Can physical and chemical change take place together? Give examples.

Yes, the burning of candles. The solid wax present in the candle first changes into liquid state and then into the vapour state. Both these changes are physical changes. Then the wax vapour combines with oxygen of air to form a mixture of CO2 and H2O. This is a chemical change.

What is the key difference between physical and chemical changes?

Physical changes alter the appearance but not the substance itself, while chemical changes create new substances with different properties.

Do physical and chemical changes ever occur together?

Yes, like in burning a candle, where melting (physical) precedes combustion (chemical).

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Physical and Chemical Changes of Materials

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Physical and Chemical Changes of Materials

There are some changes during which no new substances are formed. On the other hand, there are some other changes during which new substances are formed. So, on the basis of whether new substances are formed or not, we can classify all the changes into two groups:

(i) Physical changes (ii) Chemical changes

1.0Physical Changes

Those changes in which no new substances are formed, are called physical changes. In a physical change the substances involved do not change their identity. The changes in physical state, size and shape of substances are called physical changes.

When ice is heated, it melts to form water. Though ice and water look different, they are both made of water molecules. Thus, no new chemical substance is formed during the melting of ice. So, the melting of ice to form water is a physical change.

When water is cooled, it solidifies to form ice. This is called freezing of water. The freezing of water to form ice is also a physical change.

Some other examples of physical changes are: Boiling of water, condensation of steam and breaking of a glass.

2.0Chemical Changes

Those changes in which new substances are formed are called chemical changes.

In a chemical change, the substances involved change their identity. They get converted into entirely new substances.

For example,

When a magnesium wire is heated, it burns in air to form a white powder called 'magnesium oxide'. This magnesium oxide is an entirely new substance. Thus, a new chemical substance is formed during the burning of a magnesium wire. This is a chemical change.

Some other examples of chemical changes are: Burning of candle and burning of hydrogen in oxygen to form water.

Differences between physical and chemical changes
Physical change	Chemical change
A physical change brings about changes in physical properties of the substance such as physical state, shape and size, etc. For example, ice (solid) melts to form water (liquid).	A chemical change brings about changes in the chemical properties of the substance. For example, iron undergoes rusting to form hydrated iron oxide. The chemical properties of hydrated iron oxide are different from those of iron.
There is no change in the chemical composition of the substance during the physical change. Thus, both ice and steam have the same chemical composition (made up of water molecules) as that of liquid water.	There is always a change in the chemical composition of a substance during a chemical change. For example, iron and rust have different chemical composition.
No new substance is formed in a physical change.	A new substance is always formed during a chemical change.

Difference between Physical And Chemical Changes

3.0Also Read

Types of Pure substances	Solubility	The Importance of Learning Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics	Units of Concentration of Solutions	Classification of Materials
Solution and Its Type	Vapour Pressure	Physical Properties of Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

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Physical and Chemical Changes of Materials

There are some changes during which no new substances are formed. On the other hand, there are some other changes during which new substances are formed. So, on the basis of whether new substances are formed or not, we can classify all the changes into two groups:

(i) Physical changes (ii) Chemical changes

1.0Physical Changes

Those changes in which no new substances are formed, are called physical changes. In a physical change the substances involved do not change their identity. The changes in physical state, size and shape of substances are called physical changes.

When ice is heated, it melts to form water. Though ice and water look different, they are both made of water molecules. Thus, no new chemical substance is formed during the melting of ice. So, the melting of ice to form water is a physical change.

When water is cooled, it solidifies to form ice. This is called freezing of water. The freezing of water to form ice is also a physical change.

Some other examples of physical changes are: Boiling of water, condensation of steam and breaking of a glass.

2.0Chemical Changes

Those changes in which new substances are formed are called chemical changes.

In a chemical change, the substances involved change their identity. They get converted into entirely new substances.

For example,

When a magnesium wire is heated, it burns in air to form a white powder called 'magnesium oxide'. This magnesium oxide is an entirely new substance. Thus, a new chemical substance is formed during the burning of a magnesium wire. This is a chemical change.

Some other examples of chemical changes are: Burning of candle and burning of hydrogen in oxygen to form water.

Differences between physical and chemical changes
Physical change	Chemical change
A physical change brings about changes in physical properties of the substance such as physical state, shape and size, etc. For example, ice (solid) melts to form water (liquid).	A chemical change brings about changes in the chemical properties of the substance. For example, iron undergoes rusting to form hydrated iron oxide. The chemical properties of hydrated iron oxide are different from those of iron.
There is no change in the chemical composition of the substance during the physical change. Thus, both ice and steam have the same chemical composition (made up of water molecules) as that of liquid water.	There is always a change in the chemical composition of a substance during a chemical change. For example, iron and rust have different chemical composition.
No new substance is formed in a physical change.	A new substance is always formed during a chemical change.

3.0Also Read

Types of Pure substances	Solubility	The Importance of Learning Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics	Units of Concentration of Solutions	Classification of Materials
Solution and Its Type	Vapour Pressure	Physical Properties of Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physical and chemical change take place together? Give examples.

What is the key difference between physical and chemical changes?

Can you give an example of a common physical change?

Is rusting of iron a physical or chemical change?

Do physical and chemical changes ever occur together?

Join ALLEN!

Physical and Chemical Changes of Materials

1.0Physical Changes

2.0Chemical Changes

3.0Also Read

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physical and chemical change take place together? Give examples.

What is the key difference between physical and chemical changes?

Can you give an example of a common physical change?

Is rusting of iron a physical or chemical change?

Do physical and chemical changes ever occur together?

Join ALLEN!

Physical and Chemical Changes of Materials

1.0Physical Changes

2.0Chemical Changes

3.0Also Read

Table of Contents