Physical changes VS. chemical changes

Difference

  • 1 Explanation In a physical change, the molecules are rearranged while their actual composition remains same. In a chemical change, the molecular composition of a substance completely changes and a new substance is formed.
  • 2 Example Some example of physical change are freezing of water, melting of wax, boiling of water, etc. A few examples of chemical change are digestion of food, burning of coal, rusting, etc.
  • 3 Reversibility Physical change is easily reversible i.e original substance can be recovered. Chemical change is irreversible i.e. original substance cannot be recovered.
  • 4 Formation of new substance In physical change, no new substance is formed. A chemical change is always accompanied by one or more new substance(s).
  • 5 Type of Change Physical change is a temporary change. Chemical change is a permanent change.
  • 6 Energy Production In a physical change, no energy is produced. In a chemical change, energy is produced (heat, light, sound, etc.)
  • 7 Absorption of Energy Physical change involves very little to no absorption of energy. During chemical reaction, absorption and evolution of energy takes place.
  • 8 Affects Physical change affects only physical properties i.e. shape, size, etc. Chemical change both physical and chemical properties of the substance including its composition.

Before reading

Difference between physical and chemical change are several and it is important to understand them to be able to understand these topics better. The comparisons and differences between physical change and chemical change are given below along with their examples.

To understand the physical and chemical properties and changes better, it is important to know what they are and their characteristics. Visit physical and chemical changes to know more about them in detail. In this article, difference between physical change and chemical change in tabular form is given below.