Physical and Chemical Changes

Physical Change

Characteristics

• A change that does not result in the production of a new substance.

• Physical changes result only in the change of the state (ex. solids) or the appearance of a substance, but not the chemical composition.

• The substance will ultimately be the same, the change can be reversed (usually)

• Examples are cutting your hair and ice melting into water

Chemical Change

Characteristics

• A change that results in the production of a new and different substance.

• These changes are often indicated by one of these factors: color change, a gas is being given off, a new substance is formed, heat is being produced and/or being absorbed

• Chemical reactions are irreversible once they occur

• Examples are vegetables or fruits rotting, and cooking an egg.