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All substances are capable of undergoing physical changes. Any change that occurs without altering the chemical composition of a substance is a physical change. Physical changes can include changing the color, shape, state of matter, or volume of a substance.

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a usually irreversible chemical reaction involving the rearrangement of the atoms of one or more substances and a change in their chemical properties or composition, resulting in the formation of at least one new substance

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Properties of Matter

Everything--the human body, hamsters, ketchup, spoons, soda--is made of matter. We describe and categorize different types of matter by referring to its physical or chemical properties.

Physical properties are the traits of an object that can be readily seen such as size, color and state. Measuring or changing these properties does not affect the chemical nature of the matter. For example, a paper that is cut into small pieces has undergone a physical change. The pieces have a different quantity, size, shape and texture than the original sheet.

Chemical properties are the characteristics that describe the composition of matter. These traits are carried by each individual atom, or part of matter. Some examples of chemical properties include combustibility, flammability and reactivity. Another way to look at this is to think of the chemical properties as potentials. Dry paper has the potential to burn; this is flammability, a chemical property. Magnesium metal has the potential to combine with oxygen and form Magnesium Oxide.

Physical and chemical traits are constantly changing in reaction to the environment. Bread gets moldy. Sneakers wear out. Statues rust. The changes that occur are called either physical or chemical changes, depending on the trait that is being altered.

Practice: Categorize the following items as descriptions of either a physical property, chemical property, physical change or chemical change.

1. The ball is red.

2. Water is hot.

3. A paper can burn.

4. The firework exploded.

5. The leaves turned color in Autumn.

6. Sugar dissolves in a cup of water.

7. The bicycle has rusted.

8. The apple has spoiled.

9. I crumpled the newspaper.

10. The glass vase shattered and cannot be fixed.

Physical Change

Physical changes are usually easy to identify because they visibly alter matter. When ice melts, changing physical states, you can see water pooling in its place. When a crayon is used to draw, the crayon breaks into millions of tiny pieces and adheres to the paper. The color of the crayon, in your hand and on the drawing, is the same; only the size and shape of the matter has changed.

Think About It...

Identify four physical changes that occur in your kitchen. Need some help? Here are some examples of physical changes.

Bread crumples.

Boiling water evaporates.

The paper towels roll is built to undergo physical change--perforations make it easy to rip into smaller pieces.

A sponge can expand when it soaks up water, or shrink as it dries.

Chemical Change

Chemical changes occur at the atomic level, which means we can't actually see them happening. However, we can use all of our senses and other scientific meters to detect a chemical reaction as it occurs. There are three main signs to look out for when trying to identify a chemical change. They will not always signify the occurrence of a reaction, but they are often linked with chemical changes.

the appearance of a new substance,

irreversible change has occurred

the absorption or release of energy.

Different types of chemical changes have names that describe the processes occurring. Here are some you might know.

Think About It Some More...

Go back to the kitchen. Try to find two chemical changes that have occurred or will occur. Remember that chemical properties describe the potential for a reaction and change. It's your job as a science detective to put the pieces together and see the possibilities. Here are some examples.

Bread molding--Don't get confused, but there are two chemical changes going on here. Mold, a living organism, is consuming the sugar, water and minerals in the bread. And the bread is decomposing. These changes are irreversible, release smelly gases and produce a small amount of heat.

Cake baking--When you bake a cake you are combining several ingredients into a solution, adding energy (heat) and making a new (and delicious) material that cannot be returned into the original ingredients.

Helpful Vocabulary

Atom - the smallest unit of matter that contains chemical properties

Chemical Change - the result of a reaction which creates one of more substances with different chemical properties

Chemical Property - the chemical traits of matter or the potential of matter to react in a particular way

Matter - any object or substance that 1) takes up space and 2) has mass

Physical Change - a visible, quantifiable, generally reversible alteration of the physical state of matter

Physical Property - the corporeal definition of matter, a description of the state of a particular matter

Resources

What Are Chemical Properties And Chemical Change?--This site has some great experiments you can try at home. (http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/105Achemprop.html)

Mold Pamphlet--Learn more about mold (http://www.aehf.com/articles/mold-pamphlet.htm)

NYU: What Is Matter?--(http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/whatismatter.html?inputbox=yellow)

The Matter With Matter--A philosophical discussion of matter (http://www.exploratorium.edu/worldwidewebcast/matter.html)

Chemical Change for Kids

Information and experiments about chemical change for kids.

1. Definition of a Chemical Change

2. Using Sugar to Conduct a Chemical Change

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For Kids: Definition of a Chemical Change

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This definition of chemical change for kids brings science to life by pointing out some of the chemical changes that happen in our homes everyday. A side-by-side comparison to physical change makes the matter crystal clear. Students in grades 4 through 8 will find this article helpful when reviewing units on the properties of matter.

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Physical Change Lesson for Kids: Definition & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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While the color, texture, shape, or even the state of matter can be altered by physical changes, the matter is still the same liquid, solid, or…

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Physical change Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com

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A physical change is a change in which no new substances are formed. Physical changes affect the of a chemical substance, but not its chemical composition. Mixtures can be separated into their parts by physical methods, such as spinning in a centrifuge. but can not usually be used to separate compounds into chemical elements or simpler compounds.

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Funny Elephant Toothpaste (Chemical Reaction)

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3 Amazing Science Experiments That You Can Do At Home - Simple Fair Projects

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Test Your Self

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Determine if each is a physical or chemical change.

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Is Mixing Kool-Aid a Physical or Chemical Change?

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Is Mixing Kool-Aid a Physical or Chemical Change?

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Is Rusting Nail a Physical or Chemical Change?

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Is Rusting Nail a Physical or Chemical Change?

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Can and Object remain the same object after a change occurs? If yes, what is this called?

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Can and Object remain the same object after a change occurs? If yes, what is this called?

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What happens when a Chemical Change Occur?

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What happens when a Chemical Change Occur?

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What is the difference between a chemical Change and a Physical Change?

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What is the difference between a chemical Change and a Physical Change?