Physical Changes

It is important to understand the difference between chemical and physical changes. The two types are based on studying chemical reactions and states of matter. We admit that some changes are obvious, but there are some basic ideas you can use. Physical changes are about energy and states of matter. Chemical changes happen on a molecular level.

When you step on a can and crush it, you have forced a physical change. The shape of the object has changed. It wasn't a change in the state of matter, but something changed. When you melt an ice cube you have also forced a physical change (adding energy). That example caused a change in the state of matter. You can cause physical changes with forces like motion, temperature, and pressure.

Examples of Physical Changes

Breaking Glass When you break glass, the little pieces are still glass.	Melting Ice Ice is frozen water, when it melts it is still water.	Pouring Silver into a Mold Silver is an element. When you melt it and pour it in a mold, it does not change the fact that it is still the element silver.	Blowing Glass When you add heat to glass, it become liquid, when you take the heat away and it cools, it becomes solid, but is still glass.	Crumpling Paper When you take a piece of paper and squish it into a ball, it is still paper, it is just wrinkled.

Activities

Go to Edmodo and login then take the poll for physical changes.

Quiz