Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes

Physical changes and chemical changes occur around us frequently, as we observe substances change their form in different ways. From the melting of ice in a glass to iron rusting in the rain, everything around us undergoes some kind of change, either physical or chemical. 

But how do these two types differ? Both cause a change in the form of matter, but the underlying process and results are very different. To help students understand the concept better, we will explore the difference between physical and chemical changes in detail, supported with practical examples.

Also Read : Periodic Table: Elements. Groups, and Facts

What Are Physical Changes?

A physical change is a type of change where the physical properties of a substance change, but the chemical properties remain the same. No new substance is formed during a physical change. These changes are usually reversible, meaning the substance can return to its original form.

Examples of physical change are as follows:

• Ice melting into water

• Water boils into steam

• Tearing a piece of paper

• Dissolving sugar in water

• Stretching a rubber band

In all these cases, the chemical properties of the materials remain unchanged; only the form or shape changes.

What Are Chemical Changes?

A chemical change is a type of change where a substance undergoes a chemical reaction and forms one or more new substances with entirely different properties. These changes are usually irreversible, because it is difficult to get back the original substance from the new product formed.

Chemical change examples are as follows:

• Burning of wood

• Rusting of iron

• Boiling of vegetables

• Digestion of food

• Photosynthesis in plants

In each case, a new substance is formed, which can’t be changed back into the original substance.

Physical Changes VS Chemical Changes: Comparison Table

After understanding the concept of physical and chemical changes, students must know the difference between the two. The table below highlights the main differences between the physical and chemical changes:

Also read: What Is Global Warming? – Definition, Causes & Effects

Why Students Should Know the Differences Between Physical and Chemical Changes?

Students must develop an understanding of the differences between chemical and physical changes. It helps them explain common phenomena and get an idea about the behaviour of substances. Here are the reasons why this knowledge matters:

• Scientific Understanding: It helps your child to learn how matter interacts and transforms under different conditions.

• Industrial Applications: In industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, understanding of these changes is essential.

• Environmental Awareness: Chemical changes result in the formation of substances that are unsafe and can impact the health and environment.

• Everyday Problem-Solving: Knowing whether a change is reversible or not can help recover original substances or utilize new substances effectively.

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Understanding Physical and Chemical Changes Through Everyday Examples

Let us look at some simple examples of physical and chemical changes that you observe in daily life.

Examples of Physical Change

Physical changes are reversible changes in which no new substance is formed and the original form of substance can be achieved even after the change. Here are a few examples of physical change:

• Melting of Ice: Ice melts into water, only to change the state. Water can be converted to ice by freezing.

• Boiling of Water: Water changes into steam, but its chemical composition remains the same.

• Breaking of a glass: The broken pieces of glass maintain the same properties, just in a different shape.

• Cutting of Paper: Folding or cutting changes only the shape, but it still remains as paper.

• Dissolving Sugar in Water: Sugar dissolves in water, but it can be obtained back by evaporation of the solution.

Chemical Change Examples

Chemical changes involve the formation of new products with different properties that can’t be reversed to get the original products. Let’s look at the following examples of chemical change:

• Burning of Paper: Paper turns into ash, smoke, and gases, which cannot be reversed to get the original form of paper.

• Rusting of Iron: Iron chemically reacts with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide (rust), which is an irreversible change.

• Making Chapatis: It’s a chemical change, as the flour permanently alters its properties due to heating.

• Curding of Milk: Organisms act on milk to form curd, which cannot be changed back to milk.

• Ripening of Fruits: Fruits undergo chemical changes as they ripen, and you can’t bring them back to their original condition.

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Real-Life Applications of Physical and Chemical Changes

Physical changes and chemical changes are not just an academic concept; they are widely used in numerous applications in the real world to achieve the desired results. Let’s explain with the following examples:

Applications of Physical Changes

• Refrigeration: Certain food items are preserved in a frozen state under low temperature, which can be reversed to the original form by thawing. 

• Construction: Cutting wood, bending metal, or shaping materials for construction purposes involves physical changes.

• Fashion Industry: Stitching, dyeing, or making apparel from fabrics are all physical changes without affecting the properties of the raw materials.

Applications of Chemical Changes

• Cooking: Baking bread, boiling rice, or frying vegetables involves chemical changes, forming new products altogether.

• Medicine: Drugs and pharmaceutical products are made through chemical reactions.

• Energy Production: Burning fuel in cars or power plants involves chemical changes.

Activities to Enhance the Child’s Knowledge on Physical and Chemical Changes

Students can try some activities at home or in the classroom to get a better understanding of the difference between physical changes and chemical changes. These experiments as mentioned below can make the concept of physical and chemical changes clear and practical.

• Burn a candle: Burning a candle involves both physical and chemical changes. As you notice the wax melting, it’s a physical change. But the fumes generated by burning the wax are a chemical change.

• Drop a fizzy tablet into a glass of water: The fizzing reaction shows a chemical change due to gas formation.

• Freeze water into ice cubes: It’s a physical change because ice cubes again melt into water when kept at room temperature.

• Boil an egg: It’s a chemical change because heat changes the proteins in eggs permanently, so you can’t get the egg in its original condition after boiling.

Both physical and chemical changes are involved in our everyday life. Understanding the differences between the two and looking at examples of physical change and chemical changes can help students grasp these basic science concepts easily by relating them with real-life applications. Whether in nature, industry, or daily life, recognizing these changes helps us better appreciate what’s happening around us. 

Also read: 5 Sense Organs and Their Functions

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