Question

Explain the characteristics of a physical change with examples.

Answer 1

Physical change:

• A type of change in which the chemical composition of the substance remains the same and no new substance is formed is known as physical change.
• Examples of physical change: Melting of ice, evaporation of water, change in the shape of the moon, condensation of vapor.

Characteristics of physical change:

1. Reversible change: A physical change is generally a reversible change, the original substance can be brought back by reversing the process. For example, when ice melts, water is formed, which can be converted back by lowering the temperature.
2. Temporary change: Physical change is the temporary change. For example, when water is heated, water vapor is formed which can be turned back into the liquid phase by condensation.
3. Chemical property do not change: When ice is melted, chemical property remains the same in liquid as well as in the solid phase. No new chemical compounds are formed during a physical change.
4. Change in physical property: During a physical change, physical properties like color, shape, size and appearance may undergo changes. For example, cutting off vegetables, inflating a balloon.