10 March 2021

Difference between physical and chemical change

Physical and chemical changes are classified on the basis of the result according to the occurred action. When the change results in the variation of appearance like the change of state of ice on melting then it is called the physical change. While the change causes variation in chemical composition along with its appearance like rusting of iron then it is known as a chemical change. So here this article gives the difference between a physical change and chemical change to better understand this topic.

What is a physical change?

The type of change that is associated with a variation in the physical property of a substance rather than its chemical composition is known as a physical change. The properties of the substance altered during physical change are odour, colour, temperature, shape, solubility, melting point, texture etc.

What is a chemical change?

This type of change that varies the chemical composition of the substance along with the change in physical properties is known as a chemical reaction of change. 

Difference between physical and chemical change:

  • Physical change is when a substance undergoes a physical change, its composition remains the same despite its molecules being rearranged, while chemical change is when a substance undergoes a chemical change entirely, Thus chemical change involves the formation of a new substance.
  • A physical change involves very little to there is no absorption of energy, while during a chemical reaction, some absorption, as well as the evolution of energy, take place.
  • Generally, physical changes do not involve the production of energy, while chemical changes usually involve the production of energy.
  • Physical change is some of the reason for a temporary change, but chemical change is a permanent change.
  • The physical change affects only physical properties like size and shape while the chemical change both physical and chemical properties of the substance including its composition.
  • Physical change, no new substance is formed, while the chemical change is always accompanied by one or more new substances.
  • Physical changes are easily reversible, while chemical changes are irreversible.
  • Some examples of physical change are freezing of water, melting of wax, boiling of water, etc while a few examples of chemical change are digestion of food, burning of coal, rusting.
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