Chemistry Textbook Page
Chemical Changes and Physical Properties
Chemical Change
A chemical change is the result of a reaction which creates one of more substances with different chemical properties. When this occurs,
- the appearance of a new substance
- irreversible change has occurred
- the absorption or release of energy
You can find chemical changes in your daily lives too, such as, moldy bread and when you bake a cake!
How would you know when a chemical change has occured?
Physical Properties
A physical property is the description of the state of a particular matter. For instance, texture, color, shape, and size are some of the many examples of a physical property.
Matter can be defined by physical and chemical properties since everything- birds, books, tables, and even you- are made of matter.
Talk with an elbow partner on 3 other examples of physical properties!
Given the definition of what a physical property is, can you figure out what a chemical property is?
Fireworks
Is this a chemical change?
1.) yes
2.) no
Book and Ruler
Is this a physical property?
1.) yes
2.) no
Paper
Is this a physical property?
1.) yes
2.) no