Physical vs Chemical Changes Lab

Changes LabObserve matter before and after change

Explore changes in matterPaused

ModeStudent

Start here: what kind of change?

Physical change

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Particle identity stays the same. State, shape, spacing, or arrangement changes. It is often reversible.

Chemical change

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Atoms rearrange and bonds change, producing substances with new composition and properties.

Scientific test: Ask whether a new substance formed. Use several observations—gas, lasting color, precipitate, light, odor, or temperature change—as evidence.

Run the experiment

Experiment

Mission: add thermal energy and decide whether particle identity changes.

Lab controls

Temperature25 °C

Heater power40%

Ice mass60 g

Water volume40 mL

Heat transfer1.0×

Observation view

Simulation speed1×

Evidence monitor

Change typePhysical

Melted0%

Temperature change0.0 °C

Sample temperature−10 °C

Particle identityUnchanged

A physical change alters form or state without creating a new substance.

Selected material

Camera

Evidence over time

Blue: progress · Orange: temperature change · Green: gas production

Teacher tools

Select a tool, then drag on the apparatus.

Interactive lecture

Step 1 of 100%

Ready. The lecture will not start automatically.

Language

Voice source

Voice

1. Two kinds of change

What to watch: Both laboratory stations.

Chapters

Learning objectives

Distinguish physical changes from chemical changes using evidence.
Compare particle arrangement before and after a change.
Explain why phase changes and dissolving can be reversible.
Recognize gas formation, lasting color change, precipitate, light, and temperature change as possible reaction evidence.

Key concepts

In a physical change, the same particles remain present but their arrangement, spacing, shape, or state changes. In a chemical change, atoms are rearranged into substances with different compositions and properties.

One clue alone is not always proof. Scientists compare several observations and ask whether a new substance formed.

Try these experiments

Melt ice and lower the temperature to test reversibility.
Dissolve salt, then use particle view to find separated ions.
Change mixing during the acid–carbonate reaction.
Increase oxygen exposure during iron oxidation.

Applications and misconceptions

Cooking, recycling, batteries, corrosion control, water treatment, and manufacturing all depend on identifying changes in matter.

Misconception: bubbles do not always mean a chemical reaction—boiling is a physical change. The identity and source of the gas matter.

Changes in matter check

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