We encounter a lot of changes in our surroundings day to day that which we may not necessarily notice. For instance, melting of wax, rusting of iron, bread turning into toast and more. All of these changes are physical changes or chemical changes. Thus, in this article, we will study about the difference between physical and chemical change. Physical change is when the physical traits of a substance changes. Moreover, it does not make any internal changes. Whereas, a chemical change is when the internal structure gets affected by a substance and forms a new substance.
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
Important Difference Between Physical And Chemical Change
| Basis of Comparison | Physical Change | Chemical Change |
| Meaning | This is a change where the molecules rearrange themselves but no changes in internal composition happen | Chemical change transforms the substance into a new one and gives it a different chemical composition |
| Nature | These changes are reversible in nature | It is an irreversible change |
| Impact | It impacts the physical properties like shape, size, colour and more | This impacts the chemical properties as well as the physical properties |
| Energy | No absorption or evolution of energy | During the reaction, absorption and evolution |
| Example | Cutting of wood, freezing water, melting ice cubes, crushing a tomato are physical changes | Burning of wood, digesting of food, baking of cake, rusting of iron are examples |
| Original Matter | One can recover the original matter | One cannot recover the original matter |
| Formation of Product | Â It does not form a new product | A new product forms |
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.
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