Physical and Chemical Changes

Class 7 Science Notes
Physical and Chemical Changes

1. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 7
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES
Introduction
We see different types of changes; everyday in our surrounding. Growth of tree, rising of
sun, setting of sun, different shape and size of moon, burning of coal, paper, wood, etc.
are the examples of changes around us.
Before knowing the scientific meaning of changes; it is necessary to understand some
terms, i.e. physical properties, chemical properties, reversible and irreversible.
Physical Properties: Shape, Size and State of substance are known as physical
properties. For example; when a sheet of paper is folded, its shape changes and this is
an example of change in physical property.
Chemical Properties: The internal properties of a substance are known as chemical
properties. For example curd is the product of milk but the internal properties of milk and
curd are completely different.
Reversible: Things or processes which can be reversed are called: Things or
processes which can be reversed are called reversible. For example, a folded sheet of
paper can be unfolded and hence folding a sheet of paper is reversible.
Irreversible: Things or processes which cannot be reversed are called irreversible. For
example, when milk turns into curd; it cannot be changed back to milk and hence is an
irreversible change.
Types of Changes: - Physical Change and Chemical Change
Physical Change
Change in which only physical properties of a substance change and no new substance
is formed is called Physical Change.
Most of the physical changes are reversible, this means we can get the substance back
even after the change.
Examples
Folding of a paper sheet: A paper can be folded or unfolded and hence it is an
example of physical change. Moreover, no new substance is formed in this process, so
it is a physical change.
Tearing of paper sheet: Even after being torn in very small pieces; each piece is a
piece of paper. Since no new substance is formed in this process, so it is a physical
change.
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES
Melting of wax: In melting, only the state of the wax changes; from solid to liquid. Solid
wax can be obtained from molten wax. This i: In melting, only the state of the wax
changes; from solid to liquid. Solid wax can be obtained from molten wax. This is an
example of physical and reversible change.
Melting of ice into water: In melting, only the state of water changes. Water can be
changed to ice and vice-versa. This is an example of physical and reversible change.
Freezing of water: After freezing, water changes into ice. In this change; there is only
the change in the state of water. Water can be obtained back from ice; by melting.
Change of water into vapor (Vaporization): Vapor is another state of water. Water can
be obtained after condensation of vapor. This is a physical and reversible change.
Change of vapor into water (Condensation): This is also a physical and reversible
change as water can be changed into vapor again by the process of vaporization.
Stretching of a rubber band: In this change, only the size of the rubber band changes.
The rubber band comes back in its original shape and size, once it is released. This is a
physical and reversible change.
Chemical Changes
Changes in which chemical properties of substance change and a new substance is
formed are called chemical changes. Some of the chemical changes are irreversible.
Even in case of reversible chemical changes in which chemical properties of substance
change and a new substance is formed are called chemical changes. Some of the
chemical changes are irreversible. Even in case of reversible chemical change, the
change cannot be reversed by simple physical processes.
Examples
Burning of paper, wood, fuel or anything:
When something is burnt, many new substances are formed; especially carbon dioxide
is formed in most of the cases. Once something is burnt, the ash or carbon dioxide
cannot be turned into the original substance. Hence, burning oWhen something is burnt,
many new substances are formed; especially carbon dioxide is formed in most of the
cases. Once something is burnt, the ash or carbon dioxide cannot be turned into the
original substance. Hence, burning of anything is chemical and irreversible change.
Melting of wax and burning of wax are different kinds of change. Burning of wax is
chemical change while melting of wax is a physical change. Burning of wax is
irreversible while melting of wax is reversible.sed back.\
Reaction between vinegar and Baking Soda:
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3. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES
Vinegar is an acid (Acetic acid). The chemical name of baking soda is sodium hydrogen
carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.
When vinegar reacts with acetic acid, it gives carbon dioxide. A hissing sound is
produced when baking soda is added to vinegar. This happens because of production of
carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide is passed through lime water (calcium hydroxide),
it turns the lime water milky. This happens because of formation of calcium carbonate.
