This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals The story of the car Subject(s):Science Age group(s):12-14 Topic:Physical and chemical changes EAL Nexus resource Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes. © British Council 2014 Source | This resource was originally developed by Nerissa Lea and has been adapted by EAL Nexus.

This is a brand new car

The owner decides to paint it a new colour. This is a physical change because the paint can be separated from the car.

One night, a puddle near the car freezes. This is a physical change because even though it has changed from liquid to solid, it is still H 2 O.

The car skids on the puddle, hits a post and gets a dent. This is a physical change because only the shape has changed.

Left outside in the rain, the car begins to rust. This is a chemical change because the iron has become iron oxide; there has been a colour change.

Someone comes along and sets fire to the car. This is a chemical change because the metal has reacted with oxygen to make a new substance.

Finally, someone takes the car away and crushes it into a small cube. This is a physical change because the shape has changed but it has not become another substance.