chemical changes

definition of chemical change → a change in which new substance is formed

definition of physical change → a change in which no new substances are fromed

chemical changes

physical changes

new substances formed

no new substances formed

energy in the form of heat and light produced (in some cases only)

no heat and/or light produced

reactions are usually irreversibe

reactions are usually reversible (eg. can be separated using physical changes like filtration, evaporation to dryness, distillation)

change in properties (eg. colour, magnetic property, electrical conductivity)

no changes in properties of substances

types of chemical changes:

  1. Mixing (when two or more reactants are mixed together)

  • acid reactions

    • acid + metal → salt + hydrogen

    • acid + base → salt + water

    • acid + carbonate → salt + carbon dioxide + water

  1. Heating (when heat / increase in temperature is necessary)

  • thermal decomposition - the decomposition of substances

    • calcium carbonate → calcium oxide + water (when heated)

  • combustion - combination of substance with oxygen in the presence of heat

    • petrol + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (when heated)

  1. exposure to light (occur only when light is present)

  • photosynthesis (process whereby organisms with chlorophyll presence produce glucose and oxygen)

    • carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (in the presence of light)

  1. interaction with oxygen / oxidation (any reactions involving oxygen

  • rusting (only for iron, other metals corrode)

    • iron + water + oxygen → hydrated iron (III) oxide

    • for rusting to occur, moisture and oxygen must be present

  • respiration

    • glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

  1. using electric current (when a current is passed through)

  • electroplating (coating an object with a metal by passing an electric current through a solution)

    • used to coat items like trophies / coins with a thin layer of metal

    • used in many field (such as aesthetics, medical, manufacturing)

    • used to prevent corrosion on metal applainces that corrode easily