Water is also formed; along with calcium carbonate. The reaction involved in this can be
written as follows:
These are the examples of chemical changes. In the first case, a new substance;
carbon dioxide is formed. In the second case, a new substance; calcium carbonate is
formed. The lime water turns milky because of formation of calcium carbonate.
These reactions are irreversible, as original substance cannot be retrieved from these
by simple physical processes.
Burning of magnesium ribbon:
Magnesium ribbon burns with dazzling light in air and forms magnesium oxide. The ash
of magnesium oxide gives magnesium hydroxide when mixed with water. Solution of
magnesium hydroxide turns blue litmus paper red; this shows its basic characteristic.
Reaction involved in it can be written as follows:
These are chemical changes as new substances are formed after change. Original
substances cannot be retrieved by simple physical processes.
Reaction between solution of copper sulphate and iron: Copper sulphate solution is
blue in colour. Copper sulphate is also known as blue vitriol. When an iron nail or
shaving blade is left in copper sulphate solution; for some time; the colour of solution
changes from blue to pale green. This happens because of the formation of iron
sulphate. Additionally, a layer of brown copper gets deposited over the iron nail or blade.
The reaction can be written as follows:
Rusting of Iron: Deposition of a brown layer on iron is called rusting. In rusting, a new
substance is formed. The chemical structures of iron and rust are completely different.
Rust is iron oxide. Iron is a grey-black material while rust is reddish brown
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4. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES
Thus, this is a chemical and irreversible change. Reaction in rusting can be written as
follows:
When articles made of iron come in contact with moisture present in air, they get rusted.
Iron is converted into iron oxide, i.e. rust. The iron article becomes weak in due course
as all the iron slowly turns into rust. This is corrosion of iron. Rusting gives a huge
monetary loss to the people and nation.
Prevention of rusting: For rusting, both water and oxygen should come in contact with
iron. If anyone of these is prevented to come in contact with iron, rusting can be
prevented. So, rusting is prevented using following methods:
Painting: articles such as; iron gates, grills, etc. are painted at regular intervals of time.
Applying of layer of grease: Applying a layer of grease prevents the iron articles from
coming in contact with moist air. This prevents rusting. That is why grease is applied
over the chain of bicycle and also over many machine parts.
Galvanisation: In the process of galvanization; a layer of non-reactive metal, such as
zinc is deposited over iron articles. The layer of non-reactive metal prevents the iron
articles from coming in contact with moisture. Thus it prevents rusting.
Crystallisation: Common salt is obtained by the vapourisation of sea water, but
crystals of common salt are very small. When a small crystal of common salt is left
dipped in the saturated solut In the process of galvanization; a layer of non-reactive
metal, such as zinc is deposited over iron articles. The layer of non-reactive metal
prevents the iron articles from coming in contact with moisture. Thus it prevents rusting.
Water pipes, which are made of iron, are galvanized to prevent rusting.
Crystallisation: Common salt is obtained by the vaporization of sea water, but crystals
of common salt are very small. When a small crystal of common salt is left dipped in the
saturated solution of common salt for some time, big crystal of common salt is obtained.
Formation of big and pure crystal of a substance from the saturated solution is called
CRYSTALLISATION.
Characteristics of Physical change:
Only physical properties of substance change.
No new substance is formed in this change.
Most of the Physical changes are reversible.
Characteristics of Chemical change:
Chemical properties of substance change.
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5. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 7
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES
New substance is formed.
Some of the Chemical changes are irreversible.
Chemical change cannot be reversed by simple physical means.
Signs of Chemical Change:
Evolution of heat.
Production of sound.
Change in color.
Change in smell.
Evolution of gas.
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HEAD OFFICE: 131/12 KRISHNA COLONY, STREET NO 4, NEAR SHIV MANDIR, GURGAON