Physical Change
| Also Known As | Physical transformation, state change, physical process |
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What is Physical Change?
A change that alters the form or physical properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting, boiling, dissolving, and crushing. Physical changes are generally reversible and do not break or form chemical bonds.
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A change that alters the form or physical properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting, boiling, dissolving, and crushing. Physical changes are generally reversible and do not break or form chemical bonds.
Distinguishing physical from chemical changes is fundamental to chemistry education and to laboratory separations: distillation, crystallisation, filtration, and evaporation are all physical separation methods that exploit physical changes (phase transitions, solubility differences) without altering…
Physical changes can still create hazards: melting a solid may form a reactive molten material; dissolving certain solids is exothermic (enthalpy of solution); boiling liquids produce hot vapours. The absence of a chemical reaction does not mean a physical change is safe.