Difference Between Physical And Chemical Change: In the study of matter and its transformations, scientists distinguish between physical and chemical changes. These two types of changes represent fundamental processes that alter the properties and composition of substances in different ways. Understanding the differences between physical and chemical changes is essential for comprehending the behavior of matter and its interactions with the surrounding environment.
In this article, we will explore the difference between Physical and Chemical change, along with their examples, and real-life applications.
Table of Content
What is a Physical Change?
Change in which the chemical composition of the matter does not change but leads to change in the state of matter only is termed as physical change. The molecular composition of the matter remains the same and no new product formation takes place in physical change. There is no change in energy during physical change.
- Physical change is temporary and reversible as the reaction can be reversed to get back to the original state of matter.
- The energy required to bring a physical change is equal in magnitude to the energy required to reverse the physical change.
- Physical change follows conservation of mass and the mass of products is equal to the sum of reactants.
- The physical and chemical properties of the products are the same as the original matter.
Examples of Physical Change
- Evaporation of water as water can be obtained again from steam by condensation
- Drying of clothes as they can be again made wet with water
- Freezing of water to ice as the change can be reversed on melting
- Dissolving salt in water as both salt and water can be separated by evaporation and crystallization
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What is a Chemical Change?
Those changes which lead to a change in the chemical composition of the matter are termed chemical changes. This change leads to the formation of new products with different chemical compositions.
- The molecular composition of matter is changed and new product formation takes place in chemical change.
- The chemical and physical properties of the products formed are different from the original reactants.
- A chemical change may be accompanied by the release or absorption of energy.
- Chemical change in which energy is absorbed is called endothermic reaction while the reaction in which energy is released is called exothermic reaction.
- The mass of products may or may not be the same as the mass of reactants due to the loss of some mass as energy.
- Chemical change is permanent and cannot be reversed through simple physical processes. The irreversible nature of chemical change is due to the breakage and formation of new bonds that take place during a chemical change.
Examples of Chemical Change
- Burning of paper
- Burning of coal
- Reaction of sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide
- Curdling of milk
- Breaking down of food to glucose
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Difference Between Physical and Chemical Change
The difference between Physical and Chemical change in tabular form is given below:
|
Basis of Difference |
Physical Change |
Chemical Change |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Change in which the physical properties of the matter are not changed is called physical change. |
Change which leads to a change in the chemical properties of the matter is called chemical change. |
|
Nature of Change |
Physical change is temporary in nature and the change brought can be reversed using simple physical processes. |
Chemical change is permanent in nature and cannot be reversed. |
|
Energy Absorption |
Physical change may or may not absorb energy. |
If energy is absorbed during chemical change it is called endothermic in nature. |
| Release of Energy | No energy is released in physical change. | A chemical change may lead to the release of energy and such a change is called exothermic reaction. |
|
Properties |
The chemical properties of the products are the same as the matter that constitutes the product. |
The physical and chemical properties of the products are completely different from the reactants. |
| Mass of Products | The mass of products is the same as that of the reactants. | The mass of products may or may not be the same as the mass of reactants. |
| Effect of Change | It leads to changes in the physical properties of matter such as temperature, state, etc. | It leads to a change in the physical and chemical properties of the matter due to the formation of new bonds. |
| Example | Melting of ice, Evaporation of water, etc. | Burning of paper, Alloy formation, etc. |
Summary – Physical And Chemical Change
In the realm of science, physical and chemical changes are distinct processes that transform matter in different ways. Physical changes involve alterations in the appearance or state of matter without changing its chemical composition. These changes are typically reversible and do not result in the formation of new substances. Examples include melting ice, boiling water, or tearing paper.
On the other hand, chemical changes involve the formation of entirely new substances with different chemical compositions. This process typically involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Chemical changes are irreversible and often accompanied by changes in energy, such as heat or light release. Examples include rusting of iron, burning wood, or baking a cake.
FAQs – Difference Between Physical And Chemical Change
What is a physical change?
A physical change involves altering the appearance or state of a substance without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting ice or dissolving sugar in water.
How does a chemical change differ from a physical change?
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. Unlike physical changes, chemical changes involve rearrangement of atoms or molecules, such as rusting of iron or combustion of fuel.
What are some indicators of a chemical change?
Observable indicators include color change, formation of gas or odor, production of heat or light, or precipitation of a new substance.
Can physical and chemical changes occur simultaneously?
Yes, physical and chemical changes can occur concurrently in some processes. For instance, boiling water (a physical change) can result in the formation of steam, which is a chemical change as water molecules break down into hydrogen and oxygen.
Why is it important to distinguish between physical and chemical changes?
Understanding the differences helps scientists predict and control reactions, design new materials, and comprehend natural phenomena such as digestion, photosynthesis, and corrosion.