Topic 2 – Changes in Matter
Types of Changes Matter can change in one of two ways. Physical change – This is a change in which no new substance is produced. Eg. Melting, freezing, dissolving, breaking things, etc… These changes are “usually” easy to reverse.
Chemical Changes. This is a change when one or more new substances are produced. Eg cooking, rusting, burning, etc… The new substances have properties that are very different from the original materials. (Compare a pile of ashes with the pile of wood that it came from)
Indicators of a Chemical Change Heat is produced or absorbed. (it gets hotter or colder) A new substance is produced. (burning always produces water vapour and carbon dioxide. There may be an unusual change in color. A gas is produced. (May be bubbles)
5. A precipitate may form. (a semi-solid substance in the bottom of a liquid) The change is difficult to reverse The starting materials are used up. Not all of these indicators has to be present but usually, several are.