Changes in Matter

Jan 9

2 min read

Matter can change. Matter can have physical changes and chemical changes. Physical changes may change what it looks like, but the atoms and molecules stay the same. During a chemical change, the atoms or molecules change form.

Water freezing is an example of a physical change because the individual molecules of water do not change. Since the individual molecules or atoms do not change during a physical change, physical changes are easily reversible. Water that freezes and becomes ice can melt and return to liquid water.

Unlike physical changes, chemical changes are not easily reversible because the atoms and molecules transform into something new. For example, when iron is exposed to water and oxygen, it turns into rust. This chemical change is not easily reversible.

Both physical and chemical changes can change the physical properties of a substance. For example, fruit rotting is an example of a chemical change that affects the color, shape, size, and odor. Breaking a glass is an example of a physical change that changes the glass's shape and size.

To learn more about physical and chemical changes, you can check out the presentation below. It teaches about physical and chemical properties in the first part of the presentation, but then moves on to physical and chemical changes. If you would like to purchase a copy of the presentation, you can do so at Teachers Pay Teachers.

You can also get a sorting activity to practice identifying chemical and physical changes. This is a great way to start conversations, and talking about a subject is a great way to learn about it. Click on the picture to get the sorting activity on Teachers Pay Teachers.