are transformed into entirely new substances with different chemical properties.

How does a chemical change differ from a physical change?

Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. Unlike physical changes, chemical changes involve rearrangement of atoms or molecules, such as rusting of iron or combustion of fuel.

What are some indicators of a chemical change?

Observable indicators include color change, formation of gas or odor, production of heat or light, or precipitation of a new substance.

Can physical and chemical changes occur simultaneously?

Yes, physical and chemical changes can occur concurrently in some processes. For instance, boiling water (a physical change) can result in the formation of steam, which is a chemical change as water molecules break down into hydrogen and oxygen.

Why is it important to distinguish between physical and chemical changes?

Understanding the differences helps scientists predict and control reactions, design new materials, and comprehend natural phenomena such as digestion, photosynthesis, and corrosion.

What are some of the examples of Chemical Change?

Some examples of chemical changes are the formation of rust, burning of methane, Photosynthesis, digestion of food, etc…

Are all chemical changes reversible?

No, all chemical changes are not reversible but some of them are reversible. Examples of reversible chemical changes are the formation of ammonia, Conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, etc…

Can temperature affect physical and chemical changes?

Yes, temperature can increase the rate of physical and chemical changes

Why do some substance goes to chemical change more easily?

Some substances go through chemical changes more easily because of high reactivity.