What is a physical change?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a definition or explanation of what a physical change is. This involves understanding the properties of matter and how they can change without altering the chemical identity of the substance.
Answer
A physical change alters the form or appearance of a substance, but doesn't change it into a new substance.
A physical change is a change in matter that alters its physical properties without changing its chemical identity. These changes are often reversible and include changes in state, shape, size, or appearance.
Answer for screen readers
A physical change is a change in matter that alters its physical properties without changing its chemical identity. These changes are often reversible and include changes in state, shape, size, or appearance.
More Information
Examples of physical changes include melting ice, boiling water, cutting paper, and crushing a can. These changes do not create new substances.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing physical changes with chemical changes. Physical changes do not alter the chemical composition of a substance, while chemical changes do.
Sources
- Changes in Matter: Physical vs. Chemical Changes - education.nationalgeographic.org
- Physical change - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Physical Change | Definition, Properties & Examples - Lesson - study.com
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