Physical and Chemical Changes
A physical change alters a substance's form without changing its composition, while a chemical change creates a new substance with different
Core concept
Physical changes, like melting ice or tearing paper, change the appearance or state of a substance but not its chemical makeup.
How it works
Chemical changes, like burning wood or rusting iron, create new substances with different properties than the original.
Why it matters
Signs of a chemical change include colour change, gas production, temperature change, or formation of a new substance.
Key detail
Understanding the difference between physical and chemical changes helps us predict and explain how substances behave.
Exam highlight
Key diagram

Keywords worth remembering
Trending
Most searched
Quick revision
Study resources
Notes & downloads
Quick notes
• Physical changes alter form, not composition.
• Melting ice is a physical change.
• Chemical changes create new substances.
• Burning wood is a chemical change.
• Rusting iron is also a chemical change.
• Signs include colour change and gas production.
• Temperature change can indicate a chemical change.
• Understanding this helps predict substance behaviour.