PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES

A physical change in a substance doesn't change what the substance is. In a chemical change where there is a chemical reaction, a new substance is formed and energy is either given off or absorbed.

For example, if a piece of paper is cut up into small pieces it still is paper. This would be a physical change in the shape and size of the paper. If the same piece of paper is burned, it is broken up into different substances that are not paper.

Physical changes can be reversed, chemical changes cannot be reversed with the substance changed back without extraordinary means, if at all. For example, a cup of water can be frozen when cooled and then can be returned to a liquid form when heated.