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physical and chemcial propertiess and changes answer key

physical and chemcial propertiess and changes answer key

3 min read 23-11-2024
physical and chemcial propertiess and changes answer key

Understanding the difference between physical and chemical properties and changes is fundamental to chemistry. This article provides an answer key to common questions, clarifying the distinctions and offering examples. We'll cover definitions, key differences, and practical applications to solidify your understanding of physical and chemical properties and changes.

What are Physical Properties?

Physical properties are characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical composition. These properties describe the substance's appearance, texture, and behavior.

Examples of Physical Properties:

  • Color: The hue and shade of a substance.
  • Density: Mass per unit volume.
  • Melting point: The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
  • Boiling point: The temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas.
  • Solubility: The ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance.
  • Conductivity: The ability to conduct electricity or heat.
  • Hardness: Resistance to scratching or indentation.
  • Ductility: Ability to be drawn into wires.
  • Malleability: Ability to be hammered into thin sheets.

What are Chemical Properties?

Chemical properties describe a substance's ability to undergo a chemical change. These properties only become evident during a chemical reaction, resulting in a new substance with different properties.

Examples of Chemical Properties:

  • Flammability: Ability to burn in the presence of oxygen.
  • Reactivity with acids: How a substance reacts when exposed to acids.
  • Toxicity: The degree to which a substance is poisonous.
  • Corrosion resistance: Ability to resist degradation from chemical reactions.
  • Oxidation state: A measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom.

What are Physical Changes?

A physical change alters the form or appearance of a substance but doesn't change its chemical composition. The substance remains the same, just in a different form.

Examples of Physical Changes:

  • Melting ice (ice to water)
  • Boiling water (water to steam)
  • Crushing a can
  • Dissolving sugar in water
  • Cutting paper
  • Stretching a rubber band

What are Chemical Changes?

A chemical change (or chemical reaction) involves the rearrangement of atoms to form new substances with different properties. This process often involves energy changes, such as heat release or absorption.

Examples of Chemical Changes:

  • Burning wood (combustion)
  • Rusting of iron (oxidation)
  • Baking a cake
  • Digestion of food
  • Photosynthesis in plants
  • Electrolysis of water

Key Differences: Physical vs. Chemical Changes

The table below summarizes the key differences between physical and chemical changes:

Feature Physical Change Chemical Change
Composition Remains the same Changes
Reversibility Often reversible Usually irreversible
Energy Change Usually small energy changes involved Significant energy changes involved
New Substance No new substance is formed New substance(s) is/are formed

Identifying Changes: Practice Problems

Let's test your understanding. Identify each of the following as a physical or chemical change:

  1. Melting butter: Physical Change
  2. Burning gasoline: Chemical Change
  3. Mixing sand and water: Physical Change
  4. Digesting food: Chemical Change
  5. Boiling an egg: Chemical Change (protein denaturation)
  6. Freezing juice: Physical Change
  7. Baking a cookie: Chemical Change
  8. Tearing paper: Physical Change

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between physical and chemical properties and changes is crucial for comprehending various scientific processes. By grasping the concepts and applying them to real-world examples, you can better understand how matter behaves and interacts. Remember to focus on whether the chemical composition changes to determine whether a change is physical or chemical.

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